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.
“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.
Fort Worth ISD’s Quinton “Q” Phillips, who chaired this year’s TASB state selection committee, said the interview process gave committee members an opportunity to hear firsthand about the challenges and opportunities facing districts across the state.
“It was inspiring to hear directly from these superintendents about the work happening in their districts and the communities they serve,” Phillips said. “Trustees know strong leadership is about more than results. It’s about building trust, bringing people together, and staying focused on students even when the work is challenging. Those qualities came through clearly in each of our five finalists.”
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.
Tory Hill, Channelview ISD, Region 4
Hill has served as superintendent of Channelview ISD since 2022. The district serves about 9,000 students and is located about 15 miles east of downtown Houston.
The committee highlighted Hill’s commitment to the transformative power of a public education, and noted his dedication to ensuring every student, regardless of background or circumstances, has access to opportunities for success.
Hill earned a Doctor of Education in curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M University. He also holds a master’s degree in education from Florida A&M University and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Southern University. Before joining Channelview ISD, he served as superintendent of Sweeny ISD.
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