Rhonda Roberts currently serves as the director of special education for the Central Bowie County SSA (Shared Services Agreement), which encompasses the Redwater and Maud school districts. She has spent 32 years in education, beginning in 1990 as a special education teacher at a Corpus Christi middle school. During her eight years in the classroom, she earned a master’s degree in educational administration, which allowed her to work as a principal for the district for 12 years.

In 2010, Rhonda was promoted into the role of executive director of instructional support, enabling her “to take on a bigger role in the district [and] have an impact on students, teachers, and staff throughout the district,” she said. “I had the opportunity to continue my growth as an educator overseeing several programs. It was amazing how much I learned during this time.”

Though this position was exceptionally gratifying, Rhonda knew she wanted to return to a position that would allow her regular direct contact with students and to be “part of a school’s community,” she said. To that end, she accepted the job of assistant principal at Redwater Junior High and High School in 2013.

“I spent six years as a principal at Redwater and could not have been happier,” Rhonda said. Her colleagues were happy, too; in 2018, they named her TASSP Region 8 High School Principal of the Year.

Though in many ways she was at the peak of her career, Rhonda retired in 2019 due to “an ongoing string of health issues that seemed to be never-ending,” she shared. “I felt I was physically and mentally slowing down, and it was taking a toll on my job performance. A week after retirement, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.”

Thankfully, surgery, radiation, and the support of family and friends helped Rhonda recover, and after two years at home, she regained the health and stamina to return to her career. In 2021, she was approached to act as interim principal of Redwater Elementary School. At the end of the school year, she was hired as the district’s coordinator for special programs.

“We are such a small rural school district, and I have always said the school is the community.”

— Rhonda Roberts

When Maud ISD and Redwater ISD formed the Central Bowie County SSA in 2023, Rhonda’s title changed yet again. As the SSA’s director for special education, she manages the special education programs for both districts. In this role, she is able to effect change from above while also reaping the rewards of regular interaction with students.

“We are such a small rural school district, and I have always said the school is the community,” Rhonda explained. “Everyone in our community is involved in events and activities beginning at the school. Our staff, families, and community members support these students. It seems I never go anywhere that I do not see a former student, and I am proud to see the adults they have become.”

Rhonda and her husband paint hay bales every fall for their neighbors to enjoy.
submitted photo

Rhonda’s students, past and present, are not the only young people who bring her joy. She and her husband, Larry, are the proud parents of three and grandparents of seven. Spending time with family is a top priority.

“With seven grandchildren, we stay busy going to baseball games, soccer games, and cheerleading competitions,” Rhonda shared. “The best times are having everyone at our home, spending time outdoors and cooking for the whole crew.”

FSLM ASKED RHONDA…

What is something most people don’t know about you? I had quite the temper when I was young. I even spent a day after school in the third grade writing lines—“I will never ever fight at school again.”

Name a woman who inspires you. Maya Angelou.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A teacher, of course. I spent my summers “playing school.”

Each woman featured in this issue was chosen by an honoree from last year’s Tribute to Women to be recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the Texarkana community.

Lee Ann Corbin’s Words:

I first met Rhonda Roberts in 2013 as a Redwater High School teacher looking for my first school administrator position. Mrs. Roberts was the newly named principal of the combined high school and junior high campuses when she hired me as her assistant principal. I was thankful for the opportunity at the time but am even more so now that I have worked with her for over a decade. Wise and thoughtful, Rhonda uses her love and advocacy for children to guide her leadership decisions. Her calm and down-to-earth demeanor puts everyone at ease. She has made a difference at Redwater ISD as a secondary school principal, interim elementary school principal, and director of special education. Our leadership team relied on her expert knowledge of special education to transition to serving students with severe disabilities when our shared services agreement with another district ended. Rhonda ensured these students and their teachers became an integral part of the Dragon family, and it has been a mutually beneficial experience for all. She humbly holds many titles: wife, mother, educator, cancer survivor, and—most prized—MiMi to her grandchildren. I am honored to share my dear friend and mentor, Rhonda Roberts, with the readers of Four States Living. The ripple effect of her accomplishments will have a positive impact for years to come. As for me, I am a better leader and person for knowing her.

Feature Stories

Tribute to Women: Rhonda Roberts