Round Rock ISD teachers and paraprofessionals are invaluable to the growth and development of our students and community. As they continue to do amazing things each day, we recognize our Teachers of the Year (TOY) and Paraprofessionals of the Year (POY) for their efforts to enhance teaching and learning and keep our students on the path toward a bright future.

Every year, each campus selects a TOY to recognize their contribution in the classroom and throughout the campus learning community. These teachers are up for a chance to be selected as the District’s Secondary TOY, announced in early May. District winners will have the opportunity to go on and compete for the region and state TOY title.

This year, campuses were also given the option to participate in the inaugural year of the District’s POY Program. Campuses who elected to participate, submitted their winners for the District showcase.

For the showcases, campus principals were asked to share a few words about their winners and what makes them great.

The District and Texas TOY program awards teachers until the next school year. Therefore, they are awarded and named TOY for the next year and not the current year.

Middle School Teachers and Paraprofessionals of the Year

C.D. Fulkes Middle School

Austin Pryor

Teacher of the Year

Austin Pryor, 7th Grade Math
“Austin is the consummate teacher, even with a few years of experience. He has commanded the respect of teachers and students with his quiet but confident leadership and engaging lessons. Students always describe his class as a fun way to learn math. He has become a leader on our campus with Data-driven instruction and led PD on his use of proficiency scales with students. He is also an integral part of our Ground Works team, which has worked to solidify our campus-wide expectations. He regularly attends students events in the evenings, hosts a Gaming club after school, and always is available for tutoring. Mr. Pryor is a teacher I would aspire all teachers to become.” – Kathy Cawthron, C.D. Fulkes Middle School Principal

Canyon Vista Middle School

Austin Boriack

Teacher of the Year

Austin Boriack, 8th Grade Science
“Austin Boriack exemplifies everything one looks for in a great teacher and campus leader. He has helped his department, new teachers on campus, the administration, and the campus. He fills many roles, is an amazing team member, and is always willing to help anyone. He is kind, inclusive, an amazing human being, and a huge asset to our students and staff. To sum it up in one word, he is rising!” – Nicole Hagerty, Canyon Vista Middle School Principal
Dalia Granados

Paraprofessional of the Year

Dalia Granados, Receptionist
“For starters, she does EVERYTHING! Dalia has and continues to be such a huge asset to Canyon Vista. She is usually the first smiling face you see when you enter the school and the voice you hear when you call the school. She goes above and beyond to help anybody and everybody with anything, and does it all with a warm Mustang smile.” – Nicole Hagerty, Canyon Vista Middle School Principal

Cedar Valley Middle School

Robert Kaltenbacher

Teacher of the Year

Robert Kaltenbacher, Math
“Mr. Kaltenbacher is a force of relentless positivity and embraces any challenge, which is especially important during this difficult year. His calm, friendly demeanor and willingness to try anything makes him an asset to our campus! Mr. Kaltenbacher truly gives of himself. Students know they can come in for help, and he will be there for them. He develops strong relationships with students and creates an engaging and positive classroom environment. Also, Robert is continually helpful to other teachers. Mr. Kaltenbacher is an excellent teacher. He has a lot of patience with the students. If you do not understand the math, he will walk you through it every step of the way. He always tries to help us understand if we don’t, and he asks us if we need help. He is hilarious, caring, and understanding. He makes math a little more fun, making math seem easier. Mr. Kaltenbacher embodies the Jaguar spirit of being a servant leader for both his students and other faculty members.” – J.R. Hughes, Cedar Valley Middle School Principal
Ana Trejo

Paraprofessional of the Year

Ana Trejo, Custodian
“Tireless dedication, commitment, and flexibility. These traits describe Ana perfectly in a year of shortages and change. Ana always demonstrates the utmost professionalism and delivers with a smile and kind words. She pushes through and never changes her ‘can do’ attitude and kind heart! Whenever she’s asked to do something, she never says no. Ana always carries a smile, says hello, and is always cracking jokes. She is friendly, joy-filled, respectful to everyone she works with, and always smiles, making my day brighter every time. She is wonderful and takes pride in keeping our school clean and looking beautiful! She goes above and beyond, especially during this time of COVID-19, to make sure her custodial staff is up to date on the latest ways to keep all of us safe and healthy. She works extra hard, and she always makes sure our rooms, halls, and cafeteria are clean.” – J.R. Hughes, Cedar Valley Middle School Principal

Chisholm Trail Middle School

Jared Adams

Teacher of the Year

Jared Adams, Band Director
In the words of his peers, “He has done so much this year to keep his class fun for students and to spread a positive energy in his department. He has led Fine Arts and helped with anything we ask for. He is always in the halls helping out and talking to students.” “Caring to all students, respectful to all faculty, always willing to help out.” “Dedicated, Truly cares about our school and has done an amazing job leading the transition of leadership in fine arts.” “He is there for his students. Always tries to help them do their best and get the best out of them.” He has always stayed super positive, welcoming, and a quiet leader on campus.” “He stays out of the negative talk and is always going above and beyond to solve problems for the good of the entire district.” “Finds a way to connect with kids (in spite of the degree of difficulty the past couple of years have presented).” “Jared jumped into his new role as Head Band Director at CTMS with both feet! He has implemented new ideas and opportunities for our students! His passion, dedication and enthusiasm for his work shows!!!” – Staff members at Chisholm Trail Middle School
Michelle Santos

Paraprofessional of the Year

Michelle Santos, Administrative Associate
“She is so calm and nice even when she has a ton on her plate. She is always taking care of everyone.” “She has managed to keep the campus running in impossible situations. She takes a lot from kids, from staff, from everyone. She keeps pushing forward with everything that goes into running our school. Without Michelle, I am not sure where this campus would be.” “The juggling act of her day-to-day work life seems like complete madness. And she’s handled it every day; always keeps the ball rolling forward.” “Ultimate team player and makes this place run; literally could not do it without her.” “The sub coverage coordinating alone should qualify her for this award. She has been doing so much to keep the school day going.” “Michelle has worked so hard this challenging year to ensure that our days run smoothly, and we are doing what is best to ensure our kids’ needs are met appropriately. She also took on many jobs at the beginning of the year to ensure that we could start school on a strong note. She’s amazing.” “Runs this campus, always polite and helpful.” – Staff Members, Chisholm Trail Middle School

Deerpark Middle School

Casey Burns

Teacher of the Year

Casey Burns, 7th Grade Math
“Ms. Burns has excelled as a teacher, New Teacher coach, and Student Council sponsor. So many students and teachers have been touched by her dedication and care to this profession. Ms. Burns goes above and beyond in every way! She is a well-prepared and masterful teacher who is extremely organized and hard-working. She offers her time as Student Council Sponsor, on several committees, and in grade-level and school-wide leadership roles. Ms. Burns exhibits a level of dedication that is unmatched. To her students, which speak highly of her character, leadership, and stewardship; and to her colleagues, for which she goes the extra mile time and again to ensure their success. She is always there to help and support every soul on this campus, and for that, she should be recognized. On top of Casey’s focus on math (she has students in her room EVERY lunch) and relational practices (she’s thoughtful about how she fosters relationships with students), she is overseeing the growth of our new teachers with enthusiasm and support by being the mentor coach for them. Ms. Burns always has the students’ best interests at heart. She leads by example and is always positive. She is truly amazing!” – John Manning, Deerpark Middle School Principal
Odila "Odie" Martinez

Paraprofessional of the Year

Odila "Odie" Martinez, Lead Custodian
“Odie is here before you arrive and well after you leave; our lead campus caretaker is surely one of the hardest working staff members of Deerpark. She is gracious and generous with her time. Odie always gets the job done, whatever that might be. You’d never know that the custodial services were understaffed with the dedication and effort put forth by her team to keep our campus running clean and orderly. Ms. Odie always says one thing when asked to do something. ‘I’ll be there.’ She never complains and always has a smile on her face. She cares for the school and its residents. She is AMAZING!” – John Manning, Deerpark Middle School Principal

Grisham Middle School

Kristen Hendricks

Teacher of the Year

Kristen Hendricks, 8th Grade Special Education
“Kristen has recently taken over the leadership role of Special Education Department Chair. In these unprecedented times and with a department that is not fully staffed, her team has flourished, taking care of all of our Special Education students without missing a beat, managing paperwork, covering minutes, teaching her classes, and instilling our District Leadership values of including all by being an advocate for all students, investing in growth by mentoring special education teachers new to education, and inspires action every day by leading and supporting teachers with compassion and understanding.” – Amanda Serna-Castro, Grisham Middle School Principal
Nichole Warren

Paraprofessional of the Year

Nichole Warren, Adminstrative Assistant
“Mrs. Nichole Warren is our administrative assistant; you can find her in the Main Office doing everything from organizing substitute lists, managing schedules, taking care of teacher needs, supporting the Administration, working with students one-on-one, slaying dragons, you name it, she does it! We are so lucky to have had Mrs. Warren here at Grisham for many years, and she continues to shine in all the shoes she fills daily!” – Amanda Serna-Castro, Grisham Middle School Principal

Hernandez Middle School

Mariah Faust

Teacher of the Year

Mariah Faust, Theatre Arts
“She demonstrates proficiency in her content area and engages a wide variety of students each day in her classroom. As new students move into her class throughout the year, she maintains a high level of learning while also being inclusive of her new students. She coordinates and directs multiple performances throughout the year, including our school’s musical. As the Fine Arts Department Head, she organizes and leads many school events, including Veteran’s Day, HeMS Caroling Trip Future Bulldog Day, our School’s Talent Show (coming this year), and UIL Impromptu Speaking. These events require her to collaborate with colleagues at Hernandez and teachers and administrators throughout the District. She leads these events with extreme organization and excellent communication skills, and they are always successful. She motivates students to work hard and take leadership roles inside and outside the classroom. She teaches them life skills and theater skills that they carry with them for the rest of their lives on and off the stage. She teaches them how to direct a show, utilize communication/collaboration in high-stress environments, as well as practice and take ownership in their learning and performances.” – Dr. Patricia Ephlin, Hernandez Middle School Principal
Maria Halfhill

Paraprofessional of the Year

Maria Halfhill, ESL Educational Assistant
“Maria is an amazing asset to our campus. She is willing to help out our campus in any way she can. She is collaborative and flexible. She builds relationships with students and works with teachers daily. She ALWAYS has a positive attitude and is someone we can count on!” – Dr. Patricia Ephlin, Hernandez Middle School Principal

Hopewell Middle School

Christonna Jones

Teacher of the Year

Christonna Jones, Athletics
“Coach Jones is an asset to our Hopewell community in many ways. She builds positive relationships with all students and does so much more than just “be a coach”; she is also a mentor. Her influence is felt throughout the school in the relationships she builds with the students and her willingness to help other staff members in any way she can. She has ongoing, positive communication with her parents and values the relationships she builds within our community. Coach Jones always has an upbeat and ‘can do’ attitude that is infectious and enhances the athletic department’s ability to work cohesively as a team and encourages all staff to look for the good. Students seek her out and view her as a safe space because of her compassion and empathy. She is highly respected by students and does whatever she can to help them develop into caring and responsible adults.” – Lynda Garinger, Hopewell Middle School Principal
Rosanne Heaps

Paraprofessional of the Year

Alice Rivera, Receptionist and Sub Coordinator
“Ms. Rivera is always welcoming and professional at the front window. Our parents know her and love her. This year, she has worked relentlessly to ensure classes are covered, and students are getting the best substitute possible. She goes out of her way to call substitutes at home, encouraging them to come in and spend time at our campus with our great kids. Most importantly, she takes the time to make sure that the same employees are not asked to cover classes all the time. When a teacher comes to her with an emergency and needs to leave campus, she supports them and tells them to go and take care of themselves and their family and that we will take care of their kids. Alice has empathy, kindness, and determination. She never gives up. I am so excited for her to be recognized as Paraprofessional of the Year, as this is her last year with Round Rock ISD. She will be retiring this summer, and she will be missed.” – Lynda Garinger, Hopewell Middle School Principal

Pearson Ranch Middle School

Alex Moore

Teacher of the Year

Alex Moore, CTE and Spanish
“Alex is one of the most innovative teachers I have ever met! Alex teaches both Computer Science and also teaches Spanish! How unique is that? He also is a cross country coach. Honestly, no one has met something Alex cannot do. When Alex is launching observation balloons into the clouds with his students, you can find him taking our students on virtual field trips to Spain using the VR Goggles or teaching kids intro to coding principles by having them compete in Sphero battles! Alex is an integral part of our “STEAM Team,” a group of teachers that help spread science and tech principles to other courses. Alex embodies innovative teaching methods to help students be career and college ready. Did you know Alex taught Intro to Computer science to the McNeil student who scored a PERFECT score on the Computer Science AP test? Alex would be a great ambassador for our District at the region and state level.” – Monica Collins, Pearson Ranch Middle School Principal
Elaine Wyzykowski

Paraprofessional of the Year

Elaine Wyzykowski, Administrative Associate
“Elaine is our administrative associate at Pearson Ranch. She wears many hats and has many responsibilities. She works to keep our budget out of the red and makes sure everyone has the resources they need to be successful. She interfaces with the District HR staff to ensure our Pearson staff has the info they need and works with our Attendance specialist to ensure we are fully staffed. Elaine always puts out the red carpet whenever we host special events, so our staff or visitors feel pampered. Elaine is such a boost to campus culture and morale. She is always positive, upbeat, and caring. Elaine is the glue that holds the campus together; we are so fortunate to have her at Pearson Ranch!” – Monica Collins, Pearson Ranch Middle School Principal

Ridgeview Middle School

Julia Oldham

Teacher of the Year

Julia Oldham, 6-8 Functional Academic Classroom
“Ms. Oldham does an amazing job working with our special needs students. She ensures that all of her students feel welcomed and loved. She has a huge heart and loves her students. She’s optimistic and upbeat and makes the best out of difficult situations. Her positive energy and bubbly personality rub off on the students and staff who work with her. She loves the school and community and supports and encourages students and staff members who she doesn’t even work with. She makes Ridgeview a better place.” – Heath Walz, Ridgeview Middle School Principal
Art Jimenez

Paraprofessional of the Year

Art Jimenez, FOCUS Support
“He is an invaluable part of the Ridgeview family, one of the hearts of this campus that keep us all going and positive. He always has a kind word for fellow staff members and a firm but loving way with the students. Ridgeview would not be the same without him on campus. Mr. Jimenez is always in a positive mood, and he is constantly engaging with students and building relationships with them. He is always present, visible, first thing in the morning and at the end of the day. He is ALWAYS with students, interacting with them. We appreciate his presence on our campus, ensuring students are safe and feeling positive about their days. Our students stated the following: Every morning, I look forward to seeing Mr. Jimenez. Every morning he gives me and my friends high fives and is overall really nice and so helpful with everything he is also hilarious. He is always there to greet me in the mornings and always has a funny story to tell. We are blessed to have Mr. Jimenez on our staff. We are thankful for all of his hard work.” – Heath Walz, Ridgeview Middle School Principal

Walsh Middle School

Sharon Eskenazi

Teacher of the Year

Sharon Eskenazi, 6th Grade World Cultures
“Sharon strives to provide her students with a balanced and informed education. She stands up for all of her students, but especially she has a heart for those at risk for any number of reasons. Sharon seeks to educate all of us, not just her students, on what is equitable and just. She goes above and beyond all expectations. Her desire to provide the best possible education to every student in this building is unmatched. She is also a supportive and dependable colleague.” – Rudy Reyes, Walsh Middle School Principal
Kristin Martinez

Paraprofessional of the Year

Kristin Martinez, Administrative Associate
“Kristin is the backbone of our school! She runs the front office so smoothly and with such grace and calmness! Kristin is a queen of multitasking. I spent five minutes at the front to help out, and it is a true juggling act to keep up with the numerous responsibilities! She has the patience of a Goddess dealing with us and the insane amount of sub planning work she takes care of!” – Rudy Reyes, Walsh Middle School Principal

High School Teachers of and Paraprofessionals the Year

Cedar Ridge High School

Kristie Copeland

Teacher of the Year

Kristie Copeland, Theatre Director

“Mrs. Copeland serves as our head Theater director and puts on several experiences and shows throughout the school year, such as Movies at the Ridge, Zombie Experience, Children’s Show, Yearly Musical, 24-Hour Musical, UIL One-Act Play, and Shakespeare in the Courtyard. Kristie is committed to providing the best educational opportunities for our students in the program and producing the most high-quality shows compared to other high schools in the District every year. She goes above and beyond to reach every kid. In May 2020, our Theater Production of Legally Blonde won the Best Production and Choreography at the Greater Austin High School Musical Theater Awards. This award is equivalent to the Grammy Awards for high school musicals and is a HUGE accomplishment. Throughout the pandemic, she and her team always put students first to creatively figure out a way to provide safe and healthful experiences. A good example of that is the Movies at the Theater, which received many recognitions from the District. Kristie’s commitment and love for our students do not go unnoticed.” – Jiae Kim, Cedar Ridge High School Principal

Susan Cantu

Paraprofessional of the Year

Susan Cantu, Administrative Assistant to the Principal

“Congratulations to Mrs. Susan Cantu, Mrs. Kim’s Administrative Assistant, for being named the Paraprofessional of the Year! Mrs. Cantu is the problem solver for all things here at CRHS. While assisting all things Mrs. Kim-related, she organizes events for staff, collects gift cards, subs in the front office, takes care of all sorts of questions and emails that come from students, parents, and staff at all hours of the day, orders food for all of us when necessary, helps with sub coverage, talks with the District personnel to communicate about our facility needs, while answering phones, and the list won’t stop. She’s dedicated to serving our campus, and her hard work is what allows us to operate so well daily.” – Jiae Kim, Cedar Ridge High School Principal

Early College High School

Adrian Barrera

Teacher of the Year

Adrian Barrera, Chemistry
“Adrian goes above and beyond for his co-workers and his students. He is a team player, relational, and a positive role model. He makes science fun and is constantly adapting to keep his students engaged. Students love walking into Mr. Barrera’s classroom!” – Dr. Elizabeth Wilson, Early College High School Principal
Karen Vaughn

Paraprofessional of the Year

Karen Vaughn, Senior Administrative Associate
“Karen is always willing to help even when she is busy and has a list of things to do; she stops what she is doing to help this campus run. She supports students and teachers in any way necessary. She keeps the campus running and is the most caring, kind, and compassionate person.” – Dr. Elizabeth Wilson, Early College High School Principal

McNeil High School

Andrea Larson

Teacher of the Year

Andrea Larson, 9-12 English Language Learners
“Andrea works as a teacher while also managing our ELL program. She is pulled in so many directions, and yet she still treats everyone with kindness and respect. The students in her classes count on her to help them navigate what school and life are like in the US. ELL teachers in our District regularly reach out for questions and look to her for best practices in teaching and supporting our ELLs. Though many people strive to make a difference in the world and lives of others, there are some people that you meet and know for certain will achieve it. Andrea is that person. Not only does she manage the weight of program responsibilities, but she also finds time to teach inspiring classes, write curriculum for the District, support new teachers, and tirelessly advocate for kids’ needs. Andrea has truly made Round Rock ISD a better place for ALL ELLs because of her dedication to her work. Andrea continues to be a pinnacle example of what it means to be an educator – a person with unwavering compassion for students, drive to improve instruction for all learners, and the passion for helping other teachers.” – Amanda Johnson, McNeil High School Principal
Rae Ann Carrizales

Paraprofessional of the Year

Rae Ann Carrizales, Administrative Assistant
“Rae Ann is a rockstar sub organizer. We would be a mess without her this year. Miracle maker extraordinaire in this year of Guest Educator shortages! She has worked miracles when there seemed to be NO hope left. Rae Ann’s ability to forge positive relationships with Guest Educators, Faculty, and Staff has allowed her to create great solutions to our staffing problems. Rae Ann has handled the extra duties of her job this year with a smile and grace. Ms. Carrizales has been a vital support this school year! She remains very calm and sweet and keeps a great sense of humor through all the stress! I am grateful for her dedication and feel lucky to have her work on our campus! Ms. Carrizales is always kind and supportive when working with all staff and Guest Educators. She has had to go above and beyond this year!” – Amanda Johnson, McNeil High School Principal

Round Rock High School

Cynthia Clement

Teacher of the Year

Cynthia Clement, AVID
“Cynthia Clement goes above and beyond working with her students. She gives so much to each of them to help them become successful. She is kind and compassionate. She gives her time, money, energy, and love to teaching. She is absolutely amazing.” – Matt Groff, Round Rock High School Principal
Betsy Olmeda

Paraprofessional of the Year

Betsy Olmeda, Receptionist
“Betsy is the face of the RRHS. RRHS is the largest campus in central Texas, so Betsy is more than likely to have more interactions with people than anyone daily. She comes to work every day as all POY winners do, with a great attitude, smile, teammates, student-first philosophy, servant’s heart, etc. A couple of things that set Besty apart is that she is giving of her personal time. This year she knew the goal at RRHS was to love on the staff, and she took that a step further by cooking over 1,000 cookies (on her dime) for the staff. One day Betsy walked into my office and asked if anyone was organizing the “Spirit of Giving” at RRHS. We did not have anyone organizing the event, so she volunteered her time to organize all the RRHS teachers to grant gifts to 162 RRISD students. She also used her skills and time to turn the RRHS reception area into a welcoming environment by painting and making decorative items with her 3-D printer. Despite those above and beyond stories, Betsy is by far the best Receptionist I have ever worked with in my 25 years.” – Matt Groff, Round Rock High School Principal

Stony Point High School

Molly Perkins

Teacher of the Year

Molly Perkins, Math
“Molly is an amazing teacher who, year in and year out, always inspires and forms great relationships with her students. Students are drawn to her warm personality and her love for math. Molly loves teaching, and it shows daily in her classroom. Molly led the math department for many years as the department chair, and she is a founding faculty member at Stony Point. Since the school’s opening, her contributions have been very significant, and she is an asset to this campus and Round Rock ISD. She has made many positive impacts and connections with students, faculty, and parents. She is kind, hardworking, and passionate about her work. There is no person on the campus more deserving of TOY recognition.” – Anthony Watson, Stony Point High School Principal

Success High School

Julie Fleischmann

Teacher of the Year

Julie Fleischmann, High School Social Studies
“Julie reflects both leadership qualities in her role of Social Studies department lead and team member for her department and the entire campus by her accessibility and attention to detail. She went through the curriculum in Edgenuity and made sure the guided notes for the courses were aligned and up-to-date for the students. She even spent her summer writing curriculums so that our students would have more course options. Julie goes above and beyond in student relationship building through lasting and impactful connections. She is well-respected by her colleagues and is always there to lend an ear or a helping hand. Julie is always a team player who has gone above and beyond with the social studies department and helped make Success an even better learning environment for the students. She has created Guided notes where there were NONE; she has created new courses for our diverse students and set up an excellent extended online program for home learners. I could not be prouder to be on her team, and she is most deserving of this acknowledgment. Awesome teacher! Great advisor! She also takes time to develop new curriculum for students.” – Jerrod Gertsema, Success High School Principal

Westwood High School

Amanda Bass

Teacher of the Year

Amanda Bass, ESL
“Amanda is a great example of a teacher who goes above and beyond for all of her students and each ESL student at the school. Her skill set goes beyond just good instruction in the classroom and involves providing wrap-around services for any student in need. It could be basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter, or help in a time of family crisis such as a death or illness in the family. She is a tireless student advocate. She has developed great relationships with other teachers and staff and is a pleasure to work with. Amanda is a true asset to the school, and we’re fortunate to have her! Amanda is a fierce advocate for her students yet holds them accountable for their choices and actions. She is also an advocate and resource for the families of her students. Her expertise in the classroom is matched by her helpfulness to the counselors and administrators, her department, and any staff member who needs her particular skill set. She has made our ESL program what it is today. She is truly deserving of the District recognition as someone who changes the lives of the students and families she supports.” – Dr. Mario Acosta, Westwood High School Principal
Carol Hickey

Paraprofessional of the Year

Carol Hickey, Receptionist and Sub Coordinator
“Westwood HS would not have survived this school year without Carol Hickey. She is our receptionist and our sub coordinator. Due to COVID protocols, all parent and student traffic had to funnel through the receptionist. She handled so many people with grace and attentiveness. She is a beaming bright light for the entire Westwood community. Furthermore, Carol was tasked with coordinating subs in a year when subs were unavailable. Carol managed to cover classes for teachers by managing an ever-changing labyrinth of complexity, and she did it all with a big smile on her face. This school year, she carried such a heavy load through two very visible positions. She is beyond deserving of this recognition! It is my honor to nominate her as our Westwood HS paraprofessional of the year!” – Dr. Mario Acosta, Westwood High School Principal

Alternative Education Teachers of and Paraprofessionals the Year

GOALS Learning Center

Leslie Manzi

Teacher of the Year

Leslie Manzi, 6-12 Social Skills, Technology, Intervention; 6th Grade Science; Independent Living
“Ms. Manzi is creative and flexible instructionally and greatly supports her students and colleagues. She develops unique and engaging lessons to keep our students moving forward and improving both academically and socially by leaps and bounds. Ms. Manzi is also one of our most skilled behaviorists implementing Boys Town with fidelity and finesse!” – Jackie Hartle, GOALS Learning Center Principal
Arlene Fontenot

Paraprofessional of the Year

Arlene Fontenot, Educational Assistant
“Ms. Fontenot genuinely connects with her students and honors them as people. She models continual learning and growth by seeking more information when uncertain and using a systematic approach to improve different operational aspects of the campus, from breakfast to building student relationships. Her positivity and light shine through from her every day making all around her feel better in her presence.” – Jackie Hartle, GOALS Learning Center Principal

Round Rock Opportunity Center

Brian Lebansky

Teacher of the Year

Brian Lebansky, High School Science
“Brian Lebansky has done an outstanding job this year. He continued his exemplary dedication to all students at the RROC, but he has also helped prepare lessons for Ms. Chong, our long-term science substitute. Mr. Lebansky was one of the teachers temporarily assigned to another campus last year and taught virtual and in-person classes this year while serving our stakeholders and community. Mr. Lebansky has never once complained about any of it. As a teacher, he goes above and beyond, has a total commitment to what he does, and holds students to high expectations of learning and conduct. Brian Lebansky embodies everything that a TOY should be.” – Donald Bosier, Round Rock Opportunity Center Principal
Round Rock ISD Logo

Paraprofessional of the Year

Sandy Davis, Orientation procedures and family connections with transportation and family services
“Sandy passed away doing what she loved…serving our students, parents, staff, and community.” – Donald Bosier, Round Rock Opportunity Center Principal