Michael Gonzales has been unanimously approved by the SCUC ISD Board of Trustees as the new principal of Samuel Clemens High School. He has served as the campus’ interim principal since July 2025.
Mr. Gonzales is a longtime educator with nearly two decades of experience, including the past several years in campus leadership roles. Prior to stepping into the interim principal role at Clemens, he served as the Lead Assistant Principal at Byron P. Steele II High School and previously as an Assistant Principal at Veterans Memorial High School.
This appointment is especially meaningful to Gonzales, whose family is deeply connected to the Clemens feeder pattern. His wife, Nayelhi, is an ESL teacher at Paschal and Rose Garden, and their daughters attend Corbett Junior High and Wilder Intermediate.
A graduate of Texas State University, Gonzales earned his master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from The University of Texas at Arlington. He is known for his positive energy and people-first leadership style, with a strong focus on relationships, school culture, and student success.
As he transitions from interim to permanent principal, Gonzales looks forward to continuing the work already underway and strengthening connections with students, staff, and families. Samuel Clemens High School has a proud tradition, and Gonzales is committed to building on that legacy while supporting excellence for all students.