Round Rock ISD teachers, staff, and departments received $157,300 in 2025–2026 Excellence in Education Grants through the Partners in Education (PIEF) Foundation.
The grants fund innovative programs and initiatives that enhance student learning, staff development, and community engagement. Awards this year ranged from $375 to $5,500, supporting projects in literacy, STEM, social-emotional learning, wellness, professional development, and more.
"It takes all of us to fill in gaps and continue to make our teachers, staff, and students our top priority," said Marianne Reap, Executive Director of PIEF. "What an honor it is to have so many in the community support our Foundation and Round Rock ISD. With the support of the businesses, individuals, staff, and local service organizations, we were able to give back funding support to teachers and departments so they can bring to life their innovative ideas for their students."
Over the last five years, the foundation has awarded more than $426,000 to Round Rock ISD campuses.
“These grants highlight the incredible creativity and dedication of our staff,” said Round Rock ISD Superintendent Dr. Hafedh Azaiez. “We are grateful to the Partners in Education Foundation for supporting projects that not only spark innovation but also create opportunities for every student to thrive.”
2025–2026 Excellence in Education Grant Recipients
Central Administration Georgia Miller – $3,000.00
Assessment Melissa Beltran – $500.00
Athletics Jeff Cheatham – $5,000.00, Tera Hollywood – $500.00
Berkman Arts Integration Academy April Nilson – $3,000.00, Jen Holsinger-Raybourn – $5,000.00, Ryan Wellman – $5,000.00
Blackland Prairie Elementary Shelly Craig – $2,400.00
Brushy Creek Elementary Hannah Marks – $700.00
C.D. Fulkes Middle School Trisha Corona Guinn – $2,000.00
Cactus Ranch Elementary Emily Freeman – $1,500.00
Caldwell Heights Elementary Evelyn Gonzalez – $435.00, Kasey Baize – $475.00
Canyon Creek Elementary Karen Connair – $2,000.00
Caraway Elementary/4th Grade Team- Sarah Lozano – $1,500.00
Chandler Oaks Elementary/Early Childhood- Vanessa Randels – $2,500.00
Chisholm Trail Counseling Department- Stephanie Cooper – $3,000.00
Community Relations Jackie Cyriac – $5,100.00
Counseling Services Steven Clark – $2,000.00
Deep Wood Elementary Kelly Perch – $1,000.00
Early Childhood Department (PreK) Sharilyn Woodall – $2,500.00
Early College High School Robin Foerster – $1,960.00
Families in Transition Anne Grieshop – $3,000.00
Finance Rhonda Rhode – $1,000.00
Forest Creek Elementary Shari Sanders – $1,000.00
Forest Creek Library- Ella Elliott – $900.00
Forest North Elementary Kristen Fournier – $540.00
Gattis Elementary Vanessa Rivasclouston – $2,500.00
Gifted and Advanced Academic Services Michelle Moak – $2,500.00
Great Oaks Elementary Lindsay Brazell – $1,500.00
Health Services Brandy Hafner – $2,600.00
Hernandez Middle School Lianne Hames – $2,500.00
Herrington Elementary Avery Blackburn – $500.00, Hillary Stippick – $440.00
HR Services – Staffing & Talent Acquisition- LisaMarie Rosales – $2,000.00
Human Resource Services Rene Eakins – $2,500.00, Taylor Ratliff – $2,000.00
Human Resources Services – Benefits- Ramona Plasse – $500.00
Instructional Technology Department Anna Davalt – $1,120.00
Library Services Stephanie Inzana – $2,500.00
Live Oak Elementary Lauren Lightfoot – $2,500.00
McNeil High School, Deaf Education- Brit Budd – $2,500.00
Pearson Ranch Middle School Kristen Etheridge – $800.00
Print Services Wendi Randall – $4,100.00
Professional Development Edie Binns – $5,500.00
Purchasing & Materials Management Daniel Poolman –$800.00
Purple Sage Elementary Emily Smith – $375.00
Redbud Elementary Shannon Houston – $1,500.00
Ridgeview Middle School Laura Rice – $2,500.00
Robertson Elementary Talia Garcia – $1,400.00
Round Rock High School, Science Department- Kavita Bhatt – $1,000.00
RRISD Police Ryan Urrutia – $3,000.00
Special Education Department Jackie Hartle – $1,250.00
State and Federal Programs Alejandra Soule – $2,000.00
Stony Point High School, Ceramics (Fine Arts) Annemarie Tritt – $1,000.00
Stony Point High School Library- Christine Carter – $1,200.00
Success High School Blanca Valencia – $3,000.00
Teaching and Learning / Curriculum Department Marie Douglass – $2,500.00
Title I Parent Programs- Debby Mata – $2,680.00
Union Hill Elementary Cindy Ojeda – $1,500.00
In total, 61 projects were funded across Round Rock ISD.