2020 -Present

The 2020s have been marked by resilience, innovation, strategic planning, and continued investment in the future of Highland Park ISD. The decade began amid the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring students, educators, and families to quickly adapt to remote learning, health protocols, and new ways of connecting and learning. Through it all, the Highland Park community remained committed to supporting students and maintaining the district's tradition of excellence.

Even during this period of uncertainty, HPISD continued to move forward. In August 2020, Boone Elementary School opened as the district's first new elementary campus since 1949. Constructed through the 2015 Bond Program, Boone was designed to support the district's growing student population while providing modern learning environments, collaborative spaces, and flexible classrooms. The campus was named in honor of Michael M. Boone, a distinguished Highland Park High School graduate and longtime community leader.

That same year, the district launched the Moody Innovation Institute and the Moody Advanced Professional Studies (MAPS) Center at Highland Park High School. Through industry partnerships, college-level coursework, and real-world learning experiences, MAPS expanded opportunities for students to explore careers in business, engineering, leadership, and other professional fields.

Community support remained a cornerstone of the district's success. In 2021, voters approved a Golden Penny Election, generating additional revenue that was immediately directed toward teacher and staff compensation. The measure strengthened HPISD's ability to attract and retain exceptional educators while navigating the ongoing challenges of Texas school finance and recapture.

A new chapter began in 2023 when Dr. Mike Rockwood became HPISD's ninth superintendent. Working alongside the Board of Trustees, district leaders developed and adopted the district's first Strategic Plan Balanced Scorecard, establishing measurable priorities focused on students, staff, community engagement, and financial stewardship.

The community once again demonstrated its commitment to public education in 2024 with the passage of Bond 2024, a maintenance and efficiency bond package designed to improve safety and security, modernize facilities, enhance transportation, and address long-term infrastructure needs across the district.

In 2026, the Board of Trustees approved changing the mascots of McCulloch Intermediate School and Highland Park Middle School from the Raiders to the Scots, creating a consistent district identity across all grade levels. The district also celebrated notable achievements in academics, fine arts, and athletics, including the Highland Park High School volleyball team's first state championship in program history in 2025.

As this decade continues to unfold, Highland Park ISD remains focused on innovation, academic excellence, community partnership, and preparing students to lead and serve in an ever-changing world.

Key Milestones

• 2020 — HPISD transitions to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 2020 — Boone Elementary School opens, becoming the district's first new elementary campus since 1949.
• 2020 — Moody Innovation Institute and Moody Advanced Professional Studies (MAPS) Center launch at HPHS.
• 2021 — Voters approve the Golden Penny Election to support teacher and staff compensation.
• 2023 — Dr. Mike Rockwood becomes HPISD's ninth superintendent.
• 2023–24 — Board of Trustees adopts the district's first Strategic Plan Balanced Scorecard.
• 2024 — Voters approve Bond 2024.
• 2025 — HPHS Volleyball wins the first state championship in program history.
• 2026 — HPMS and MIS officially adopt the Scots mascot.