Leading Garland ISD since January of 2018, Dr. Ricardo López is the 10th superintendent in the district’s more than 100-year history. His vision of access, equity, and opportunity for all students is encompassed in the district’s emphasis on student outcomes in the One Goal, One Focus strategic plan and the College for All innovative programs being phased in for students at all seven high schools.

López has also brought increased awareness and services for special education and dyslexic students in GISD by providing additional teachers, training and resources to ensure student needs are met and that every child reaches his or her full academic potential. 

López is also widely recognized for his proven success in closing achievement gaps for all learners, including implementing the Accelerating Campus Excellence (ACE) model at two Garland ISD campuses to turnaround performance and provide added support for students most in need. His collaborative leadership approach and belief in the power of teamwork is evidenced in the #LopezListens sessions held with GISD staff, students, and tri-city community members.

In confirmation of his charisma, character and innovative approach to education, López was named a recipient of the Spirit of Sachse Award for 2019 and highlighted as a TASA Inspiring Leader at the 2019 TASA Midwinter Conference. He was also invited to participate in Governor Abbott’s Round Table for Safety and Security in 2018. He has received numerous other awards, including being named National Latino Superintendent of the Year for 2016 by the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents.

Pledged to providing excellence from the beginning of his career, López’s beliefs are grounded in quality teaching as the key to success for all students. As a result of this commitment, he was recognized as Teacher of the Year for both Ysleta ISD and Region XIX, providing a springboard for his career as an instructional leader and change agent.

López is a recipient of the University of Texas at Austin Recruitment Fellowship and is a graduate of the Cooperative Superintendency Doctoral Fellow program at the University of Texas at Austin.

He has more than 20 years of experience in education, beginning as a classroom teacher, campus principal and district administrator in Ysleta ISD, and as superintendent in Mission Consolidated School District, prior to taking the helm in Garland ISD.

Dr. Lopez is a husband and a father of four daughters, with two that currently attend school in Garland ISD.

Highlights

• Literacy for Life 2019: My Favorite Book
• State of the District Fall 2019: López Listened
• #LópezListens

Evaluation

• Superintendent Evaluation Form

Superintendent Employment Contract

• Jan 2025-Contract
• Jan 2024-Contract
• Jan 2023-Contract
• Jan 2022-Contract
• Jan 2021-Contract
• Jan 2020-Contract
• Jan 2019-Contract
• Jan 2018-Contract