Katy ISD Elementary Schools 45 and 46 are under construction and scheduled to welcome students in Fall 2023. The district has named principals for the two campuses, and is accepting nominations for the campus namesakes.

Charlotte Gilder will lead Elementary 45. Michael Schwartz will lead Elementary 46.

Gilder has 28 years of experience in public education. She began her journey as an educator in 1994 at Sam Houston Elementary School in Port Arthur ISD. Five years later, she joined Goose Creek CISD, and in 2000 she transitioned to Cypress Fairbanks ISD, where she became a reading and writing specialist.

Gilder joined Katy ISD from 2002-09 and then had an opportunity to expand her professional experience in counseling with Lamar CISD. She returned to Katy ISD in 2012 and has served in multiple roles, including counselor and assistant principal at Mayde Creek Elementary, curriculum and instruction assistant principal at Beckendorff Junior High, assistant principal at Wilson Elementary and Morton Ranch Junior High and, most recently, principal of Schmalz Elementary. Gilder has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Sam Houston State University, a master’s degree in Counseling and Development, and another master’s degree in School Administration from Prairie View A&M University.

“Katy ISD has always felt like home and I’m excited to open yet another new campus in this thriving school district,” Gilder said. “I look forward to working with the students, parents and the community to name the new school and to create new traditions for years to come.”

Much of Schwartz’s 16 years in education has been in Katy ISD. In August 2006, he started his public education career at Cimarron Elementary as a fourth and fifth-grade teacher. His passion for educating every student at Cimarron Elementary led to a promotion as an instructional coach in July 2011.

A year later, Schwartz joined Spring Oaks Middle School in Spring Branch ISD as assistant principal. He returned in May 2014 to Katy ISD as assistant principal at Bear Creek Elementary and four years later at Wolfe Elementary. Schwartz has been the principal of Stephens Elementary since February 2019. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington.

“What an amazing new chapter for Katy ISD and for this new school community,” Schwartz said. “I am eager to work closely with parents, students, and the community as we open this new school. Together, as a team, we will provide opportunities for students to be curious and think critically so they can dream big and be guided toward a fulfilling future.”

Additionally, Katy ISD is accepting campus naming nominations for Elementary Schools 45 and 46 through Nov. 28.

Individuals interested in submitting a name must review the Katy ISD Board Policy for facility naming guidelines, the abbreviated website for which is bit.ly/3Ei4F9D, then submit the Nomination for Naming a New School or Facility Form, found on the Katy ISD School and Facility website at bit.ly/3EdpIdm.

The naming form and all supplementary materials may be submitted in the following manner by 4 p.m. on Nov. 28:

• By email: schoolnaming@katyisd.org
• By mail: Katy ISD School/Facility Naming, School & Community Engagement, P.O. Box 159, Katy, TX 77492-0159
• Personal delivery: Education Support Complex (ESC), School & Community Engagement, 6301 S. Stadium Lane, Katy, TX 77494

Elementary 45 will be located at 25600 Longenbaugh Road. Elementary 46 will be located at 25615 Clay Road. Both schools are in the northwest quadrant of Katy ISD. These campuses will provide enrollment relief to neighboring schools experiencing fast growth.