Mercedes ISD is proud to welcome Mrs. Vanessa Ramirez as the new principal for Ruben Hinojosa Elementary School. She most recently served as principal at Sgt. Manuel Chacon Middle School.
Mrs. Ramirez holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas - Pan American and a master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from Arkansas State University.
She joined Mercedes ISD in 2003, and over her 20 years of experience in education has held roles as bilingual teacher, math and science interventionist, dean of instruction, and principal at Chacon Middle School.
Mrs. Ramirez said she is committed to continuing the goals that have been set by Ruben Hinojosa Elementary and supporting the campus teachers as they strive for higher academic achievement.
"In every grade level, we want teachers to be confident and comfortable in the classroom," Ramirez said.
Superintendent of School Mrs. Maria J. Chavez said Mrs. Ramirez's experience as an elementary academic interventionist and educational leadership, combined with her passion for fostering a supportive learning environment, makes her the ideal candidate for this role.
“I am confident that Mrs. Ramirez will bring the necessary skills and experience to be an effective leader and guide her team to maximize academic achievement for all students,” Chavez said.
Ramirez’s leadership role at the middle school level has provided her with a unique perspective that will assist in transitioning elementary students to secondary education.
“We’re here to build that foundation,” Ramirez said. “I can clearly see, because of my time at middle school, what we need to focus on to move students, Pre-K to eighth, toward success and high school graduation. Their goal is to graduate. Any student that I talk to, whether elementary or middle school, I always ask them what their passion is and how do we help develop that. We start here, from this young age.”
Ramirez said she’s inspired to be at the helm of the elementary school where she started her career and wants to see the tight-knit community of Ruben Hinojosa Elementary continue to flourish.
“We have these students for long hours of the day, so we’re a second home for them,” Ramirez said. “We want to make sure that they're safe at all times, feel loved, and know that their education is our priority. That's why we're here.”
Ruben Hinojosa Elementary’s previous principal, Mrs. Rosie Garza Bustamante, has taken on the role as Bilingual/ESL Education Director for the district.