Field Services Representatives

Home: El Paso, Regions: 1, 15, 18, and 19

Ruben Cervantes has served in public education for 35 years. He began his career as an elementary bilingual teacher and served as coach and counselor before entering administration. Through his 22 years of administration experience, Cervantes served as assistant principal, principal, associate superintendent, and superintendent. He has worked in multiple school districts throughout West Texas before retiring in South Texas. Ruben earned his bachelor's and master’s degrees at Sul Ross State University.

Regions 2, 3, 4, and 20 Representative 

Home: Center Point, TX

Cody Newcomb recently retired as superintendent of Center Point ISD after 15 years in the district. He was an assistant superintendent and principal in Quinlan ISD previously. Newcomb worked in education for over 30 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and master’s degree from Texas A&M University in Commerce. 

Home: Rockport, Regions: 5, 5, 7, and 8

Cara Cooke retired as Aransas Pass ISD superintendent in July 2023, after more than 35 years in public education as an elementary teacher, principal, and superintendent. Before serving in Aransas Pass starting in 2018, she was the Kilgore ISD superintendent and assistant superintendent in West Oso and Industrial ISDs. She has a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Tyler, master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin University, and superintendent certification from University of Houston at Victoria.

Home: Comanche, Regions: 9, 14, 16, and 17

Rick Howard, named 2007 superintendent of the year for Region 14, served as the Comanche ISD superintendent for more than 12 years. He also served as a principal for Ira ISD in 1990 and superintendent in 1991. Prior to that, he was an athletic trainer and teacher for 12 years at Snyder ISD. Howard earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from East Texas State University and his superintendent certification from Sul Ross State University.

Home: Graham, TX, Regions 10 and 11 

Sonny Cruse retired as superintendent of Graham ISD in December 2024, after nine years in the district. He also served as superintendent in Bonham ISD and deputy and assistant superintendent roles in Huntsville and China Spring ISDs. Cruse spent 37 years in education, starting as a teacher and coach in Temple, Angleton, and Sanger ISDs. He has a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and superintendent certification from Tarleton State University. 

Regions 12 and 13 Representative 

Home: Dripping Springs, TX

Richard Kolek spent over 30 years in education, retiring from Johnson City ISD in January 2024 after seven years as the superintendent. He also served as deputy and interim superintendent of Taylor ISD. Kolek was a principal, teacher, and coach at Taylor, Rockdale, and Victoria ISDs. He has a bachelor's degree from Texas State University, a master’s degree from the University of Houston, and earned his superintendent certification from the University of Texas at Tyler.