When the final bell rang on May 22nd, it marked the end of a remarkable era in Texas education—a career defined by heart, grit, and a relentless push to make every student feel seen. After 29 years devoted to public education, Todd Bloomer, the celebrated principal of Churchill, is stepping away from the halls he helped define. For many, his retirement is more than a personal milestone; it’s a seismic shift for a community that’s come to rely on his steady, compassionate leadership.
Bloomer’s story started far from Texas, in upstate New York, where he was raised in a family of educators. That early exposure to the teaching world planted the seeds for a career that would eventually span nearly three decades and touch thousands of lives. He made his way to Texas as quickly as possible, drawn by the promise of new opportunities and the energy of the state’s storied public schools. He began as a classroom teacher and coach, quickly finding that his calling reached well beyond lesson plans and game strategy. “I fell in love with Texas, public education, high school football, and my wife, Sharon, all at once,” Bloomer once quipped, a line that reveals his warmth and wit as much as his roots in the school community (Road to Awesome).
The path to principalship was anything but accidental. Bloomer’s early years in education were spent listening as much as leading—a trait that would become his signature. He spent time on the sidelines and in the trenches, learning each layer of the school ecosystem, from middle school classrooms to high school auditoriums. In 2014, he took the reins at Bradley Middle School, where he built a reputation for creating a campus that felt more like a family than an institution. “He championed student voices and made sure every adult on campus felt valued,” a colleague recalled, reflecting the ethos that would later define his leadership at Churchill (William D. Parker).
The real turning point came in 2019, when Bloomer was tapped to lead our school, the flagship campus in his district. It was a move that recognized not just his abilities, but his vision. At Churchill, Bloomer expanded his influence, forging new traditions and deepening the school’s sense of belonging. He was never content to simply manage; he sought to inspire, to guide, to leave a mark that would outlast any single school year. The district took notice, naming him the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals Region 20 High School Principal of the Year—a rare honor in an already distinguished career (NEISD).
What set Bloomer apart was his willingness to get involved—really involved. Whether it was helping out in the lunchroom, cheering at football games, or stepping into a classroom to teach when needed, he was a constant presence. “Todd is the kind of principal who knows every student’s name, and more importantly, every student knows his,” says a teacher who worked alongside him for years. His approach was rooted in visibility and accessibility, a deliberate choice to break down the barriers that often separate administrators from the people they serve (Instagram).
But it wasn’t just students who benefited from his leadership. Bloomer made it his mission to mentor fellow educators, to show them that leadership is about showing up, listening, and never losing sight of what matters. He authored the bestselling book “The Blueprint: Survive and Thrive as a School Administrator,” sharing hard-earned lessons and candid advice for new and veteran principals alike. “I went from a principal to a businessman overnight,” he joked on social media, but the book’s real impact was in its honesty—a reflection of his own journey through the highs and lows of school leadership (Amazon, Facebook).
As a speaker and coach, Bloomer’s influence stretched well beyond the walls of Churchill. He regularly spoke at conferences, appeared on education podcasts, and wrote about the challenges and joys of school administration. His philosophy was disarmingly simple: build relationships first, and everything else will follow. “I hope to inspire, guide, and mentor administrators to help them find their blueprint to success,” he wrote, distilling a career’s worth of wisdom into a mission statement for the next generation of leaders (LinkedIn).
Those who know Bloomer best point to his unwavering advocacy for student voice and equity. He believed in meeting students where they were, no matter how difficult the circumstances. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led his school through unprecedented challenges, balancing safety protocols with a fierce commitment to keeping the sense of community alive. He was quick to adapt, never losing sight of the individual needs that often get lost in the shuffle of policy and procedure. His work didn’t go unnoticed, and colleagues say his legacy will be measured in the lives he changed, not just the awards he won (William D. Parker).
The news of his retirement has prompted an outpouring of gratitude and nostalgia from students, parents, and educators alike. Many recall moments when Bloomer went out of his way to offer encouragement or advice, or to help a struggling student find their footing. “He always had time for everyone, no matter how busy he was,” one former student said. “He made me feel like I mattered.” Such testimonials are not rare, but rather the norm for a man who spent his career making sure nobody felt invisible (Facebook).
Bloomer’s departure comes at a moment of great change in education, with public schools facing pressures from all sides. For some, his retirement is a reminder of what’s at stake—the loss of institutional memory and the challenge of finding leaders who understand that schools are, above all, communities. Yet those who worked with him say he’s leaving behind a blueprint—a set of values and practices that will endure long after he’s turned in his keys. “His influence is everywhere,” said a district official. “From the way we greet students in the morning to how we handle adversity, Todd’s fingerprints are all over this place” (William D. Parker).
As he steps into the next chapter, Bloomer shows no signs of slowing down. He plans to continue writing, coaching, and speaking, channeling his experience into helping other administrators find their own footing. “I’m not done,” he insists, echoing the energy that’s defined his career from the start. His website and social media pages are filled with messages of thanks, book recommendations, and gentle reminders to keep the focus where it belongs: on the students (ToddMBloomer.com).
For those left behind, the challenge will be to carry forward the lessons Bloomer taught by example. The heart of his approach—seeing every student, empowering every teacher, and leading with humility—remains as relevant as ever. In a time when public education faces uncertainty, his story is a reminder of what’s possible when leadership is rooted in care and ambition is matched by integrity. “You don’t just fill a role like his,” a longtime colleague observed. “You try your best to honor it.”
The final bell has rung, but Todd Bloomer’s legacy will echo through the hallways of Texas schools for years to come. His retirement may mark the end of an era, but it also signals a new beginning—one where the blueprint he leaves behind becomes a map for others to follow. In the words of one grateful parent, “He made our school better, and he made us better, too.” That, in the end, is the mark of a true educator.
