SAN ANTONIO — The Texas Education Agency (TEA) appointed a new superintendent, Dr. Saul Hinojosa, and replaced the seven-member board of managers of the South San Antonio Independent School District on Wednesday.

Following almost 20 years of administrative issues, TEA said the appointments aim to address poor student results, weak financial management and public distrust, all of which triggered multiple investigations by the agency.

“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.”

Following a year-long assessment, TEA decided to act after it said the school board failed to address many of the problems the district faced.

Raymond Tijerina, Karla Gomez Sanchez, Darrell Balderama, Adrian Guerra, Dr. Kelly Murguia, Aurelina Prado and Jesus Rendon III are now members of the state-appointed board of managers.

Each person on the South San Antonio ISD board of managers resides in the greater San Antonio area. According to TEA, two members live in the district and five are alumni of South San Antonio ISD.

To manage the school district, a temporary management board assumes all powers and duties of the current elected board of trustees.

With 15 years of superintendent experience from Somerset ISD, Dr. Saul Hinojosa will now lead South San Antonio ISD as superintendent.

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.    

“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.” 

For more information on the TEA appointment or to see more about the board of managers and superintendent, head to this website.