Tomball ISD’s Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora named AASA National Superintendent of the Year Finalist

THE WOODLANDS, TX – AASA, The School Superintendents Association, is pleased to announce Tomball ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora as a finalist for the 2024 National Superintendent of the Year®. This distinction honors school system leaders throughout the country who are making a positive difference in the lives of the students they serve, in addition to ensuring the safety and wellness of their school communities.

Joining Dr. Salazar-Zamora as one of four finalists for the 2024 National Superintendent of the Year are:

• Martha Salazar-Zamora, Tomball Independent School District, Tomball, TX
• Joe Gothard, Saint Paul Public Schools, Saint Paul, MN
• Kimberly Rizzo Saunders, Contoocook Valley School District, Peterborough, NH
• Fredrick Williams, Dublin City Schools, Dublin, GA

“I’m incredibly humbled and honored to be recognized by AASA as a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year,” said Dr. Salazar-Zamora. “I’m fortunate to serve in a community that supports public education, values student learning opportunities, and understands the importance of growth and innovation. As a Superintendent, I believe now more than ever it is the power of a supportive and united community that drives success in public education, and we couldn’t do the work we do without our dedicated stakeholders. I’m also thankful for a supportive School Board and working alongside amazing district and campus leaders that help move our work forward. For it is every individual’s commitment to high-quality instruction and creating premier student experiences that drives Tomball ISD to be the very best.”

In September 2023, following Dr. Salazar-Zamora’s selection as Region 4 Superintendent of the Year, the Texas Association of School Boards named her the 2023 Texas Superintendent of the Year. She is the first Hispanic female to receive the honor. The Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) named Dr. Salazar-Zamora a state nominee for AASA National Superintendent of the Year.

“It is no surprise that Dr. Salazar-Zamora has been named a finalist for AASA National Superintendent of the Year,” said Dr. Kevin Brown, Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) Executive Director. “I have known Martha for about 15 years and have seen first-hand what a remarkable servant-leader she is. She has that rare combination of exceptional leadership, people, and organizational skills along with a strong sense of mission and work ethic. When all of those things are possessed by one person, you have a one-of-a-kind leader. All of us from Tomball to the rest of our state and nation are so fortunate to have such an amazing leader serving our children and communities as a public school superintendent. Her peers and I have the highest admiration for Dr. Salazar-Zamora, and celebrate this well-deserved honor!”

“I also want to thank the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) for nominating me for National Superintendent of the Year as the representative for Texas, and for truly believing in the work being done in Tomball ISD to maximize student opportunities all while managing fast-growth and challenges related to funding. Public education in Texas stands strong today because of the collective work and advocacy being done by all educators working together to champion student achievement and outcomes. I’m proud to serve as the Texas Superintendent of Year on a national level.”

The National Superintendent of the Year program, now in its 37th year, is open to all U.S. superintendents who plan to continue in the profession. The program also honors international school superintendents. The applicants were measured against the following criteria:

• Leadership for learning – creativity in successfully meeting the needs of students in the school system
• Communication – strength in both personal and organizational communication
• Professionalism – constant improvement of administrative knowledge and skills, while providing professional development opportunities and motivation to others on the education team
• Community involvement – active participation in local community activities and an understanding of regional, national and international issues

Dr. Salazar-Zamora currently serves as TASA president-elect and will lead TASA as president in 2024-25. She is also the president of the Fast Growth School Coalition and vice president of The Council of Women School Executives. She is a past president and founding member of the Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents. Salazar-Zamora serves on the TASA Commissioner’s Cabinet and on the executive committee of AASA. She is a member of the boards of trustees for both the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce and the Hospital Corporation of America Tomball.