Bastrop ISD is proud to announce Riza Cooper as principal of Cedar Creek Middle School (CCMS), replacing Daniel Brown, who has served in the role since 2020. Cooper is expected to assume the position in the coming weeks.
“I am so excited to meet the teachers and staff at Cedar Creek Middle School, as well as the students and their families,” said Cooper. “I know the foundation and traditions at CCMS are strong, and I want to continue building on that so that students realize tremendous benefits for their future. I look forward to becoming a part of the Eagle family!”
Cooper brings more than 24 years of education experience to this role. Most recently, she has served as middle school principal and human resource manager in Elgin Independent School District, a position she has held since 2010. For the last 13 years, she has supervised the instructional programs of the school and ensured the use of high-quality and effective instructional strategies in all classrooms to promote academic growth and development of students.
Previously, Cooper served as an assistant principal at Hutto High School in Hutto ISD (2008-10) and Mendez Middle School in Austin ISD (2007-08). Before transitioning into an administrative role, she taught eighth grade math and Algebra I at Lexington Middle School, secondary math at Dime Box High School, and eighth grade math at Mendez Middle School.
“Ms. Cooper’s extensive experience in middle school leadership will be extremely valuable to CCMS and Bastrop ISD, “ said Superintendent Barry Edwards. “From the classroom to assistant principal to principal, she has the expertise to lead CCMS to outstanding student success.”
Cooper earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Sam Houston State University in 1994 as well as a master’s in education administration in 2007, also from SHSU. She and her husband of 25 years have four children and one grandchild.