After three decades in classrooms and campus administration, BISD Principal David Williams has announced his retirement. Williams has served as principal of the Birdville Center of Technology and Advanced Learning (BCTAL) since 2023, and prior to that, was the principal of Shannon (now Griggs) High School from 2016-2023. 

“I have been beyond blessed to spend the final 10 years of my career in Birdville ISD, serving alongside the best teachers and support staff in the business,” Williams said. “Both the BCTAL and Griggs provided me with the most rewarding experiences I’ve known in education. The teachers at the BCTAL, through their unyielding commitment to excellence, provide the most outstanding, cutting-edge, hands-on instruction to all the students who attend classes in our building each day.”  

Under his support and leadership, the BCTAL students and programs have continued to not only thrive, but to earn recognition at state and national levels.  

Earlier this school year, BISD was named a District of Distinction by the Career and Technical Association of Texas – an honor only 72 districts across the state received. This prestigious award is a designation for school districts with robust, high-quality career and technology education (CTE) programs that meet the needs of students, local communities, and employers.  

In addition, five BCTAL Automotive Technology students recently earned a Top 10 finish in the National Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Building Challenge. More than 100 teams nationwide attempted to qualify, and only 25 teams earned a spot at the national competition. BISD placed 8th overall in the nation. 

Over the past three years while he has served as principal, BCTAL students also have earned more than 10,000 industry-based certifications, which have helped them all become ready for life after high school.  

“When we first interviewed David for the principal position at Shannon High School, now Griggs High School, we shared a clear expectation: that every graduate should be college-ready, workforce-ready, and life-ready, empowered to choose a pathway that would lead to lasting success,” said Dr. Elizabeth Clark, Associate Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Accountability. “David internalized that charge and often reflected it back to me. It is the same mission we hold for every campus — to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students so their choices are not limited, but limitless. David carried that same passion into his role as principal of BCTAL. With his military background, David understands what it truly means to be mission-driven. Thank you, David, for your service and for your steadfast commitment to that mission.” 

Williams will continue as principal at the BCTAL through the end of the 2025-26 school year.