The Roma Independent School District is proud to announce that Superintendent Carlos M. Gonzalez Jr. has been named the 2026 Region One Superintendent of the Year by Region One Education Service Center. He now advances to compete at the state level for the Texas Superintendent of the Year award.

This prestigious regional honor recognizes outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to student success in public education. Under Superintendent Gonzalez’s visionary guidance, Roma ISD has achieved remarkable academic, extracurricular, and community milestones while serving more than 6,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade in this vibrant, close-knit, border community.

“Superintendent Gonzalez exemplifies what great leadership looks like, putting students first, empowering educators, and building strong partnerships that drive real results,” said Mary Lou G. Cruz, Roma ISD Board of Trustees President. “His dedication has elevated our district’s performance and created opportunities that prepare every Gladiator for lifelong success.”

Key accomplishments during Superintendent Gonzalez’s tenure include:

• Two U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon Schools named during his tenure, and two inaugural Lone Star Ribbon Schools named this year.
• Two National ESEA Distinguished Schools
• Seven campuses earning 2025 Texas Honor Roll distinction from the Educational Results Partnership for academic excellence: Delia G. Garcia Elementary, Emma Vera Elementary, F.J. Scott Elementary, R. & C. Saenz Elementary, R.T. Barrera Elementary, Veterans Memorial Elementary, and Roma Middle School (the only middle school in Starr County to receive this recognition).
• Five Gold Ribbon Schools awarded by Children at Risk
• National Music Education Honor awarded to Roma ISD for the third consecutive year, celebrating the district’s outstanding arts programs that enrich student life and foster creativity.
• State and national recognition of the district’s investment in innovative programs such as the ADSY PEP Summer initiative, which provides high-quality expanded summer learning opportunities, and the launching of RISD's PreK-3 Program.
• Recognized with the Golden Apple Award for two consecutive years at the United Way of South Texas Ceremony for outstanding fundraising and support of local initiatives.

Superintendent Gonzalez has also served as a trendsetting leader at national events, including presentations to the Afterschool Alliance, and continues to champion expanded learning, special education excellence, and gifted and talented programs that ensure every student thrives. He was recently named to the leadership board of the United Way of South Texas.

“I am deeply humbled and grateful for this recognition,” said Superintendent Carlos M. Gonzalez Jr. “This award truly belongs to our incredible students, dedicated educators, supportive families, and the entire Gladiator Nation. Together, we are building a brighter future for Roma ISD, one where academic excellence, creativity, and community spirit go hand in hand.”

Roma ISD remains committed to its mission of providing a world-class education that inspires every student to excel.