Tomball ISD School Board Named 2026 Region 4 Board of the Year

THE WOODLANDS, TX — The Tomball ISD Board of Trustees has been named the 2026 Region 4 School Board of the Year in recognition of its outstanding leadership, ethical governance, and unwavering commitment to student success.

The prestigious honor recognizes school boards that exemplify excellence in leadership, visionary governance, and service to students, staff, and their communities.

As the Region 4 winner, the Tomball ISD Board of Trustees will advance as the region's nominee for the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) Outstanding School Board Award. The statewide winner will be announced on October 9 during txEDCON 2026, the TASA/TASB Convention, in Houston.

The Tomball ISD Board of Trustees was selected for its leadership during a period of sustained enrollment growth and its steadfast commitment to thoughtful governance and student achievement. Working alongside Superintendent Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora as a unified Team of Eight, the Board has guided the District through long-range planning, complex financial decisions, and continued growth while ensuring every decision remains centered on students.

Over the past decade, the Board has overseen the opening of seven campuses, a District Stadium, and secured voter approval of the district's three largest bond referendums. Today, Tomball ISD serves more than 23,300 students across 25 campuses, with its 26th campus scheduled to open this fall. Throughout this unprecedented growth, the Board has remained focused on expanding opportunities for students while responsibly preparing the district for the future.

"Strong school boards create opportunities for students to succeed," said Dr. Rodney Watson, executive director of Region 4 Education Service Center. "The Tomball ISD Board of Trustees has led with integrity through a period of significant growth while keeping students at the center of its decisions. Region 4 is proud to recognize a Board that serves its schools and community with purpose and collaboration."

Each current Trustee also brings a unique personal connection to the District, with every member having children or grandchildren who are current or former Tomball ISD students. These deep community roots and firsthand investment in the district reinforce the Board's shared commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience for every student.

"Since becoming Superintendent in 2017, I have been supported by a cohesive, student-driven Board of Trustees," said Dr. Salazar-Zamora. "The longevity and intentional focus of our School Board truly makes a difference. Regardless of the challenges public education has faced in recent years, the Board has remained steadfast in its focus and led our District to continued success. Their passion for advocating for students and dedication to our community set them apart as a model for school boards across Texas."

The Tomball ISD Board of Trustees includes:

• Mark Lewandowski, President
• John E. McStravick, Vice President
• Dr. Michael J. Pratt, Secretary
• Amanda Bass, Assistant Secretary
• Patrick Beecher, Trustee
• Coco White, Trustee
• Jennifer Kratky, Trustee

Together with Superintendent Dr. Salazar-Zamora, the Board's collaborative leadership continues to position Tomball ISD as one of Texas' premier public school districts—focused on academic excellence, responsible stewardship, innovation, and creating extraordinary opportunities for every student.

ABOUT TOMBALL ISD
Tomball ISD educates students to become responsible, productive citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates over 23,300 students across 25 campuses.