A formal Royse City ISD Facility Naming Committee consisting of board members, retirees, alumni and parents selected Paula Walker Elementary as the official name for the district’s 7th elementary campus. Their recommendation received unanimous school board approval at the August 14, 2023 meeting. In the crowd were dozens of current and retired educators in support of Mrs. Walker.
Mrs. Walker served in Texas Public Schools for 35 years, 32 of which were in Royse City ISD. She was a principal for 26 years and opened both Anita Scott Elementary and Miss May Vernon Elementary Schools along the way. She has mentored and trained numerous current and retired Royse City ISD principals and school leaders. Since retirement, she continues to have a positive impact on educators in Royse City ISD and beyond.
At the board meeting, Mrs. Walker shared, “When I came to Royse City ISD, I found my happy place. I have seen so much growth and change over the years and there are so many wonderful people who have been there every step of the way. I’m honored and beyond thankful for this school to be named after me.”
Construction is already underway at Paula Walker Elementary in the Waterscape subdivision located south of I-30 and near FM 548. The school will serve students in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade. Boundary zone development for Royse City ISD elementary and middle schools will take place this Fall to allow families to plan accordingly.
ABOUT PAULA WALKER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
The new campus, approved in the May 2021 Bond Referendum, will open in August of 2024 in the Waterscape Subdivision of Royse City. The design shares many of the features of the newly opened Ruth Cherry Elementary campus in Verandah Estates. By utilizing a prototype design, the district saves taxpayer dollars and can more accurately meet opening deadlines to serve a rapidly growing student population.
ABOUT ROYSE CITY ISD & GROWTH
Royse City ISD spans more than 77 square miles in portions of Rockwall, Collin and Hunt Counties. The City of Royse City, portions of the City of Fate and many rural areas are within the boundaries of the district. Enrollment in 2023 will exceed 9,000 students and is projected to top 18,000 students by 2033. Voter approval in recent bond elections allow Royse City ISD to procure land and construct new schools to serve growing communities with zero increase to the district’s property tax rate.