Principals

Principal: Drew Nichols

Drew Nichols began his teaching career at his alma mater Anderson High School in Austin ISD and served the Anderson community for 15 years. Mr. Nichols worked in various roles within the special education department and coached athletics including football, basketball, baseball, swimming, and track. In his 10th year at Anderson, Drew was promoted to assistant principal, associate principal, and eventually interim principal in 2020. In 2022, Mr. Nichols was named Principal of Gonzalo Garza Independence High School, an alternative, drop-out prevention school in Austin ISD and served four years before accepting the Principal position at Richarte High School in 2026. Those four years proved that alternative education was going to be the career pathway forward for Principal Nichols as he found a home working with At-Risk youth. Richarte offers a unique opportunity positioned within a school district and community that align with his values, ethics, and beliefs. Principal Nichols lives with his wife Shirley and son Emmett (3) in Leander, TX and looks forward to continuing the wonderful history of Richarte High School while building upon past successes for future improvement.