She was a dedicated assistant principal to ROMS kids and staff, and now Merilee Stone has chosen to go help another school in need of her amazing skills.

Wanting to learn new things and work with younger kids, Mrs.Stone has decided to move to Red Oak Elementary School to serve as their assistant principal. Mrs.Stone has been working at ROMS for 19 years.  

Stone said she will miss the sense of humor that the students have. “Middle schoolers can be kind of silly,” Stone explained.  “I will actually miss that.” 

She will also miss the bonds she has created with the teachers and staff. 

Stone says her greatest accomplishments are not hers; they are Principal Howard Gatewood’s and others as well.   

“Gatewood has done a great job establishing an awesome staff,” Stone said. She also credits Gatewood and the entire ROMS staff with student improvement on the STAAR. In addition to her role as assistant principal,  Stone has worked as a science teacher, an instructional coach.

Principal Gatewood shared his thoughts about Stone leaving ROMS. He said when she’s gone it will be like losing a sister to him, the staff, and students. Gatewood also said that Stone is very good with kids and loves kids very much. 

Stone will be missed here at ROMS. She was an amazing assistant principal for Gatewood, staff, and students. 

“I hope that Red Oak Middle School continues to do great things,” she said. “It’s an awesome staff and an awesome group of kids.”