I have been a dedicated educator for 23 years at both the middle and high school level, with 18 of those years devoted to Fort Bend ISD.

I am a proud graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia with a master’s degree from the University of Houston-Victoria. I enjoy spending time with my wife and supporting my two children as they navigate through their academic and athletic journeys. 

Hightower High School is where I started my career as an educator, as an Algebra 1 teacher, and I love serving this community. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being the Principal of Hightower High School!

My name is James W. Kirkpatrick. I am proud to serve as the Associate Principal of Hightower High School. I am a product and graduate of Fort Bend ISD and am a former Fort Bend ISD Secondary Rookie of the Year, Campus Teacher of the Year and FBISD District Championship football coach. It is my goal to ensure that all Hightower High School students receive a high quality  education in a safe, supportive environment so they may pursue their dreams in academics, fine arts and athletics.

It is a pleasure to join the staff of Hightower High School. I am so excited about this school year.  The possibilities for success go beyond what the students can imagine.  In fact, student ownership of learning is a cornerstone in Fort Bend ISD, which is supported by Hightower High School.

While students do come first in our industry, teachers are vital to their growth and maturity.  I love to support the efforts of our teachers.  I will never forget the joys and trials of the classroom experience, which began in 1995.

I joined Fort Bend ISD in 2007, and have served as a Campus Improvement Specialist (Ridgemont Elementary), Campus Assessment Coordinator (Bush High School), and Dean of Instruction (Bush High School and Progressive High School).  This is a great district!  As it continues to grow, it also seeks to bring excellence to its community by hiring great people and providing excellent student services.  That is our goal at Hightower High School. 

Students deserve our very best, and I am here to assist in creating an environment in which they can thrive.

I am a native New Orleanian, and have been in the field of education for 26 years. STEM and technology education have been my passion. I firmly believe that we have a responsibility to give back to which we have come from. Every child can learn, and it is our duty to foster those relationships to help make each and every student successful. I am excited to “Be the Storm.”

Prior to joining Fort Bend ISD, I worked in Wharton ISD and Houston ISD in Texas and Mesa Unified School in Mesa AZ, both as an administrator and teacher.  I have been an adjunct Professor for Houston Community College for 20 years.  I am a proud veteran of the United States Air Force where I served as a meteorologist for 13 years.

Mr. Erick Powers is grateful to serve as Assistant Principal in the district where he was raised.  He is a proud FBISD alumni who attended Ridgemont Elementary, Christa McAuliffe Middle School, and Willowridge High School.

For nearly two decades, Mr. Powers has devoted his service to the families and students of Fort Bend ISD in several capacities, including as a Restorative Discipline Coach, Special Education teacher, and district-level Special Education administrator specializing in students with behavioral challenges before becoming an Assistant Principal. He is also a Master-level trainer in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, having trained over 1500 participants over his career.

I am a proud graduate of Hightower High School, and I am excited to serve our wonderful students.