Royal ISD Administration

Pictured: Royal Elementary School (RES) Principal Ashley Cook with the RES Student Advisory Council and Superintendent Kershner. Mr. Kershner's top priority is doing what's best for our Falcon learners, so he meets with students at each campus several times a year to hear student voices. The district often implements suggestions from the sessions. An RES Student Advisory Council member provided a quote that captures the spirit of Mr. Kershner's approach to student success: "No matter who you are or where you come from, you can always achieve your dreams."

Royal ISD Superintendent Rick Kershner began his career as a teacher in Sealy ISD. Mr. Kershner has also served as Assistant Principal, Principal, and Assistant Superintendent of Academic and Human Resource Services in Katy, Royal, and Splendora ISDs. Prior to joining the team at Royal ISD, Mr. Kershner served for 7 years as the Assistant Superintendent of Leadership and Culture in Splendora ISD. This role allowed him the opportunity to be directly involved in all levels of campus leadership. His commitment to transparency and his focus on building positive relationships with all students, staff, district trustees, and community members resulted in positive impacts for campus culture at Splendora ISD.

Mr. Kershner and his wife Yvonne have three adult children (two daughters and one son), and all five are proud graduates of Sam Houston State University. He was named the Sam Houston State University's College of Education Distinguished Educator in 2016. Mr. Kershner earned his master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University. They are blessed with five grandsons and two granddaughters. His favorite pastimes include spending time with family and working cattle with his son. He also enjoys football, basketball, baseball, and track.

During his tenure as Royal Superintendent, Mr. Kershner has demonstrated his dedication to student success by implementing programs to help the district "invest in our tomorrow". Mr. Kershner is committed to achieving our district's Strategic Direction through a partnership with Capturing Kids' Hearts, which operates on the philosophy that if you have a child's heart, you have a child's mind. When Capturing Kids’ Hearts processes are implemented, transformation can be seen, heard, and felt. His hands-on, student-first approach to leadership has helped position the district as an amazing place to learn while providing a path to instructional excellence in a safe, equitable environment for all. Mr. Kershner is dedicated to listening to student voices so that Royal can provide continue to provide a customized experience for all our Falcons instead of a "one size fits all" education.

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