Grand Prairie School Trustees Choose Familiar Face to Lead District After Controversial Exit
Grand Prairie school trustees are turning to a familiar face to lead the district after their previous superintendent’s controversial exit. District leaders announced Wednesday that Gabe Trujillo is the lone finalist for the superintendent job. He brings more than three decades of education experience, including in Grand Prairie ISD leadership positions.
A New Era of Leadership for Grand Prairie ISD
"We believe Dr. Trujillo’s presence will provide the leadership our students and staff need to continue to thrive and be successful," board president Amber Moffitt said in a statement. Moffitt said Trujillo’s earlier experiences as a "well-respected member of our administration" make trustees confident in his ability to gain the staff’s trust now.
About Gabe Trujillo
Trujillo has served as superintendent in Nacogdoches ISD, a district of roughly 6,000 students, since 2020. He will now take over a system more than four times the size. In previous positions, Trujillo was awarded Texas Principal of the Year at both elementary and secondary levels and was a National Distinguished Principal of the Year.
A New Era of Stability for Grand Prairie ISD
The board is expected to finalize Trujillo’s appointment after the mandated 21-day waiting period. He’s expected to start in April. The choice could bring some stability to the district amid leadership turmoil.
The Fallout from Previous Superintendent’s Exit
The GPISD trustees voted in December to terminate the contract of embattled Superintendent Jorge Arredondo, a move that came right around the school chief’s six-month anniversary on the job. The decision split the school board and rankled community members as accusations flew about what factors led to his dismissal. The school board has not publicly provided the specific reasons for Arredondo’s departure.
What’s Next for Grand Prairie ISD?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Gabe Trujillo?
A: Gabe Trujillo is the new superintendent of Grand Prairie ISD, chosen after a 21-day waiting period. He has more than three decades of education experience and has served as superintendent in Nacogdoches ISD since 2020.
Q: What is Trujillo’s background?
A: Trujillo has a strong educational background, having been awarded Texas Principal of the Year at both elementary and secondary levels and being a National Distinguished Principal of the Year.
Q: Why did the school board choose Trujillo?
A: The board chose Trujillo due to his experience and reputation, making them confident in his ability to gain the staff’s trust.
Q: What’s next for Grand Prairie ISD?
A: Trujillo is expected to start in April, and the board is expected to finalize his appointment after the 21-day waiting period.
