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Mr. Ritchie Bowling, M.Ed
Maypearl ISD Superintendent
Family
Ritchie Bowling is married to Cari Bowling (H.S. Math Teacher) who began teaching for Maypearl ISD in 2020. He has four children. Three currently are enrolled in MISD and one has graduated.
Career
Ritchie Bowling became Maypearl ISD Superintendent on May 1, 2015. He and his family have lived, worked, and been a part of the Maypearl community ever since. Prior to joining MISD, Mr. Bowling served in Howe ISD in Howe, TX for 10 years as an Elementary Principal (5 years), then Middle School Principal (3 years) and lastly as Assistant Superintendent (2 years). Prior to that he worked in Lovejoy ISD in Lucas, TX as an Assistant Principal for 2 years after teaching at the elementary and middle school levels for Sherman ISD in Sherman, TX (6 years). As a teacher, he was a grade level lead teacher and directed an After-School Tutorial Program and Summer Technology Camp for Sherman ISD funded from the McKinney-Vento Homeless Federal Program.
Academics and Programs
Maypearl ISD is rated a “B” district by the Texas Education Agency and serves over 1,200 students in South Ellis County, Texas. The district is experiencing growth with several housing additions coming to the area. The district’s Panther Academy allows students to earn up to an associate degree or other job ready certifications. This district is steadily offering more and more career and technical courses to support the future Texas workforce.
These CTE programs include Agriculture, Culinary, and more. They participate in numerous competitions throughout the school year. The district has a robust Special Education program, 504 services, Response to Intervention services, Dyslexia program, English as a Second Language program, Speech/Language Pathology program, and intervention programs. The district participates in Academic, Athletic, and Fine Arts University of Interscholastic (UIL) events. The district offers after-school tutorials, summer tutorials, and Summer Athletic Camps as well.
Finances
Maypearl ISD has long had a “Superior Achievement” rating under the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas. The district currently has a healthy fund balance with well over the required three months of operational funds. The district has paid down bond debt within the Interest and Sinking side of the budget while keeping the third lowest tax rate in Ellis County. The district prides itself on being transparent with local tax dollars and sharing information often
with the public. In May of 2023, a school bond election of $35 million was approved by the voters with a one cent increase to the tax rate. This bond will provide for an addition to the existing High School and Middle School, renovations to the existing High School and Elementary School, districtwide concrete work, and address outdated HVAC units.
Facilities
The district currently has four campuses, Maypearl High School, Maypearl Middle School, Lorene Smith Kirkpatrick Elementary School, and Maypearl Primary School. The district is one of very few districts in the State of Texas with an indoor golf facility. The district added interior and exterior LED lights districtwide, new LED Stadium lights and poles, replaced stadium turf and track in 2022. The district has one of the most robust safety and security camera/door automation systems, security fencing, cybersecurity systems, and other safety assets that protect students and employees. This district works hard each year to sustain and improve facilities for a growing district.
Technology
Maypearl ISD has a 1:1 Digital Initiative for all students in grades K-12, and in 2023 all grades now have 1:1 devices. The district has upgraded from 100 MB of internet to 10 GB of fiber internet with an additional 500 MB back up internet provider via two towers on district property. As of January 4, 2022, all district classrooms will have digital panels and some with large screen internet capable tv’s for instruction. The district has a robust camera system on campuses and all vehicles, bus sign on and off system, vape detectors systems, student monitoring software, and a single sign-on system. The district has LED lighting throughout the district inside and out to further save energy.
Transportation
The district has purchased and maintains buses purchased new since 2014. The district received a grant that helped to purchase two buses in recent years and utilized other federal funds. In 2023, the district will have three buses with wheelchair lifts, two Extracurricular buses, and plenty of buses to support the ever-growing ridership until 2028.
The district has two vans, two large SUV’s, two Ag trucks, and a car dedicated for student travel and staff use for professional development (when needed). The district has three maintenance vans and two maintenance trucks. Most MISD vehicles are 2017 or newer, with few exceptions. The transportation department maintains vehicles and has implemented a system of preventative maintenance to add many years and miles of service from these vehicles.
Favorite Quotes:"Never, Never, Never Give Up!" - Winston Churchill"Do or Do Not, There is NO Try!" - Yoda"The difference between a vision and a hallucination is that other people can see the vision!" - M. Andreessen"There are no shortcuts to success" Rafe Esquith"Dreams don't work and unless you do!""Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to THINK!" - Einstein
