Williams Elementary School received the 2026 Student Leadership Award, presented by the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). The award honors outstanding student councils and groups whose commitment to leadership makes a positive impact on school communities across Texas.

Out of 167 schools in the state to receive the award, Williams is one of just six recipients in the Central Texas area.

“Developing student leaders is a priority for our campus,” said Dr. Jennifer Hinson, Williams Elementary Principal. “Through Student Council, students learn the value of serving not only our student body, but also our greater community. I am so very proud that our students embrace our values of community service, and that others are noticing.”

You can learn more about the TEPSA Student Leadership Award and see the full list of recipients on their website.

Learn more about bus schedules and routes in GISD.

Register for transportation by visiting the Transportation Home Page and clicking on the button for "transportation registration". 

If you are unable to access your student's scores through Skyward or the Texas Assessment website, please reach out to your student's campus.

The proposed budget includes approximately $668,000 in compensation adjustments, including:

• Increases to the teacher step scale while maintaining a starting teacher salary of $57,000 for first-year teachers;

• Critical pay adjustments in select positions based on recommendations from the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) to improve market competitiveness;

• Transportation pay scale adjustments; and

• Compensation adjustments for substitute teachers, counselors, and nurses.

Additionally, the district is investing nearly $2 million to absorb rising employee health insurance costs, preventing those increases from being passed on to employees.

“While these recommendations represent meaningful investments in our people, we recognize that it’s not enough,” said Board President James Scherer. “And it doesn’t address our desire to increase compensation for everyone.” 

One way to generate additional funding for staff raises is through a Tax Ratification Election (TRE). A TRE would require voter approval to increase the district's maintenance and operations tax rate, which could generate more than $6 million for the district, while maintaining one of the lowest school district tax rates in Williamson County.

Revenue generated through a TRE would provide ongoing funding, creating a sustainable source of support for employee compensation and maintaining student programs into the future.

"Our employees deserve more,” said Superintendent Devin Padavil. “They continue to deliver exceptional results for students despite significant financial challenges facing public education. Evidence of student learning, including preliminary STAAR results, shows significant gains in all areas across the district. I’m incredibly proud of the people that serve our children and they deserve compensation that keeps up with the soaring cost of living in Central Texas."

The Board of Trustees has not yet called an election.  A third-party survey will be conducted later this month to inform the community about the district's funding needs and gauge support for a potential tax rate increase. If called, a TRE could appear on the November 2026 ballot.

McDonald comes to Georgetown ISD with more than 14 years of experience leading technology systems in public education. McDonald has served in various school districts as a campus technology coordinator and director of technology. Most recently, McDonald served as coordinator of federal programs in Bryan ISD where she oversaw district compliance systems, coordinated data systems and supported district-wide operational and instructional goals.

McDonald earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in instructional technology from Sam Houston State University.

In her new role, McDonald will oversee the district’s primary technology infrastructure, lead the planning and execution of Technology Bonds and state/federal funds, and serve as the district chief authority on Cybersecurity and Data Governance, establishing the legal and policy frameworks that protect all stakeholders, among other duties. 

Brenda and her husband have three children: Brady, a graduate of East Texas A&M, Colby, a current student at East Texas A&M, and Kennah, a sophomore in high school. When she’s not working, Brenda enjoys traveling to rodeos with her family and dogs.

Brenda will begin her new role on July 6.

Weirich comes to Georgetown ISD with 28 years of experience in public education, including 15 years in campus leadership roles. Most recently, Weirich served as elementary principal in Pflugerville ISD where she implemented innovative instructional strategies, led professional learning communities, and oversaw the opening of a new campus.

Weirich earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science and a minor in mathematics from Southwest Texas State University, as well as a master’s degree in educational administration from Texas State University.

“We are excited to welcome Reese to the Georgetown ISD team,” said Dr. Padavil, GISD Superintendent. “Her focus on student learning and proven ability to drive academic transformation will support our principals in the continuation of improving learning outcomes for elementary students.”

In her new role, Weirich will be responsible for leading, directing, and planning for instructional and curriculum services to meet the needs of the district campuses, staff, and students. She will collaboratively work to provide an aligned, guaranteed, and viable curriculum and lead the planning and implementation of instructional programs with teachers and principals, including learning objectives, instructional strategies and assessment practices, among other duties.

Reese lives in Pflugerville with her two daughters. When Reese isn’t working, she enjoys cheering on her favorite college sports teams and spending time with family. 

Reese will begin her new role on June 22. 

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This position provides essential instructional support at the elementary level. Its addition is made possible through attrition without any impact to the district’s budget.

We will be open for business on Mondays through Thursdays from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.

Survey responses are anonymous and help inform campus improvement plans and the district’s strategic direction. If you have students at more than one school, please complete a survey for each campus.

• Benold - Bill Holland

• Carver - Megan Copenhaver

• Communications - Edgar Arellano

• Cooper - Kayla Harris

• Custodial - Dilson Mendoza Munoz

• EVHS - Staci Gammage

• Forbes - Richard Cool

• Ford - Rosie Lauborough

• Frost - Carrie Vogler

• Future Ready Complex - Paola Minas

• GHS - Bradley Watkins

• Maintenance/Support Srvs - Shane Phillips

• McCoy - Lindsay Vineyard

• Mitchell - Ann Rodriguez

• Purl - Heather Renee Buerger

• San Gabriel - Elsa Weick

• Teaching, Learning & Assess - Erin Pierce

• Technology - Drake Sinley

• Tippit - Heidi Ence

• Transportation - Shirley Garcia

• Village - Stacy Glenn

• Wagner - Carmen Torres Zamora

• Williams - Mabel Gallardo

• Wolf Ranch - Rocio Bacelis

• Carver ES - Lindsay Cartledge

• Cooper ES - Brittany Wodraska

• Ford ES - Jill Spilotro

• Frost ES - Jennifer Drum

• McCoy ES - Laura McGinnity

• Mitchell ES - Stephanie Tank

• Purl ES - Beth Gallo

• San Gabriel ES -  Alexis Renninger

• Village ES - Jill Culpepper

• Williams ES - Stefenia Phipps

Secondary 

• Benold MS - Kari Parker

• EVHS - Annie Hero

• Forbes MS  - Haley Brower

• GHS - Barbara Bahrainwala

• RHS  - Julie Sammons

• Tippit MS - Kaylee Cheek

• Wagner MS - Coach Hondo Gonzalez

• FRC - Emily Laceky

Goehring comes to Georgetown ISD with 24 years of experience in financial leadership roles in public education, as director of business and finance in La Grange ISD, and most recently, as chief financial officer in Burnet CISD. 

Goehring earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Texas A&M University and an MBA from Texas State University.

“We are excited to welcome Clay to Georgetown,” said Dr. Devin Padavil, GISD Superintendent. “He joins our team at a pivotal moment in public education. While funding for education lags across the state, we are proud to be operating on a balanced budget. Clay’s experience shows he is ready to help us navigate the future for the benefit of students.”

In his new role, Goehring will be responsible for directing, managing, and providing leadership for business and operations functions for the district, as well as directing and monitoring the management and investment of all district funds to ensure they are adequately protected, among other duties.

Goehring lives in Burnet with his wife, Jamie, a speech pathologist. They have two adult children, a daughter, Ainsley, who lives in Georgetown, and son Adler, who will attend Howard Payne University this fall and play football. Clay enjoys sports and being outdoors in his free time.

Clay will begin his new role on July 6.

Kenneth Adix has been serving as interim CFO since Jennifer Hanna retired in December. 

After Valedictorian and Salutatorian, students are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

After Valedictorian and Salutatorian, students are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

After Valedictorian and Salutatorian, students are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

Georgetown ISD received a donation from A+ Federal Credit Union in Georgetown to pay off lunch balances for students at seven campuses across the district in the amount of $1,582.37. 

“At A+FCU, we believe no student should worry about a meal at school,” said Eric R. Kase, President/CEO of A+ Federal Credit Union. “Through our A+ Gives program, we’re proud to continue our tradition of paying off school lunch balances and to support students and families in Georgetown ISD, one of our long‑standing partner districts.”

While public school districts provide critical resources for enrolled students and their families, schools can’t always do it alone. It takes a village.

“GISD is grateful for the continued generosity of our partners at A+FCU,” GISD Superintendent Devin Padavil said. “Donations like this make a tremendous impact on families, and we are truly thankful for their support in making this happen.” 

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Families can qualify for free or reduced lunch prices by completing the Free and Reduced Lunch application. 

Qualifying families can receive more than discounted meals for their students. The application helps determine Title 1 funding for public schools and can help students pay for fees associated with extracurricular activities, college admissions tests and applications, and more. 

The percentage of economically disadvantaged students in GISD is 43%.

Georgetown ISD celebrated teachers and staff during its Employee Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, May 5. At the event, the district recognized teachers and employees of the year. This event is held annually in conjunction with Teacher Appreciation Week. 
2026 Elementary Campus Teachers of the Year

• Sheena Arocho - Carver ES

• Esme Bruesewitz - Cooper ES

• Staci Thomison - Ford ES

• Edie Little - Frost ES

• Cathy Childs - McCoy ES

• Nicole Jones - Mitchell ES

• Elizabeth Gallo - Purl ES

• Alexis Renninger - San Gabriel ES

• Nancy Robledo - Village ES

• Alexis Bawcom - Williams ES

• Cassie Davis - Wolf Ranch ES – District Winner

2026 Secondary Campus Teachers of the Year

• Kristina Leach - Benold MS

• Emily Durell - EVHS – District Winner

• Karla Jimenez - Forbes MS

• Emily Jimenez - Future Ready Complex

• Amanda Sanford - Georgetown Alternative Program

• Jenny Gebhardt - Georgetown HS

• Lisa Nava - Richarte HS

• Shari Howard - Successful Transition Education Program

• Kaylee Cheek - Tippit MS

• Jennifer Paddock - Wagner MS

2026 Employees of the Year 

Auxiliary Campus Finalists:

• Julio Lozada Batista, Lead Custodian, Purl ES – District Winner

• Juan Martinez, Lead Custodian, Wagner MS

• Bianca Ramirez, Cafeteria Manager, San Gabriel  ES

Auxiliary Support Finalists:

• Michael “Red” Andrews, Lead Electrician – District Winner

• Roberto Ortega, Grounds Lead, Athletics

• Rick Towe, HVAC Lead

Instructional Paraprofessional Finalists:

• Allonna Bodkin, Purl ES – District Winner

• Adam Brinley, Georgetown HS

• Emily Evans, Wagner MS

Support Paraprofessional Finalists:

• Kayla Mullins, Nutrition Services Specialist – District Winner

• Sheila Runkle, Ford ES, Receptionist

• Sarah Spence, Administrative Assistant, Chief of Staff

District Support Finalists:

• Alicia Gierisch, Georgetown HS Instructional Coach – District Winner

• Susan Olivares, Dual Language Instructional Coach

• Amy Peterson, School Psychologist 

Administrator of the Year Finalists:

• Rebecca Lambert, Principal, San Gabriel ES – District Winner

• Dave Rainey, Director, Guidance & Wellness

• Bretton Schulz, Director, Career and Technical Education and Interim Principal, Richarte HS

GISD campuses and departments submitted nominations for teachers and employees who embody the district’s vision and mission. Nominations were reviewed by a committee, and a single winner was selected in each category. 

Campus Teacher of the Year nominations were determined using the Texas Teacher of the Year guidelines set by the Texas Association of School Administrators. Since 1969, the Texas Teacher of the Year (TOY) Program has honored excellence in classroom education and provided a forum to showcase many outstanding educators whose efforts and example have inspired their students, their colleagues, and the communities they serve.

Cassie Davis, Wolf Ranch Elementary, and Emily Durell, East View High School, were selected as District Teachers of the Year and will advance to the next level for consideration by Region 13.

This event is sponsored annually by the Georgetown ISD Education Foundation.

View the full photo album from the event here.

The following Georgetown ISD campuses earned the designation:

• Benold Middle School

• Carver Elementary School

• Georgetown Alternative Program

• Georgetown High School

• McCoy Elementary School

• Mitchell Elementary School

• San Gabriel Elementary School

• Successful Transition Education Program (S.T.E.P.)

• Tippit Middle School

• Wagner Middle School

• Williams Elementary School

• Wolf Ranch Elementary School

Through the Capturing Kids’ Hearts® National Showcase Schools awards, the Flippen Group honors campuses that go above and beyond to ensure students feel safe, connected, and engaged in their learning. Schools are selected based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes campus observations, staff implementation data, and measurable improvements in areas such as attendance, discipline, school climate, and academic performance.

“This recognition speaks to our districtwide commitment to student wellbeing. Campuses create environments where every student feels known, valued, and supported,” said Chief of Staff Lindsay Harris. “We are incredibly proud of these campuses for their intentional work and daily dedication to building relationships that make a lasting difference for students and their academic success.”

For more information about the Capturing Kids’ Hearts® National Showcase Schools program, visit: https://www.capturingkidshearts.org.

Other recognized GISD nurses include:
Nora Dekreek, Benold Middle School
Theresa Mitchell-Monroe, Frost Elementary School 
Elizabeth Pfuntner, Forbes Middle School

Sponsored by Cartwheel, the Bluebonnet Award celebrates school nurses who go above and beyond in caring for students and supporting their school communities. The program highlights individuals who demonstrate compassion, innovation in care, and a strong commitment to student wellness, qualities that GISD nurses exemplify every day.

“I get to see what our school nurses do every day, and their impact is undeniable. Their work is essential to everything we do in education; they lead, advocate, and step in wherever they’re needed to keep students safe and ready to learn,” said Mindy Petty, Director of Health and Emergency Services.  “Families trust that when they send their children to school, they’ll be cared for, and our nurses are a big part of that. I’m incredibly proud to see them recognized through these nominations.”  

Finalists for the Bluebonnet Award are selected by a judging panel based on criteria including patient advocacy, dedication to student well-being, creativity in care, and community impact. The grand prize winner will be announced on May 6, 2026, in recognition of National School Nurse Day.

The Georgetown ISD Board of Trustees approved the name S.C. Marshall Middle School for the district’s 5th middle school campus during its April 20, 2026, board meeting.

The new campus honors S.C. Marshall, a visionary Georgetown school leader in the early 20th century who championed access to education for African American students. As principal of the community’s “Colored School” at the time, he believed deeply in the power of learning and worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for students who had long been limited to an eighth-grade education.

Through his leadership, Marshall helped establish high school-level instruction for black students in Georgetown, enrolling the community’s first high school student in 1913 and laying the foundation for what would become a lasting tradition of academic achievement. Highly educated and deeply committed to his community, he also served as a mentor and leader beyond the classroom, advocating for the belief that every student deserved access to a quality education.

“Naming this new school in Marshall’s honor reflects Georgetown ISD’s commitment to recognizing those who have made a lasting impact on public education and to inspiring future generations of students,” said Cody Hirt, Georgetown ISD Trustee. “S.C. Marshall’s legacy is one of courage, vision, and opportunity, and S.C. Marshall Middle School will carry that legacy forward for years to come.”

S.C. Marshall Middle School is scheduled for completion this fall and will welcome its first students for the 2027-2028 school year. The project was funded by the 2024 Bond to support the district’s growing southeast quadrant.