Lamar CISD Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens has been named a finalist for the prestigious National Superintendent of the Year Award. The top four finalists from across the country were officially announced in a Dec. 15 press release from AASA, The School Superintendents Association. 

 

The award, co-presented by AASA, Corebridge Financial, and Sourcewell, recognizes exceptional superintendents for their outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing public education in their communities. 

 

“It’s an extraordinary honor to be named a National Superintendent of the Year finalist, and I’m just incredibly humbled and touched by the news,” Dr. Nivens said. 

 

“An honor like this is never just about one person, and we’re blessed to have so many dedicated, talented people across our district,” he continued, “from teachers and staff, to parents and community partners who show up and contribute in ways both large and small, to our award-winning board of trustees, who generously volunteer their time to help make Lamar CISD an elite school district and a district of choice for parents and their students.” 

 

Currently the fastest-growing district of its size in Texas, Lamar CISD serves nearly 49,000 students across its 57 campuses, with enrollment projected to grow to almost 70,000 within a decade. 

 

Dr. Nivens has served as the district’s Superintendent since 2021. He also currently serves as the President-Elect of the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA).  

 

Previously, he served as the Superintendent of Schools for Community ISD in a rapidly growing part of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The son of two educators, his public education career is centered around advocating for and supporting the very best educational opportunities for all students. He began his career as a teacher and coach in Dallas ISD, and has served as an assistant principal, principal, and later as Assistant Superintendent of Achievement and Organizational Management in Lancaster ISD. 

 

Each of the four national finalists named by AASA was nominated by their state association and honored with the title of State Superintendent of the Year. Nominees were then measured against the following criteria at the national level: 

 

“These extraordinary leaders embody the transformative power of public education,” David R. Schuler, AASA’s executive director, said in a statement. “Their visionary leadership uplifts students and demonstrates our continued commitment to providing every child with the opportunities, experiences, and education that prepares them for college, career, and real life in the real world. We are honored to celebrate their incredible success and accomplishments.” 

 

The 2026 National Superintendent of the Year® will be announced live during AASA’s National Conference on Education, February 12-14 in Nashville, Tennessee. 

 

Lamar CISD Board of Trustees President Jacci Hotzel congratulated the Superintendent on the news, noting Dr. Nivens’ servant-leadership focus and active participation in the day-to-day life of the district. 

 

“As parents and as elected school board members, we know how hard the work of education can be, and also how much passion, heart, and dedication go into making a district successful,” Hotzel said. “In Lamar CISD, we’re fortunate to have a leader who inspires our community to show up with their whole heart and best ideas, and to give their all to help our students shine. We’ll all be rooting for him in Nashville.” 

 

For more information about the National Superintendent of the Year program, visit AASA’s website.