KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
February 19, 2019
by Addie Davis
On Monday night during the Katy ISD Board of Trustees meeting, the Naming Advisory Committee recommended to the Board of Trustees that Elementary #42 be named after Olga Leonard, a longtime educator and administrator of the District.
Olga Leonard attending the Board of Trustees Work Study Meeting. Photo courtesy of Katy ISD.
Over the years, Leonard has taken on several roles in Katy ISD. She was an instructional specialist for languages other than English, became an assistant principal at Betty & Jean Schmalz Elementary in 2001, and later served as principal at Memorial Parkway Elementary from 2004-2010. She also helped parents and students in the Bilingual Program, Deaf Ed. and Special Ed.
Her dedication and passion for educations helped inspire Maria Llopiz and Mary Merten to nominate her for the naming of the Katy ISD Elementary #42.
Together, they created a collaborative Facebook group where former students, colleagues, and friends could help with the nomination. Several shared memories and personal stories of how Leonard inspired them in the group. After two weeks, Llopiz and Merten were able to put together a 52-page recommendation package that illustrated the impact Leonard had on the community.
Shortly after the potential naming was announced on Monday, even more educators, students, and parents took to social media to show their support of the nomination.
“I had her as an elementary teacher and a Spanish teacher in high school. She is amazing,” says former student Erin Rocheleau, “ I model my teaching after a lot of the things I remember her doing. She always made you feel special.” Rocheleau now teaches second grade.
Elementary #42 is located at 2602 Winchester Ranch Trail and is one of Katy ISD's latest school additions set to open its doors for the 2019-20 school year. Final approval of the name will take place next Monday night.