FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Clovis, NM - Clovis Municipal Schools is proud to announce Leslie Barajas as the new principal of Yucca Middle School.
Barajas brings more than a decade of educational experience and a strong background in instructional leadership, student support, family engagement, and campus culture development. She has served Clovis Municipal Schools since 2018, most recently as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) at Yucca Middle School.
In her role as TOSA, Barajas has supported student discipline, organized campus events, collaborated with teachers through professional learning communities, modeled instructional strategies, provided teacher feedback, and analyzed campus and classroom data to support student achievement. She has also completed her administration licensure requirements, including training in teacher observation and feedback, collaborative leadership, ethical decision-making, and parent and student engagement.
Throughout her career, Barajas has served in a variety of leadership roles, including Department Head for Special Education and English Language Arts, Family Engagement Liaison, 90 Day Committee member, and Teacher Leader. She has also played a key role in implementing strategies and culture-building initiatives connected to the Ron Clark Academy, helping foster student engagement, collaboration, and a positive campus environment.
Prior to joining Clovis Municipal Schools, Barajas worked as a Special Education teacher in Dumas Municipal Schools in Dumas, Texas.
Barajas is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership through National University. She also holds a Master of Education in Special Education from National University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Panhandle State University.
Her dedication to educational excellence has earned her numerous recognitions, including Clovis Municipal Schools Teacher of the Year for 2022-2023, the Superintendent’s Award in Fall 2023, the Top Gun Teacher Award in 2022, and the Yucca Middle School Blue Lantern Award in 2018.
“It is with great pride, deep gratitude, and genuine excitement that I accept the opportunity to serve as Principal of Yucca Middle School—Home of the Chaps,” said Barajas. “My time at Yucca has challenged me, refined me, and inspired me to move from simply doing the work to pursuing excellence in every lesson, every relationship, and every opportunity to impact students.
“This campus took me from being a teacher who wanted to do well to an educator who became relentless about doing what is best for kids.Yucca taught me that greatness is not accidental—it is cultivated through vision, consistency, teamwork, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every student. That belief continues to drive me today. I feel completely blessed by this opportunity and look forward to the coming year!”
Barajas will officially begin serving as principal for the 2026-2027 school year.