Robstown ISD leader named regional Superintendent of the Year

Robstown ISD Superintendent Jose Moreno was named 2022 Superintendent of the Year for the region by the Texas Association of School Boards.

Moreno, who joined Robstown ISD in 2018, was chosen for the award by school board members in Education Service Center, Region 2, which encompasses Nueces County and surrounding counties.

In the past two years, superintendents at West Oso ISD and Corpus Christi ISD were recognized. In 2017, Moreno's predecessor, former Robstown ISD superintendent Maria Vidaurri, earned the award.

According to a press release from the regional center, Robstown ISD has shown "significant improvements" under Moreno's leadership in educational program development, academic achievement, and inclusion and equity.

Moreno said he views the role of a superintendent as focused on service.

"It's not about me," Moreno said. "It's an opportunity to put our school district out there. ... To me, this is more about representing the community with this opportunity."

Moreno praised Robstown ISD staff and students and pointed to several district accomplishments over the past few years, including the growth of Robstown Early College High School and the district's collaborations with other area districts.

This fall, the district is launching three choice-based elementary school academies. Programs will be focused on STEM, leadership and fine arts.

The district achieved a "B" overall accountability rating from the state in 2019, an improvement from a "C" the previous year. The Texas Education Agency canceled accountability ratings for the subsequent two school years because of pandemic-related closures.

Esperanza Zendejas, executive director of ESC, Region 2, said in the press release that Moreno has a "caring and action-oriented" approach.

Robstown ISD board of trustees President Lori Ann Garza also congratulated Moreno.

"He is well-deserving of this honor and we are extremely pleased and grateful that our superintendent was selected to represent Region 2 at the state level," Garza said in the release.

As the Region 2 winner, Moreno is under consideration for state Superintendent of the Year and will be interviewed by a selection committee before a statewide winner is announced in September.

Olivia Garrett reports on education and community news in South Texas. Contact her at olivia.garrett@caller.com. You can support local journalism with a subscription to the Caller-Times. 

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