Principal

Principal Thomas's journey within Houston Independent School District began in 2014 as a 6th grade math teacher at Lamar Fleming Middle School. Demonstrating his dedication and versatility, he took on various additional responsibilities, including Testing Coordinator, Title 1 Coordinator, leader for the 6th grade team, 504 Chair, and Counselor. While also at Fleming Middle School, he co-founded a campus-based young men's organization, Boys to Men.

His passion for student support led him to pursue and obtain a school counselor certification, subsequently transitioning into a full-time counseling role.  He accepted a counselor position at Ross Shaw Sterling Aviation Early College High School in 2018 and furthered his ambitions by earning a Principal Certification. After two years, Ranajee moved into leadership as the 12^th grade Assistant Principal where he played a key part in boosting the school's College and Career Military Readiness (CCMR), graduation rate, and overall student achievement on STAAR End of Course Exams.

In 2022, RaNajee’s leadership journey led him to Wheatley High School as the 9^th grade Assistant Principal where he oversaw counseling, Mathematics, Special Education, Career and Technical Education (CTE), Dual Credit, Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH), and the master schedule. In the summer of 2023, he was promoted and served as the Director of New Education System (NES) Operations, playing a vital role in equipping NES campuses for a seamless implementation of the NES model. 

RaNajee has a strong commitment to community engagement and building and fostering relationships. He has coordinated various campus-based partnerships with organizations like My Brothers Keeper, Emerging 100 Houston, and The Chauncy Glover Project Mentorship Program, where he serves as project lead and mentor.  Recognized for his dedication and impact during the 2020 – 2021 school year, he was named South Area 1st Year Assistant Principal of the Year.  He is also a recipient of the Harris County Precinct One Pillar Award for Education awarded by Emerging 100 Houston.

Principal Thomas holds a Bachelor of Social Worker from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University.