Board Meeting Recap

The RCISD School Board held a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday May 12, 2025. We aim to keep you informed and up-to-date on board activities with these brief recaps. Royse City ISD Board Meetings are held in the Event Center located in the south end of Royse City ISD Stadium at 670 South FM 2642. You may find agendas, complete meeting minutes and school board information at: https://www.rcisd.org/page/board-of-trustees

Each month, students from across Royse City ISD are invited to lead the school board and guests in the pledges of allegiance to the United States and Texas. Students know these by heart as they recite them at the beginning of every school day. This month’s students were McKinley Bailey, Aria Hernandez, Enzlee Spaulding, and Mackenzie Waldrop.

Principal Keith Merritt and Assistant Principal Mariah Bailey shared an update with the school board on the goals and activities from Anita Scott Elementary, highlighting that they continue their namesake's legacy by fostering student success through strong relationships and a dedicated staff. A hallmark of the school is its unique campus ambassador program, where fifth-grade leaders warmly welcome new students and contribute to a positive school environment, finding it "empowering" to guide and support their peers. Beyond academics, Scott Elementary intentionally cultivates a joyful atmosphere with engaging incentives, such as electric cars for attendance, recognizing that a welcoming and valued student body is essential for meaningful academic growth.

Royse City ISD Board President Scott Muckensturm honored Dr. Brian Zator for his dedicated service as Place 6 Trustee, as he concludes his term in May after joining the board in 2013. Dr. Zator's commitment to students, staff, and leadership, along with his contributions to numerous committees, were celebrated by the district.

Dr. Timothy Benson, Assistant Principal at Royse City High School introduced and recognized Natalie Santos-Silva, Valedictorian, and Jalyssa Gutierrez, Salutatorian, for their outstanding accomplishments throughout their high school careers. To read more about Santos-Silva and Gutierrez, visit: https://www.rcisd.org/article/1979033

Royse City High School Track and Field coach Tiffany Null celebrated the exceptional academic achievements of several student-athletes who have earned Academic All-State honors from both the Texas High School Coaches Association and the Texas Track and Field Coaches Association. This prestigious recognition is awarded to students maintaining a 92 or above GPA throughout their high school career.Null recognized Katelynn Bates, Callie Godinez, and Keshia Hitoto. Similarly, Golf Coach Lee Williams honored William Thatcher for his dedication to golf and rigorous academics.

Royse City High School track and field coaches Kyle Crumpton and Tiffany Null celebrated a remarkable season that witnessed numerous school records fall and exceptional individual performances, highlighting the strength and talent within the RCHS Track and Field programs. Standout athletes across various disciplines achieved new milestones and earned accolades at district, area, regional, and state levels, showcasing their dedication and hard work. To read more about their outstanding season click here.

Dr. Squalls proudly introduced and celebrated the exceptional 2024-2025 Campus Teachers of the Year! These dedicated educators have been recognized for their outstanding commitment and service to our students and the Royse City community. We extend our warmest congratulations to each of these remarkable individuals, who now stand as nominees for the prestigious RCISD Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year awards. The district-level honorees will be announced at the RCISD Teacher of the Year luncheon.

Excitement and energy for the 2025-2026 school year is building. The Royse City ISD School Board approved a slate of exceptional leaders for key leadership positions. Each was unanimously approved and will transition to their new roles over the summer. Click here for expanded information!

Tyisha Nelson, Senior Executive Director of Federal Programs and Strategic Initiatives recognized and celebrated Hope Gaffney's remarkable 25 years of service and her recent achievement of becoming a Qualified Instructor of Dyslexia through Texas Scottish Rite Hospital. This significant accomplishment involved over 400 hours of intensive training over two years, including leading lectures and conducting peer evaluations. As a Qualified Instructor, Mrs. Gaffney will now be able to internally train Royse City ISD teachers to become Certified Academic Language Practitioners/Therapists, further demonstrating her deep commitment to students with dyslexia and solidifying her enduring legacy within the district.

Melanie Acker, Director of Counseling shared with the board that Royse City ISD is excited for the opportunity to bring Hope Squad to Royse City High School. Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program. Hope Squad members are nominated by their classmates as trustworthy peers and trained by advisors. Squad members are trained to watch for at-risk students, provide friendship, identify suicide-warning signs, and seek help from adults. HOPE Squad members are NOT taught to act as counselors, but are educated on recognizing suicide warning signs and how to properly and respectfully report concerns to an adult. Hope Squad members are led by a trained advisor/teacher and parental permission is required prior to a student being a Hope Squad member. There are over 120 campuses and 23 school districts that are current Hope Squad partners in Texas and our district is excited to become a partner.

District-wide enrollment stands at 10,013 total students. Statistics show that Baley MIddle school has added 189 students since last May and Summers is down 31 students since last May. Demographers anticipate that RCISD will add 800-1,000 students annually. Growth continues throughout the school year across our booming communities.

We're excited to share the latest developments in our ongoing Bond 2023 construction projects! Construction continues at Sara Moss Elementary in the Creekside Development off of SH 66.

The site is finishing up with final inspections and the focus has shifted to creating the outdoor spaces with landscaping and irrigation work. Meanwhile, at Worthy Fate High School off FM 552, the future auditorium is becoming a reality, and the impressive three-story main building, which will house numerous classrooms, is advancing nicely. Stay up-to-date with all the details, including month-by-month progress on both Bond 2023 and completed Bond 2021 projects, by visiting our dedicated Growth page: https://www.rcisd.org/page/growth

Thank you for your interest in our school board activities and business of Royse City ISD.

Communications Office

communityrelations@rcisd.org

ayudaenespanol@rcisd.org