The Victoria ISD Board of Trustees has approved the hiring of Ruenna Valdez, Ed.D. as the new principal of Patti Welder Middle School, bringing with her more than a decade of leadership experience in public education.
Dr. Valdez comes to Victoria ISD from El Paso ISD, where she has most recently served as Assistant Principal at Austin High School since 2019. Prior to that, she held dual roles as New Tech Director and Assistant Principal at Cobra Tech Academy, also within El Paso ISD. Her leadership background includes time as an Active Learning Leader at Brown Middle School and six years of classroom teaching experience at Hawkins and Powell Elementary Schools.
A forward-thinking and equity-driven educational leader, Valdez earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership in May 2025, and is in the process of completing her superintendent state certification. She also holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership from the University of Texas at El Paso and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from New Mexico State University.
Known for her instructional expertise, collaborative approach to team building, and a strong commitment to student achievement, Dr. Valdez has led initiatives focused on instructional coaching and creating inclusive learning environments that drive organizational excellence.
“I am honored and excited to join Victoria ISD as the new principal of Patti Welder Middle School,” said Dr. Valdez. “I look forward to building strong relationships with our students, staff, families, and community as we work together to create a safe, supportive, and high-achieving campus where every student can thrive. I am excited to welcome our teachers and students back. We are going to have an amazing year!”
Dr. Valdez will begin her role immediately in preparation for the 2025–26 school year.