MEET STÉPHANE

Hello, Garland ISD family!

My name is Stéphane Rovelo, and I am running for Place 1 of the Garland ISD school board. I believe that education is the great equalizer of our time and that our students are able to achieve more now than they ever have before. School board trustees have the responsibility of hiring and evaluating the superintendent, adopting policy, approving budgets, and setting the vision/goals of the district. As your Place 1 Trustee, I will work to support GISD students in achieving higher outcomes that will lead to a higher quality of life after graduation.

I grew up in Mesquite and was raised by two immigrant parents. My mom was born and raised in France, and my father is a native of El Salvador. They both came to the U.S. to attend college, where they eventually met before moving to Dallas and getting married.

I grew up in Mesquite with three sisters and graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor's in Strategic Communications. After working in the private sector for a few years, I moved to South Korea and began my journey in education as an English teacher for elementary students. When I returned to the U.S., I started teaching at Richland Collegiate High School while pursuing my teaching certifications. During this time, I married my wife, Kristine, and we moved to Garland and started a family. Once I became certified, I switched to teaching in Garland ISD as a science teacher at Sam Houston Middle School for three years.

While teaching, I attained my Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and earned my principal certification simultaneously. I then served as Assistant Principal of Richland Collegiate High School for a year and as Principal for two years. I graduated from Leadership Garland Class 43 (the best class!) last year and stepped down as a principal at the end of the school year to spend more time with my young children.

I live in the Firewheel area with my wife, Kristine, and three children. Stephanie, 9, and Eleanor, 5, both attend GISD schools. Benedict, 3, will be eligible for GISD pre-K next year. I have felt extremely blessed to be afforded the privilege of being at home with my kids since May. I hope to provide greater educational opportunities for all GISD students, mine and yours, as your Place 1 trustee.

Outside of spending time with my family, I have been volunteering with my church, Watermark Community Church, for the past 6 years to mentor a group of students from the time they enter middle school until they graduate high school. I can't believe that these kiddos only have one year left until graduation! I also enjoy playing complicated board games with long rulebooks and fishing in Rowlett Creek.

An involved community is key to the greater success of a school district. I would love to hear from you to answer questions or so that we can work together to build upon the incredible school district that we have with GISD. You can call me at (469) 223-9144 or email me at stephanelrovelo@gmail.com.

Stéphane Rovelo, your future Garland ISD Place 1 Trustee