July 8, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 8, 2026
Contact: Stephanie Noriega, Chief of the Center for Strategic Communications and Engagement, Region 4 Education Service Center
Phone: 832.541.3121
Email: stephanie.noriega@esc4.net
Tomball ISD Board of Trustees Named 2026 Region 4 School Board of the Year
HOUSTON, Texas (July 2026)—The Tomball Independent School District (ISD) Board of Trustees has been named the 2026 Region 4 School Board of the Year in recognition of its outstanding leadership, ethical governance, and commitment to student success.
As the Region 4 winner, the Tomball ISD Board of Trustees will advance as the region’s nominee for the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) Outstanding School Board Award. The statewide winner will be announced on October 9 during txEDCON 2026, the TASA/TASB Convention, in Houston.
The Tomball ISD Board of Trustees was selected for its leadership during a period of sustained enrollment growth and for its commitment to thoughtful governance and student success. Working alongside Superintendent Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora as a unified Team of Eight, the Board has guided the district through long-range planning, complex financial decisions, and continued growth while keeping students at the center of its work.
Over the past decade, the Board has overseen the opening of eight campuses and secured voter approval of the district’s three largest bond referendums. Today, Tomball ISD serves more than 23,300 students across 25 campuses, with its 26th campus scheduled to open this fall. The Board has continued to expand opportunities for students while preparing the district for future growth.
The Board’s deep ties to Tomball ISD further strengthen its commitment to the community it serves. Every current trustee has children or grandchildren who are current or former Tomball ISD students, bringing both personal investment and a shared sense of purpose to the Board’s work.
“Strong school boards create opportunities for students to succeed,” said Dr. Rodney Watson, executive director of Region 4 Education Service Center. “The Tomball ISD Board of Trustees has led with integrity through a period of significant growth while keeping students at the center of its decisions. Region 4 is proud to recognize a Board that serves its schools and community with purpose and collaboration.”
“Since becoming superintendent in 2017, I have been supported by a cohesive, student-driven Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Salazar-Zamora, superintendent of Tomball ISD. “The longevity and laser-sharp focus of our Team of Eight truly makes a difference. Regardless of the challenges public education has faced in recent years, the Board has remained steadfast in its focus and led our district to continued success. Their passion for advocating for students and dedication to our community set them apart as a model for school boards across Texas.”
The Tomball ISD Board of Trustees includes the following members:
• Mark Lewandowski, President
• John E. McStravick, Vice President
• Dr. Michael J. Pratt, Secretary
• Amanda Bass, Assistant Secretary
• Patrick Beecher, Trustee
• Coco White, Trustee
• Jennifer Kratky, Trustee
• Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora, Superintendent
About the Texas Association of School Administrators School Board Awards Program
Established in 1971, the TASA School Board Awards Program recognizes Texas school boards for ethical leadership, strong governance, and a commitment to improving student outcomes. Each of Texas’ 20 education service center regions selects one board to advance to the statewide competition, where up to five Honor Boards and one Texas Outstanding School Board are recognized.
About Region 4 Education Service Center
Region 4 Education Service Center, established by the Texas Legislature more than half a century ago, is dedicated to assisting school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to achieve optimal student performance, operational efficiency, and the successful implementation of state initiatives. Our District Advancement Champions are proud to be trusted guides for 46 public school districts and 42 open-enrollment charter schools, representing more than 1.2 million students, 108,136 professional educators, and 1,500 campuses.
To help educators address instructional challenges and fortify sustainable infrastructures, we deliver exceptional, expert-led professional development, high-quality educational products, and strategic guidance. Our Centers for Excellence in Teaching and Learning; Strategic District Support; and Educator Development, Transformation, and Organizational Culture are thoughtfully designed to empower school leaders and educators to achieve excellence. Our innovative and comprehensive approach to supporting educators leaves no doubt that we’ve got their back.