Dear Lamar Middle School Community, 

I am honored and excited to write to you as the proud new principal of Lamar Middle School.

I entered college at Penn State University, knowing that my path and passion was to be an educator, and after completing my undergraduate degree in secondary education I started teaching 7th grade mathematics in North Carolina where I quickly knew the middle school level held a special place in my heart. After completing my Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instructional Leadership at Vanderbilt University, I have enjoyed calling Austin ISD my home for the past 15 years as a middle school teacher, coach, assistant principal and most recently the principal at Cowan Elementary.

My experiences as an educator have affirmed the importance of developing positive trusting relationships with students, staff, and the school community. It is on the foundation of these relationships that we are able to work collaboratively to achieve our shared goals and develop our students socially, emotionally and academically in a way that nurtures each student’s unique gifts and talents. I look forward to our collaborative work as we build upon the many celebrations and successes at Lamar Middle School while also identifying opportunities to continue to grow our school community to ensure we are best meeting the needs of all of our students.

In my free time I enjoy running, spending time with my dogs, who were very excited to hear the Lamar mascot is the Scottie, and cheering on my favorite college and professional sports teams, including Austin FC.

I look forward to connecting with each of you and to a fantastic upcoming school year!

Sincerely,

Travis Brunner
Proud Principal
Lamar Middle School & Fine Arts Academy