Cy-Fair ISD Names Irene Ruiz as New Chief Officer for School Leadership
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD has named Irene Ruiz as its new Chief Officer for School Leadership, a key executive role tasked with supporting campus administrators, instructional staff, and student services across one of the largest school districts in Texas. The announcement was made Monday following the July 1 departure of former chief officer Christina Cole, who accepted the position of Chief of Staff for Klein ISD.
Ruiz, who currently serves as CFISD’s Assistant Superintendent of Elementary School Administration, brings more than two decades of experience to the role, including 15 years of service within CFISD. She will now oversee districtwide leadership efforts impacting principals, counselors, nurses, and professional development teams across 90+ campuses.
“I am truly honored to step into this new role in a district that values and invests in the growth and success of both students and staff,” Ruiz said. “It’s a privilege to support our exceptional principals, nurses, counselors, professional development teams, support staff, and district leaders. I look forward to this new opportunity and the meaningful work that lies ahead in CFISD.”
A Career Rooted in Campus Leadership and Community Growth
Ruiz began her educational journey as a bilingual teacher in Northside ISD before continuing in the same role for five years in Arlington ISD. Her leadership career took shape in Arlington as an assistant principal, but it was in 2010 that she first joined CFISD—serving as assistant principal at Moore Elementary School.
By 2013, Ruiz was appointed principal at M. Robinson Elementary, a Title I campus where she led with steady progress. Under her leadership, the school achieved five TEA distinction designations in the 2016–2017 school year, demonstrating consistent academic growth and student achievement.
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Her leadership impact expanded further in 2018 when she was named Director of Community Programs, overseeing a team of 300 across 56 campuses and five early learning centers. She managed a $10 million+ budget and helped grow access to essential services for thousands of students and families.
In 2023, Ruiz was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Elementary School Administration, where she continued mentoring principals and guiding school operations through key transitions and post-pandemic recovery efforts.
Academic Credentials and Leadership Philosophy
Ruiz holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. Her experience spans instruction, campus leadership, district operations, and executive oversight—positioning her as a seasoned leader for CFISD’s future.
Her promotion comes as CFISD continues to prioritize strong, student-centered leadership across its schools, a pillar of the district’s strategic framework and community trust.
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A New Era of School Leadership in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
With over 118,000 students enrolled, CFISD is the third-largest school district in Texas and among the fastest-growing in the country. Ruiz’s appointment reinforces the district’s commitment to leadership stability, student achievement, and equity across campuses.
In her own words, “It’s a privilege to support our exceptional principals, nurses, counselors, professional development teams, support staff, and district leaders.”
As Ruiz takes the helm as Chief Officer for School Leadership, families across Cypress, Northwest Houston, and the Greater Katy area can expect a continued focus on academic excellence and innovative support for educators.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for the latest updates on CFISD leadership, school board decisions, and local education headlines impacting Cypress, Cy-Fair and Northwest Houston communities.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
