TASB Names 5 State Finalists for 2025 Superintendent of the Year Award 

Austin— The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) is pleased to announce that five public school superintendents have been selected as state finalists for the prestigious Superintendent of the Year award, an annual program established in 1984 to recognize exemplary school leaders.  

This year’s finalists come from across the state and include honorees who lead districts with enrollments ranging from 189 students to nearly 49,000.  

“For more than 40 years, the Superintendent of the Year program has been honoring and celebrating outstanding educational leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to excellent student outcomes,” said TASB Executive Director Dan Troxell. “This program not only underscores the importance of visionary leadership in fostering a thriving educational environment, but it also serves as a reminder of the great work that’s happening every day in Texas public schools.”  

The five finalists were selected by a TASB committee of school board members who interviewed 17 regional nominees put forward by education service centers (ESC) across the state. The candidates were evaluated based on their work in improving student outcomes, developing a strong leadership team, fiscal management, advocacy, and their ongoing commitment to education innovation, improvement, and leadership.  

Wichita Falls ISD Trustee Mark Lukert, who chaired the TASB selection committee, thanked all the superintendents who participated in the selection process, which included interviews in Austin on Aug. 22 and 23.  

“We were all impressed by the amazing talent among this year’s candidates, and selecting just five was no easy task,” Lukert said. “As a committee of board members, we understand the essential role of the superintendent and how impactful this leader can be in making a positive difference in the lives of students. It’s always inspiring to hear about the great work happening in districts across the state.”  

Those superintendents selected as state finalists will advance to the next stage of the Superintendent of the Year award process, which takes place in September at txEDCON in Houston. The winner will be announced Friday, Sept. 12, and will receive an award underwritten by program sponsor Balfour.  

The five state finalists are:  

Eddie Hesseltine, Orange Grove ISD, Region 2 

Hesseltine has been the superintendent of Orange Grove ISD since February 2022, having previously served in administrative roles in six other Texas districts dating back to 1998. He began his career in the U.S. Air Force, where he served active duty for five years.  

In selecting Hesseltine as a finalist, the committee praised his ability to “do more with less” in a rural South Texas school district that includes 1,598 students on four campuses, located about 40 miles northwest of Corpus Christi. Specifically, they noted Hesseltine’s financial stewardship and his mission to serve all students in a district culture that prioritizes teamwork and collaboration.  

Hesseltine received his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi and his master’s degree in educational administration from Texas A&M University of Kingsville.  

Roosevelt Nivens, Lamar CISD, Region 4  

Nivens has served as the superintendent of Lamar CISD since 2021. The district spans 385 square miles and serves nearly 49,000 students in the fastest-growing district in Fort Bend County, southwest of the Houston metropolitan area.  

In selecting Nivens, the committee cited his long career as an educator supporting opportunities for all students, his ability to navigate the challenges associated with Lamar CISD’s explosive growth, and his student-centered approach to leadership. 

Nivens earned his earned his Bachelor of Science from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, and his Master of Education and Doctor of Education from Texas A&M-Commerce. 

Colin Howeth, Knox City-O’Brien CISD, Region 9  

Howeth has served as the superintendent of Knox City-O’Brien CISD since 2018, in a district where he has spent his entire career since joining as a teacher and coach in 2000. The district serves 189 students on one PK-12 campus in Knox County, about 75 miles north of Abilene.  

In selecting Howeth, the selection committee noted his leadership style, which includes being willing to do whatever it takes to serve his small, rural district, from maintenance to elementary drop off duty. The committee also praised his ability to build a positive culture, including with his board, which includes four of his former students. 

Howeth earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Midwestern State University. He holds a master’s degree in education from Abilene Christian University.  

Lori Rapp, Lewisville ISD, Region 11  

Rapp has served as superintendent of Lewisville ISD since 2022, where she has spent her entire career since joining the district in 1996 as a secondary mathematics teacher. The district serves 46,200 students in a district that includes 64 campuses across 127-square miles primarily in Denton County, north of the Dallas metroplex.  
 
In selecting Rapp as a finalist, the committee noted her commitment to public education and her district, her skills as a communicator, and her dedication to building a strong district culture.  

Rapp received her Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from Texas Tech University. She received her Master of Science in mathematics from Texas Woman’s University and her Doctorate in educational leadership from Dallas Baptist University. 

Kurt Ashmore, Wellington ISD, Region 16 

Ashmore has served as the superintendent of Wellington ISD since 2015, having begun his career in 1988 as a teacher and high school coach. The rural district is located about 106 miles east of Amarillo and includes three campuses with 515 students.  

In selecting Ashmore as a state finalist, the committee highlighted his high expectations for students and staff, his transparent leadership style, and his ability to encourage all students to get involved in district activities.  

Ashmore earned his bachelor’s degree from McMurry University in Abilene and his Master of Education in administration from West Texas A&M University in Canyon.  

About TASB

TASB is a nonprofit organization established in 1949 to serve local Texas school boards. School board members are the largest group of publicly elected officials in the state. The number of public school students served by TASB members is more than 5 million.