Round Rock ISD has named Marie Gonzales the new Executive Director of Special Education, succeeding Mary Cardiff who will be retiring at the end of the year.
Gonzales brings more than 21 years of education experience into the leadership position, all of which have been within Round Rock ISD schools. She has served in special education classes and leadership roles at Deerpark Middle School and McNeil High School. Gonzales most recently served as the associate principal of McNeil for the past year.
“Marie Gonzales is an asset and advocate for special education students, staff and families,” said Mandy Estes, chief of teaching and learning. “With her extensive knowledge serving many special education populations, I am confident Marie will ensure all students are served and find success in Round Rock ISD.”
A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Gonzales holds a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Communications, Sciences and Disorders with an emphasis on deaf education. She is also a graduate of the Texas State University Principal Certification Graduate Program in Educational Leadership.
“After serving for more than 15 years in the McNeil community, I am enthusiastic as I transition into my new role as Executive Director of Special Education,” Gonzales said. “I am dedicated to serving special education students and as the executive director, I will keep students’ needs as the guide for our department and programming.”
Round Rock ISD Special Education offers free appropriate public education to all children aged 3 to 22 who may have orthopedic impairment, health impairment, traumatic brain injury, intellectual disability, emotional disturbance, learning disability, speech impairment, autism or multiple disabilities.
