He’s known for proudly displaying his campus spirit flag on his shoulder and rocking the orange attire from head to toe, and now he’s proud to return to Longhorn Country.

United ISD is proud to announce the appointment of Gilberto Fidel Moreno as the new principal of United High School.

A longtime educator with 25 years of service in public education, Moreno most recently served as principal of Trautmann Middle School (TMS) for the past five years, where he continued to lead the campus to its consecutive “A” ratings.

When asked what he is most proud of throughout his career, Moreno points to the culture created at Trautmann-a school where “everyone was someone.” Through the campus’ TLC initiative (Trautmann, Love, Care), he and his team established a community centered on compassion, connection and high expectations, while consistently ranking among the top-performing academic campuses in UISD and across Laredo .

"I am deeply honored to be named Principal of United High School. Growing up, my parents, Dr. Cecilia Moreno and Samuel Moreno, always taught me that leadership is rooted in service: 'If you serve people with unconditional love, compassion and care, they will help you build the school culture you envision.' I look forward to bringing that standard of care and dedication to the Longhorn family every single day,” Moreno said.

For Moreno, the appointment is also a homecoming. He previously spent seven years at United High School as an assistant principal before taking the helm at Trautmann Middle School.

His career in education began at Memorial Middle School, where he served as a history teacher and athletic coach. He later taught and coached at Nixon High School and Alexander High School before transitioning into administration at United High School. Of his 25 years in education, Moreno has dedicated 20 to United ISD.

As he returns to Longhorn Country, Moreno says his focus will be on building upon the tradition of excellence already established at United High School while ensuring every student and staff member feels appreciated.

“We WILL continue the tradition of excellence by maintaining high academic standards and expectations, while building a school where everyone belongs and where inclusivity and accessibility are clearly seen,” Moreno said. “At United High School, we will empower every student to find their voice, dismantle barriers to success, and foster a culture of mutual respect where diversity is our greatest strength.”

Moreno credits his passion for education and servant leadership to two lifelong role models-his parents, Samuel Moreno, former principal of Memorial Middle School, and Dr. Cecilia Moreno, the first female principal of Martin High School.

“Their devotion to public service is the inspiration I bring with me every day to United High School,” Moreno added.

A proud graduate of Nixon High School’s Class of 1997, he earned both his bachelor’s degree in history and master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

And while the Longhorn community can expect to see plenty of orange attire and spirit flags around campus, away from school Moreno enjoys thrift shopping, flea market hunting and family dinners. He says he finds joy in the simple things and in making the most of every moment with his wife, Gigi, and their children.

“I always thought my high school crush was far too beautiful to approach, but life has a way of putting the right people in your path exactly when you need them. Gigi Rodriguez-Moreno was that person for me,” Moreno shared. “Today, she is the heart of our home…and it’s her unconditional support that gives me the strength to show up and pour my whole heart into our school community.” 

Now, with 25 years of experience, a passion for serving others and plenty of Longhorn spirit, he is ready to return to a place he knows well and begin a new chapter, this time as principal.

Welcome home to Longhorn Country, Mr. Moreno!