First Hispanic HISD Superintendent was unanimously voted in today

[ChicanoPwr]

Saavedra is unanimous choice for new HISD superintendent
Houston Chron

"The HISD school board voted unanimously today to name Abelardo Saavedra as its new superintendent. Saavedra is the first Hispanic superintendent in the district's 81-year history.

After being named interim superintendent on July 8 to succeed the retiring Kaye Stripling, Saavedra was selected by the school board on Nov. 13 as the sole finalist to lead a school district with 210,000 students, 30,000 employees and 300 schools. The board voted 9-0 today in favor of appointing Saavedra as superintendent.

"I am truly honored and gratified by the confidence this board has placed in me," Saavedra said.

"I think I offer a certain level of sensitivity to (the Hispanic) culture, to those issues," Saavedra said. "But quite frankly, the needs of this district are real for all kids, not just Hispanic kids. And I intend to be a superintendent for all kids."

Former Superintendent Rod Paige recruited the 53-year-old Saavedra four years ago to come to the Houston district, where he served as an area superintendent, deputy superintendent and since July as the district's interim superintendent.

Saavedra said his qualifications for the job include his experience on both the business and instructional side of education during his tenure with Corpus Christi Independent School District.

His contract will include a base salary of $270,000, with a performance-based contract of up to $60,000; a $1,200 monthly car allowance, and a $400 monthly allowance for cell phone/ personal digital assistant.

The Associated Press contributed to this story."

VIVA LA RAZA!!!!

[Castilleja]

1. Abe Saavedra left from here not too long ago.

And we just received back a Superintendant who originally left here to go to Houston. A swap, I guess. I wish him luck and a more peaceful tenure there. He is the first Hispanic Superintendant in Houston ever? Hard to imagine that could be so in this day and age. Good deal.