Klein ISD Superintendent Dr. Jenny McGown Named National Finalist for Superintendent of the Year
In a proud moment for education in Harris County, Klein Independent School District (Klein ISD) is celebrating a major achievement: Superintendent Dr. Jenny McGown has been named a national finalist for the 2026 District Administration Superintendent of the Year Award. The prestigious honor, awarded by the District Administration Awards of Distinction program, recognizes educational leaders who have driven innovation, student achievement, and community engagement across the country.
Dr. McGown is one of only three finalists nationwide — and the only one from Texas — to be selected for this year’s honor. The award celebrates her continued commitment to student-centered leadership, a hallmark of her tenure since becoming superintendent of Klein ISD in 2019. With more than 53,000 students, Klein ISD is one of the largest public school districts in the state, and Dr. McGown’s leadership has helped elevate its profile on the national education stage.
Board President Doug James shared the district’s collective pride, saying, “Dr. McGown leads with heart, steady purpose, and a clear focus on what is best for students and staff. This national recognition honors her leadership and the work of our teachers, staff, and families who help students grow every day.”
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During her tenure, Dr. McGown has spearheaded major district advancements. Most notably, she launched Texas’ first Geospatial Engineering and Land Surveying program, offering students groundbreaking access to high-value career pathways. She also expanded Klein’s college, career, and military readiness programs and redesigned services in advanced academics, special education, and career and technical education — all aimed at equipping students with the tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
The District Administration Awards of Distinction recognize superintendents who lead districts that create meaningful, lasting outcomes for their communities. The program spotlights systems that drive academic progress, support school culture, and prioritize investment in students and educators. Dr. McGown’s selection as a finalist highlights Klein ISD’s role as a leader in educational excellence not only in the Greater Houston area but across the nation.
A lifelong educator and champion for students, Dr. McGown has received numerous accolades for her leadership. Among her most recent honors are the 2023 Most Admired CEO by the Houston Business Journal, the 2024 Empowered Superintendent Award from Texas Education Technology Leaders, and the 2022 Region 4 Superintendent of the Year. Her passion for innovation, equity, and opportunity continues to inspire both her district and broader educational circles.
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Beyond the superintendent's office, Dr. McGown contributes her expertise to several local and national boards, including the Google for Education North America K-12 Advisory Board and the Lone Star College Chancellor’s Advisory Council. She also serves her community through roles with the Klein Education Foundation and Northwest Assistance Ministries.
As a Klein ISD parent and proud Texas A&M alum, Dr. McGown's deep connection to the community runs through both her professional and personal life. Her leadership reflects the values of the “Klein Family” — one united by a shared commitment to student success, innovation, and growth.
For families and community members in the Greater Houston area searching for signs of educational progress and visionary leadership in Texas public schools, Dr. McGown’s national recognition serves as a powerful example of what is possible when a district keeps students at the heart of every decision.
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.