Trent Manuel has had a front row seat to education for most of his life, watching as his mother dedicated more than 30 years to the Louisiana public school system serving special education students. The love, kindness and passion she demonstrated daily planted a seed in Manuel that is now benefiting learners in Harris County through his latest role as the new principal of Academic and Behavior School (ABS) East.  

“I see myself as a very patient leader, someone who’s going to take time out to understand what is going on, what is driving the campus and what motivates the staff and students,” he said. “My goal is to see that light bulb go off for my students. It doesn’t matter if it’s in a lesson, at graduation or in a positive phone call home, I want to see our kids soar.”  

The New Iberia, La. native started his professional career as an occupational therapist, working to rehabilitate athletes, but described how he “didn’t feel complete.” When a local educator approached him about coaching middle school basketball, Manuel jumped at the chance to work with students. He eventually found his way into special education, and that’s when his passion ignited.  

“There was always something about education that drew me to what my mother did,” Manuel recalled. “When I started teaching, that spark ignited and to this day, I can still see the faces of my first group of students. They needed someone to pour into them and believe in them. It was the toughest year of my career by far, but so rewarding.”  

Manuel moved to Baytown in 2005 with his wife and two children. He spent nearly 20 years working in Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District, where he focused on understanding individual learning and behavioral needs by collaborating with colleagues, families and paraprofessionals to create environments where students could succeed. After seeing both the challenges and rewards of serving students with severe educational needs, Manuel pursued a master’s in education administration at Grand Canyon University. He served as an assistant principal for several years in Humble ISD before joining #TeamHCDE in July, beginning his first principalship.  

With students officially back on campus and the 2026-2027 academic year underway, Manuel’s vision for ABS East is centered around the three P’s: people, processes and partnerships.  

“This year, we are focused on building trusting relationships with the people who visit our campus, aligning our processes to meet the needs of the students we serve and creating partnerships that extend vital services to our families,” he explained.  

Manuel said his goal as principal is to always keep students at the forefront. It’s a philosophy rooted in the lessons he learned from his mother, his years of serving special education students and the educators who encouraged him to step into leadership. Manual hopes to bring that same patience, compassion and commitment to ABS East by leading alongside his staff, listening to students and ensuring every decision ultimately serves a purpose.  

“The fact is, we are here for our students,” he smiled. “It’s easy for adults to get bogged down in the work, but I’m focused on helping our educators and staff remain true to the real core of why we come to ABS East every day, which is educating the next generation.”