Alumni Spotlight: Gerry Neal (THS, '72)

Gerry Neal, Tomball High School, 1972
Tomball ISD Master Electrician

Every school district runs on energy – not just the kind that powers lights and computers, but the dedication of people like Gerry Neal. As Tomball ISD’s electrician and proud Tomball High School alumnus, Neal is a quiet force keeping us all connected.

A 1972 graduate of Tomball High School, Neal attended Tomball Elementary, Tomball Junior High (at the current Central Office location), and Tomball High School (at the current Tomball Intermediate on Main Street). 

A true Tomball native, his grandparents settled here in 1927 and established a homebase where Neal still lives on part of it. 

“Times were simple,” Neal recalls. 

Neal was active in sports, and says playing football with his friends was one of his favorite memories. Attending Tomball ISD looked a little bit different but the education he received was extremely meaningful.

“The whole teaching staff was supportive in every way,” he said. “The board consisted of ranchers, farmers, and business owners from the community and we all knew each other.”

After graduating from Tomball High School, Neal began working at Todd Shipyards on the ship channel in Houston for four years, then to a Hydraulic shop in Galena Park for six years. Following those experiences, he decided to pursue the electrical trade. After six years working for a contractor, Neal returned home to Tomball.

A job came available with Tomball ISD in 1989 as an electrician in the Maintenance Department.

“I was working in Houston and had spent a lot of time away from my kids while they were growing up,” he said. “I applied and got the job, so I was close to home and my kids.”

Now in 2025, Neal is in his 37th year with Tomball ISD as an electrician and now serves the District as the Master Electrician and Supervisor over the Electrical Department.

“I just like what I’m doing and the crew that supports me,” Neal said. “Maintenance is a department that is able to support the District as a whole.”

Having served over 35 years as an electrician in Tomball ISD, Neal plays a critical role behind the scenes. He is a steady hand repairing, upgrading, and maintaining the electrical systems that keep the schools and facilities up and running and ready for learning each day. 

“I think people get used to coming to work and class every day and having everything on and working, so a lot of our work is done out of sight and out of mind you might say,” Neal said. “Our day starts at 6 AM where we begin the day’s work orders.”

However, his connection to the schools runs deeper than cables and conduits.

“Being a former student here, I see things differently,” he said. “I remember what it was like attending school here and growing up in this community. That makes work personal for me.”

That perspective allows him to approach each job with extra care and purpose. His behind-the-scenes contributions support the everyday learning experience for students and staff alike.

“Tomball has always been special because it is my home.”

For Neal, coming full circle from student to trusted electrician, he’s proof that giving back to your roots can make a real difference.