Castleberry ISD

2025 CHS Top Ten Dinner

On April 22, 2025, Castleberry High School celebrated its Top 10 graduating seniors at a heartfelt ceremony at Rockwood Park Golf Course. The evening recognized academic excellence, the power of mentorship, and the bright futures ahead. Each senior honored a teacher who played a pivotal role in their journey, presenting them with a commemorative medal. In return, teachers placed an honor cord on their student—a powerful symbol of mutual respect. Students also wrote personal letters expressing deep gratitude, many of which moved the audience to tears. Dr. Rachael Capua, Dean of Tarleton State University’s Fort Worth campus, delivered an inspiring keynote titled “10 Tips for Life After High School.” Her messages—such as “Silence the imposter” and “Dream big and do big”—resonated deeply. The night ended with a stunning surprise: all 10 honorees were granted automatic admission to Tarleton, with their first year of tuition, books, and meals fully covered. Mr. Saldivar, Castleberry’s CCMR Advisor, reminded seniors, “You will always have a home here.” The celebration was more than a recognition of academic success—it was a reminder of the community’s unwavering support and the incredible potential of these future leaders. 

TCC NC3 Sign-In Day

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate six Castleberry seniors who are taking bold steps toward careers in high-demand technical industries! 💼🔧⚙️ These students signed letters of intent, officially committing to pursue technical education and careers right here in the DFW area. Their dedication not only secures their future but also helps fuel Fort Worth’s growing economy. 🙌 Mayor Mattie Parker joined the event to cheer them on, delivering an inspiring message about the power of trade programs and industry-based certifications (IBCs). She praised the students as future innovators, workers, and leaders who will shape the next generation of skilled labor in our city. 💪🏽💡 These trailblazers are choosing paths filled with opportunity, purpose, and community impact. Their hard work and determination reflect a strong commitment to personal growth and career success. 🚀 We can’t wait to see what they’ll accomplish next. Castleberry ISD is proud to support them every step of the way. 🎓💜 Congratulations, seniors—you’re ready to rise and thrive! 

Castleberry ISD Announces Teachers Receiving Designations Under the Teacher Incentive Allotment

Castleberry ISD celebrated 30 outstanding educators who received Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) designations for the 2024-2025 school year, recognizing their dedication and impact on student success. These designations—Recognized, Exemplary, or Master—bring additional funding to the district based on campus needs and teacher performance, pending final verification from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) in May. Superintendent Renee Smith-Faulkner praised the honorees, emphasizing the district’s commitment to supporting and retaining high-quality educators through the TIA program. 

Castleberry ISD Welcomes Rigoberto Zavala as Director of Auxiliary Programs and Facility Maintenance

Castleberry ISD welcomes Rigoberto Zavala as the new Director of Auxiliary Programs and Facility Maintenance, bringing over 22 years of experience in construction and facility management, including 15 years in K-12 education. Zavala previously served as the Director of Maintenance at Garland ISD and has a strong background in leading maintenance teams, implementing strategic facility plans, and fostering operational excellence. Committed to building strong relationships and driving continuous improvements, he looks forward to enhancing Castleberry ISD’s facilities while mentoring future leaders to ensure long-term success. 

CISD STEM Academy @ River District Now Accepting Applications for the 2025-2026 School Year

The CISD STEM Academy @ River District is accepting applications from current fifth-grade students for the 2025-2026 school year, marking the enrollment of its fifth cohort since its launch in 2021. This rigorous program emphasizes advanced science, technology, engineering, and math, equipping students with skills for college, careers, or military service. Applications are due by Friday, March 28, with 28 students to be notified of acceptance in April. 

2025 Board of Education Election: Key Dates for Candidates

Castleberry ISD will hold its 2025 Board of Education Election on Saturday, May 3, 2025, with Places 5, 6, and 7 on the ballot. Residents interested in running for the school board can file their candidacy beginning Jan. 15, 2025, with a deadline of Feb. 14, 2025. Voter registration closes on April 3, with early voting available from April 21-29. 

Building Tomorrow’s Texas: Recognizing Castleberry ISD’s School Board

January is School Board Recognition Month, and Castleberry ISD is celebrating its school board members for their leadership and commitment to students, staff, and the community. This year’s theme, Leadership for Tomorrow’s Texas, highlights the vital role trustees play in shaping the future of public education. The district thanks board members Dewey Taliaferro, Mary Lou Martinez, Cathy Gatica, David Holder, Tracy Gallman, Ariela Martinez, and Linda Aguillon for their dedicated service. Visit the Texas Association of School Boards or Castleberry ISD’s Board Elections page to learn more about school board service. 

Castleberry ISD Prepares for Freezing Temperatures and Forecasted Winter Weather

Castleberry ISD is proactively preparing for winter weather, ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff through comprehensive plans for transportation and facility maintenance. Bus drivers have completed preventative maintenance, and school facilities have been inspected to maintain a comfortable learning environment. Each morning, district leadership reviews weather conditions and consults with neighboring districts to make timely decisions about delays or cancellations, which will be communicated via ParentSquare. Families are encouraged to confirm their contact information to stay informed of any schedule changes. 

Castleberry ISD Welcomes Robert Cantu as Police Officer at Joy James Academy of Leadership

Castleberry ISD welcomes Robert Cantu as the new Police Officer at Joy James Academy of Leadership. With over 35 years of law enforcement experience, Officer Cantu has served in various roles, including Mental Health Liaison, Field Training Officer, and Patrol Officer, and brings specialized training in crisis management and community engagement. He looks forward to fostering a safe and positive environment while building strong connections with students, staff, and families. 

Castleberry Collegiate Academy Opens in 2025

Castleberry ISD is launching Castleberry Collegiate Academy in the 2025-2026 school year, offering students the opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree tuition-free. In partnership with Tarrant County College, the Early College High School program supports historically underserved and at-risk students through rigorous dual-credit coursework. Students will begin at Castleberry High School and later transition to the TCC Trinity River campus. Applications are open to current 8th and 9th graders, with information sessions scheduled for December 2024. 

Castleberry ISD Welcomes Cameron Hollomon as Bond Project Manager

Castleberry ISD welcomes Cameron Hollomon as the new Bond Project Manager. With 25 years in Texas school business, Hollomon brings expertise from the Texas Association of School Boards and experience supporting over $700 million in bond construction. A Texas A&M graduate, he has contributed to TASBO certification programs and created an innovative communication platform for schools. Hollomon is honored to support Castleberry ISD’s growth, driven by his commitment to enhancing learning environments for students. 

Castleberry ISD Welcomes William Wooten as Chief Financial Officer

Castleberry ISD announces William Wooten as the new Chief Financial Officer. With 33 years of public service experience, Wooten joins from Paris Junior College and brings expertise from prior roles in the U.S. Navy and three Texas school districts. He holds multiple degrees and certifications in finance. A Texas native and Dallas Cowboys fan, Wooten looks forward to serving the Castleberry community with dedication and commitment to students’ success. 

Castleberry ISD Earns 2024 District of Distinction Award from Texas Art Education Association

Castleberry ISD has been recognized as a 2024 District of Distinction by the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA), placing the district in the top 5.5% of Texas school districts for excellence in visual arts education. This prestigious award highlights Castleberry ISD's commitment to integrating a comprehensive visual arts curriculum, fostering creativity, and promoting social-emotional learning from pre-K through 12th grade. The district's visual arts program, supported by dedicated educators, continues to achieve outstanding results, with students excelling in statewide competitions such as the TAEA Visual Art Scholastic Event and the Texas Elementary Art Meet. 

Traffic Routes for Each Campus

Castleberry ISD welcomes all students back for the 2024-2025 school year on Wednesday, August 7! In preparation for the first day, parents are encouraged to be aware of the traffic flow for each campus. While school is in session, please be extra cautious in traffic. Be aware that school traffic zones will be in effect during morning drop off and afternoon dismissal. Students will be walking to and from school, so please be cautious while driving and be aware of pedestrians.  

Castleberry ISD Welcomes Virginia Dean as the Assistant Principal at TRUCE Learning Center

Castleberry ISD welcomes Virginia Dean as the assistant principal at TRUCE Learning Center. With 28 years in education, Dean transitioned from a respiratory therapist to teaching and administrative roles in FWISD, including principal at J.P. Elder Middle School and North Side High School. She brings expertise in data analysis from Green B. Trimble Technical High School, emphasizing student-centered decision-making. 

Castleberry ISD Welcomes Joseph Kelly as an Assistant Principal at Castleberry High School

Castleberry ISD welcomes Joseph Kelly as an assistant principal at Castleberry High School. Formerly with Midlothian ISD, Kelly brings seven years of experience, including teaching life science at Mansfield High School. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, he is committed to fostering supportive learning environments and building community relationships for academic excellence. 

Castleberry ISD Welcomes Charles Lair as an Assistant Principal at Castleberry High School

Dr. Charles Lair joins Castleberry High School as an assistant principal, bringing a diverse background from Keller ISD and corporate management. With a newfound passion for education since 2011, Lair holds a Doctorate of Business Administration and aims to contribute positively to Castleberry ISD's students and community. 

Castleberry ISD Welcomes Manny Saldivar as CCMR Advisor

Castleberry ISD welcomes Manny Saldivar as the new college, career, and military readiness advisor. Saldivar, with nine years in education, previously coordinated the TCU College Advising Corps and has helped over 1,000 seniors secure $35 million in scholarships. A passionate advocate for first-generation students, he holds degrees from UT Arlington and TCU and is pursuing a doctorate at Pepperdine University. 

Robert Garcia Named 21st CCLC ACE Program Specialist

Castleberry ISD announces Robert Garcia as the district's ACE program specialist. With 23 years in education, Garcia has held various teaching and leadership roles in multiple districts. A retired Navy veteran, he holds degrees in education and technology. Garcia, who enjoys swimming and the Olympics, is dedicated to serving students and families, inspired by Stephen Covey's quote on finding one's voice. 

Stacia Graves Named Director of Fine Arts

Stacia Graves, newly appointed Director of Fine Arts at Castleberry ISD, brings 17 years of education experience and a passion for community partnerships. A University of North Texas graduate, she aims to uphold excellence in arts education, supported by her leadership roles across several Texas school districts. 

Castleberry ISD Welcomes Yesenia Serrano as Police Officer at Reach High School and Truce Learning Center

Castleberry ISD welcomes Yesenia Serrano as the newest officer in the Castleberry ISD Police Department, who will serve at Reach High School and Truce Learning Center. Officer Serrano joins Castleberry ISD from Texas Health Resources Police Department, where she served as a police officer for the past year. She began her career in law enforcement seven and a half years ago as a patrol officer in Ferris, Texas, where she was named Rookie of the Year in 2016. 

Dr. Teresa Phelps Named Principal of Joy James Academy of Leadership

Castleberry ISD is pleased to announce Dr. Teresa Phelps as the next principal of Joy James Academy of Leadership. Dr. Phelps has served Castleberry ISD for the past three years as an early literacy coach and assistant principal. Dr. Phelps began her career in education as a classroom teacher in Fort Worth ISD, where she taught grades three and five. After ten years in the classroom, she transitioned to the role of instructional coach within the same district. Later, she joined Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, where she served as an intervention specialist for five years. 

Castleberry ISD Welcomes Jennifer Jenkins as Assistant Principal of Special Programs at Joy James Academy of Leadership

Castleberry ISD welcomes Jennifer Jenkins as the Assistant Principal of Special Programs at Joy James Academy of Leadership. Jenkins joins Castleberry ISD from White Settlement ISD where she served as an assistant principal for the past three years. She started her career in education 17 years ago as a paraprofessional for special education in Denton ISD. She then served as a special education teacher and coordinator in Burleson ISD for 14 years. 

Irma Marsh Middle School and Castleberry Elementary Shine in 2024 DFW Favorites Competition

Castleberry ISD celebrates Irma Marsh Middle School and Castleberry Elementary being voted top middle and elementary schools in the 2024 Fort Worth Star-Telegram DFW Favorites competition. This recognition highlights their commitment to educational excellence and community engagement in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. 

Kara Hankins Named Lead Diagnostician

Castleberry ISD is pleased to introduce Kara Hankins as the district’s Lead Diagnostician. With 22 years of service in education, Hankins has spent her entire career in Castleberry ISD. Over the years she has served in the roles of paraeducator, special education teacher, and campus diagnostician. 

Sal Limas Named Principal of Alternative Learning Center

Castleberry ISD is pleased to announce Sal Limas as Principal of REACH High School and TRUCE Learning Center, also referred to as the district's Alternative Learning Center, effective for the 2024-2025 school year. Beginning his career as a special education paraprofessional, Limas has spent 15 years in education, all of which have been within Castleberry ISD. Since then, he has taken on roles as an elementary teacher, at-risk coordinator, and most recently, advanced academic/college and career readiness advisor.