A Bearcat by raising and Eagle by trade, Matt Russell, principal of Allen High School, looked back on his time growing up in Pilot Point on the eve of his retirement.
Russell went K-12 at Pilot Point ISD before graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches and moving into a career in education.
“When I was in college, I had an opportunity to volunteer for Special Olympics and found a passion for wanting to help others, especially those with special needs,” Russell said. “One thing led to another, and I ended up going through college with a kinesiology degree and special education endorsement.”
After a year teaching special ed in Nacogdoches, Russell became an Eagle in 1997.
“About every 4-6 years I got an opportunity to do something different, so when I came to Allen, I was doing the special ed work program,” Russell said. “Then I moved into resource math. Then I got the opportunity to be a campus coordinator, and it was at that point I started working on my master’s to pursue administration.”
He explained that promoting in house from teacher all the way to principal at Allen is uncommon.
“At the time I just thought I wanted to be a coordinator or support teachers in some capacity,” Russell said. “I never had aspiration to be a principal.
As I was going through my master’s program, it opened my eyes a little bit, so as I got close to graduation with my master’s, I started interviewing.”
He cracked a joke about nearly becoming a principal at Celina, saying it would have been “taboo” considering his routes.
After jumping from house principal at AHS, to co-principal at AHS, and principal at Ford Middle school with Allen ISD, Russell returned to AHS in 2020 as full-time principal.
“That was during COVID, and to say that was a challenge would be an overstatement—it was a lot,” Russell said. “I’d been here for so long though, it was like a homecoming.”
With so much time at the largest brick-and-mortar public high school in Texas on his resume, Russell acquiesced that he could have left at several points along the way for another district but never wanted to leave the massive district and what it can do for kids.
“It’s unique in that what we’re able to offer for kids is an environment where kids can come in and find their people,” Russell said. “We offer so many different clubs, organizations and sports, a bank in our school even, so creating those opportunities and giving kids a chance to find success is what makes it special.” “Find your people,” is a sort of motto for Russell, one he attributes Pilot Point with instilling in him.
“In Pilot Point, I got an opportunity to be a part of just about everything it had to offer,” Russell said. “I had a well-rounded upbringing, … so knowing how a community can support you is how Pilot Point prepared me. It taught me how to foster the creation of community. That’s what I’ve tried to promote here, that love of community was inspired by Pilot Point.”
At 52, Russell admitted he’s still got the energy to continue in his current position but explained he’s reached the peak he wanted to in education and, unlike in years prior where after four to six years there was another opportunity waiting, he’s ready for something new.
“I believe everything’s got a season, and this one is coming to an end for me,” Russell said. “I’ve got a few opportunities for some part-time work that will still keep me connected to schools, and who knows what the future holds, but I think it’s time to leave. You leave when you’re on top, and I feel like I’m leaving it better than I found it.”
MATT RUSSELL
