Leander ISD is excited to introduce Wendy Gonzaba as the new leader of Rutledge Elementary School.
“Wendy is an experienced, student-centered, relationship-driven leader who builds trust through genuine care, intentional collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to students, staff and families,” said Leander ISD Superintendent Chris Clark, Ed.D. “We are confident her leadership will build on Rutledge’s tradition of excellence while honoring the strong sense of community that makes the school so special.”
Gonzaba brings nearly two decades of experience in Leander ISD to Rutledge Elementary. She currently serves as the principal of Camacho Elementary, a campus community she has led for the past five years. During her tenure at Camacho, the school became home to Leander ISD’s first social-emotional learning lab, providing students with a dedicated space to develop skills and strategies that support their success in and beyond the classroom.
Before moving into campus leadership positions, Gonzaba began her career in education at Knowles, Bagdad and Cypress elementary schools, serving as a substitute teacher, special education instructional assistant and classroom teacher. In 2017, she helped open Akin Elementary as an assistant principal, where she supported the development of campuswide systems, including Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and Response to Intervention (RTI). She also helped launch Leander ISD’s first Aspiring Administrator Academy, a district program designed to develop leadership skills for current teachers and staff.
“I am truly honored to join the Rutledge family and excited to become part of this incredible community,” Gonzaba said. “I look forward to building relationships with our students, partnering with our families, and supporting the remarkable teachers and staff. Together, we will continue to nurture a school where every child is encouraged to grow, challenged to reach their potential, and reminded that they are valued and capable of great things.”
A graduate from LeTourneau University with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, Gonzaba also earned her master’s degree in education administration from Lamar University.
