Phone:  (562) 869-7301 x5502

Education:  Brea-Olinda High School 1983, B.S. Indiana University 1988, M.A. Azusa Pacific University 1993

Hobbies:  Riding Motorcycles in the desert with my son, fishing/camping in the mountains with the family

Brief Biography:  Mr. Houts began his teaching career at the other school (Warren) in 1989 where he taught science and coached football.  He became a Viking in 1993 when he was promoted to the position of vice principal.  In 2001 he went back to bear country as assistant principal in charge of student affairs and in July, 2005 was brought back as the principal Viking.  Mr. Houts is married to wife Sharon who is a teacher for the Hacienda-La Puente School District.  They have three children: Jake, Kelsey and Molly.

Phone:  (562) 869-7301 x5504

Education:  CSU Long Beach, University of La Verne

Hobbies:  Gardening, playing piano

Brief Biography:  Lisa Lucke grew up in the South Bay and currently lives in Orange County. Before she became an English teacher, she worked in private industry. She attended school at night for many years and worked full time all through college. Mrs. Lucke graduated, completed student teaching and was hired as an English teacher at Downey High School in 1991, and became an administrator in 2001.

Phone:  (562) 869-7301 x5524

Education:  CSULB, Point Loma Nazarene

Hobbies:  Coaching his daughter in youth sports, playing golf, viewing any sport

Brief Biography:  Mr. Baker started his educational career at West Middle School as a Math and Science teacher and coach of several sports. He then moved to East Middle School as the Vice Principal. He spent 3 years as VP before making the jump to Downey High School. Mr. Baker is married and has two children:  daughter Kyla and son Josh.

Phone:  (562) 869-7301 x5579

Education:  B.A. in English at UC Santa Cruz, M.A. in Education at CSU Dominguez Hills, Pursuing Doctorate in Education at USC

Hobbies:  Swimming, biking, painting, poetry, drawing and gourmet cooking

Brief Biography:  Karen Dabney grew up in Oakland, California and moved to Los Angeles after graduating from UC Santa Cruz in 1991. She began her teaching career at the age of twenty-one in the Inglewood Unified School District and then moved on to LAUSD in 1996. Before coming to DHS, Ms. Dabney-Lieras taught English and Drama for 15 years and also served as Dean of Students. Mrs. Dabney-Lieras completed her Doctorate in Education at USC in April 2008 and she is excited about starting what will be her third year at Downey High School.

Phone:  (562) 869-7301 x5522

Education:  Temple City High School - 1988, B.A. from Cal State Long Beach, Masters of Education from University of La Verne

Hobbies:  Surfing, Golf, Motorcycles, Fishing

Brief Biography:  John Haynes comes to us from West Middle School, where he taught math and physical education.  He is married to his wife Shawna, and they have two kids:  daughter Taylor, and son Mason.

Phone:  (562) 869-7301 x5525

Education:  UC Irvine, University of La Verne

Brief Biography:  Ixchel Sanchez has been working at Downey High School for the past ten years. She was first hired as a permanent substitute in 1997, and soon after was hired as an English teacher.   For the past three years she has coordinated the EL program and now she has made the move to administration.