Tomball ISD Superintendent Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora Named 2026 TALAS Superintendent of the Year

TOMBALL — Tomball ISD Superintendent Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora has been named the 2026 Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS), one of the organization's highest honors recognizing exceptional leadership and service in public education.

The inaugural award recognizes a Superintendent who exemplifies excellence in leadership, advocacy, mentorship, innovation, and service while creating opportunities that positively impact students, educators, and communities across Texas.

Since becoming Superintendent in 2017, Dr. Salazar-Zamora has led one of the fastest-growing and highest-performing school districts in the state. Under her leadership, Tomball ISD has expanded innovative academic programs, strengthened career and technical education pathways, launched a nationally recognized Two-Way Dual Language program, and built award-winning fine arts opportunities—including the district’s Mariachi program, which has earned state recognition and reflects Tomball ISD’s commitment to cultural excellence and student expression.

A champion for leadership development and advocacy, Dr. Salazar-Zamora is a founding member and past president of TALAS and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS). She also serves on the Advisory Board for Women Leading Ed, mentoring and supporting the next generation of educational leaders.

Her distinguished career of nearly 40 years in Texas public education includes being named the 2023 Texas Superintendent of the Year—the first Hispanic female to receive the distinction—and becoming the first Hispanic female superintendent from Texas selected as a finalist for the 2024 AASA National Superintendent of the Year award. She has also been recognized as a Top 100 Influencer in K–12 Education, received the Golden Deeds for Education Award and the Margret Montgomery Leadership Award, and was named a 2026 Education Week "Leader to Learn From."

"As a founding member and past president, I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from an organization that has played such an important role in my professional journey," said Dr. Salazar-Zamora. "This award reflects the incredible work of the Tomball ISD Board of Trustees, our dedicated staff, our students, and our families. Together, we are creating opportunities that empower every learner and demonstrate the life-changing impact of public education."

The recognition highlights Dr. Salazar-Zamora's unwavering commitment to educational excellence, innovation, and developing future leaders while ensuring every student has access to exceptional learning opportunities. Her visionary leadership continues to position Tomball ISD as a Destination District where students and staff thrive.

Founded to support and develop Latino educational leaders, TALAS promotes excellence in leadership through advocacy, mentorship, and professional development while advancing educational opportunities for all students across Texas.

ABOUT TALAS
The Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS) is the premier statewide organization advocating for the growth and advancement of Latino learners and leaders through leadership development, mentorship, advocacy, and collective impact, while supporting educators dedicated to improving outcomes for all students.

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 23,300 students across 25 campuses.