Tomball ISD School Board Named a 2026 Texas Top 5 Honor Board

TOMBALL — The Tomball ISD Board of Trustees has been named one of five Texas Honor School Boards by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) as part of its prestigious School Board Awards Program.

Each year, TASA recognizes outstanding school boards across the state for exemplary leadership, governance and service that positively impacts public education and student success.

Earlier this summer, Tomball ISD was named the 2026 Region 4 School Board of the Year. As one of only five Texas Honor School Boards, the district now advances as a finalist for Texas Outstanding School Board, the highest honor presented through TASA's School Board Awards Program.

Joining Tomball ISD as a 2026 Honor Board are: Alice ISD, Boerne ISD, Denver City ISD, and Lovejoy ISD.

This marks the second time in the past five years that Tomball ISD has been named a Texas Honor School Board, having previously earned the distinction in 2021. The recognition reflects the district's continued tradition of strong governance, visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to student success.

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
• Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora, Superintendent and Nominating Superintendent

"Being recognized as one of only five Honor School Boards in Texas is a tremendous honor and a testament to the unwavering commitment our Board of Trustees has to serving students, staff and the Tomball ISD community," said Salazar-Zamora. "Their servant leadership, thoughtful governance and dedication to educational excellence continue to shape the future of our district. We congratulate our Board on this remarkable achievement and thank them for their steadfast commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive."

The Tomball ISD Board of Trustees has guided one of the fastest-growing school districts in Texas through a period of unprecedented growth while maintaining a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, responsible financial stewardship and long-range strategic planning. Their leadership has supported continued investments in student safety and security, innovative learning opportunities, employee recruitment and retention, and the successful implementation of the voter-approved 2025 Bond Program, including the opening of Tomball West High School and continued capital improvements across the district.

"The strength of Tomball ISD begins with visionary leadership," Salazar-Zamora said. "Our Board members share a common purpose of putting students first while making thoughtful decisions that strengthen our schools today and for generations to come. Their collaborative approach and commitment to excellence continue to position Tomball ISD as a Destination District recognized across Texas."

The committee praised the Tomball ISD Board of Trustees for its strategic leadership, support of innovation, and commitment to sustaining strong student performance amid rapid growth. The committee highlighted the board’s approval and support of the Exceeding Excellence 2030 Strategic Plan, a revised curriculum management system, responsible integration of artificial intelligence, expansion of the district’s two-way dual-language program, and development of educator pipeline and mentoring initiatives. Members also commended the board’s strong community engagement and focus on college, career, and workforce readiness.

As a previous Honor Board in 2021, Tomball ISD joins Alice ISD, who receives the honor for the first time, along with Boerne (2003); Denver City (2016), and Lovejoy (1982) who are previously recognized Honor Boards.

The five boards are now finalists for the program’s highest honor: 2026 Outstanding School Board. They will be interviewed October 9 at txEDCON 2026 (the annual TASA/TASB Convention) in Houston, where one board will be named Outstanding School Board later that afternoon. The other Honor Boards, as well as the regional winners, will also be recognized at that time.

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 26 campuses.