Bonnie Holland

Bonnie Holland served the students of the Katy Independent School District for nearly 30 years as a diagnostician/ supervisor, director of special education, executive director for special services, executive assistant to the superintendent and assistant superintendent for governance, legal affairs, and special programs. Mrs. Holland earned her B.S. in Communicative Disorders from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, and her M.S. in Psychology and Special Education from East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas. She also took doctoral coursework in Educational Administration and Special Education at East Texas State University and Texas Woman's University, as well as additional graduate work at Prairie View A&M University. She has served as a guest lecturer at George Washington University and has presented sessions on a wide variety of topics at education conferences.

During her distinguished career in Katy ISD she was responsible for initiating PACE, a professional internship program at Miller Career & Technology Center, Super Saturday for Gifted and Talented students, and served as a hearing officer trainer for new campus administrators. She also established the district's processes for Response to Intervention (RTI) and serving students eligible under Section 504. In addition to her leadership in special programs, Mrs. Holland's broad knowledge of school law positioned her as a trusted advisor on legal and legislative affairs.

Mrs. Holland was no stranger to the business world, either. When the Chevron Corporation transferred her husband to Memphis, Tennessee, in the late 1970s, she worked in the barter division of a media and advertising agency, where she created a systematic approach to contract negotiations and tracking, an accomplishment that garnered her a nomination for Employee of the Year. Another Chevron transfer brought her to Omaha, Nebraska, 18 months later, where she worked in retail management, earning recognition for bringing about dramatic increases in departmental sales.

When her family returned to Texas, she resumed her lifelong passion for public education wherein she focused her career on seeing that every child had a chance to realize their unique potential. Mrs. Holland has said, "In my view, there is no more noble occupation than education."

Her inspiration over the years has come from incredible leaders from many walks of life, as well as family members whose lives have been devoted to service and giving. She also credits Katy ISD students, dedicated teachers who have committed their lives to making a positive difference in the lives of students, and parents whose involvement in and support of their children's education provided her with many examples of what can be accomplished when parents and school personnel work as partners.

One of Mrs. Holland's favorite quotes is from Dr. Thomas Dooley, who said, "Dedicate some of your life to others. Your dedication will not be a sacrifice. It will be an exhilarating experience because it is intense effort applied toward a meaningful end."

Although having a school named in her honor is the most prestigious recognition any life-long educator can receive, Mrs. Holland is quick to point out that a school is not about the name, it is about providing a place where students can learn and grow in a safe and positive learning environment under the guidance of dedicated and knowledgeable teachers. Her fondest wish for the next generation is to equip children with the knowledge and skills they need to become happy, productive, and successful citizens in a future that is yet to be defined.