Welcome to Pickle Elementary
A close-knit, bilingual and multicultural school community where students are seen, supported, challenged, and prepared for the future.
A message from the 2026–27 principal
I am truly excited and grateful to join the incredible Pickle Elementary community as your new principal. From the moment I began learning about this school, it was clear that Pickle is a place where people care deeply about one another and about the success of every child.
Located in the historic St. John’s area of Austin, Pickle Elementary reflects the rich culture, resilience and strong community connections of the families we serve. We are more than a school — we are a close-knit community grounded in relationships, high expectations and a deep commitment to every child’s success.
What makes Pickle special is our focus on the whole child. We believe academic growth, social-emotional development and a strong sense of belonging go hand in hand. Through partnerships with city and community services, we help connect families with essential resources, including health and wellness support, after-school programming and enrichment opportunities.
My vision is simple and unwavering: we will win for kids. That means ensuring every student feels seen, supported and challenged every single day.
Together, we will build on the strengths that already make Pickle so special while embracing new ideas, innovation and growth.
Go Penguins!
Kara Schultz
Principal

PTA & Family Engagement
Pickle PTA typically shares membership and involvement opportunities at the beginning of the school year.
- PTA President: Maira Beltran
beltranmaira94@gmail.com - PTA Vice President: Diana Vidal
aldairvidal2018@gmail.com
Volunteer Information
Families interested in volunteering may contact the campus volunteer coordinator.
- 2025–26: Brenda Hernandez
brenda.hernandez4@austinisd.org - 2026–27: Jennifer Gonzalez Maldonado
jennifer.gonzalezmaldonado@austinisd.org
School Supplies
School supply lists will be shared soon. See current options below:
After-School & Community Programs
YMCA Extend-A-Care
Program information
Contact: 512-322-9622
Creative Action
Program information
Contact: Noel Gaulin, 512-442-8773
info@creativeaction.org
Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center
Contact: Denise Cavanaugh
denise.cavanaugh@austintexas.gov
School Leadership & Support Staff
- Principal: Kara Schultz — kara.schultz@austinisd.org
- Assistant Principal: Clelia Parlange Valdes — clelia.parlangevaldes@austinisd.org
- Assistant Principal: Julia Gomez Montalvo — julia.gomezmontalvo@austinisd.org
- Counselor: Christina Lopez — christina.lopez@austinisd.org
- Parent Support Specialist: Jennifer Gonzalez Maldonado — jennifer.gonzalezmaldonado@austinisd.org
- Attendance Specialist: Alma DeLaCruz — alma.delacruz@austinisd.org
- Administrative Assistant: Leslie Ponce — leslie.ponce@austinisd.org
Stay Connected
- Pickle Elementary Website
- X/Twitter: @JJPickleECP