educator. The two have been married
for 14 years. They have a blended
family of four daughters—Courtney,
Kendall, Hannah and Harper. Harper
is a fourth-grader in Mansfield ISD.
“My wife has always been passionate
about children,” said Jerry Cantu.
“It was a natural fit for her to be
in education because she loves the
students. That’s something I think
the community will be able to see
even more in her new position. She’s
loving, resilient and determined.”
Dr. Cantu believes investing in children is key because they are the future.
READY TO LEAD “My vision for the district isn’t
Dr. Cantu is passionate about plan that is formed with input from
preparing students to be productive
citizens. She has also spearheaded
the district’s social-emotional
health program to address the
holistic needs of children.
When asked about what she will do in
her first 90 days as superintendent, the
answer is simple—listen. She believes
that before acting, she needs to hear
what people are needing and wanting.
“My leadership style is collaborative,
and I want to be able to keep the
two-way communication open. By
doing so, we can work together to
make decisions with the focus of
putting students first,” she said. “I
want to listen to the students, to the
parents, to the staff members and to
created in a silo. It’s a collaborative
students, parents, staff members and
the community; and it’s ultimately
approved by the MISD School Board,”
Dr. Cantu explained. “We’re currently
working on Vision 2030. That will be
the district’s strategic plan for the
next 10 years. The focus of the plan
is to be very intentional in preparing
students to be college, career, military
and life ready. Students will, in
essence, have ownership of their
education and be able to track data
at any time pertaining to how they
are faring with being life ready.”
Dr. Cantu is also a big proponent
for community service. She is an
active member of the Mansfield
Rotary Club and volunteers for Meals
on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity
and other service projects.
“Mansfield ISD is home, and I’m
honored to have the privilege to
lead such a wonderful district,”
she said. “It’s well known that
MISD is a great place to live, learn
and teach. I’m ready to continue
building relationships with our
students, parents, staff members and
community members so that we can
ensure that our students graduate
confident to take on the world.”
HOME, SWEET HOME A meet-and-greet reception was
The longtime educator wears many was a time for the community to
hats. She is the proud wife of her get to know her and begin the two-
husband, Jerry, who is also an way communication process.
held for Dr. Cantu on Jan. 13. It
the community members. I want to
get their feedback, and I want them
to get a better understanding of who
I am.”
Dr. Cantu added that through the
community surveys during the
superintendent search, it was clear
the community is pleased with
the direction in which the district
is going. Her goal is to continue
on that positive trajectory while
adding more educational choices
for students and parents.
Family time is one of Dr. Cantu’s favorite moments of the day.
MANSFIELDTODAY 11