His career in education has spanned 49 years.
“Dr. Tom Trigg’s leadership during the last seven years is as consequential as any superintendent in the history of Highland Park ISD,” HPISD Board of Trustees President Tom Sharpe said. “Not only did he manage the on-time completion of the most aggressive building program that this school district has ever had, but also steadily led our staff and community through the unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. I know I speak for all board members past and present when I say thank you for your commitment of service to the students and staff of HPISD.”
Dr. Trigg is only the eighth superintendent in HPISD’s history dating back to 1914. He has held the position since July 2015 following the unanimous approval by the HPISD Board of Trustees. He has committed to lead the school district through the current school year and will assist the HPISD Board of Trustees in ensuring a smooth transition to a new superintendent.
“It has been a tremendous privilege to get to know and serve the students of Highland Park ISD, working alongside outstanding staff members while forming positive relationships with so many supportive community members. I am proud of all that has been accomplished during the last seven years to position the district for continued future success,” Dr. Trigg said. “Providing students with the best opportunity to succeed is my passion and life’s work and, while I am going to miss the people I have been fortunate to work with during the last few years, I am looking forward to the next chapter in my career. Thank you to the entire HPISD school community.”
While in Highland Park ISD, Dr. Trigg has:
- Overseen the passage and implementation of a $361 million bond program which resulted in renovations and additions to Armstrong Elementary, McCulloch Intermediate School, Highland Park Middle School and Highland Park High School; the complete rebuilding of Hyer Elementary, University Park Elementary, Bradfield Elementary, and construction of Boone Elementary, the first new elementary school in HPISD in 68 years as well as the new Seay Tennis Center. The bond program was completed on-time and on-budget.
- Overseen the passage of a Voter Approved Tax Ratification Election to enable HPISD to access four Golden Pennies, which allowed the district to provide its largest compensation increases to staff members over a two-year period, the largest in 15 years. Even with approval of the election, the tax rate is currently at a five-year low.
- Opened the new William P. Clements Jr. Leadership Center that houses a new natatorium, weight room, locker room, athletic offices and second-floor meeting rooms that are used for board meetings, professional development training sessions and various community events.
- Been instrumental in creating the HPISD Moody Innovation Institute to enrich the teaching of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) which includes the addition of the Moody Advanced Professional Studies Center at Highland Park High School. The MAPS Center provides high school juniors and seniors opportunities to take advanced coursework in several disciplines in a professional environment.
- Worked with both the Town of Highland Park and City of University Park to enhance school safety. The district has gone from having only one police officer in 2015 to now having an officer assigned to each school campus. In addition, the renovations, additions and new construction have provided significantly more security to every district facility.
- Increased the district’s fund balance to provide greater financial security. HPISD now maintains four months of operating expenses in its fund balance, which is slightly more than what is generally recommended to school districts. In addition, HPISD is one of only seven school districts in Texas to have a Aaa bond rating from Moody’s.
- Upgraded the district’s technology fiber network to improve internet connectivity and safety.
- Navigated HPISD through the unexpected global pandemic that extended from spring 2020 to spring 2022.
Academic accomplishments during Dr. Trigg’s tenure include:
- Highest district accountability rating in the history of the district.
- According to National Clearinghouse data 95% of HP graduates who attend college as freshmen return for their sophomore year of college.
- HP students have continued to significantly outperform their state and national peers on both the ACT and SAT.
- In May 2022, 1,248 Highland Park High School students completed 3,234 AP exams. From 2021 to 2022, the percentage of students who scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam increased from 74% to 83%.
- Four UIL Lone Star Cups, bringing HP’s total to 13, most of any high school in the state of Texas.