Dave Surdovel Elevated to Director of Mathematics and Science

TOMBALL - Tomball ISD is excited to announce Dave Surdovel, current Tomball ISD Director of Mathematics, has been elevated to Director of Mathematics and Science, and will assume this new role at the end of the 2024-2025 school year with current Director of Science Jennifer Adams announcing her retirement.

“We are confident that with Dave’s expanded role as Director of Mathematics and Science, he will continue to propel the District’s vision for science, technology, engineering and math programing,” said Dr. Michael Webb, TISD Chief Academic Officer. “His proven leadership and extensive experience will prove very valuable in our continued science achievement in Tomball ISD.”

Surdovel brings his extensive experience and leadership to both math and science and is committed to continuous learning and leadership in education. This is evident through his academic achievements and his active involvement in professional development.   

As a leader in math and science, Surdovel has presented at numerous conferences, sharing his insights and expertise on STEM education. In addition to his work within Tomball ISD, he is a Nationally Certified Curriculum Auditor, conducting curriculum audits in all content areas for various school districts and organizations. This experience demonstrates his expertise in evaluating and improving educational programs.  

Surdovel joined Tomball ISD nine years ago as the District’s Director of Mathematics. Prior to joining Tomball ISD, he previously served as the Director of Math and Science in Manor ISD.

Surdovel’s leadership has been recognized through awards such as the Texas Association of Supervisors of Mathematics (TASM) Excellence in Leadership Award. He has also held significant positions in professional organizations, including Vice President of TASM and President of the Austin-Area Council of Teachers of Mathematics (AACTM).   

Surdovel brings a strong educational background to his role, holding a Master of Science in Educational Administration and Education from Pace University. He will also earn a Doctor of Education in K-12 Leadership from Rockhurst University in Spring 2025 with an endorsement in STEM education. 

Surdovel’s dedication to improving education, coupled with his extensive experience and leadership, will drive continued success in both departments.

Read what Dave Surdovel had to say: 

What inspired you to take on this role as Director of Mathematics and Science?
“I have had the privilege of leading our district in achieving significant growth in student performance in mathematics, and I am eager to expand this success to science education. Pursuing my Doctorate degree at Rockhurst University with a STEM endorsement has deepened my understanding of the interconnectedness between math and science, and I am excited about the opportunity to leverage this knowledge to make a broader impact across both disciplines. My goal is to ensure students receive exceptional instruction that inspires them to explore careers in STEM fields. Additionally, having successfully held this position in a previous district, I am confident that I can bring the same level of success and high achievement to Tomball ISD.”

What are your hopes for the future of this department?
“My vision for the department is to foster interdisciplinary learning opportunities that highlight the connections between math, science, and real-world applications. By integrating these subjects more cohesively, students can develop a deeper understanding of how STEM disciplines shape their lives and future careers. I also aim to celebrate and elevate the remarkable work of our educators by spotlighting their achievements and contributions to student success. Furthermore, I hope to increase student participation in events like the District Science Fair, encouraging more students to advance to regional and state competitions where their innovative experiments and findings can be recognized by an even larger audience.”

Why Tomball ISD?
“Tomball ISD has been an incredible place to grow professionally over the past nine years as the Director of Mathematics and Curriculum Management. The district’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for both staff and students has been instrumental in my development as a leader. During my time here, I have had the honor of recognizing eight exceptional math teachers as ConocoPhillips & Houston Astros Math Teachers of the Month and witnessing seven campus math specialists advance into leadership roles as Assistant Principals or Principals. Tomball ISD’s dedication to excellence and its culture of collaboration make it a truly special place, and I am proud to contribute to its mission of empowering success for all.”

ABOUT TOMBALL ISD
Tomball ISD educates students to become responsible, productive citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates over 23,000 students across 24 campuses.