Mr. Manuel De La Cruz, originally from San Antonio, Texas, is a seasoned educator and leader with a deep commitment to student success. After moving to Fort Worth as a teenager with his family, he graduated from Arlington Heights High School in 1996. He earned his bachelor's degree from Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie in 2000, and later completed his Master’s in Education at Texas Christian University in 2019.
He began his teaching career in August 2000 and served in the classroom for two decades before transitioning into administration. In 2020, he became Assistant Principal at North Side High School, where he served until March 2024. He was then promoted to Principal of Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School, where his leadership has already led to notable gains in student academic achievement and overall school growth. After only an 18 month absence, Mr. De La Cruz was appointed Principal of North Side High School in the Summer of 2025. He is very excited to be back in Steer Country!
Mr. De La Cruz married Carla Jimenez, a North Side High School alumna (Class of 1997), on February 3, 2001. Together they have three children: Mackenzie, Alexandria (married to Brendan Spires), and Javan.
Gloria Menchaca is a North Side graduate for the class of 1990. She received her Bachelor of Science in 1996 from Texas Woman's University in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She received her Master of Science in Deaf Education in August 1998 also from Texas Woman's University. And she received a Principal Certification in 2013 from the University of Texas in Arlington.
Ms. Menchaca was a teacher for the deaf for 10 years. She also taught 8th grade English for 4 years, served as an AVID elective teacher, a Campus Coordinator, and was Dean of Students for a year.
I am several years in as an administrator and loving every minute. I believe we are lifetime learners, and every moment is a teachable moment we are given opportunity to grow our mind, heart, and spirit.
After several years as the Girls' Athletic Coordinator at North Side, Paula Pederson has made the move into the role of assistant principal. She feels that each day on campus as an administrator is better than the day before because North Side has great students, great parents, and an amazing faculty.
Prior to arriving at NSHS she coached and taught at JP Elder Middle School. Her entire educational career has been in the North Side pyramid, which she says, has been a blessing.
She received her bachelor's degree from Texas Christian University and her master's degree in educational leadership from Lamar University. She is also a registered athletic administrator. If she is not at school, she enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Alicia Bohannon is entering her 16th year in education and her first year as Assistant Principal, proudly serving the junior class. She holds a master’s degree in Educational Psychology and two bachelor’s degrees in Literature and Psychology, all from the University of North Texas.
She is elated to return to North Side High School—the School on the Hill—and continue serving a community she loves.
Jasma Hayes is a native of Fort Worth, Texas, and a proud product of Fort Worth ISD. Throughout her career, she has faithfully served the district as an English Language Arts teacher, Reading Specialist, Instructional Coach, Dean of Instruction, and Assistant Principal.
This year, she is honored to join the Steer family as Assistant Principal at North Side High School.
Beyond her work in education, Mrs. Hayes enjoys serving her community and cherishes time with her husband, daughter, and son.
Education: Texas A&M University - Bachelor's Degree in English; Western Governors University- Master's Degree in Educational Leadership.
