Royal ISD will welcome two new leaders to the RISD Leadership team for the upcoming school year-both experienced public educators and leaders in their fields of advanced academics, counseling, and communications! Read more below!
Denise Ward-Director of Advanced Academics & Counseling
Denise Ward joins Royal ISD with more than 20 years of experience in public education, most recently serving as a High School Lead Counselor in Katy ISD. Her experience includes roles as a teacher, campus testing coordinator and counselor, providing her with a well-rounded understanding of both instructional and student support systems. Throughout her career, she has led initiatives focused on college and career readiness, graduation planning, crisis response, student advocacy and counseling program development.
Mrs. Ward also brings strong knowledge of advanced academics, including supporting students and families through course selection, dual credit opportunities, Advanced Placement pathways, graduation endorsements, CCMR readiness and equitable access to rigorous academic programming. She has collaborated with campus leaders and counseling teams to expand opportunities for students while helping ensure they are academically prepared for postsecondary success.
Mrs. Ward has presented at the National Safe Schools Conference on crisis response initiatives and collaborative practices that strengthen campus safety and student support systems. Denise is recognized for her collaborative leadership style, strategic thinking and commitment to building strong relationships with students, staff, families and the community. Mrs. Ward will fill a critical role of not only supporting and growing advanced academics at all levels elementary through high school, but supporting and leading counselors district-wide.
"It is an honor to join a district dedicated to supporting students and creating meaningful opportunities for success. I believe strong schools are built through relationships, collaboration and a commitment to meeting the needs of every student."- Denise Ward
Dr. Norma Martinez-Director of Marketing & Communications
Dr. Martinez brings extensive district leadership experience from Goose Creek CISD, where she served in both communications and curriculum leadership roles. As Director of Communications, she led districtwide efforts to strengthen internal and external communication, engage stakeholders, and promote transparency across the organization. She oversaw strategic messaging, coordinated communication during key district initiatives and transitions, managed digital and social media platforms, and collaborated with campus and district leaders to ensure consistent and effective communication with students, families, staff, and community members while highlighting student and staff success and helping families better understand and celebrate public education.
She later served as Director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, providing leadership for teaching and learning initiatives, curriculum implementation, advanced academics, college and career readiness programs, and student achievement efforts across secondary campuses. Her combined experience in communications, instructional leadership, and organizational strategy provides a unique perspective on supporting schools and advancing public education.
Before serving at the district level, Dr. Martinez was principal of Memorial Parkway Elementary in Katy ISD, where she focused on strengthening parent engagement, improving communication systems, and advancing student achievement. Her experience also includes service as an elementary and junior high assistant principal, academic support teacher, special education teacher, and bilingual educator.
A bilingual educator, her skills will be extremely valuable in telling the stories of Royal ISD. Dr. Norma Martinez joins Royal ISD with nearly two decades of experience in public education, serving students, families, and educators in a variety of instructional and leadership roles. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas A&M University, a Master of Education in Educational Management with Instructional Technology and Principal Certification, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with Superintendent Certification from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. She also holds certifications in Bilingual Education and Special Education.