The Arlington ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously last night, May 4, to name Dr. Michelle Cavazos (no relation to current Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos), from Gregory-Portland ISD, as the finalist for superintendent. By law, the board must now wait 21 days before voting to hire her to be the new superintendent for Arlington ISD. Dr. Michelle Cavazos is slated to replace retiring superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos.
The board followed a lengthy process in determining the finalist. In February, the board hired Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Executive Search Services to direct the search. TASB consultants met with staff and community groups on March 20 and 21 to discuss the desired leadership qualities of the new superintendent. A similar survey was also provided to staff and the community. The profile developed from these meetings and the survey was the yardstick the board and consultants used to evaluate the applicants for the position.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Michelle Cavazos to Arlington ISD,” said Melody Fowler, Arlington ISD board president. “She will bring her unique vision, creative new ideas and leadership strategies to our district and the community.”
Before being named superintendent for Gregory-Portland ISD in July 2020, Michelle Cavazos served as chief officer of school leadership and academics in the Austin ISD, director of secondary education in Shertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD, and she has 16 years of experience serving as principal at elementary, middle and high school grade levels.
She attended the University of Northern Iowa and received a bachelor of arts in elementary education and another in Spanish teaching. She earned a master’s degree from the University of Houston in administration and supervision and her doctoral degree from Texas State University in school improvement.
“I am thrilled and honored to join the Arlington ISD family to support and extend the district’s tradition of excellence and innovation,” Michelle Cavazos said. “I look forward to getting to know everyone while working collaboratively with our committed Board of Trustees, staff, families and the community to further advance our district for our students. My husband and I are looking forward to making Arlington our new home.”
Dr. Michelle Cavazos has a son and daughter in Austin and another son in college in New York.
The board is scheduled to vote to offer her a contract to become superintendent after the 21-day waiting period.