Special to the NEWS
LOS FRESNOS, TX—The Los Fresnos Consolidated Independent School District (LFCISD) Board of Trustees announced the retirement of Superintendent Dr. Gonzalo Salazar, effective this summer.
Dr. Salazar, who has been a leader within the district for over 20 years, has served as superintendent since June 2026, after initially stepping in as interim superintendent in December 2005.
According to District records, Dr. Salazar began his career with Los Fresnos CISD as an assistant principal and two years later, he was hired as an elementary principal, where he demonstrated a commitment to educational excellence and student success.
Under his leadership, the district has achieved significant milestones, including improved student performance, enhanced curriculum programs, and community engagement.
“Dr. Salazar’s vision and leadership have profoundly shaped our students, staff, and the entire community,” said Donald Henderson, president of the LFCISD Board of Trustees.
“His unwavering dedication to our schools has set a high standard for educational leadership. While we will miss his guidance, we support his decision to retire and wish him the best in this new chapter of his life,” Henderson added.
During his tenure, Dr. Salazar has overseen numerous initiatives to improve educational outcomes, including the implementation of innovative teaching strategies, the expansion of extracurricular programs, and the enhancement of facilities to provide students with new opportunities to succeed in the best possible learning environment.
His leadership has also emphasized the importance of collaboration among educators and parents, as well as leadership development in every role within the organization.
“I am grateful to the Los Fresnos CISD Board of Trustees for the opportunity to serve in this remarkable community and to work alongside such talented educators and supportive families,” he said.
“As I reflect on my time in Los Fresnos, the people will remain closest to my heart. I will cherish the memories we have created, the challenges we have faced, the milestones we have celebrated, and the unwavering commitment we have shared. I will miss each of you, along with the extraordinary, dedicated staff I had the privilege of serving alongside. Their passion and tireless efforts have made a lasting difference in the lives of so many. Above all, I will miss our students. They have been our inspiration, reminding us daily of why we do this work. Their hopes, dreams, and achievements have called us to give our very best, and it has been a joy to witness their growth and success,” Salazar stated.
This summer marks Dr. Salazar’s 37th year of service in public education, according to District records.
His current contract extends through 2029; however, he has decided that this summer is the right time to retire. The LFCISD Board of Trustees is beginning the search for a new superintendent to ensure a smooth transition for the district.
On Wednesday, the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) announced that Salazar is joining its ranks this summer.
“We are pleased to announce that Gonzalo Salazar will be joining the TASB Executive Search Services team as a senior consultant on July 1,” TASB officials announced in a press release.
“A respected leader across the South Texas school community and across the state, Salazar brings decades of experience in public education, including over 20 years as superintendent of Los Fresnos ISD,” according to the release.
In addition to serving as president of Texas Association of School Administrators from 2022-2023, he was named a finalist in TASB’s 2024 Superintendent of the Year program.
“Salazar’s experience is a tremendous asset as we continue to help school boards find the best superintendent for their district,” officials said in the release.
Additionally, Salazar brings deep knowledge of district operations, school administration, and board relations to his new role with ESS, the statement concludes.