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Appoints South San Antonio ISD Board of Managers and New Superintendent
Date
AUSTIN, Texas – February 19, 2025 – The () today announced the appointment of a seven-member Board of Managers and a new superintendent to lead and operate the South San Antonio Independent School District (ISD).
The appointment of a Board of Managers and superintendent comes after nearly two decades of elected trustee and administrative dysfunction resulting in diminished student academic outcomes, poor financial controls, public distrust and multiple investigations. ’s decision follows an agreed upon, year-long evaluation period in which the district’s elected Board of Trustees failed to rectify documented governance deficiencies and shortcomings.
“For far too long, the best interests of students and teachers in South San Antonio ISD were cast aside by many of the very adults elected to serve them, who instead worked in favor of their own self interests,” said Texas Education Commissioner, Mike Morath. “Today’s action signals a renewal of South San Antonio ISD and puts the focus on what matters most – providing the high-quality education that students deserve. I am incredibly grateful for the seven community members that have signed up to serve on the Board of Managers, whose sense of service and commitment to their community will lead their decision making and priorities.”
The appointment of a board of managers coincides with the appointment of a new superintendent, Dr. Saul Hinojosa.
“As a longtime San Antonio-area educator and school leader, Dr. Hinojosa’s vision and track record of success will help the district become a beacon of community excellence,” Morath said. “I also would like to thank outgoing superintendent, Henry Yzaguirre, for his efforts to stabilize the district and recalibrate the district’s focus on student academic outcomes. He is not the reason behind today’s actions, and I wish him well moving forward.”
All seven members of the South San Antonio ISD Board of Managers are residents of the Greater San Antonio area. Two members currently reside inside the district and five are graduates of South San ISD.
South San Antonio ISD Board of Managers
- Raymond Tijerina (recommended to serve as Board President): Mr. Tijerina was born and raised on the Southside of San Antonio and is a proud alumnus of Kindred Elementary, Dwight Middle School and South San Antonio High School. He is a co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of a San Antonio-based educational support company that helps school systems find the best talent. A veteran of the United States Navy who served honorably for nine years, Ray has devoted his career to serving the students of the Southside and looks forward to continued service to the community as a member of the South San Antonio ISD School Board.
- Karla Gomez Sanchez (recommended to serve as Board Vice President): Mrs. Gomez Sanchez was born and raised on the Southside of San Antonio and is a proud South San alumna. The daughter of Mexican immigrants, she was the first in her family to attend college, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Married to a fellow South San Bobcat, Karla worked in the medical field before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She is now a work-from-home/stay-at-home mom, and her children attend South San Antonio ISD schools. As an alumna and now parent, Karla is focused on making South San a district that successfully serves all students.
- Darrell Balderrama (recommended to serve as Board Secretary): Mr. Balderrama was born and raised in the Southside of San Antonio and is a proud 1998 graduate of South San Antonio High School. Darrell received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and returned to San Antonio to complete his master’s degree in public administration from St. Mary’s University. He is pursuing his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at the University of Texas at San Antonio. With over 20 years of higher education experience, Darrell currently leads an undergraduate research office at a local university and enjoys supporting community involvement and engagement.
- Adrian Guerra: Mr. Guerra is a proud product of South San Antonio ISD, having attended Royalgate Elementary and Alan B. Shepard Middle School before graduating from West Campus High School. He credits the educational foundation provided by South San Antonio ISD as the springboard for his professional successes. Adrian is driven by the mission of serving others and placing what is most important above self-interests. These values, instilled by his parents, shape his vision for how South San Antonio ISD must operate to ensure the success of its students. A software engineer by trade, Adrian currently serves as a technology and cybersecurity partner for small businesses in the Greater San Antonio area.
- Dr. Kelly Murguia: Dr. Murguia has invested over 15 years in public education as a teacher, teacher educator, curriculum designer and systems and operations managing director and is now focused on using this skillset and experience in service of the students, staff and community of South San Antonio ISD. A current resident of the Southside, Kelly deeply appreciates the connection and sense of pride in the community. Kelly has an undergraduate degree in Commerce, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship from Brown University, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Harvard University, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Texas at Austin. &Բ;
- Aurelina Prado: Mrs. Prado is a testament to the power of perseverance, an immigrant and daughter of naturalized citizens who overcame obstacles to achieve success. Married to a Southside native, she worked her way up from an aircraft technician to a senior corporate leader, overseeing military programs across multiple states while earning her degrees as a non-traditional student. Passionate about uplifting others, she has dedicated years to mentoring, providing scholarships and ensuring students have the resources to thrive. Lina believes every student in South San Antonio ISD deserves the opportunity to succeed, no matter their circumstances—just as she did.
- Jesus Rendon III: Mr. Rendon III is a proud graduate of South San Antonio ISD. A neutral party in the annual Red River Rivalry, he holds degrees in engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma. Employed in the cybersecurity industry and as an adjunct professor in the business school at Palo Alto College, Jesus’ work centers on his passion for serving his community and helping educate the next generation of San Antonians. Together with his wife, he started a nonprofit organization that connects students with career opportunities. He is an active member of St. Joseph South San Catholic Church and the Quintana Neighborhood Association.
South San Antonio ISD Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Saul Hinojosa: A passionate, student-focused educational leader, Dr. Saul Hinojosa joins South San Antonio ISD as Superintendent of Schools following a highly successful 15-year tenure at the helm of Somerset ISD.
Under Dr. Hinojosa’s leadership, Somerset ISD achieved exemplary student performance and growth, resulting in A-ratings from the . During his tenure, Somerset ISD was recognized at the regional, state and national levels for academic achievement and innovation, particularly its success in recruiting, developing and retaining effective educators. Under Dr. Hinojosa, Somerset ISD established a reputation for initiating policies that put student needs first and equipped teachers with the tools and support to foster student success.
Dr. Hinojosa’s vision for South San ISD is simple: keep the needs of students first through effective governance practices, sound financial management and an emphasis on high-quality curriculum and classroom rigor.
A native of Freer, Dr. Hinojosa earned his Doctor of Education from the University of Texas at Austin, a master's degree from Texas A&M University at Kingsville and a bachelor's degree from Southwest Texas State University.
Career Accomplishments
- 2022 TASB Region 20 Superintendent of the Year
- 2022 Blue Ribbon School Award (Somerset Elementary School)
- 2021 TASA Region 20 School Board of the Year
- 2019 South San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Chamber Legend
- 2018 University Council for Educational Administration Leadership Award
- 2017 Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas Community Builder Award.
Background on Agency Intervention and Board of Managers Application & Selection Process &Բ;
In September 2023, and South San Antonio ISD entered into an agreed order which stayed the appointment of a board of managers for a period of one year and elevated district Monitor, Dr. Abe Saavedra, to Conservator. While no final decision was issued until February 19, 2025, following engagement with district leadership and a review of the district’s progress to date, the application and subsequent selection process for the South San ISD Board of Managers was initiated on November 14, 2024, in the event Commissioner Morath decided to proceed with a board of managers appointment.
Applications for the board of managers were received from Greater San Antonio-area residents with a diverse array of skill sets and expertise.
&Բ;
Total Applications: 57
Total Applications within SSAISD Boundaries: 21
Total Applications within Greater San Antonio-area (Bexar and Kendall Counties): 56
Total Male: 33
Total Female: 24
Highest Degree Obtained. No HS Diploma: 4/HS Diploma: 5/Bachelors: 12/Masters: 25/Doctorate: 11
Superintendent Selection Criteria &Բ;
In conjunction with the opening of the Board of Managers application, engaged in a comprehensive search for a new district superintendent. Primary consideration was given to candidates with a strong track record of improving academic outcomes for students in prior school system leadership roles. Additionally, candidates were evaluated for competencies in several key areas, including curriculum and instructional leadership, student support services, talent management, performance management, systems leadership and community engagement and communication. &Բ;
To Learn More
Information on the Board of Managers selection process and intervention history, including ’s role in the district moving forward, is available on the agency’s &Բ;Board of Managers webpage.
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