Austin — Five outstanding Texas public school leaders have been selected as state finalists for the 2026 Superintendent of the Year award, the Texas Association of School Boards’ annual recognition of exemplary leadership in public education.
The finalists represent school districts from across Texas and bring distinct experiences and approaches to leading their students, staff, and communities. They were selected from 16 regional nominees following interviews conducted Aug. 21-22 by a committee of Texas school board members.
Corpus Christi ISD Superintendent Dr. Roland Hernandez is among the five leaders named state finalists. Hernandez has served as superintendent of Corpus Christi ISD since 2014. The district serves more than 32,000 students on the Gulf Coast.
Committee members cited Hernandez’s strong advocacy for public education and his ability to lead through complex challenges with a clear sense of shared responsibility and purpose on behalf of students.
Hernandez earned a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Texas at Austin as a Cooperative Superintendency Program fellow with an emphasis in public affairs and social work, a master’s degree from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and a Bachelor of Science from Texas State University.
“Great superintendents understand that leadership is about bringing people together around a shared commitment to students,” said TASB Acting Executive Director Tiffany Dunne-Oldfield. “These five finalists have demonstrated the vision, collaboration, and dedication it takes to lead strong public schools. Their work also reflects what is possible when superintendents and locally elected school boards work together to serve their communities.”
The Superintendent of the Year program has recognized excellence in Texas public school administration since 1984. Candidates are evaluated on their leadership skills, commitment to improving student outcomes, board and community relations, fiscal management, advocacy for public education, and dedication to continuous improvement and innovation.
The Superintendent of the Year selection process begins each year with nominations submitted by local school boards. Regional selection committees at each Education Service Center review nominees and select regional winners, who then advance to the state selection process.
The finalists will advance to the final stage of the selection process at txEDCON, the largest annual gathering of public education leaders hosted by TASB and the Texas Association of School Administrators. The 2026 Superintendent of the Year will be announced Oct. 10 at txEDCON in Houston. The award program is sponsored by Balfour.