Special to the NEWS
LOS FRESNOS, TX—The school board of trustees has named Dr. Joseph Villarreal as the lone finalist for Superintendent of Schools.
Following a comprehensive nationwide search and extensive community input, the board selected Dr. Villarreal as the leader best suited to serve the students, staff, and families of Los Fresnos CISD.
More than 600 community members participated in a districtwide survey to help identify the qualities most important in the district’s next superintendent.
The board believes Dr. Villarreal possesses the experience and vision to lead the Los Fresnos CISD by supporting student success, strengthening staff, engaging families, and fostering meaningful partnerships throughout the community, according to a LFCISD press release.
Dr. Joseph Villarreal currently serves as Superintendent in Santa Maria ISD and brings 25 years of experience serving students, educators, and communities across Texas.
Prior to serving as superintendent, Dr. Villarreal held leadership positions in Houston ISD, Harlingen ISD, and Los Fresnos CISD.
His experience includes serving as Senior Executive Director, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education, Executive Director of Academics, principal, assistant principal, and classroom teacher.
Dr. Villarreal earned a bachelor’s degree from New York University, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Brownsville, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
He is also a graduate of the Holdsworth District Leadership Program, a prestigious executive leadership program designed to strengthen district leadership and improve student outcomes across Texas.
“The board extends its sincere appreciation to Walsh Gallegos Kyle Robins & De Los Santos, P.C., educational consultant Dr. Sherri Bays, and the many outstanding candidates who participated in the superintendent search process,” according to the district’s statement.
“The board also thanks Interim Superintendent Jimmy McDonough for his leadership during this transition and for continuing to serve the district throughout the state-required 21-day waiting period,” the statement continues.
“Selecting the next superintendent is one of the most important responsibilities of the LFCISD Board of Trustees, and we approached this process with great care and purpose. We are grateful to everyone who contributed throughout the search, and we are confident that Dr. Joseph Villarreal is the right leader to continue the tradition of academic excellence that defines Los Fresnos CISD while leading our district into the future,” said Mr. Donald Henderson, Los Fresnos CISD Board President.
Henderson expressed his appreciation for the collective efforts of the board, including Vice President Martin Castillo, Secretary Jesus Amaya, Secretary Leticia Quintero, and Trustees Ruben Trevino, Kevin Montes, and Sandra Garcia, through the search process.
Prior to the end of the school year, the LFCISD Board of Trustees announced the retirement of Superintendent Dr. Gonzalo Salazar, effective this summer.
Dr. Salazar, who was a leader within the district for over 20 years, 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 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 Henderson at the time Salazar announced his retirement.
“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 oversaw 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 at the time of his announcement.
This summer marked Dr. Salazar’s 37th year of service in public education, according to District records.
His contract extended through 2029.
The Wednesday following the announcement of his retirement, the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) announced that Salazar was 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 CISD,” 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.