Texas Superintendent of the Year

McAllen ISD’s Dr. Gonzalez earns Texas Superintendent of the Year

Acombination of leadership, foresight and determination has catapulted McAllen ISD’s Superintendent, Dr. J.A. Gonzalez, to the top spot in the state – the 2020 Texas Superintendent of the Year! He is the first McAllen ISD superintendent to ever win this award.

Announced by the Texas Association of School Boards in early October, Dr. Gonzalez thanked his family, the School Board and colleagues from across the region and state.

“This award would not be possible without the entire McAllen ISD family … all 3,000 employees, thank you so much,” he said. “To our teachers, thank you for grinding and for pushing hard, even in this remote environment. And, to our wonderful students, thank you for putting us on the map. As educators, we are in the dream business. We are entrepreneurs of the human spirit … and finally, I dedicate this award to my father (Oscar Gonzalez Sr.) and my mother (Elsa Gonzalez). I hope that I made you proud. Thank you.”

The selection committee stated that Gonzalez works to make dreams come true for students at every level by taking a hands-on approach to leadership, being inclusive and providing the right enrichment to students. They also credited how the district assesses every state-recommended learning objective and closely monitors student progress which is key to the district’s numerous distinctions and its “A” rating.

“He is a tremendous leader, motivator and hard worker who has tirelessly dedicated himself to meeting the needs of our community’s children,” School Board President Conrado Alvarado said on behalf of the School Board and school community.

A veteran educator of 25 years, he has served as McAllen ISD’s Superintendent since 2016. In McAllen ISD, he has worked as a Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal and Associate Superintendent.