APRIL 27, 2023 - Hutto ISD is pleased to announce the appointment of Desirae Hendricks Patterson as principal of River Horse Academy.

Hendricks Patterson began her educational career as a high school science teacher at her alma mater, Reagan High School, in Austin ISD. While there, she completed her master's degree in Educational Leadership at Lamar University. After seven years in Austin ISD, she went on to become a College and Career Assessment Coordinator at Stony Point High School in Round Rock ISD where she served for two years.

Hendricks Patterson joined Hutto ISD in 2019 as Assistant Principal at Howard Norman Elementary School in Hutto ISD.

"It is such a blessing to be chosen to lead the River Horse family and to serve the students and families of our Virtual Academy," said Hendricks Patterson. "I'm excited to engage with students as they plan for their post-secondary experiences. I am most looking forward to having the opportunity to inspire excellence in their academics, character, and community just before they enter adulthood. United we stand... United in Excellence...Unidos!"

"Mrs. Hendricks Patterson will be a terrific addition to the RHA Family," said Superintendent Dr. Celina Estrada Thomas. "Her experiences at the elementary and secondary levels, her work in high schools, and most importantly, her heart for kids will be put to great use at RHA. The campus has experienced extraordinary success and I am confident that Mrs. Patterson will lead the staff and work cooperatively to continue making RHA a school of choice for the students in Hutto ISD who choose to take a different path to high school graduation. Congratulations!"