On Thursday, Oct. 17 at 4 p.m., Allen High School Principal Matthew Russell publicly announced his retirement after the 2024-25 school year via a press release on the Allen ISD website and social media accounts.

Faculty and staff were informed about his retirement earlier today during a meeting where he also said there is a lot of the year left, and he is not done yet.

“It has been an incredible honor to serve as the principal of Allen High School and to be a part of the Allen ISD family for nearly three decades,” Russell said in the district press release. “I’m immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished together and the culture of excellence we’ve maintained and enhanced over the years.”

Russell has served as the principal of Allen High School since 2020. Prior to his current role, Russell served as the principal of Ford Middle School since 2016. Before taking on being the principal of the middle school, Russell held jobs such as the Associate Principal for Administrative Services, House 300 Principal, Student Intervention Team Coordinator, 504 Coordinator, Inclusion Specialist, Vocational Adjustment Coordinator, Transition Specialist and Resource Math and Content Mastery Teacher. 

This year marks his 28th year in the district, and 29th year in education. 

“Matt Russell’s impact on Allen ISD has been profound,” Superintendent Robin Bullock said in the district press release. “His leadership over the years has been instrumental in maintaining our high standards and fostering an environment where students and staff alike can thrive. His retirement marks the end of an era here in Allen ISD. I can only imagine the countless students, staff and parents who will reach out to wish Matt a fond farewell before he officially steps down next summer.” 

Allen ISD also announced that they will begin a statewide search for the new principal soon, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership going into the 2025-26 school year.