Harlingen CISD is proud to announce Paola Gonzalez as principal of Austin Elementary IB World School and Leslie Ruiz as principal of Rodriguez Elementary STEM Academy.
Paola Gonzalez brings more than 15 years of experience in public education with a strong background in instructional leadership, teacher development, and student achievement.
Gonzalez most recently served as assistant principal at Treasure Hills Elementary. Prior to serving in campus administration, she was an instructional coach at Vernon Middle School.
Before moving into leadership, Gonzalez spent nearly a decade as a bilingual teacher at Treasure Hills Elementary, where she taught first and fourth grade while serving in several campus leadership roles, including grade-level chair, SBDM representative, PTA secretary, and robotics coach. She began her career in education as a paraprofessional at Treasure Hills Elementary.
Gonzalez holds a Master of Education in School Administration from Lamar University and a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from The University of Texas at Brownsville. Throughout her career, she has served on several district leadership initiatives, including the HCISD Curriculum District Design Team, the District Design Team for Talent Identification and Leadership Development, and the HCISD Cadre of Emerging Leaders.
Leslie Ruiz brings nearly two decades of experience in public education and a passion for instructional leadership, literacy, and student success.
Ruiz most recently served as assistant principal at Vernon Middle School World Languages Academy IB World School. Prior to serving in campus administration, she spent four years as an instructional coach at both Vernon Middle School and Ben Milam Dual Language Academy.
Before moving into leadership, Ruiz served as an ESL teacher at Memorial Middle School. She began her career in education as a paraprofessional and later served as a library clerk.
Ruiz holds a Master of Reading with an emphasis in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies from The University of Texas at Brownsville. Throughout her career, she has contributed to district initiatives through instructional leadership and professional development, including creating and facilitating HCISD’s first ESL Review Session for educators.
