ROISD names Dr. Joy Shaw Middle School

RED OAK  — The Red Oak ISD School Board approved the naming of the second middle school, under construction off Westmoreland Road in Ovilla, in honor of longtime educator and former board member Dr. Joy Shaw, who passed in 2022. A naming committee recommended two names to the board from the 176 submitted nominations.

“The nominees we are bringing to you for consideration are outstanding and worthy, and I do not believe anyone could question the contributions each of these individuals have given to Red Oak ISD,” committee member Lanoria Washington stated. 

“It is a great thing when you have so many nominations from a community. It speaks volumes of the passion and dedication of many individuals who have touched the lives of so many Hawks.”

“Dr. Joy Cockerham Shaw, born in Red Oak in 1938, was a 1956 ROISD graduate. After high school graduation, she went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of North Texas, a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Texas A&M-Commerce, and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. 

“Dr. Shaw was the epitome of Red Oak ISD, having been part of the Hawk family for her entire life. After earning her degree from UNT, she returned to serve the district she loved for 35 years in multiple roles. 

“She served the district as a bus driver, custodian, elementary and junior high teacher, coach, junior high cheer sponsor, first female principal, and first director of special education, all while earning advanced degrees and raising a family. 

“She continued her service as an active alum/PTA/community member, and board member. Dr. Shaw lived in the Red Oak community for all but eight years of her life.

Shaw created the first kindergarten class in Red Oak and taught the class for five years at the local Methodist Church. She also implemented comprehensive Dyslexia instruction and created teaching units for students born on the Autism spectrum, which was one of the first in the state. And was instrumental in serving ROISD special education students and their families through District services instead of the county cooperative.

She and her husband of 61 years, James (Nick), had four children who all graduated from Red Oak High School.