TASB Announces 2026 Superintendent of the Year State Finalists

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.

The 2026 state finalists, in order of ESC region, are:

Roland Hernandez, Corpus Christi ISD, Region 2

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.

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.

Ginger Carrabine, Bryan ISD, Region 6

Carrabine has served as superintendent of Bryan ISD since 2022. The district serves more than 15,000 students and borders College Station.

The committee noted Carrabine’s authenticity, humility, and deep sense of calling to education, reflected in the way she sees herself in her students and remains passionately committed to their success.

Carrabine holds a master’s degree in education from the University of Houston and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and sociology from Lamar University. Before becoming Bryan ISD superintendent, she served as deputy superintendent and chief of staff there. Previously, she worked in Fort Bend ISD, where she held administrative and teaching roles.

Casey Adams, Woodson ISD, Region 9

Adams has served as superintendent of Woodson ISD since 2018. The district serves about 150 students and is located about halfway between Abilene and Wichita Falls in North Central Texas.

In naming Adams a finalist, committee members cited his student-centered leadership and his willingness to step into whatever work is needed, a reflection of his visible and deep commitment to every part of his district’s rural community.

Adams earned both a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He received his superintendent certification from Region 14 ESC.

Michelle Rinehart, Alpine ISD, Region 18

Rinehart has served as superintendent of Alpine ISD since 2022. The district serves about 850 students in the Big Bend area of West Texas.

The committee praised Rinehart’s resourceful, disciplined, and innovative financial leadership, noting her ability to navigate complex fiscal challenges in one of the state’s lowest-funded districts while helping create stronger opportunities and outcomes for students.

Rinehart earned a Doctor of Education Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M University. She also holds a Bachelor of Education in physics and mathematics teaching and a Bachelor of Science Honours in physics and mathematics, both from Queen’s University.