Message from the Principal

Andy Baxa

July 2023

Dear McCallum Community,

I am excited and humbled to be named the ninth Principal of A.N. McCallum High School, home of the Fine Arts Academy and the kingdom of the Knights. McCallum has been my home for the past twenty years. I began my time at McCallum as a student teacher, then as an economics, world geography, business management and entrepreneurship teacher, and even as a swimming and diving coach. For the past eleven years, I have served as an assistant principal and most recently as the academy director of McCallum High School. It is surreal to think that I will lead a school that has given so much to me.

I knew there was something special about McCallum within the first week of being on campus in 2004. I intend to preserve the things that make McCallum special: our campus-wide culture of kindness and inclusivity, our standards of excellence in and out of the classroom, and our commitment to high caliber fine arts education and student productions. As a leader, I will push our staff and students to achieve our goal of ensuring that every student leaves McCallum with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed after high school.

I am a first generation college graduate from Alief, Texas. I obtained my Bachelor Degree in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing and my Masters in Education specializing in School Leadership. Austin has been my home since 1998. My wife Lauren and I have two wonderful daughters. My oldest is a Biology major at the University of North Texas, and my youngest is entering her senior year of high school.

I’m excited to develop a partnership with you, our parents and community. As a parent myself, I understand the challenges and rewards that come with helping our children navigate adolescence. I assure you that my door is always open, and I welcome your positive contributions to our learning community. I hope that our collaboration will foster the absolute best learning experience for every student. McCallum High School is a unique place and I am honored to be your principal. 

Go Knights!

Andy Baxa

Email: andy.baxa@austinisd.org

Main Office:  512-414-2519 ext. 71139