2025-26 Employees of the Year

Congratulations to our 2025-26 Employees of the Year! We love to surprise them with the poster, the award, and a cash gift from the Education Foundation!

Elementary Teacher of the Year - Ora Christian, Noel Elementary

Mrs. Christian is a 1^st grade special education teacher with 32 years in education, the last two at Noel Elementary. She has earned a Master designation through the state’s Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program. She is known for supporting different grade levels by modeling lessons or coaching teachers. She adaptable and flexible, and led efforts to implement new approaches to intervention and student engagement.

 

Secondary Teacher of the Year - Gerald Mabele, Permian High School

Mr. Mabele is finishing his sixth year of teaching, five of them at PHS. He is a Multi-Classroom Leader (MCL), meaning he leads a campus team. He is also a TIA Master teacher. The first line of his nomination form states, ‘he is adored by students and fellow teachers.’ He is also called a quiet warrior who is always tearing down barriers for those around him, colleagues and students alike.

 

Elementary Principal of the Year - Crystal Marquez, Sam Houston Elementary

Mrs. Marquez led her school’s two-year turnaround from an F rating to an A rating. She earned a Principal Incentive Allotment (PIA) award for the campus’ growth and performance. She has cultivated a culture that promotes belonging, responsibility, services and leadership development. In short, teachers feel valued, students feel supported, and parents feel connected.

 

Secondary Principal of the Year - Megan Watts, Wilson & Young Medal of Honor Middle School

Ms. Watts is completing her third year as the principal at Wilson & Young MS. She exemplifies exceptional campus leadership through her unwavering commitment to student success, instructional excellence, and the development of a positive school culture. Her leadership reflects a strong vision focused on academic achievement, staff growth, and meaningful relationships with students, families, and the community.

 

Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year - Jean Villarreal, Murry Fly Elementary

Ms. Villarreal has been with ECISD for four years, and demonstrates outstanding leadership, professionalism, and dedication to her school community. She builds positive relationships with students, staff, and families while creating a supportive school environment. Jean is dependable, caring, and always willing to help others. She also has a strong growth mindset, always looking for ways to learn, improve, and support those around her.

 

Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year - Mary Gorman, Bowie Middle School

Ms. Gorman, a 10-year veteran with ECISD, consistently puts students first and works tirelessly to create a safe, supportive, and encouraging campus environment where all students can succeed. Her experience as an instructional specialist has strengthened teaching and learning practices across campus while supporting teachers in improving student achievement. She shows a deep passion for serving students, supporting teachers, and strengthening relationships with families.

 

Police Department Employee of the Year - Sgt. Nathaniel Garcia

Sgt. Garcia is in his second year with the ECISD police department. He is assigned to Permian HS and leads a team of four officers. He is known as proactive and service-driven and is lauded for his professionalism, integrity, and commitment. He is a valued member of the Honor Guard, Bike Patrol, and SWAT Team.

 

School Nutritional Employee of the Year - Mario Orona, Assistant Warehouse Supervisor

As the assistant warehouse supervisor, Mr. Orona plays a key role in helping manage the $2 million inventory and helping ensure timely deliveries to 37 campuses each year. He has been with ECISD for more than 10 years, and has shown a commitment to professional development, leading by example, and encouraging other team members to grow and succeed.

 

Transportation Department Employee of the Year - Maribel Olivas, Dispatcher

Ms. Olivas, a dispatcher at the bus barn, is known simply as “MO” and the backbone of the Transportation Department. Her 20 years of experience, knowledge, and consistency, make her a perfect fit for the high-pressure, fast-paced dispatcher role. She understands the responsibility the drivers carry in transporting students safely, and she takes pride in that work.

 

Counselor of the Year - Reynaldo Duran, Alternative Education Center

The Alternative Center has earned the CREST Award for the past three years, a prestigious state-level recognition for counseling programs that show continuous improvement and data-driven outcomes, and Mr. Duran’s leadership has played a key role in this success. He models respect, empathy, and high expectations and motivates students to make better choices and believe in their ability to succeed.

 

Custodian of the Year - Teresa Dominguez, Goliad Elementary

Mrs. Dominguez is retiring after 28 years of service to ECISD, the past 20 years at Goliad Elementary. She is a true part of the campus, actively participating in every event and activity, including dressing up for the daily Red Ribbon Week themes – the students love it. She was the Staff Member of the Month in December. She builds relationships and supports kids and adults.

 

Nursing Services Employee of the Year - Crystal Chavez, Hays STEAM Academy

Mrs. Chavez has been the school nurse for Hays for the past nine years. Her responsibilities are much more than the daily illnesses and injuries; she manages student health needs, ensuring all medical plans, medications, and emergency protocols are in place and handled with precision and professionalism. The environment is safe and caring in an effort to return students to learning as quickly as possible. Staff know her as resilient, compassionate, and inspiring.

 

Professional Employee of the Year - Elizabeth Aranda, Community Outreach Center-Lead Social Worker

Mrs. Aranda is the lead social worker in ECISD’s Community Outreach Center. With 12 years in the COC and 14 overall with ECISD, she is a trusted mentor to our social workers and specialists. She manages districtwide dropouts, monitors interventions to ensure follow up support for students and families. She has strengthened systems for dropout prevention demonstrating a commitment to purposeful leadership directly benefiting students and staff.

 

Para-professional Employee of the Year - Sulema Arredondo, Human Resources

In her current role as the substitute specialist Mrs. Arredondo oversees more than 500 substitute employees, playing a key role in ensuring schools are supported with high-quality staff. She is a natural leader who is looked-to for guidance and is highly respected across the organization. In her 16 years with ECISD, she has demonstrated a willingness to learn, adapt, and support the needs of the district.