Rockdale ISD is pleased to announce the appointment of Candice Staton as the district's new Director of School Safety, reinforcing the district's ongoing efforts to provide safe, secure, and supportive learning environments for all students and staff.
Staton has served as the School Resource Officer at Rockdale High School for the past two years, where she has built strong relationships with students, staff, and families while helping foster a positive school culture centered on safety, trust, and connection.
In her new role as Director of School Safety, Staton will oversee Rockdale ISD's comprehensive school safety program, leading the development, implementation, and continuous review of the district's Emergency Operations Plan and emergency response procedures. She will coordinate districtwide vulnerability assessments, physical security evaluations, and risk assessments while overseeing required safety audits and ensuring compliance with state safety standards. Staton will also work closely with campus administrators, the Milam County Sheriff's Office, the City of Rockdale, and local emergency responders to strengthen emergency preparedness, enhance campus security, and help ensure every Rockdale ISD school remains a safe and secure place to learn.
"We are excited to have Candice step into the role of Director of School Safety," said Superintendent Dr. Michael Watson. "She has consistently demonstrated her care for our students and staff, and safety is always at the forefront of everything she does. Her experience, relationships, and leadership make her an outstanding choice for this position, and we are confident she will continue to strengthen our district's efforts to provide safe learning environments for every student."
Staton brings more than 20 years of law enforcement experience at the municipal, county, state, and federal levels to her new position. She began her career with the Killeen Police Department before serving in several leadership roles throughout her career.
Prior to joining Rockdale ISD as the School Resource Officer at Rockdale High School, Staton retired from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) as a Captain. During her tenure, she supervised statewide enforcement operations, developed agency policies and procedures, and led criminal and administrative investigations involving law enforcement agencies across Texas.
She also served on the FBI Public Corruption Task Force as a Federal Task Force Officer and was commissioned as a Special Deputy U.S. Marshal. During that time, she held a Top Secret Security Clearance, completed Protective Services (Dignitary Protection) training, and served on protective details for state dignitaries.
Staton is a Texas Certified School-Based Law Enforcement Officer with specialized training in school safety, emergency preparedness, behavioral threat assessment, and campus security. She is also a Master Peace Officer, Police Instructor, and certified explosives detection K-9 handler through the United Police Work Dog Association.
By creating the Director of School Safety position, Rockdale ISD continues to prioritize proactive planning, strong partnerships with local first responders, and comprehensive safety practices that support students, staff, and families every day. The position will help strengthen coordination across campuses while ensuring the district remains prepared to meet evolving school safety needs. Please join us in welcoming Candice Staton to Rockdale ISD.