Our Team
Michael Gonzalez, Executive Director
Michael Gonzalez is the Executive Director of the Rural Schools Innovation Zone. Prior to starting this role he was principal of Premont Collegiate High School in Premont ISD and led the campus to the recognition of a Met Standards campus in 2017 and received a “B” in 2018 and 2019 school years. He has served as a History Teacher and coach in Odem-Edroy ISD, Athletic Director and then principal of Kingsville Academy High School, and High School Principal in Agua Dulce ISD and San Diego ISD. He holds a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies and a M.S. in Educational Administration. Mike loves family time with Judi, his wife of over 25 years, and his children, Danielle Nichole, Kristen Renee, and his son Jordan.
Rick Ruiz, LEA/IHE Liaison
Enrique Ruiz, Jr. is the IHE/LEA Liaison of the Rural Schools Innovation Zone. Prior to this role he has served as an Assistant Director in Tuloso-Midway ISD, Director of Teaching and Learning in Brooks County ISD, principal of Premont Secondary in Premont ISD, Dean of Student Services in San Diego ISD and high school English teacher in Ben Bolt High School in Ben Bolt ISD. He holds a B.A. in English from St. Mary’s University and a M.S. in Educational Administration from Texas A&M-Kingsville. He studied abroad at the University of London and completed the Executive Education Academy from the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University. Enrique is the proud father of his daughter Sophia and together, they share a love of music.
RSIZ Board of Directors
Doug Dawson, Chairman
Executive Director, School Innovation Collaborative
Dr. Rito Silva
Texas A&M Kingsville, Vice President of Student Affairs and Community Relations
Dr. Leonard Rivera
Del Mar College, Associate Vice President, Continuing Education and Off-Campus Programs
Maria E. Anzualda
Brooks County ISD School Board Member
Adrian Perez
Freer ISD School Board Member
Fred Gutierrez
Premont ISD School Board President and Member
Rosalinda Flores
Benavides ISD School Board President and Member
Tiffeny Ranly
Agua Dulce ISD School Board Member and President
Districts
IHE Partners
Strategy & Operations
Workforce Partners
