Spotlight on Clinton P. Russell Elementary School
When Principal Chara Pace reflects on the past two years at Clinton P. Russell Elementary, one word comes to mind: transformation. “Honestly, I don’t know of another education nonprofit that supports administrators and campuses the way United to Learn has supported us,” Pace shares. “The professional development I’ve received as a principal—along with the learning opportunities for our staff—has been the most engaging and life-changing that I’ve ever been part of.”
That transformation is more than a feeling; it’s reflected in the data. In just two years, Russell Elementary rose from a state accountability rating of a “D” to an “A.” The school saw substantial gains in both the STAAR growth and achievement domains, including a dramatic increase in the percentage of 3rd-grade students scoring “Meets Grade Level” or above, rising from 17.2% in 2024 to 34.5% in 2025. These results lay a strong foundation for sustaining the school’s top rating.
“If we keep doing what we’re doing, we’re going to hold that ‘A,’” says Pace. “What we’ve achieved with United to Learn’s help is more than amazing. I can say with 100% certainty that their support played a huge role in our success.”
One of the most impactful aspects of United to Learn’s involvement has been the Prioritizing Principals Project (PPP) led by the School Culture and Well-being department. Beyond leadership development, PPP emphasized mental wellness and self-care—a rare but crucial focus in educational leadership. “It was an eye-opener,” Pace recalls. “I’m a worker. I used to go home and not even look up from my computer. This program made me realize that I matter, too. That shift changed my whole outlook.”
At the campus level, United to Learn helped build a stronger, more connected culture for both students and staff with a new school spirit store, organized by volunteers as part of Community Campus Day. Volunteers (pictured above) gathered at Russell Elementary in February to create the school’s spirit store that spurred substantial improvements to student behavior and motivation.“We started giving students ‘Russell Bucks’—$5 for meeting their goals, $10 for perfect attendance,” says Pace. “That extra push gave them a reason to show up, to excel in reading, math, and science. They knew what they were working toward.”
Another result of the partnership was the school’s House System, complete with team T-shirts, competitions, and monthly winners. “It gave our kids a real sense of belonging,” Pace says. “They wanted to win, and it brought everyone together. The glow party—with pizza, light-up glasses, the whole thing—was a highlight of the year!” This intentional focus on recognition, wellness, and culture has created a school environment where students and teachers thrive. “Work gets tiring,” Pace acknowledges. “But when you feel seen, when you’re motivated and appreciated, you keep going. That plays a big part in our success.”