Abilene ISD is proud to announce that Jon Patrick has been selected to serve as the next principal of Cooper High School. Patrick, who currently serves as principal at Clack Middle School, will begin transitioning into his new role immediately.

“Jon Patrick is a natural and goal-oriented leader with high expectations for student and staff success,” Superintendent Dr. John Kuhn said. “His proven track record of building positive relationships in schools will be a tremendous asset for the entire Cooper community. I look forward to supporting him as he leads Cooper into the future.”

Patrick brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership to Cooper High School. He joined AISD in 2020 and served as an assistant principal at Abilene High School and the Woodson Center for Excellence before being chosen to lead Clack Middle School in 2023. Patrick began his career as a teacher and coach in San Angelo ISD, and over the span of his more than 14 years in professional education, he has served as a lead teacher, athletic director, assistant principal, and principal across five school districts in Texas.

“I am filled with excitement and anticipation about my new role leading Cooper High School. I look forward to joining a campus with a rich legacy of excellence and working alongside a dedicated community. We will build on that legacy while taking Cooper to new heights, academically and beyond,” said Patrick. “Reflecting on my time at Clack Middle School, I am deeply grateful to the entire Clack family for welcoming me with open arms. Together, we’ve made a lasting impact on the lives of our students.”

Patrick holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Texas Permian Basin and a bachelor’s degree from Angelo State University.

Clack Middle School will be led by Mike Newton, a veteran AISD administrator, while Abilene ISD begins the search for its new full-time leader.