Candidates for Member At-Large
Vanikin Leggett
LaToya Patterson
Candidate for Vice President
Lori Gallegos
Kevin Hunter
TEPSA Election – Vanikin Leggett
Candidate for TEPSA Member At-Large
Vanikin Leggett
Navasota ISD
Region 6
Current Position
Principal, Brule Elementary, Navasota ISD
Region 6, Grades PK-5
Formal Education
Region 6 Superintendent Preparation and Certification Program -2024
Lamar University – Master’s Educational Leadership- 2014
Texas A & M University- Bachelor of Science, Interdisciplinary Studies-2011
Educational Leadership
- Future-Ready Superintendent Leadership Network Participant 2023, 2025
- Podcast “Live Recording” Panel: “Leading with Passion: Reigniting Your Excitement for the Principalship” TEPSA Summer Conference 2025
- Institute for District Leaders Cohort 4 with Center of School Governance & Powell Law Group-2024-25
- Region 6 Superintendent Certification Program
- AI for School Leaders: Work Smarter, Not Harder Presentation- Spring 2025
- Region 6 Service Center Monthly Principal Network Meeting
- Texas Lesson Study PLC 2023- Present
- Texas Council of Women School Executives- Empowering Lady Leaders in Education 2022
TEPSA Leadership/Involvement/Awards
- Region 6 President-2025-2026
- Region 6 President-2024-2025
- Region 6 Treasurer/Secretary-2023-2024
- Region 6 TEPSAN of the Year- 2024
- Region 6 AP of the Year 2018
- TEPSA Member since 2016
School Honors/Accomplishments
- Navasota Education Foundation Campus Grant Winners 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
- 2024 US News & World Report Best Elementary Schools today
- 2025 US News & World Report Best Elementary Schools today
- Grimes County Principal of the Year 2023
Community Involvement
- Keep Navasota Beautiful Chair 2015-2024
- BLACK GIRLS (Beautiful Leaders Achieving Confidence and Knowledge while Gaining Inspiration and Love for Self- Founder 2014- Present)
- Brule Elementary Mentorship Program- 2022- Present
- Treats on the Street 2011-2025
- Relay For Life Team Member-2011-2025
- Relay for Life Team Chair 2024
- Grimes Community Coalition partner
- Continued MLK parade and program participant, honoree, and speaker
- Blue Santa volunteer
- Grimes County Youth Football League and Cheer Camp volunteer
- Thanksgiving break community lunch volunteer
- Holiday Food Drive volunteer and sponsor
Other Professional Networks
- NAESP Member 2023- Present
- ATPE 2011- Present
Personal Information
I am married to my husband, Bradley, and we have two children, Aaliyah (17) and Deuce (3). I knew many years ago that I wanted to become an educator because of the powerful influence of the adults who poured into me as a child. My kindergarten teacher, Susan Brak, and my mom, Theresa Sanders, both began their over 35-year careers in Navasota ISD. Their dedication to students and love for the community inspired my passion for education. Because of them and many others, I knew I wanted to serve in the same district that raised me. Giving back to Navasota ISD has been both an honor and a calling.
Platform Statement
My desire to lead has always been rooted in service to students and the belief that every child deserves to see themselves in those who lead them. I became an educator to give back to the same community that raised me and shaped my values. As a campus administrator since 2015, I have worked intentionally to ensure students, families, and educators feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Leadership for me is deeply personal. My mother served as a paraprofessional for over 40 years, and through her example, I learned that true leadership is grounded in humility, consistency, and service. Watching her dedicate her life to supporting students taught me that leadership is not about position, but about impact. That lesson guides every decision I make as a leader.
I believe principals have a responsibility to advocate for students, elevate educators, and strengthen connections between schools and their communities. I am passionate about developing future leaders, mentoring educators, and ensuring equity and opportunity for all students. I will continue serving educators and students across Texas by amplifying voices, strengthening leadership capacity, and keeping students at the center of our work while honoring the communities we serve.
Simple dress-up days are some of my favorites! Even something as simple as a Pink Out day with matching shoes can bring a little extra joy and brighten a student’s day.
One of my favorite times of the year is participating in the Keep Navasota Beautiful Trash-Off with families and staff. It has been my pleasure to serve as chair for the past six years, helping our community shine!
I love working alongside amazing educators! Through TEPSA, I’ve had the privilege of meeting and learning from some of the very best in education.
Behind every step I take in my career, my family is there cheering me on. They make it all possible.
Having a team that cares about you as a person, not just a colleague, is a true gift. I’m lucky to have such an amazing office staff.
