Garland ISD Superintendent Dr. Ricardo López is stepping into a statewide leadership role as president of the Texas School Alliance (TSA), guiding 51 of Texas’ largest districts that educate 42 percent of the state’s students. TSA is a superintendent-led organization that spans communities across the state, from the Rio Grande Valley to the Panhandle, serving districts representing diverse communities and resources.

This month, Dr. López delivered the welcome address to TSA’s superintendents and board members, offering guidance and encouragement while shaping policy and supporting districts in their efforts to improve student outcomes across Texas.

The TSA leads research and advocacy on critical issues, including school finance, teaching and learning, assessment, and accountability. It studies emerging topics and promotes policies that improve educational quality. For more than three decades, TSA members have influenced statewide committees, boards, and commissions, ensuring that the needs of large and urban districts are heard at the highest levels.

Beyond TSA, Dr. López is nationally recognized for his leadership and service. He has earned honors such as National Latino Superintendent of the Year and Texas Association of Black School Educators (TABSE) Superintendent of the Year. He also served as president of the Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS), amplifying the voices of Latino leaders in education.

Since January 2018, Dr. López has brought a forward-thinking vision to Garland ISD as the district’s 10th superintendent. Under his leadership, initiatives such as the Choice of School program, magnet and P-TECH academies, and innovative Career and Technical Education pathways have flourished. His focus on College, Career, and Military Readiness, along with the College for All initiative, ensures every student is prepared for life beyond high school.

He has expanded support for special education and dyslexia services, implemented data-driven strategies to close achievement gaps, and strengthened resources at high-need campuses. Today, Garland ISD ranks among the state’s highest-rated districts for college and career readiness, reflecting Dr. López’s unwavering commitment to student success.

As superintendent of Garland ISD and president of the Texas School Alliance, Dr. López continues to guide both his district and his peers across the state. His leadership ensures that the voices of students, families, and educators are elevated, shaping a stronger future for public education and establishing him as a trusted voice among educational leaders.