Diana Sayavedra assumed her role at El Paso ISD on January 4, 2022, with a clear objective of making a positive impact. A year into her leadership, her dedication was acknowledged when she was honored as a Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association. Under her forward-thinking guidance, El Paso ISD is experiencing growth, fostering a culture of proactive engagement in line with the district's recently adopted mission and vision, and guided by the strategic blueprint "Hopes and Dreams Realized 2022-2025."

 

Sayavedra is an innovator and visionary, transforming education by listening to the community, engaging parents, and using data to align best practices. Beginning in the 2023-24 academic year, the district enriched its academic offerings by expanding Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 programs and introducing a Montessori program. El Paso ISD has also extended intramurals to the 4th grade level and introduced Kickstart programs in two middle schools. The district inaugurated its first Montessori school and plans to open a second in the 2024-25 school year. These initiatives complement the district's existing array of over 40 innovative high school programs, providing students with a wide range of options to earn associate degrees, college credits, and industry certifications.

 

Sayavedra's leadership is reinforced by her collaboration with the district's trustees, collectively known as the "Team of 8," who have benefitted from participation in a Harvard Business School Executive Education program. Additionally, Sayavedra was chosen to be part of the second cohort of the Superintendent Leadership Program at the Holdsworth Center, an institution focused on enhancing leadership in Texas schools. She is transitioning from a two-year to a four-year innovative leadership program.

 

With 30 years of experience in curriculum and instruction, Sayavedra's career commenced in Laredo, Texas. She has held various leadership positions across the state, including serving as interim superintendent of Fort Bend ISD. Sayavedra holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and physical science from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Science in education administration from Texas A&M International University. She is currently in her third year at El Paso ISD.

 

The strategic blueprint passed by the board is the vision for students, and Sayavedra is executing this blueprint and bringing it to life, ensuring that El Paso ISD continues to innovate and excel in providing quality education.