Skip To Main Content

News

  • District
  • Intermediate
RISD Announces Monica Elizondo as New Intermediate School Principal

Rockdale Independent School District (RISD) is excited to announce Monica Elizondo as the new Intermediate School Principal for the 2024-25 school year.

 

As she takes over the position previously held by Cheyenne Babb, Elizondo brings a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to fostering a love for learning.

Prior to joining Rockdale ISD, Elizondo’s journey in education began when she transitioned from her successful career as an environmental and pharmaceutical chemist to follow her true passion of teaching. Before stepping into her role as the Elementary School Principal at STEM Academy in Odessa, Texas for six years, she shared her excitement and love for learning with students as she taught mathematics at the intermediate, middle and high school levels in Taylor ISD. Elizondo also served as a secondary mathematics teacher and instructional coach in Round Rock ISD.

When asked about her educational philosophy, Elizondo stated, "I believe in providing all students with a solid foundation that prepares them to think critically and be problem solvers.” She continued, “Community is the heart of education and I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter with Rockdale ISD. "

In addition to her campus experience, Elizondo holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Texas State University as well as a Masters in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University, further highlighting her dedication to continuous growth and development.

Superintendent, Dr. Denise Monzingo, expressed her excitement in welcoming Elizondo to the district, stating, “Monica’s dedication to providing a supportive and nurturing environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally aligns perfectly with the values and goals of Rockdale ISD and I look forward to witnessing the positive impact she will have on our school community."

Please join us in welcoming Monica Elizondo to Rockdale Intermediate School.

  • District
Rockdale ISD Board of Trustees Votes to Reinstate Staggered Start Times for 2024-2025 School Year

The Rockdale ISD Board of Trustees convened on Monday, March 18th to address critical concerns surrounding transportation safety and overcrowding on buses.

Following an in-depth discussion and thorough consideration of various factors presented by Rockdale ISD, including survey results and community feedback, the board voted to reinstate staggered start times for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year.

Under the newly approved transportation plan, buses will operate each route twice daily. The first run will accommodate elementary and intermediate school students who will begin school at 7:30 AM and end at 3:15 PM. The second will cater to junior high and high school students who will have a later start time of 8:30 AM and end at 4:15 PM.

By staggering start and end times in this manner, the Board seeks to reduce the number of students on each bus route and optimize the utilization of district resources, thereby enhancing transportation safety and efficiency.

In response to the reinstatement of staggered start times, the district will proactively communicate with parents and stakeholders regarding before and after-school opportunities to support families during drop-off and pick-up time differences. Additionally, the next superintendent advisory meeting will focus on collaborative solutions to ensure that staggered start times are implemented effectively to accommodate the needs of all families within the district.

"We recognize that this decision may present challenges for some families and we are committed to working closely with our community to address concerns and explore viable solutions," affirmed Rockdale ISD Superintendent, Denise Monzingo. "Our priority remains the safety, well-being, and academic success of our students, and we are dedicated to upholding these principles as we navigate these changes together."

For more information and updates regarding the reinstatement of staggered start times for the 2024-2025 school year, please visit https://www.rockdaleisd.net/or contact 512-430-6000.

  • District
  • High School
RISD Announces Wendy Mahan as New High School Principal

Rockdale Independent School District (RISD) is delighted to announce Wendy Mahan as the new High School Principal.

 

With an impressive background spanning over 20 years in education and 12 years of campus-level administrative experience, Mahan brings a considerable amount of knowledge and dedication to this important role.

Prior to stepping into her new position at RISD, Mahan has made significant contributions to the academic and personal development of countless students in both Salado ISD and Cameron ISD. With a strong focus on student-centered learning and a dedication to fostering a positive school culture, Mahan is well-prepared to take on this exciting opportunity and lead our High School to new heights. 

Superintendent, Dr. Denise Monzingo, expressed her confidence in Mahan stating, “Wendy’s vast experience, proven leadership skills, and enthusiasm for student success make her an excellent candidate for this role. We are thrilled to have such an accomplished educator join the Rockdale ISD family.”

With parents who are proud graduates of the Class of 1966 at Rockdale High and having lived in our town for more than a decade, Mahan’s roots in Rockdale run deep. She explained, “I am lucky to be part of such a strong community with a prideful tradition-steeped high school.” She continued, “I am a small-town girl with an open-door policy, and look forward to meeting the students, staff and stakeholders of RISD.”

Having earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Services and Development from Tarleton State University and a Masters of Educational Administration from Lamar University, Mahan is well-equipped to lead our high school with a unique blend of expertise and experience. Furthermore, Wendy is currently pursuing her Superintendent Certification, showcasing her commitment to continued professional growth and excellence in educational leadership.

We are excited for the future under Wendy's leadership and invite the entire community to join in welcoming her to Rockdale High School.

  • District
RISD Welcomes Kayleigh Williams as New Communications Specialist

Rockdale ISD welcomes Kayleigh Williams as new Communications Specialist.

Rockdale Independent School District (RISD) is excited to announce Kayleigh Williams as the newest addition to its team, stepping into the role of Communications Specialist. Kayleigh will be taking over the position previously held by Rebecca King and brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the district.

Originally from Georgetown, Williams is a seasoned communications professional with a background in marketing and event management. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Public Relations and Event Management from Tarleton State University, where she was also on the Texans softball team. 

Prior to joining RISD, Kayleigh served as the Event Director for the Austin Radio Network, where she spearheaded marketing initiatives for various music festivals, digital campaigns, and more. Her expertise in crafting engaging narratives and connecting with diverse audiences will be invaluable in her new role.

Superintendent, Dr. Denise Monzingo, expressed her delight in welcoming Kayleigh to the RISD team, stating, "We are thrilled to have Kayleigh join Rockdale ISD as our new Communications Specialist. Her background in public relations, combined with her passion for effective communication, make her an ideal fit for our district. We are confident that Kayleigh will play a vital role in advancing our communication efforts and strengthening our connections with students, families, and the community."

In her role as Communications Specialist, Kayleigh will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of communications for RISD, including managing the Rockdale ISD website, news releases, media relations, social media management, and communications between the district and parents. She is eager to leverage her skills and experiences to effectively tell the story of RISD and engage stakeholders in meaningful ways.

Please join us in welcoming Kayleigh Williams to the Rockdale ISD family.