Mansfield ISD Magazine Fall 2017 | Page 11

Dr. Vaszauskas in Top Five for State Superintendent of the Year Award M ansfield ISD Superintendent Dr. Jim Vaszauskas was a top five finalist for the 2017 Texas Superintendent of the Year award. The award, sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), recognizes exemplary superintendents for excellence and achievement in educational leadership. Dr. Vaszauskas won the regional award in July and was among the remaining five public school administrators to be named the Texas Superintendent of the Year. Candidates are nominated to the selection committee by their school board president. “Dr. Jim Vaszauskas represents all that is good in public education today,” said MISD School Board President Raul Gonzalez. “He is honest, respectful, compassionate, collaborative and sees his job as a calling—not a career.” The state selection committee targeted such issues as advocacy efforts during the regular and special sessions and the importance of all staff members’ contributions to a district’s success. Members of the committee also explored the ever- changing challenges facing education leaders as they focus on initiatives and programs that truly benefit students. The committee chose Dr. Vaszauskas as a top finalist for his focus on a clear, simplified strategic plan to attain district goals. Also noted were his emphasis on district transparency for the community and straightforward communication with lawmakers. Dr. Vaszauskas serves approximately 34,900 students in Mansfield ISD and has 17 years of administrative experience. He has led the district for four years. Since 1984, the Superintendent of the Year (SOTY) award program has honored outstanding administrators’ achievement and excellence in public school administration. They are chosen for their strong leadership skills, dedication to improving the quality of education in their districts and commitment to public support and involvement in education. Mansfield School & Family 9 9