After three impactful years leading Prosper High School, Principal Nicholas Jones stepped up to accept a new role as the district’s director of leadership, a move he described as exciting but bittersweet.
“I’ve been a campus administrator for 10 years and a principal for six, but Prosper High is special,” Jones said. “This is the best school I’ve ever worked at.”
In his new position, Jones will support secondary principals across the district. His tenure at PHS was marked by a student-centered approach, large-scale events and a focus on relationships.
“We tried to make it a place students wanted to be,” Jones said. “From pep rallies to graduation, we celebrated kids. That’s what made this job feel less like work.”
Jones, who once taught and coached at PHS, returned as principal and helped the school earn numerous accolades.
While he said leaving has made him emotional, Jones expressed confidence in his successor, current Associate Principal Paige Trujillo.
“She’s got tons of energy, and she loves Prosper High School,” Jones said. “She’s going to do a great job. I don’t worry about leaving because I know the school is in good hands.”
Trujillo said she’s both honored and excited to step into the role of principal next year.
“I’m just so humbled to be chosen to lead the ship,” she said. “This is the best school in the country, and I don’t take the responsibility lightly.”
Trujillo, who has served as an art teacher, athlete and administrator, plans to build on the legacy Jones leaves behind — while also bringing her own vision to life.
“Mr. Jones is incredible,” Trujillo said. “What he’s done here won’t be forgotten, but I have to be the best Mrs. Trujillo I can be.”
Trujillo said she plans to continue traditions that foster school pride, increase student involvement in campus life and launch new reward systems for student engagement. She emphasized the importance of connection and belonging.
“I want everyone who comes to PHS — student, staff, teacher — to feel like they belong here,” Trujillo said. “I want them to feel like they are connected with this place and they are proud to be a part of Prosper High School.”
Secretary Heidi Starkey, who has worked alongside both Jones and Trujillo, echoed that confidence in the transition.
“Mrs. Trujillo is compassionate, full of spirit, and loves the students,” Starkey said. “She’s 100% ready for this. Her energy is contagious.”
Starkey, who has worked with Jones for nine years across multiple campuses, added that his legacy would leave a lasting imprint.
“Mr. Jones brought energy to every campus he touched,” Starkey said. “He’ll do great things for the district.”
As for one beloved tradition? Trujillo promises it’s not going anywhere.
“The ‘Go… Eagles’ will absolutely live on,” Trujillo said. “It’s an expectation at this point.”
