PATTISON, TX [October 2, 2026] - As we continue the 2026–2027 school year, our work remains centered on four district goals for this school year: 1) Teaching, Learning & Engagement 2) Fiscal Management 3) Safety & Security and 4) Fast-Growth Management. These goals keep us focused on the “big rocks” and foundation of the work that impacts our students and that our district currently faces.
Teaching & Learning, Engagement
Great schools begin in great classrooms. Each week, members of the Senior Cabinet and I visit campuses for instructional walks, giving us an opportunity to celebrate strong instruction and see firsthand how our students are learning and growing. This year, we moved to state-adopted high quality instructional materials in our core classrooms. This will increase the rigor in content that our students are exposed to. We are using Bluebonnet Reading (K-5) and STEMscopes for Math and Science (K-12). We have also adopted Three Cheers for PreK.
We are seeing these steps translate into expanded opportunities and stronger outcomes for students. From continued growth in College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) to increased academic and career-focused opportunities across our campuses, we are focused on preparing every Falcon and Eagle for what comes next.
Our focus goes beyond one test or one day. We are committed to what happens in our classrooms every day: strengthening instruction, expanding opportunities, increasing rigor, and ensuring every learner has the support and experiences needed to succeed.
Fiscal Management
Royal ISD continues to strengthen its financial health through responsible stewardship and strategic planning. We are proud to have earned an “A” rating on the state's Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) report, which is the state’s school financial accountability rating system.
We are also improving our systems and processes to closely track every dollar spent and ensure our resources are aligned with the district's strategic goals. This includes investing directly in student success through academic achievement incentives for campus staff and leadership. This year, the district adopted a balanced budget for the first time in four years.
Strong financial systems and responsible decision-making allow us to maximize our resources and ensure our investments support the students, staff, and schools we serve.
Safety & Security
The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. This year, Royal ISD has continued to strengthen safety and security across the district through investments in facilities, personnel, training, and emergency preparedness.
A new secure vestibule was added at the STEM Academy, and the Royal ISD Police Department was expanded to add a second officer at high school. We have welcomed new officers: Officers Bibbs, Jenkins, Junious, Macedo, and Rutledge to the Royal Family. We have also added 1 hall monitor at junior high and 2 hall monitors at high school.
Fast Growth Management
Royal ISD is growing quickly! Thanks to our community's support of the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 bonds, we are being proactive in managing the growth. In June, we celebrated the groundbreaking of our new Royal High School.
We ended last year with approximately 3,230 students and have already grown to 3,405. With growth surpassing previous projections, Royal ISD is now projected to serve approximately 12,000–15,000 students by 2035.
That growth is already impacting our campuses. Royal Prairie Elementary has reached capacity, and students can no longer be enrolled at that campus. Attendance zones were recently updated as well. We remain committed to maximizing our facilities and planning strategically to meet the needs of our growing community.
Celebrating Our Royal Staff!
This year, we launched Royal Birthdays with Dr. Pape as another way to celebrate the incredible people who make Team Royal special. We have already enjoyed celebrating our August and September birthdays and look forward to recognizing employees throughout the year. Every member of Team Royal plays an important role in serving our students, and we are so grateful to celebrate their special day!
Looking Ahead
There is tremendous momentum in Royal ISD, and I am excited about the year ahead. Thank you to our students, staff, families, Board of Trustees, and community for continuing to believe in and invest in our district.
Together, we are Investing in our tomorrow.
In Your Service,
Dr. Megan C. Pape