Lamar CISD’s Dr. Roosevelt Nivens Named Finalist for National Superintendent of the Year Honor
In a moment of pride not only for Lamar Consolidated Independent School District but for the entire Fort Bend County region, Dr. Roosevelt Nivens has been named one of four national finalists for the 2026 National Superintendent of the Year Award, a distinction presented annually by AASA, The School Superintendents Association.
The news was announced December 15 through an official AASA press release, placing Dr. Nivens in an elite circle of education leaders recognized for excellence in guiding public schools, inspiring communities, and fostering innovation in education. For Lamar CISD — a fast-growing district serving nearly 49,000 students across 57 campuses — the honor comes during a period of historic expansion and transformation.
“It’s an extraordinary honor to be named a National Superintendent of the Year finalist, and I’m just incredibly humbled and touched by the news,” Dr. Nivens said.
“An honor like this is never just about one person, and we’re blessed to have so many dedicated, talented people across our district,” he continued. “From teachers and staff, to parents and community partners who show up and contribute in ways both large and small, to our award-winning board of trustees, who generously volunteer their time to help make Lamar CISD an elite school district and a district of choice for parents and their students.”
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Dr. Nivens has served as Superintendent of Lamar CISD since 2021, guiding the district during a pivotal time of growth and evolution. With enrollment expected to reach nearly 70,000 students within the next decade, Lamar CISD has become the fastest-growing school district of its size in Texas. Yet despite its rapid expansion, the district continues to maintain its signature “small town feel with big city opportunities,” providing high-quality educational experiences across diverse communities in Rosenberg, Richmond, Fulshear, and surrounding areas.
Since his arrival, Nivens has prioritized academic excellence, invested in teacher development, and strengthened community partnerships — all while preserving the sense of closeness that has long defined the district. His leadership style, centered on servant leadership and student opportunity, has resonated throughout campuses and neighborhoods alike.
Before taking the helm in Lamar CISD, Nivens served as Superintendent at Community ISD near Dallas-Fort Worth, and earlier in his career held leadership roles in Dallas ISD and Lancaster ISD, where he was a teacher, coach, principal, and Assistant Superintendent of Achievement and Organizational Management. Raised by two educators, he has carried his passion for public education throughout a career that reflects both vision and compassion.
Now serving as President-Elect of the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA), Dr. Nivens’ influence stretches far beyond his district, shaping state-level conversations about the future of education in Texas.
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To reach the finalist stage, each nominee had to first be named State Superintendent of the Year, and then evaluated nationally across four categories:
- Leadership for Learning, including creative strategies to meet student needs
- Communication, both personal and organizational
- Professionalism, including ongoing development for self and team
- Community Involvement, with engagement in local and global issues
“These extraordinary leaders embody the transformative power of public education,” said David R. Schuler, AASA Executive Director. “Their visionary leadership uplifts students and demonstrates our continued commitment to providing every child with the opportunities, experiences, and education that prepares them for college, career, and real life in the real world.”
Closer to home, Lamar CISD Board of Trustees President Jacci Hotzel said the recognition reflects the heart and energy Dr. Nivens brings to every part of the district.
“As parents and as elected school board members, we know how hard the work of education can be, and also how much passion, heart, and dedication go into making a district successful,” Hotzel said. “In Lamar CISD, we’re fortunate to have a leader who inspires our community to show up with their whole heart and best ideas, and to give their all to help our students shine. We’ll all be rooting for him in Nashville.”
The 2026 National Superintendent of the Year will be announced during AASA’s National Conference on Education, set for February 12–14 in Nashville, Tennessee.
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.
