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Donna ISD Trustees Recognized for their 2024 Outstanding School Board Award
The Donna Independent School District Board of Trustees was formally recognized as the 2024 Outstanding School Board in Texas during a regular board meeting on Tuesday, January 14. This prestigious honor, initially announced on September 27, 2024, at txEDCON24—the joint annual convention of the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) and the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB)—was officially celebrated with a presentation by Dr. Kevin Brown, Executive Director of TASA.
This recognition comes during School Board Recognition Month, adding an even more meaningful backdrop to the celebration. To honor the trustees, the Donna High School Mariachi performed during the event, providing a vibrant and heartfelt tribute to their leadership and service.
Exemplary Leadership and Service
The Donna ISD Board was selected from five state finalists following a rigorous evaluation by the TASA School Board Awards Committee. The committee commended the board for its leadership in advancing educational performance, its commitment to transformational initiatives, and its prioritization of student welfare.
““Following extensive interviews, the Donna ISD School Board was recognized as the best school district in the state of Texas,” Dr. Brown announced to the audience, who celebrated the Board's achievement. “This is a significant honor, and it’s something the entire community and Board should take pride in. There is nothing more valuable to a community than its children. Their growth, development, and future contributions are the driving force behind the community's success. The dedication of this district to nurturing its students ensures a brighter future for everyone, as many of you exemplify through your own lives and service.”
Specific areas of recognition include:
· Leadership in early childhood education initiatives.
· Fiscal responsibility and resource optimization.
· A steadfast focus on improving student outcomes, even with limited resources.
Superintendent Dr. Angela Dominguez, who nominated the board for the award, expressed her admiration for their work.
“I am incredibly proud of our board members for their vision, dedication, and collaboration,” said Dr. Dominguez. “This recognition is especially meaningful as it coincides with School Board Recognition Month, highlighting their commitment to ensuring every student in Donna ISD graduates prepared for college, career, or the military.”
Board President Fernando Castillo emphasized the importance of teamwork in their success.
“Our collective focus on student outcomes and adherence to the Texas Lone Star Governance Program has driven real, measurable progress,” said Castillo. “This recognition, combined with the heartfelt celebration today, inspires us to continue delivering for our students, staff, and community.”
A Legacy of Leadership
The Donna ISD Board’s recognition as the 2024 Outstanding School Board builds on their earlier distinction as the Outstanding School Board for Region One. They were also named a state finalist for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Outstanding School Board Award and have been invited to present at numerous state and local conferences, solidifying their role as leaders in educational governance.
About Donna ISD
Donna ISD is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for success in college, career, or military pathways. Guided by visionary leadership and a steadfast commitment to student outcomes, Donna ISD continues to build a legacy of excellence.