Hello, Cougar Family! My name is Dr. Tommy Duncan and I am beyond proud to serve as the principal of Irons Middle School. Education and family are two things my parents valued the most growing up. Both of my parents are public servants, so I knew I was born to serve from an early age.

After graduating from Seymour High School, I pursued a degree in Biology from Texas Tech University. After a long stint as an on-air radio personality, I entered education in 2012 becoming a Biology teacher at Estacado High School. I continued on with my career at Lubbock High School, teaching Chemistry, Physics, and Forensic Science. Even then, I knew I could do more to serve my community. Soon, I graduated with a Masters in Educational Administration from Angelo State University and served as Assistant Principal in Midland and again in Lubbock at Hutchinson Middle School. Eventually, I completed a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership from Abilene Christian University.

On April 28th, 2022 all of the paths I took, choices I made, and dreams I chased landed me exactly where I wanted to be; Irons Middle School. Our mascot is awesome, our colors are awesome, and most importantly, the people who walk up and down these halls are some of the most wonderful people on Earth. Worthy of mention, my favorite things are Star Wars, Judge Judy, and Allsups Burritos. If you ever want to start a lengthy conversation with me, there's your path. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any of our campus leaders if you have any questions or concerns!

My name is Shawnda King, and I am a native of Sanford, Florida.  I am incredibly grateful and excited to join the Irons Middle School Family! This is my 5th year as an Assistant Principal, 19th year within LubbockISD, and 24th year as an Educator. I have experience as a classroom teacher, Instructional Coach, and as an Assistant Principal. 

I graduated from Texas Tech University with my Bachelors of Science, December 1998, and I immediately started my career as a classroom teacher. Years later, I returned to Texas Tech University and obtained my Masters in Educational Leadership, May 2013. My journey within LubbockISD includes Wheatley Elementary (Teacher), Maedgen Elementary (Instructional Coach/AP), and Alderson Elementary (AP).

On a personal note, my husband, Samuel King and I, are the Senior Pastors of Praise Center Ministries where we enjoy praising the Lord, serving our church family, and reaching our community. We also enjoy spending time and traveling with our children and our grandchildren. 

I love all people, children and adults from all ages, backgrounds, and cultures.  I thrive in motivating, impacting and influencing the best out of everyone I meet.  I am goal driven and extremely reflective in all that I do.  I am committed to working with the amazing administrators, teachers, students, parents and the community of Irons MS. Together, we will build a prosperous culture of collaborative relationships that will ensure respect, achievement, and social emotional development for all!  I’m looking forward to the new school year, the premise of a growth mindset of great success! 

I am thankful to be starting my 18th year of education at Irons Middle School. It is an honor to be the Assistant Principal for the 2022-2023 school year! 

I graduated from Texas A&M University - Commerce with my Bachelors of Science and Masters in Educational Leadership. I have experience in both elementary and middle school. During my career, I have been blessed to be a classroom teacher, instructional coach and elementary principal. I truly believe children are a gift. Therefore, I consider working every day with children to be my calling!

My foundation for life is built on faith. I believe I am here to serve children, staff, parents and the community by growing myself as a leader in order to help others accomplish their goals and dreams. We have created a safe, vibrant place of learning at Irons MS for students to excel in all areas of life.

As a leader, I want to be a role model for my own children as well. Being a mother is what I am most proud of in my life! I have two children, Rex and Calli, who both graduated from Texas Tech University. They bring great joy to my life and purpose. I encourage them and others to live a life full of dreams with lofty goals, because "you can do anything you want to in this life". Dream Big! 

My motto: Lead. Love. Learn.