As several RISD campus principals transition into new roles in the district or retire, the district has made several new campus principal assignments beginning in 2026-2027.
Ross Ferrans, who currently serves as Assistant Principal at Northrich Elementary, has been selected as the new principal of Big Springs Elementary beginning in the 2026–2027 school year. Read Full Bio
Catie Sheffield, Assistant Principal at Arapaho Classical Magnet and Richardson ISD’s 2025–2026 Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year, has been appointed principal of Mohawk Elementary. Read Full Bio
Dr. Rebecca Herrera, currently Assistant Principal at Forest Lane Academy, will step into the principal role at Stults Road Elementary beginning in the 2026–2027 school year. Read Full Bio
New Big Springs Elementary Principal Announced
Ross Ferrans, who currently serves as Assistant Principal at Northrich Elementary, has been selected as the new principal of Big Springs Elementary beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
With a foundation in teaching, coaching, and school leadership, Ferrans brings a well-rounded perspective to his role in education. He has served as Assistant Principal at Northrich Elementary since 2023, where he has been committed to elevating instructional quality, supporting student achievement, and building a cohesive, positive campus climate. His work reflects a focus on collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.
Prior to becoming an assistant principal, Ferrans served as an Instructional Coach at Yale Elementary, where he supported teachers through coaching cycles, data analysis, and professional development. He worked closely with staff to design TEKS-aligned instruction, implement effective small group strategies, and improve student engagement and achievement. His leadership in facilitating Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and delivering targeted training helped build teacher capacity and drive student success.
Ferrans started his career teaching 3rd and 5th grade at Forest Lane Academy and Arapaho Classical Magnet. In the classroom, he developed a reputation for using data to drive instruction while maintaining an organized, encouraging learning environment. He also took on a leadership role as a team lead, facilitating collaborative planning and mentoring fellow teachers. He was recognized as a RISD STARS Teacher in 2017-2018.
Throughout his career, Ferrans has consistently prioritized data-informed decision-making to enhance instruction, strengthen behavior systems, and support student growth. He has also played a key role in leading campus initiatives focused on improving Tier 1 behavior supports and overall student success.
Ferrans holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Oklahoma Baptist University. He is certified as a Principal as Instructional Leader (EC–12).
With a passion for developing both students and educators, Ferrans continues to lead with a focus on collaboration, high expectations, and continuous improvement.
Ferrans is also a proud RISD parent. His WHY is to create a safe, positive, and trusting school environment where every student is welcomed as they are, challenged each day, and supported in their academic, social, and emotional growth.
Mohawk Elementary Welcomes New Principal
Catie Sheffield, Assistant Principal at Arapaho Classical Magnet and Richardson ISD’s 2025–2026 Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year, has been appointed principal of Mohawk Elementary beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
With a deep commitment to student success and instructional excellence, Catie Sheffield brings extensive experience in educational leadership, data-driven decision-making, and teacher development. She has served in public education for over a decade. She has spent the past five years at ACM advancing campus-wide achievement and building a culture centered on growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement for both students and staff.
As an Assistant Principal, Sheffield plays a key role in shaping the instructional vision of her campus. She is an active member of the Instructional Leadership Team and has participated in the Teaching Trust cohort, where she developed expertise in professional learning communities and data-driven instruction models. Her leadership responsibilities include overseeing the Campus Improvement Plan, conducting classroom observations and coaching cycles, analyzing student performance data, and designing meaningful professional development for staff. She is deeply committed to building strong systems that support both teacher effectiveness and student growth.
Sheffield began her career in Mesquite ISD as a classroom teacher, where she taught third and fifth grade in both self-contained and departmentalized settings. During this time, she built a strong foundation in delivering effective instruction and creating structured, engaging learning environments. Her passion for student achievement and instructional excellence led her to the role of Campus Math Specialist at Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet, where she supported teachers through coaching, professional learning, and data analysis to improve student outcomes.
Sheffield holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Southern Methodist University and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Ouachita Baptist University. Her leadership is grounded in the belief that investing in teachers is the most powerful way to impact student success. She is passionate about mentoring educators, developing future leaders, and building strong partnerships with families and the community.With a clear vision centered on growth, collaboration, and high expectations. Sheffield’s WHY as a campus leader is to create a school environment where every student is seen, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential.
RISD Names New Principal for Stults Road Elementary
Dr. Rebecca Herrera, currently Assistant Principal at Forest Lane Academy, will step into a new leadership role at Stults Road Elementary beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
Recognized for her strong instructional leadership and deep commitment to student success, Dr. Herrera brings both experience and passion to her work. A Dallas native, inspired by her family’s journey as the grandchild of immigrants and the daughter of a first-generation college graduate. This background fuels her belief in the transformative power of education and her dedication to ensuring all students receive a rigorous, well-rounded educational experience.
Dr. Herrera began her career as an elementary classroom teacher before moving into instructional coaching, where she supported teachers through data-driven instruction, coaching cycles, and professional learning. Since becoming Assistant Principal in 2020, she has led key initiatives focused on student achievement, staff development, and campus systems, including MTSS implementation, professional development planning, and instructional support across grade levels.
Her leadership is grounded in the core values of excellence, empowerment, and equity. Dr. Herrera is committed to building a strong school culture rooted in trust, connection, and shared purpose. She believes in developing people—empowering educators to grow in their practice so they can better serve students. She also prioritizes meaningful family engagement and clear communication to strengthen the school-community partnership.
Dr. Herrera holds a Doctorate in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University, a Master’s degree from Dallas Baptist University, and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Thomas. She has been recognized as Richardson ISD’s Assistant Principal of the Year and has presented at district and partnering organizations focusing on a variety of instructional areas.
Above all, Dr. Herrera is committed to creating a school environment where students feel safe, supported, and inspired to succeed—and where every member of the community is better for having been part of it.
Dr. Herrera is a parent of two boys and enjoys spending time with them and her husband. As a family, they love being outdoors, and taking mountain vacations. Dr. Herrera’s WHY as an educator is ensuring high levels of learning for every student, every day, and fostering a community anchored in belonging, consistency, and clarity.
