Jeremy Gilbert is Highland Park High’s new principal

Lake Highlands neighbor Jeremy Gilbert has been named the new principal at Highland Park High School. He succeeds Walter Kelly, former principal of Lake Highlands High and HPHS’ second-longest serving principal, with ten years at the helm. Kelly has accepted a position as principal of Mercer Island High School near Seattle.

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Gilbert began his career in 1998 as an elementary school teacher at Merriman Park Elementary, later serving as principal for Wallace Elementary. He became principal at Hyer Elementary in HPISD in 2008 and principal at Highland Park Middle School in 2018.

“Jeremy Gilbert is a respected school leader who knows our students, our parents and our community as well as anyone,” said HPISD Superintendent Dr. Tom Trigg in announcing Gilbert’s hiring from more than 70 applicants. “He is successful wherever he goes because he believes in developing a strong culture, dedicates himself to every task and is not afraid to take on a challenge or learn new things.”

Gilbert has often emphasized the need for high standards and for helping students make a connection.

“We have a unique opportunity at our school to serve students and their families during an exciting and formative stage of life,” said Gilbert when he was tapped to lead HPMS. “We strive to provide the necessary rigor to ensure academic readiness while offering a wide range of electives and extracurricular activities to help our students feel connected to our school and engaged in their personal learning journey.”

“I believe it is my responsibility to continue to build a supportive and collaborative spirit at our school,” Gilbert continued. “I look forward to participating in the time-honored traditions that we cherish in our community while tackling the challenges of the future together as a team.”

Gilbert officially begins his job July 1.

Gilbert and his wife, Anne, live in Lake Highlands with their two children. Anne is a dyslexia teacher at Mohawk Elementary in Richardson ISD. Congratulations, Mr. Gilbert!

Author

  • Carol Toler

    Blogger CAROL TOLER and her husband, Toby, are the parents of four LHHS graduates. She has an MBA from SMU and is the proud recipient of the Exchange Club of LH's Unsung Hero Award and Councilman McGough's Blake Anderson Public Service Award. She received LHHS PTA's Extended Service Award, FMJH PTA's Charger Award and a Life Membership from the LHFC PTA. She has moderated candidate debates for Dallas Mayor, Dallas City Council and RISD Trustee races and taught seminars on garnering publicity for nonprofits. She completed training with Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation and Inside RISD, and she's a sustaining member of LH Women's League. She has served on the boards of After8 to Educate, Dallas Free Press, Healing Hands Ministries and Camp Sweeney and chaired fundraisers for multiple Dallas nonprofits. Email ctoler@advocatemag.com.