Tim Hughes has accepted an opportunity to serve as Coordinator of Alternative Schools for GCISD. Hughes, who has been Principal of Grapevine Middle School for 12 years, brings 28 years of experience as both a classroom teacher and campus administrator to his new role.

“Mr. Hughes is a natural fit for the coordinator position for Vista and Bridges,” said Dr. Jerry Hollingsworth, GCISD Executive Director of Administration. “One of his strengths is building relationships and the students in these programs will benefit from his leadership style of making connections and helping students discover their individual best.”

Hughes will be taking over the role vacated by Emberly Spillman, who has accepted a position as GCISD’s Director of Counseling. With a strong background in both counseling and school administration, Spillman will bring a dedicated district-wide focus to the guidance and counseling programs of the district. This position will provide increased support to our students and schools without adding to the existing personnel budget.

In his new role, Hughes will be responsible for directing a comprehensive program for the students who are placed at VISTA, the district’s Disciplinary Alternative Education Program. In addition, he will work closely with campus administrators and staff across the district to support the needs of students at their home campuses.

Dr. Rick Westfall, GCISD’s Chief Learning Officer, said Hughes has a genuine enthusiasm for kids and a desire to create unique learning opportunities for them – two qualities that are essential in his new role with the district.

"Mr. Hughes has a strong history of encouraging student success and his administrative experience will be an asset as we continue to build on the success of these programs," Westfall said. "His ability to develop positive relationships with students will be key in helping them focus on their individual goals both in and out of the classroom.”

Hughes began his education career as a middle school history teacher at a Fort Worth-area private school, where he was also promoted to associate director. He then moved to Burleson ISD where he served as an assistant principal at both the elementary and intermediate levels. He joined GCISD in 1998 as assistant principal at GMS. One of the highlights of his tenure at GMS was working with then GMS Principal Steve Trachier to open a new building for the middle school in the 2000-2001 school year. Hughes became principal the next year, when Trachier accepted the district-level position of Athletic Director.

Several outstanding campus initiatives and programs from Hughes’ years as the school’s leader include GMS being honored as the Dallas Cowboys Super School as part of the nationally recognized Fuel Up To Play 60 program; growth of an award-winning Fine Arts program with Band, Choir and Technical Education, including the Robotics Team; development of a strong academic program including Future Problem Solving program and Math/Science program; and encouragement of strong community ties between GMS, G.R.A.C.E., the Grapevine Rotary and other community organizations.

Hughes made the announcement to GMS staff members on Wednesday, saying, “It is not easy to leave a school in which I have invested so much of my time, my energy and, more importantly, my heart. I love this school, the kids, the people who work here, and the community that is GMS. I cherish the relationships that have been developed during my time here. The position as Coordinator of Alternative schools will provide me with an amazing new opportunity to work with students in a more personalized environment, which is something that I have always enjoyed.”

Hughes earned his bachelor’s degree in Education from Southwest Texas State University and his master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of North Texas. He also holds a Texas Mid-Management certification from UNT, is involved in the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals and is an active contributor in a variety of community organizations and events.

Hughes will begin his new role in GCISD on July 1.