With his hearty laugh and charismatic character, Bob Iden is a near-celebrity staple of the Lake Highlands community. So when the high school principal of 11 years announced in April that he would retire at the end of the school year, many neighbors were stunned and saddened. But Iden says even though he’s leaving his post, he’ll still be around.
How did you arrive at the decision to retire?
It was certainly a difficult decision after being principal at the school for 11 years and spending some part of the last five decades here. But the time comes in everyone’s life when they get ready to make a change, and this is my time. And I think it will turn out that the school can benefit from new leadership.
So you’ve been in Lake Highlands all your life?
I came to Lake Highlands my sophomore year from University Park. I went to Kilgore College on a football scholarship, then to University of North Texas for both bachelor’s and master’s. I worked as a teacher and coach in RISD — including at LHHS — while I continued to work on a master’s in educational administration. Altogether, I worked as a teacher and coach in RISD for nine years, seven at LHHS. I went away to work in administration for a few years, and I came on as principal at LHHS in 1997.
How did it feel to be back in the Lake Highlands/RISD community?
Wonderful. Of course. It’s a high-achieving school with an incredibly supportive community. I honestly think it’s the best high school principal position there is anywhere.
In your time here as principal, you’ve had many accomplishments and memorable moments. Name a few that stand out to you.
Oh … there are just so many over 11 years. I guess some of the proudest moments have been being named a Blue Ribbon School in 2002. We’ve seen scores of students accomplish great things like being named National Merit Scholars. We had one student named a Rhodes Scholar this year. It’s just been so rewarding seeing our faculty and students achieve at the highest level. I’d also have to say being recognized by national publications such as Newsweek and U.S News and World Report. The school’s recent renovations would definitely stand out. It’s always been maintained well, but now it’s even more beautiful.
There’s another memorable moment I’ll bring up — the infamous instance of a prankster delivering marijuana muffins to the teachers’ lounge.
[Laughter.] Yes, looking back, there is a lot of interesting lore surrounding the school, and that is certainly one story that will live on.
In Lake Highlands, everyone seems to rally around the school, its events and athletics, whether people have students there or not. How does that sort of community support affect the school?
I think it’s a mindset within our community to focus on the development of our youth. And it’s not just in Lake Highlands. It’s part of the culture [throughout RISD]. Everyone here supports the students spiritually, academically … for example, at the end of the year, the [Lake Highlands] Exchange Club and Women’s League will award thousands of dollars worth of scholarships to graduating seniors. That’s just how this community is.
What do you plan to do next?
I really don’t have any firm plans — there are several options I have to look at and weigh. I want to continue working and being involved in the community. I won’t be a presence at the school anymore. That will be for my successor. I’ve spent 32 years in schools. I want to see what else is out there.
So you and Mrs. Iden aren’t going to buy a Winnebago and take off to the other end of the country?
[More laughter.] No, we like it around here.
