East Central ISD Superintendent Roland Toscano Named 2026 Region 20 Superintendent of the Year
For the East Central ISD community, June 18 became about much more than an award ceremony. It became a celebration of a leader whose roots run deep in the district and whose career has been dedicated to serving the students, families and staff of the community he has called home for most of his life.
In a surprise announcement, Superintendent Roland Toscano was named the 2026 Education Service Center Region 20 Superintendent of the Year, one of the most prestigious recognitions for public school leadership in Texas. The honor places Toscano among the state's top educational leaders and advances him to consideration for the Texas Superintendent of the Year program.
For many in East Central ISD, the recognition felt personal.
Toscano is not only the district's superintendent—he is a product of the district itself. He graduated from East Central High School in 1991, returned in 1997 as a teacher and coach, and steadily rose through the ranks as an assistant principal, principal and eventually superintendent in 2014.
A Lifetime of Service to East Central ISD
The award recognizes the top superintendent among the school districts served by Education Service Center Region 20, which supports districts serving more than 500,000 students across South Central Texas.
Region 20 representatives joined East Central ISD leaders, board members, staff, family and friends to present the award during a surprise celebration. The gathering quickly became an emotional tribute to a leader whose nearly three decades of service have helped guide the district through periods of significant growth and change.
While the award highlights professional achievement, many attendees saw it as recognition of something deeper: a lifelong commitment to a community that helped shape Toscano's own journey.
His story mirrors the values often celebrated throughout East Central ISD—hard work, perseverance, humility and a belief in the potential of every student.
Guiding a Growing District
As East Central ISD continues to serve one of the fastest-growing areas in the San Antonio region, district leaders credit Toscano's leadership with helping balance growth while maintaining a strong focus on students and community relationships.
During his tenure as superintendent, East Central ISD has expanded educational opportunities, supported growing enrollment and continued investing in programs designed to prepare students for success after graduation.
Community members often point to Toscano's approachable leadership style and his connection to the district's history as qualities that have helped keep East Central ISD grounded even as the community evolves.
The recognition from Region 20 acknowledges not only operational and academic accomplishments, but also the ability to lead with vision while remaining focused on the people at the center of public education.
A Celebration of Family and Community
Perhaps the most memorable part of the surprise recognition came after the announcement itself.
As family members, colleagues and friends gathered around Toscano, young grandchildren rushed forward to celebrate alongside him. The scene served as a reminder that educational leadership often extends beyond boardrooms and district offices. It is measured in relationships, mentorship and years of service that leave a lasting impact on a community.
For East Central ISD employees who have worked alongside Toscano, and for generations of students who have benefited from his leadership, the moment reflected the collective pride of a district honoring one of its own.
What Happens Next
With the Region 20 honor secured, Toscano now advances for consideration in the statewide Texas Superintendent of the Year program, where educational leaders from across Texas are recognized for excellence in public education leadership.
Regardless of the outcome, many within East Central ISD view the award as a reflection of the district's broader story—a community that continues to invest in its students and a leader who has spent nearly 30 years helping guide that mission.
For East Central ISD families, the recognition serves as both a celebration of the district's accomplishments and a reminder of the impact that dedicated leadership can have on generations of students.
As the district looks toward the future, the honor shines a spotlight not only on Roland Toscano, but on the community he has proudly served for a lifetime.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more East Central ISD and South Texas education updates.
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.
