Pender County Schools has named Brian Allen as the next principal of Heide Trask High School.
Allen, who currently serves as principal of Burgaw Middle School, will take over leadership of Heide Trask following the departure of Tony Hudson, who has been named principal of Hoggard High School in Wilmington.
Allen was named principal at Burgaw Middle School in June 2023. Prior to that, he served as the founding principal of Surf City Elementary School, helping open the school for the 2018-2019 school year and guiding its early growth and identity. His experience in Pender County Schools also includes serving as assistant principal at Topsail Annandale Elementary School and teaching third and fourth grades at Cape Fear Elementary School.
A Wilmington native, Allen earned both his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from UNC-Wilmington. He is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from UNCW and plans to complete the program in May 2027.
Throughout his career, Allen has emphasized strong relationships with students, staff, families and the community. In his message to Burgaw Middle School families, he wrote about the importance of working together to help students succeed and creating a safe learning environment focused on academic excellence.
“I bring high expectations for our students, our community and for myself,” Allen wrote. “I will hold students and faculty accountable for their very best efforts each and every day.”
Allen said he is grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Pender County Schools in this new role.
“Pender County Schools has been my professional home, and I am excited for the opportunity to join the Heide Trask High School community,” Allen said. “I look forward to building relationships with students, staff, families and the Titan community as we work together to support student success.”
Allen lives in Wilmington with his wife, Crissie, who is also an administrator in education. Outside of school, they enjoy spending time at the beach, on the boat and by the pool.
Pender County Schools thanks Tony Hudson for his leadership and service to Heide Trask High School and wishes him continued success in his new role at Hoggard High School.
