Los Fresnos superintendent named finalist for state award

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The Texas Association of School Boards has named Los Fresnos CISD Superintendent Gonzalo Salazar one of five finalists for TASB Superintendent of the Year.

Salazar has served as the LFCISD superintendent since 2006. The district encompasses 487 square miles and serves more than 10,350 students in Cameron County. In selecting Salazar as a finalist, TASB noted his commitment to public education, excellent student outcomes, and strong fiscal management.

Salazar’s selection coincides with the 40th anniversary of the award program, which was established in 1984 to recognize exemplary school leaders, TASB said in a news release.

The five finalists were selected by a TASB committee of school board members who interviewed 18 regional nominees put forward by education service centers across the state. The candidates were evaluated based on their work in improving student outcomes, developing a strong team-of-eight relationship, fiscal management, advocacy, and their ongoing commitment to education innovation, improvement, and leadership.

“The Superintendent of the Year program was specifically designed to showcase the outstanding work happening in school districts from across the state to highlight the power of excellent and transformative leadership in public education,” TASB Executive Director Dan Troxell said. “We’re especially excited to celebrate this year’s state finalists in conjunction with this milestone anniversary for the program. I fully expect the Superintendent of the Year Award will continue to be the premier honor for district leaders for decades to come.”

The five finalists will advance to the next stage of the Superintendent of the Year competition, which takes place in September at txEDCON24 in San Antonio. The winner will be announced Sept. 28, and will receive an award underwritten by program sponsor Balfour.

Salazar was presented with the 2024 Region One Superintendent of the Year Award during the July 15 LFCISD Board of Trustees meeting by Daniel King, executive director of the Region One Educational Service Center in Edinburg.

“Dr. Salazar has served the district for 18 years and under his leadership, student achievement and performance has excelled,” King said during the meeting.

The award underscores Salazar’s outstanding contributions to academic excellence and community enrichment in Los Fresnos. He has served Los Fresnos CISD for 24 years, with 18 of those as superintendent.

Upon receiving the award, Salazar expressed his gratitude and emphasized the collaborative efforts of the entire school community.

“I love being a Falcon. I realize that this recognition has less to do with me and everything to do with the results produced by the hard work and dedication of so many passionate staff members who understand what is at stake and give of themselves every day for the good of those we serve. It is a privilege to serve in Los Fresnos,” Salazar said, adding, “We are called to this work and I thank God who makes it all possible. All honor and glory are his.”