Superintendent Dr. Mike Rockwood
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Dr. Mike Rockwood is the ninth superintendent in Highland Park ISD's history dating back to 1914. He joined HPISD in April 2023 following the unanimous approval by the Board of Trustees. Throughout his career, student safety, high academic achievement, and leadership development have been Dr. Rockwood's priorities. He has a proven record of raising student success, expanding business partnerships, and inspiring excellence in multiple school districts.
Dr. Rockwood previously served as the Superintendent of Schools in Lake Dallas ISD, where he led the district to new academic heights. This includes earning record state accountability ratings at every elementary campus, while the high school was simultaneously named one of the U.S. News & World Reports ‘Best High Schools’ in the country. He also emphasized the importance of post-secondary readiness as the College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) score increased from a B to an A and achievement on AP exams almost doubled. Dr. Rockwood also launched the district’s first-ever strategic plan, balanced the budget, renovated multiple campuses, built new facilities, and increased transparency through strategic communications.
Dr. Rockwood previously served as the Superintendent of Schools in Lake Dallas ISD, where he led the district to new academic heights. This includes earning record state accountability ratings at every elementary campus, while the high school was simultaneously named one of the U.S. News & World Reports ‘Best High Schools’ in the country. He also emphasized the importance of post-secondary readiness as the College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) score increased from a B to an A and achievement on AP exams almost doubled. Dr. Rockwood also launched the district’s first-ever strategic plan, balanced the budget, renovated multiple campuses, built new facilities, and increased transparency through strategic communications.
Prior to Lake Dallas ISD, Dr. Rockwood served as the Deputy Superintendent in one of the state’s fastest growing 6A school districts—Lamar Consolidated ISD. In this role, he was responsible for supporting academic, operational, and financial initiatives that resulted in an A-rating from the state. Dr. Rockwood also led the successful passage of $1.35 billion in bond funds, numerous school rezonings, land purchases and multiple stakeholder advisory committees as the district grew from 24,000 to 40,000 students. He was also instrumental in creating and facilitating the districtwide leadership development initiatives for more than 6,000 employees. Over the years, Dr. Rockwood has also served as a Chief of Staff and Executive Director, along with additional central office roles in Lamar CISD, as well as Sheldon ISD.
Dr. Rockwood has been recognized by the Dallas Business Journal as a ‘40 Under 40’ recipient for innovative business leadership in the Metroplex. The National School Public Relations Association also named Dr. Rockwood one of its 25 National ‘Superintendents to Watch’ and Southern Methodist University selected Dr. Rockwood as one of its national District Leadership Fellows.
He received his doctorate in K-12 Educational Leadership from Baylor University, a master’s degree from The George Washington University, and his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University. Dr. Rockwood was born and raised in Texas. His wife, Jené, works in the oil and gas industry as the Global Director of Marketing at Impact Fluid Solutions. They have two children attending HPISD schools and they are all proud to call the Park Cities home!