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Donna ISD Board of Trustees Named Texas Outstanding School Board of the Year
The Donna Independent School District Board of Trustees has earned the prestigious title of Texas Outstanding School Board of the Year, solidifying their place as the top-performing school board in the state. Competing as one of only five finalists for this esteemed recognition, the Board was praised for its dedication to student success, commitment to early childhood education, and innovative leadership.
This state-level honor follows the Board’s earlier distinction as the Outstanding School Board for Region One. The Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) School Board Awards Committee commended the Board’s unwavering commitment to improving student outcomes, leadership in early childhood initiatives and its fiscally responsible governance approach. The committee also noted the Board’s ability to maximize opportunities despite limited resources, making them a model for school districts across Texas.
“They have a true passion not only for helping students but for addressing poverty in their community, which makes student achievement a priority,” stated the selection committee. “This board is creating the future by changing the trajectory of their students through education, and that is truly inspiring.”
The committee highlighted the Board’s clear focus on its goals and data-driven decision-making. Their ability to align resources with their vision has led to remarkable student outcomes. “Their realization that student success begins with early education is the cornerstone of their strategy,” the press release noted. This focus was emphasized when Donna ISD’s M. Rivas Primary Discovery Academy received the H-E-B Excellence in Education Award for Outstanding Early Childhood Program, exemplifying the Board’s commitment to providing a strong educational foundation for the district’s youngest learners.
Donna ISD Superintendent Dr. Angela Dominguez, who nominated the Board for the award, praised its leadership. “I’m really proud of our board members and their leadership, as well as how we work together as a team of eight,” Superintendent Dominguez said. “It took a lot of effort to go through this process, and being recognized at this level is tremendous for our community.”
Superintendent Dominguez said this award is a testament to the Board's unwavering focus on student outcomes “This honor speaks volumes about the integrity and focus of our board in doing what’s best for the students of Donna ISD,” she said. “They view their roles as advocates and leaders, fully committed to our district’s mission of graduating every student ready for college, career, or the military. This recognition reflects their steadfast dedication to our students, staff, and community.”
Board President Fernando Castillo emphasized that the Board’s success is a direct result of its collaborative relationship with district leadership. “We function as a cohesive team of eight, including our superintendent, Dr. Dominguez,” said Castillo. “Our shared commitment to student outcomes and adherence to the Texas Lone Star Governance Program has been key to our success. This award validates that our approach is working, and we remain focused on setting high standards for our students and staff.”
In addition to this latest recognition, the Board was named one of five state finalists for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Outstanding School Board Award, further highlighting its achievements. “This recognition is a testament to our unified vision,” said Castillo. “By collaborating with our superintendent, we have built a system that prioritizes student success and delivers measurable results.” Furthermore, the trustees have been invited to present at numerous state and local school board conferences. These presentations, attended by board members and superintendents from across Texas, have positioned the Donna ISD Board as role models for educational leadership.