Editor’s Note: Due to time constraints and availability, this is a shortened version of the story. A longer version will appear in the May 13th print edition and be updated on the website soon.

Principal John Graham announced Thursday he’s leaving Rouse. Graham told the faculty and staff at an impromptu meeting afterschool Thursday and sent out an email to the Rouse and LISD community.

Graham, who has been the principal since 2010, will become the Senior Executive Director of School Improvement for the district.

“It was very difficult to make the decision to leave,” Graham said. “I’ve been here since we’ve opened, I started before most of the buildings were even finished and I love Rouse. I thought a lot about it had multiple conversations my family and colleagues and thought a lot about it. I think I made the decision that is best for me and best for Rouse.”

Graham was an assistant principal at Rouse for two years before taking over the head position in the fall of 2010 when Nancy Scott resigned to take a job at the central LISD office. A committee is currently being formed for new principal interviews.

Below is Graham’s announcement to the school community and LISD.

Dear Staff, Parents and Students,

I have loved my position as principal of Rouse High School, and it is with mixed emotions that I share this news. After much careful thought and family conversation, I have made the decision to accept a position as the Senior Executive Director of School Improvement with Leander ISD.

Parents, thank you for the support you have given me and the Rouse staff throughout the past 8 years. It has been an honor to partner with you in your child’s education. I ask that you continue to support the Rouse staff as they truly have your student’s best interests at heart.

Students, thank you for allowing me to be part of this incredible time in your life. Each of you has the capacity to do anything or be anything. I believe in you and know that you will accomplish great things as you exit Rouse as great leaders and community members.

Rouse faculty and staff, I have been continuously amazed by your endless capacity to give, grow and lead at Rouse and beyond. As I have said before, I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with you, but the real winners are our students. Your impact on them will allow them to reach and grow beyond their dreams and to become happy and productive future leaders of our community. I know you will continue to both push and support them and they will thrive in your very caring and capable hands. I have never met a more knowledgeable, caring and dedicated group of educators.

I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to impact our district in a wider capacity. However, leaving Rouse is extremely difficult. It is a unique opportunity to open a campus and to be a part of building a campus from ground up and experiencing all the firsts that a school will accomplish. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the Rouse community. I want to personally thank each of you. I truly believe there are no limits to the accomplishments of our Rouse students. I will carry the precious memories of my time here in my heart for the rest of my life.

Our district values your input on recommendations for the next steps as they begin the process to establish new campus leadership. In the next few days, you will be receiving a survey inviting you to give feedback on the characteristics you are seeking in a principal for Rouse High School. Please know that LISD is committed to ensuring that Rouse is in good hands as they begin working to find the next leader. I will remain at Rouse during this transition process.

I look forward to this new chapter in my life but will forever be a Rouse Raider. Live Strong, Live Proud, Rouse High!

Sincerely,
John Graham