Corpus Christi ISD names Director of Early College & Workforce Education
Corpus Christi ISD has named Dr. Krystal Watson the Director of Early College and Workforce Education, which leads Collegiate High School and Harold T. Branch Academy for Career and Technical Education.
Dr. Watson succeeds Dr. Tracie Rodriguez, who was recently named the district’s assistant superintendent for school leadership-high schools.
Dr. Watson began her career with CCISD in 2006 as an English teacher at Moody High School. She later taught English at Collegiate High School and most recently served as dean of student services at Branch Academy.
She earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in English, as well as a doctorate in curriculum and instruction, all from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Watson into this leadership role,” Superintendent Dr. Roland Hernandez said. “Her knowledge of and experience at both campuses provide valuable insight as we continue to expand opportunities for students and prepare them for success in college and the workforce.”
Corpus Christi ISD has named Dr. Krystal Watson the Director of Early College and Workforce Education, which leads Collegiate High School and Harold T. Branch Academy for Career and Technical Education.
Dr. Watson succeeds Dr. Tracie Rodriguez, who was recently named the district’s assistant superintendent for school leadership-high schools.
Dr. Watson began her career with CCISD in 2006 as an English teacher at Moody High School. She later taught English at Collegiate High School and most recently served as dean of student services at Branch Academy.
She earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in English, as well as a doctorate in curriculum and instruction, all from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Watson into this leadership role,” Superintendent Dr. Roland Hernandez said. “Her knowledge of and experience at both campuses provide valuable insight as we continue to expand opportunities for students and prepare them for success in college and the workforce.”
Corpus Christi ISD receives Superior Achievement Rating from Texas financial accountability system
Corpus Christi ISD has achieved a Superior Achievement Rating for the 24th consecutive year from Schools FIRST, Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas.
This is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. The district’s score was 92 out of 100, resulting in an “A” rating. The rating was announced during the Oct. 26 Board of Trustees meeting.
The primary goal of Schools FIRST is to achieve quality performance in the management of school districts’ financial resources.
Maintaining a strong record of financial accountability for 24 years is a testament to our district’s commitment to responsible financial management,” Superintendent Dr. Roland Hernandez said. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff to making sound financial decisions that allow us to maximize resources and continue providing quality educational opportunities for our students.”
Corpus Christi ISD has achieved a Superior Achievement Rating for the 24th consecutive year from Schools FIRST, Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas.
This is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. The district’s score was 92 out of 100, resulting in an “A” rating. The rating was announced during the Oct. 26 Board of Trustees meeting.
The primary goal of Schools FIRST is to achieve quality performance in the management of school districts’ financial resources.
Maintaining a strong record of financial accountability for 24 years is a testament to our district’s commitment to responsible financial management,” Superintendent Dr. Roland Hernandez said. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff to making sound financial decisions that allow us to maximize resources and continue providing quality educational opportunities for our students.”
🍎 Board recognitions 🍎
During the Oct. 26 Board of Trustees meeting, the board recognized the following:
🍎Students from Garcia Elementary School for reciting the pledges
🍎Education Human Resources Day
🍎 October Above the Line winners
🍎College Board student qualifiers (Ray High School)
🍎Denise Caldera, Texas Teacher of the Year
During the Oct. 26 Board of Trustees meeting, the board recognized the following:
🍎Students from Garcia Elementary School for reciting the pledges
🍎Education Human Resources Day
🍎 October Above the Line winners
🍎College Board student qualifiers (Ray High School)
🍎Denise Caldera, Texas Teacher of the Year
CCISD is beginning to plan the 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 school calendars. We want to know what is most important to you. Our short survey asks about school start and end dates, intersession, holidays, and teacher planning days. Your feedback will help us create sample calendars for both school years.
Take the survey: https://ccisd.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cBKvUqTicjQIzHM
Thank you for your feedback!
Take the survey: https://ccisd.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cBKvUqTicjQIzHM
Thank you for your feedback!
Have you voted yet?
Early voting is underway through Friday, Oct. 30. Several CCISD campuses are welcoming voters and providing safe, accessible polling locations.
🗳️Dorothy Adkins Middle School, 2404 Ennis Joslin Road
🗳️Mary Carroll High School, 3202 Saratoga Blvd.
🗳️Elliott Grant Middle School, 4350 Aaron Dr.
🗳️Carl O. Hamlin Middle School, 3850 S. Staples St.
🗳️Veterans Memorial High School, 3750 Cimarron Blvd.
Early voting is underway through Friday, Oct. 30. Several CCISD campuses are welcoming voters and providing safe, accessible polling locations.
🗳️Dorothy Adkins Middle School, 2404 Ennis Joslin Road
🗳️Mary Carroll High School, 3202 Saratoga Blvd.
🗳️Elliott Grant Middle School, 4350 Aaron Dr.
🗳️Carl O. Hamlin Middle School, 3850 S. Staples St.
🗳️Veterans Memorial High School, 3750 Cimarron Blvd.
Today's Board of Trustees Meeting begins at 5 p.m.
Watch live: https://www.ccisd.us/page/board-meetings
The meeting will also be streamed on the district's Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@ccisdcommunications8354
Gifted and Talented applications are available online now!
Questions? Contact the Office of Advanced Academics at 361-695-7221.
💻 More information: https://www.ccisd.us/o/ccisd/page/testing-application
Questions? Contact the Office of Advanced Academics at 361-695-7221.
💻 More information: https://www.ccisd.us/o/ccisd/page/testing-application
CCISD Police kicked off Red Ribbon Week at T.G. Allen Elementary School with a visit from McGruff the Crime Dog, a Texas Game Warden helicopter and an important message about staying drug-free! 🚁
Starting Monday, the CCISD Police Department and local agencies will hit the road for the annual Red Ribbon Week Parade, bringing the fun to elementary schools across the district! Thank you to CCISD Police and our community partners for helping students celebrate this year's theme, “Make A Difference, Be a Hero!”
📸 More photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aTaH8gC6tIikVOAhOcgKNNDKYHJCN16q?usp=drive_link
Starting Monday, the CCISD Police Department and local agencies will hit the road for the annual Red Ribbon Week Parade, bringing the fun to elementary schools across the district! Thank you to CCISD Police and our community partners for helping students celebrate this year's theme, “Make A Difference, Be a Hero!”
📸 More photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aTaH8gC6tIikVOAhOcgKNNDKYHJCN16q?usp=drive_link
🍎 Alumni Spotlight 🤠
Meet Tiffany Hector! Tiffany attended Yeager Elementary School, Browne Middle School and Carroll High School. She is the Associate Director of LevelUp Texas at Texas A&M University in College Station.
"Some of the most formative experiences I had during my time in High School were through NJROTC, where my instructors introduced me to concepts in leadership, selfless service, accountability, and the responsibility that comes with developing others. My educators at CCISD taught me that my future was worth investing in, helped me believe that I belonged in spaces I only dreamed about, and showed me what it looks like to develop others with high expectations and genuine belief in their potential. I have carried those lessons with me ever since."
Are you a proud graduate of Corpus Christi ISD? ✏️ Please take a moment to fill out the alumni form: https://bit.ly/44xNm0t
Meet Tiffany Hector! Tiffany attended Yeager Elementary School, Browne Middle School and Carroll High School. She is the Associate Director of LevelUp Texas at Texas A&M University in College Station.
"Some of the most formative experiences I had during my time in High School were through NJROTC, where my instructors introduced me to concepts in leadership, selfless service, accountability, and the responsibility that comes with developing others. My educators at CCISD taught me that my future was worth investing in, helped me believe that I belonged in spaces I only dreamed about, and showed me what it looks like to develop others with high expectations and genuine belief in their potential. I have carried those lessons with me ever since."
Are you a proud graduate of Corpus Christi ISD? ✏️ Please take a moment to fill out the alumni form: https://bit.ly/44xNm0t
Menger Elementary School Principal Dr. Christina Barrera recently traveled to Washington, D.C., where she was officially recognized as a member of the 2026 National Distinguished Principals Class!
The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) honored Dr. Barrera for her outstanding leadership, dedication to student success and commitment to creating an engaging learning environment. Dr. Barrera earned the title of 2026 National Distinguished Principal for Texas in May and now joins an exceptional group of school leaders from across the nation!
Join us in congratulating Dr. Barrera for this incredible national honor! 🍎👏
The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) honored Dr. Barrera for her outstanding leadership, dedication to student success and commitment to creating an engaging learning environment. Dr. Barrera earned the title of 2026 National Distinguished Principal for Texas in May and now joins an exceptional group of school leaders from across the nation!
Join us in congratulating Dr. Barrera for this incredible national honor! 🍎👏
Corpus Christi ISD is proud to celebrate four talented student artists whose work was selected to represent CCISD at the 2026 txEDCON in Houston. 🎨🖼️
Helen Perez, Natalie Rodriguez, Sadie Vasquez and Ayden Benal Musiq Willie had their artwork showcased alongside outstanding student creations from across Texas. Congratulations to these young artists on this special achievement! 👏
Helen Perez, Natalie Rodriguez, Sadie Vasquez and Ayden Benal Musiq Willie had their artwork showcased alongside outstanding student creations from across Texas. Congratulations to these young artists on this special achievement! 👏
Congratulations to Ella Barnes Elementary School student Alexander Padron for winning the Padre Island National Seashore Youth Art Contest! 🐢🎨
Alexander’s amazing artwork will be featured on the 2027 Padre Island National Seashore Annual Pass. Join us in celebrating his achievement!👏🎉
Alexander’s amazing artwork will be featured on the 2027 Padre Island National Seashore Annual Pass. Join us in celebrating his achievement!👏🎉
Corpus Christi ISD earned second place in the Medium District of the Year category at the 2026 Texas Summies Awards on Oct. 17.🎉🍎
The award recognizes the district's success in helping students who are learning English strengthen their language and reading skills through Summit K12's Connect to Literacy program.
Districts were recognized based on student progress in learning English, use of the program and how effectively it supports student learning.
The award recognizes the district's success in helping students who are learning English strengthen their language and reading skills through Summit K12's Connect to Literacy program.
Districts were recognized based on student progress in learning English, use of the program and how effectively it supports student learning.
Congratulations to King High School English teacher Jennifer Parmenter on being named the City of Corpus Christi's Teacher of the Month!
Parmenter has been with CCISD for three years. Her love of English and passion for helping students inspired her to become a teacher. She enjoys helping students grow as readers and writers while building their confidence to express themselves.
"I want them to leave school confident in their ability to pursue their goals and contribute to their communities," Parmenter said.
Parmenter has been with CCISD for three years. Her love of English and passion for helping students inspired her to become a teacher. She enjoys helping students grow as readers and writers while building their confidence to express themselves.
"I want them to leave school confident in their ability to pursue their goals and contribute to their communities," Parmenter said.
🗳️ Early voting starts today!
Several CCISD campuses are serving as polling locations through Friday, Oct. 30.
Find voting locations and election information at https://www.nuecesco.com/elections
Several CCISD campuses are serving as polling locations through Friday, Oct. 30.
Find voting locations and election information at https://www.nuecesco.com/elections
Are you a proud Corpus Christi ISD graduate? We want to hear from you! Share details about your time at CCISD for a chance to be featured on district social media channels and in newsletters.
📝 Alumni Spotlight form: https://form.jotform.com/231626156502046
📝 Alumni Spotlight form: https://form.jotform.com/231626156502046
Ready to take the next step toward college?🎓 Free College Application Week is Oct. 12-18!
Take advantage of this opportunity! 💻 Get started: www.applytexas.org
Take advantage of this opportunity! 💻 Get started: www.applytexas.org
Ready to take the next step toward college?🎓 Free College Application Week is Oct. 12-18!
Take advantage of this opportunity! 💻 Get started: www.applytexas.org
Take advantage of this opportunity! 💻 Get started: www.applytexas.org
🍎Alumni Spotlight 🍎
Meet María Elena Guirre Mendez! María attended Furman Elementary School, Wynn Seale Jr. High and Roy Miller High School. She is a retired educator.
"My time at CCISD taught me to love learning and sharing; this became a strong foundation for my career in teaching students. The person who influenced me the most was my counselor, Corinne Britt. She guided me through my high school years and forged a never-give-up attitude."
Are you a proud graduate of Corpus Christi ISD? ✏️ Please take a moment to fill out the alumni form: https://bit.ly/44xNm0t
Meet María Elena Guirre Mendez! María attended Furman Elementary School, Wynn Seale Jr. High and Roy Miller High School. She is a retired educator.
"My time at CCISD taught me to love learning and sharing; this became a strong foundation for my career in teaching students. The person who influenced me the most was my counselor, Corinne Britt. She guided me through my high school years and forged a never-give-up attitude."
Are you a proud graduate of Corpus Christi ISD? ✏️ Please take a moment to fill out the alumni form: https://bit.ly/44xNm0t
Help us congratulate Denise Caldera, who has been named the 2027 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year! 🏆❤️ This is an incredible honor and a testament to her dedication, passion, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of students. We are beyond proud of this amazing accomplishment!
Today, Denise Caldera, a kindergarten bilingual teacher at Galvan Elementary in Corpus Christi ISD, was named the 2027 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year. Caleb Gamblin, who teaches agricultural sciences at Bangs High School in Bangs ISD, was named the 2027 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year.
Caldera was chosen to represent the state in the National Teacher of the Year competition, making her official title 2027 Texas Teacher of the Year.
Also honored during the luncheon were the 40 Regional Teachers of the Year and the six finalists for Texas Teacher of the Year.
