Saturday, May 4, 2024
Granbury ISD announced the appointment and promotion of Julie Rohleder as the new principal of Granbury Middle School. Rohleder has served as the principal of Nettie Baccus Elementary since 2020.
Rohleder will take over for Dr. Andy Smith, who served as principal at GMS for three years. Smith resigned from the district Dec. 7 to pursue new career opportunities. Both Smith and Rohleder will finish out the remainder of the school year at their current campuses before the official transition of leadership at GMS. Rohleder will soon meet with GMS students, staff and families to begin preparation for the next school year.
“We are excited to have Julie Rohleder’s leadership at GMS,” GISD Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Glenn said in a press release that announced Rohleder’s new role. “She is a champion for public education and a dedicated, proven leader (who) will be a tremendous asset to GMS. I look forward to seeing all she will accomplish with the students, staff and families at GMS. I would also like to thank Dr. Andy Smith for his three years of leadership and dedication to Granbury ISD, serving as principal of GMS. We wish him the very best in his next professional chapter.”
Rohleder has 26 years of experience in public education, starting in Joshua ISD as an elementary math specialist. After serving as an assistant principal in Keene ISD, she returned to Joshua ISD where she was named an assistant principal, curriculum coordinator, and later principal of Caddo Grove Elementary before coming to Baccus Elementary.
She shared with the HCN that she never planned to be a principal as she had always wanted to be a teacher in the classroom adding that “one day it just happened.”
Since arriving at Baccus, Rohleder has helped lead the campus, turning it around from being TEA-targeted to elevating the status from an F rating to a high B and narrowly missing an A rating in just two years. She also highlighted other accomplishments while serving at Baccus including Science Night at the Fort Worth Museum, to Christmas Village and Stargazing Parties to Family Bingo Nights.
“Baccus has become a beloved family that is working together to connect with families and community to strengthen student growth and achievement. I'm so thrilled I got to be a part of that,” Rohleder expressed.
Rohleder plans to observing the GMS campus to see where it can continue to move forward in doing what is best for the students. After attending a training last year, her interest in middle school sparked.
“This transition will give me fresh perspective and new experiences as an administrator. I'm excited to make an impact with students at different age levels and work with more amazing parents and educators in Granbury ISD,” Rohleder told the HCN. “My goal will be to bridge the gap between elementary and middle school as well as tighten systems and procedures in order to continue creating a positive learning environment at GMS.”
She shared with the HCN she most looks forward to seeing students grow at different levels while also getting to enjoy different experiences with them.
“Middle school is a critical time for students as they undergo significant physical, emotional and cognitive changes,” Rohleder added. “I am looking forward to playing a vital role in supporting them in developing as a whole by providing resources and tools to meet their unique needs. I’m also excited for the opportunity to support the amazing staff at GMS.”
Rohleder holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in education administration from Tarleton State University.
Granbury ISD is currently in the process of identifying a new principal for Baccus Elementary.
