Email Beeper Kraus

Hello, I am Beeper Kraus and I have been a part of Pine Tree for most of my life. I am a graduate of Pine Tree class of 2000 and have 7 years of teaching Special Education and coaching basketball and golf here at home. I received my bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Education and Kinesiology as well as receiving my Masters in Educational Instructional Leadership from Lamar University.  My wife teaches Kindergarten at Pine Tree and we have two children Kingston and Kourtlyn. We love spending time with the family and trying to keep up with the kids. I am more than excited to be a part of the High School I call home and in a position to make a difference in our school and community.

Email Michael Hanks

Hello, I am Michael Hanks and I am starting my 6th year in education! I have a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree from Dallas Baptist University. I am excited to be starting my 3rd year as a Pine Tree Pirate and my 2nd year as Assistant Principal! In my career, I have been a Science Lead, Math Lead, Team Lead, Instructional Coach and Administrative Intern. These roles have allowed me to gain vast knowledge of leadership and curriculum. I care most about developing young men and women into the future leaders of tomorrow. My wife, Kelsey, is a Pine Tree graduate and those traditions helped to bring our family back to East Texas. Our two kiddos, Callie and Jacob, are the greatest gift from the Lord. We pray that God uses our family well to serve the Pine Tree Family.

Email Kathleen Woodard

I’ve spent the past 17 years in education, and I’m honored to be part of the Pirate Family. I earned my bachelor’s degree from East Texas Baptist University, completed my teaching certification through LeTourneau University, and later earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University. I am passionate about empowering young people to succeed and thrive. My goal is to foster a safe, supportive environment where every student feels encouraged to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time at the beach, reading, and attending church with my family at Mobberly Baptist, where we are active members. My husband, Cody, and I are blessed with three wonderful daughters: Riley (17), Hayden (13), and Emmie (8). With deep roots in East Texas, our family is grateful for the opportunity to love, lead, and serve the Pirate community. We’re excited to be part of such a special place. Go Pirates!

Email CJ Kyle

I'm a proud member of the Pine Tree ISD family. This marks my 14th year in education and 10th year at Pine Tree High School. Before stepping into administration, I spent years as a special education case manager and resource mathematics teacher, an experience that gave me a deep understanding of how to meet every student where they are and help them grow. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from Stephen F. Austin State University. Alongside my time in the classroom, I spent 10 years coaching varsity football, and that same coaching mindset — building grit, resilience, and confidence — continues to shape how I lead. I believe every student deserves an advocate who sees their potential and pushes them toward it, one small win at a time. My family and I are all part of the Pine Tree community. My wife, Tiara, teaches 5th grade ELAR at Pine Tree Middle School, and we're raising our two children, Carter (7) and Addi (4), right here in the district we love to serve.

Email Lynn Hughes

With 23 years of experience in education, I am honored to join the Pine Tree High School family as an Assistant Principal. I look forward to building relationships with our students, staff, families, and community.  I earned my bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication from The University of Texas at Arlington and my master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Texas Tech University. Throughout my career, I have served students as a special education teacher, math teacher, interventionist, 504 coordinator, and assistant principal. These experiences have strengthened my passion for helping students succeed and reinforced my belief that strong relationships are the foundation of student success.  I am committed to creating a school environment where students feel known, valued, and supported, families feel welcomed, and teachers have the resources they need to be successful. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, staying active at the gym, cheering on college football, and making the most of summertime. I am honored to be part of the Pirate family and look forward to an outstanding school year.  Go Pirates!