History
The Legacy of Grace Hartman Elementary
Grace Hartman taught in the Rockwall County School System and Rockwall ISD from 1917 through 1959. She had a deep love of reading, was an accomplished painter, and played a key role in establishing the Rockwall County Library. Her passion for education, creativity, and community service continues to inspire our school today.
When Hartman Elementary opened its doors in 2002, founding principal Dr. Peggy Dickerson and her staff embraced Mrs. Hartman’s legacy by establishing guiding dreams and goals:
- Creating a school where children feel safe and come first
- Building strong family partnerships
- Celebrating accomplishments
- Fostering a culture where staff care deeply for one another and the work they are involved in
These values remain at the heart of Hartman Elementary.
Since its opening, Hartman has been led by principals dedicated to carrying forward this vision:
- Dr. Peggy Dickerson (2002–2006)
- Mrs. Sandi Whitley (2006–2008)
- Mrs. Rebecca Reidling (2008–2023)
- Mrs. Jill Ebeling (2023–present)
Under their leadership, Grace Hartman Elementary has earned the highest possible Texas Education Agency rating, reflecting the strong academic performance of our students. Teachers and staff are deeply committed to educating the whole child, setting high standards for academics while nurturing character development as an essential part of the educational experience.
The generosity of Hartman families—through their time, talents, and resources—further enriches our school community. Together, we continue to honor Grace Hartman’s vision and uphold the legacy of excellence that defines our school.