Alumni Spotlight - Issue 15 - ExLA

Lisa M. Schumacher

Principal, Palo Verde High School Clark County School District

As principal of Palo Verde High School in the Clark County School District, Lisa M. Schumacher is recognized as a steadfast, student-centered leader whose work reflects both excellence and heart. An instructional leader with a proven record of driving academic growth and cultivating school pride, she has led Palo Verde to earn 5-Star School designation and a place on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll—hallmarks of her commitment to high expectations, equity, and continuous improvement.

A first-generation college graduate, Principal Schumacher earned her degree in Secondary Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She began her career in 1996 as a biology teacher at Palo Verde, where a passion for student success and mentorship quickly distinguished her. After six years in the classroom, she transitioned into administration as a dean of students at Lied Middle School, later helping to open Spring Valley High School, serving as a regional administrator, and leading Fertitta Middle School as principal. Guided by a belief in servant leadership, she eventually returned home to Palo Verde as principal, bringing with her a clear, action-oriented vision for student growth and community connection. She is an alum of the Leadership Institute of Nevada’s Executive Leadership Academy.

Principal Schumacher’s leadership is rooted in service, urgency, and the conviction that every student deserves attention, support, and meaningful opportunity. She has expanded academic rigor and access by increasing student participation in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, and Career and Technical Education pathways. At the same time, she has built systems of academic support that ensure students are known by name, need, and aspiration.

Her data-informed approach—grounded in collaboration and accountability—has strengthened Professional Learning Communities and ensured every classroom is effective, not just those led by veteran educators. She has also championed whole-child education, expanding student engagement through more than 50 academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs.

Beyond academics, Principal Schumacher has successfully repositioned and rebranded Palo Verde as the premier neighborhood high school of choice, emphasizing its role as both an excellent academic institution and a welcoming community hub. Through intentional partnerships with feeder schools and families, she has strengthened K–12 alignment and fostered a culture of belonging.

Consistent, collaborative, and deeply committed to students, Principal Schumacher continues to lead Palo Verde with integrity and purpose—creating a thriving school where every learner finds their path to success.