Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora has served as an educator in Texas for over 36 years and as the Superintendent of Schools in Tomball ISD since 2017. She is a trailblazer and is the first female Superintendent of TISD and the first Hispanic Superintendent of Tomball ISD.
Prior to being named Superintendent, she worked as the district’s Chief Academic Officer for three years.
LEADING TOMBALL ISD
Recognized as the 2023 Texas Superintendent of the Year, representing Region 4, Dr. Salazar-Zamora not only leads a fast growth district, but one of the highest academic achieving districts in the State of Texas, all while maintaining strong financial management practices.
As the Team Tomball leader, Dr. Salazar-Zamora has elevated Tomball ISD into a consistent A-rated school district and as the #1 Best School District in Harris County for the fifth straight year, according to Niche rankings. In addition, Tomball ISD was honored as a 2023 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards finalist in both Large School District and Outstanding School Board categories, the only school district in Texas recognized for one than one award.
Under Dr. Salazar-Zamora’s leadership, Tomball ISD continues to set the bar high with innovative programs and initiatives that are student-centered and intentional. Since 2017, she has led the implementation of Tomball Star Academy, the District’s early college high school, Tomball ISD’s Two-Way Dual Language Academy, the District’s first P-TECH focused on healthcare, a Pre-K Center for young learners, the state-of-the-art Tomball ISD Stadium and Event Center, along with the opening of several campuses and CTE programs which are in place to accommodate the fast growth happening in Tomball.
Leading over 22,000 students and over 3,100 employees across 23 campuses, Dr. Salazar-Zamora remains committed to the growth of public education and the impact it plays in our local community by serving her time on numerous boards.
CURRENT BOARDS
Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner’s Cabinet
Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) – President Elect
American Association of School Administrators (AASA) – Executive Committee
Fast Growth School Coalition (FGSC) – President
The Council of Women School Executives (TCWSE) – Vice President
Past President and Founding Member of Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS)
Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) Tomball – Board of Trustees
Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce – Board of Trustees
PRIOR TO TOMBALL ISD
She brings a wealth of experience in education. Before joining Tomball, Salazar-Zamora served in Round Rock ISD as the deputy superintendent of curriculum and administration. Prior to working in Round Rock, Salazar-Zamora was the assistant superintendent of school support services in Houston ISD. She also worked in Spring ISD as an area superintendent, an assistant superintendent, and the executive director of student/school services.
While serving Kingsville ISD, she worked as the superintendent of schools for three years. Prior to becoming superintendent, she also worked in Kingsville as an assistant superintendent for curriculum/instruction and human resources, as well as a speech/language pathologist. While working in Bishop Consolidated ISD, she served as a principal and director of federal programs/special education. Salazar-Zamora began her education career in Alice ISD as a teacher, educational diagnostician, and speech and language pathologist.
HER EDUCATION
Dr. Salazar-Zamora earned a doctorate of education at Texas A&M University, a master of education in educational administration and a master of education in special education at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, and a bachelor of science at Texas A&I University.
FAMILY
She also enjoys spending quality time with her husband Emilio, their two daughters, Milan and Matisse, and granddaughters Arya Rose and Aurelia Rose.
Past AASA Texas Superintendent of the Year Winners:
2023 Texas Superintendent of the Year: Dr. Bobby Ott
2021 Texas Superintendent of the Year: J.A. Gonzalez
About the Award:
The Superintendent of the Year program, sponsored by First Student and AASA, pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead the nation’s public schools.
State-level winners are selected on the following criteria:
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- Leadership for Learning
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Community Involvement