Erica Castille and Evan Heckmann were recently named assistant principals at Highland Park High School.

"Both of these educational leaders bring tremendous talent and experience to our team at Highland Park High School," Principal Walter Kelly said. "They have demonstrated a genuine care for students, teachers and community members."

Castille comes to HPISD from Frisco High School, where she served as assistant principal for three years.  She previously served as an assistant principal at Berkner High School and Parkhill Junior High School and as a science teacher at the Lake Highlands Freshman Center, all in Richardson ISD.

In her role as assistant principal for instruction, Castille will work closely with Marta Gott, assistant principal for academic affairs and assessment to provide guidance and resources for faculty members. She will also work with student leadership groups, including the honor council and peer helpers.

"As a former STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) principal, Erica brings significant insight and knowledge and will serve as an excellent resource for our teachers and students through her instructional leadership," Kelly said.

Castille is originally from South Louisiana, where most of her family still resides. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1999, and a master's degree in Education Administration from the Texas A&M - Commerce in 2004.

"I am very excited for the opportunity to be a part of Highland Park High School," Castille said.  "I am honored to serve the staff, students and families within this community and I hope to be able to support the excellent instruction that takes place here."

For Heckmann, a 1991 HPHS graduate, the new job is something of a homecoming.

"It is truly an honor to be a part of the excellence that is Highland Park High School,"  he said.  "An opportunity to serve the students, parents, faculty, and staff of Highland Park is a dream come true. I am extremely excited to help the HPHS family continue to achieve greatness. GO SCOTS!"

Heckmann served as principal at Palmer Middle School from 2010 to 2012. He previously served as grade level principal and math department supervisor at Little Elm High School, as principal at Hyde Park Baptist High School, and as assistant principal at Ennis and Forney High Schools.

He earned his bachelor's degree from Texas A&M in 1999 and his master's degree in Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2003.

Heckmann will be the assistant principal in charge of students whose last names begin with O-Z. He will also work closely with the math and technology departments.

"Evan brings significant experience as an innovative educational leader who understands the needs of our students and community," Kelly said. "He's a great fit, and he's thrilled to be returning to his alma mater."

Heckmann and his wife Meagan, an elementary school teacher, live in Richardson.

(This news release is from the Highland Park Independent School District.)