Thomas Morrill

About Thomas Morrill

Mr. Thomas D. Morrill was appointed Principal of Vivian Gaither High School on November 5, 2013. Vivian Gaither is a public high school located in the Northdale area of Hillsborough County, Florida. It opened in 1984 and is located on 16200 North Dale Mabry Highway. The school enrolls over 2,050 students, predominately from the Northdale and New Carrollwood neighborhoods and has been awarded grades by the Florida Department of Education of A and B, respectfully, since the inception of the school grading criteria. Since Mr. Morrill obtained the principalship in 2013, the graduation rate has soared from 74% to over 94% and was among the first to beat the goal of the school district (90% by 2020). Gaither was named after Mr. Vivian Gaither, a well respected principal of over 35 years in the Hillsborough County Public School system. The school motto is \"Commitment to Excellence\" and it is evident that the school has maintained its continuous focus, promotion, and achievement of high academic standards. Mr. Morrill is a proud graduate of Gaither High School and was a member of the school\'s second graduating class in 1987. Key Highlights: 16% increase in Acceleration Rate over a 6 year period Beat the HCPS Graduation Expectation of 90% by 2020 = 92% Top gains, Algebra 1 in HCPS (2024-25) Tied for 3rd highest gains, Geo. in HCPS Fourth for gains, USH in county; 5th for achievement Acceleration sitting around 69% for c/o ’25 (+12%) Bio. increased 9% ELA increased 4% Math and ELA BQ increased by ~10%

Experience

1. Principal, Vivian Gaither Senior High School

   Hillsborough County Public Schools

   Nov 2013 — Present · Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL, US

   Mr. Morrill is an alumnus of Gaither High School (second graduating class of 1987) who oversees the daily, total operation of the school campus. He is the instructional leader, overseeing 2,100+ students, 130+ teachers, 40+ clerical, paraprofessionals, student nutrition services, and custodial staff. His main focus centers on improving the instructional delivery of curriculum to improve learning for students while keeping them on the path towards graduation and maintaining a positive cultural environment.

Education

• Vivian Gaither Senior High School

  College prep/high school diploma, High School/Secondary Diplomas and Certificates

  1985 — 1987

• Saint Lawrence Catholic School

  Religious Education

  1976 — 1983

• Nova Southeastern University

  Master of Education (MEd), Educational Leadership and Administration, General

  1996 — 1997

• Eckerd College

  Leadership Development Program Completer, Educational Leadership and Administration, General

• University of South Florida

  BS, Specific Learning Disabilities

  1990 — 1992

• Hillsborough College

  Associate of Arts - AA

• Jesuit High School of Tampa, FL

  College/University Preparatory and Advanced High School/Secondary Diploma Program

  1983 — 1985