UPDATE: Irving ISD has issued a statement on these allegations. Please scroll down to view entire text.
Original Post:
A petition on Change.org is calling for the removal of Principal Trent Nickerson from Nimitz High School and Irving Independent School District (ISD). As of this report, 869 verified signatures have been collected.
Nickerson has been with Irving ISD for 14 years, serving as principal of Johnson Middle School for two years, de Zavala Middle School for three years, and as assistant principal at Nimitz High School, de Zavala, and Bowie Middle School for a combined four years. He began his career teaching U.S. History and AVID, and coaching football and basketball at MacArthur High School.
The petition, initiated by Abel Flores Jr., alleges that Nickerson has created a hostile environment for students, teachers, and parents since the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year. According to the petition, staff members have faced isolation and intimidation, and student morale and enrollment have suffered.
One former teacher claims their photography class enrollment grew over 340% in a year, but they were threatened with a psychological evaluation after filing a grievance over Nickerson’s behavior, ultimately leading to their resignation. Parents and students cited verbal abuse, favoritism, and lack of responsiveness as ongoing concerns.
Comments on the petition describe repeated verbal aggression toward staff and students, creating a stressful and demeaning work environment. One parent described experiences where simple issues were not addressed in a timely or respectful manner.
Irving ISD Statement
"Irving ISD is aware of a petition circulating online concerning the Principal of Nimitz High School. While we cannot comment on individual personnel matters involving current employees, we want to reaffirm our full confidence in Mr. Trent Nickerson’s leadership.
A proud Irving ISD alumnus, Mr. Nickerson has dedicated more than 15 years of service to our district in roles including principal of Johnson and de Zavala Middle Schools, assistant principal at multiple campuses, and teacher and coach at MacArthur High School. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering student success, building positive school communities, and preparing students for college, careers and life beyond school.
Moreover, this petition was initiated by a former employee who admittedly resigned after refusing to cooperate with a district investigation into the employee’s concerning behaviors raised by students and staff. The former employee willfully disclosed these details publicly via social media. At Irving ISD, the safety and well-being of all students and staff is of paramount concern. This former employee has been criminally trespassed from all district property pursuant to the Texas Education Code and Texas Penal Code.
We are confident that under Mr. Nickerson’s leadership, Nimitz High School will continue to thrive as a place where students and staff feel supported, inspired and empowered to succeed."
