Lamar CISD Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens Named 2026 AASA National Superintendent of the Year, Marking Historic Milestone for Fort Bend County
For families across Rosenberg, Richmond, Fulshear, Katy, and the 15 municipalities served by Lamar Consolidated Independent School District (Lamar CISD), the announcement carries more than prestige — it signals national recognition for a district navigating rapid growth while serving more than 49,000 students.
Lamar CISD Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens has been named the 2026 AASA National Superintendent of the Year, a distinction awarded by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, during its National Conference on Education.
The honor marks only the second time in history that a Texas-based superintendent has received the award — and the first since 2001.
For a district designated as a hypergrowth district and forecasted to reach nearly 70,000 students within the next decade, the recognition reflects not just one leader’s work — but a community’s shared investment in public education.
What the 2026 AASA National Superintendent of the Year Award Means for Lamar CISD
The National Superintendent of the Year program, now in its 39th year and co-sponsored by AASA, Corebridge Financial and Sourcewell, recognizes exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing public education.
For Lamar CISD — one of the fastest-growing school districts in Texas — the recognition arrives at a time of significant expansion. The district spans 385 square miles in Fort Bend County and serves students across 57 campuses in communities including Beasley, Fairchilds ETJ, Fulshear, Houston ETJ, Katy, Kendleton, Missouri City ETJ, Orchard ETJ, Pleak, Richmond, Rosenberg, Simonton, Sugar Land, Thompsons and Weston Lakes.
Dr. Nivens reflected on the moment during the national announcement.
“This is a truly unbelievable moment, and I’m incredibly grateful and humbled,” Dr. Nivens said. “When I think of my own journey growing up and the incredible impact that dedicated, passionate educators made in my own life, it makes me thankful every single day that I’m able now to help pay that forward and lead a team in Lamar CISD that’s having that same kind of impact on future generations.”
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Leading a Fast-Growing Texas School District
Growth in Lamar CISD has been steady and significant. The district currently serves more than 49,000 students, with enrollment projected to approach 70,000 within ten years. New neighborhoods, expanding developments, and increasing property values throughout Fort Bend County have placed public education at the center of community planning conversations.
Dr. Nivens acknowledged that public education is changing — and Lamar CISD is adapting with it.
“The landscape of public education is evolving, and Lamar CISD is evolving right along with it, leading the way with innovation, integrity, high standards of accountability, and plenty of joy and heart as well,” he said.
Since becoming Lamar CISD Superintendent in 2021, Dr. Nivens has led during a period of facility expansion, enrollment growth, and strategic planning aimed at balancing opportunity with responsible growth management. He also currently serves as President-Elect of the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA), further positioning the district within statewide education leadership conversations.
A Career Rooted in Public Education
The son of two educators, Dr. Nivens began his career as a teacher and coach in Dallas ISD before serving as an assistant principal, principal and later Assistant Superintendent of Achievement and Organizational Management in Lancaster ISD. He previously served as Superintendent of Schools for Community ISD in the Dallas-Fort Worth area before coming to Lamar CISD.
He credits the district’s success to a broader team effort.
“It’s an honor to represent and lead Lamar CISD,” he said, “and the reality is that our success is created by the work of so many dedicated, talented people across our district, teachers and staff, parents and community partners, together with our award-winning board of trustees, who play such an important role in making our district shine.”
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Board of Trustees Responds
Members of the Lamar CISD Board of Trustees traveled to Nashville to support the superintendent during the announcement.
Board President Jacci Hotzel praised his leadership.
“Dr. Nivens is a superintendent who leads with a servant’s heart, but also with the big-thinking mindset necessary for the continued success of our schools and students,” Hotzel said.
As Lamar CISD continues to add campuses and welcome new families, trustees say growth requires thoughtful planning.
“Lamar CISD is growing at an amazing rate,” Hotzel continued. “Dr. Nivens talks often about the incredible responsibility that comes with that growth, and how important it is to build on the success we’ve experienced—both for the future of our community and for our students. We’re blessed to have him leading our school district, and we’re excited to be building Lamar CISD’s future together.”
Why This Matters to Fort Bend County Families
For parents considering where to buy a home in Fort Bend County, residents following Lamar CISD growth projections, and community members invested in public school performance, national recognition reinforces the district’s standing during a critical expansion period.
In rapidly growing communities like Fulshear, Rosenberg, Richmond and Katy, school leadership directly affects classroom experience, staffing, facilities planning and long-term property value stability. National recognition of district leadership often strengthens regional confidence in school governance and accountability.
As Lamar CISD prepares for continued enrollment growth and future campus development, district leaders say the focus remains on students and long-term community impact.
For ongoing coverage of Lamar CISD, Fort Bend County education news and community growth updates, stay connected with My Neighborhood News.
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.