Gonzales ISD hires Freeman as new GNA principal

Gonzales ISD trustees announced the hiring Monday, Sept. 8, of Erma Freeman as the new principal of Gonzales North Avenue Elementary after their regular board meeting.

“Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Principal Freeman! We look forward to a fantastic future under her leadership,” the district said in an announcement.

With more than 30 years of dedicated service in public education, including extensive experience in Seguin ISD, Freeman brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to fostering the academic, social, and emotional growth of every student. Throughout her career, Freeman has led initiatives that significantly improved academic achievement, teacher empowerment, student engagement, and community involvement. She has implemented curriculum revisions and data-driven strategies that enhanced student performance in reading and math. 

Her career includes significant roles as a teacher, grade-level chairperson, district-wide curriculum developer, instructional coach, and school administrator. Notably, she was named the most influential teacher by a former student, who later became Seguin ISD's Elementary Teacher-of-the-Year. She also helped raise academic success rates at one of the district's highest-needs elementary campuses and led restorative practices at a middle school, improving both academic outcomes and school culture.

As an Assistant Principal, she led the Senior Cohort to the highest graduation rates in the school's history and as principal of the Discipline Alternative School, she reduced recidivism while helping students earn their high school diplomas. Most recently, as an elementary principal, she introduced multi- tiered intervention strategies and data-driven meetings that contributed to improved student outcomes and teacher effectiveness. 

Freeman holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Texas Lutheran University and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University. Excited and honored to lead North Avenue Elementary, Freeman looks forward to working alongside students, staff, families, and the community to ensure that the school continues to thrive and achieve its fullest potential.

She is eager to celebrate the school's accomplishments and the students' growth as they work toward excellence. Freeman most recently served as the Family Engagement Specialist with ACE in Seguin ISD.