Texas School Districts and Early Childhood Facilities Named Finalists in 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards
H-E-B has announced the finalists for the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, recognizing outstanding early childhood facilities, school boards, and school districts across Texas. Among the finalists is Lamar Consolidated Independent School District (Lamar CISD), which has been identified as the fastest-growing school district in Texas.
The awards program, which highlights excellence in public education, has selected five early childhood facilities, five school boards, and eight school districts as finalists. Each finalist will receive $5,000 and advance to the statewide competition in May, where winners will be awarded a share of $480,000 in grants and cash prizes.
Lamar CISD Named Finalist for School Board Excellence
Lamar CISD is one of five school boards recognized for excellence in leadership and governance. The district, which serves over 46,800 students, has seen rapid growth, with projections indicating enrollment could reach nearly 56,800 students within five years. Zonda Education has identified Lamar CISD as a ‘hypergrowth’ district due to the significant increase in new home construction, particularly in Rosenberg, where over 5,000 new homes have been built in the past year.
“As we experience unprecedented growth across Lamar CISD, it’s clear that our commitment to quality education must grow with it,” said Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens. “Our mission remains to ensure every student has the support, resources, and inspired leadership they need to thrive.”
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The district’s ongoing expansion presents opportunities and challenges, particularly with the potential impact of legislative changes regarding school choice options. Despite uncertainties, Lamar CISD continues to plan strategically for future growth.
Finalists for the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards
Early Childhood Education Facilities:
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Calvin Vincent Early Childhood Center (Texas City ISD)
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Sarah K. Jandrucko Early Learners Academy (Mansfield ISD)
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Early Childhood Development Center (Corpus Christi ISD)
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Gonzales Primary Academy (Gonzales ISD)
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Wylie Early Childhood Center (Wylie ISD)
School Boards:
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Clear Creek ISD
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Gregory-Portland ISD
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Lamar CISD
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New Braunfels ISD
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Plano ISD
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Large School Districts:
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Mansfield ISD
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Midlothian ISD
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Prosper ISD
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Spring Branch ISD
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Tomball ISD
Small School Districts:
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Lubbock-Cooper ISD
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Medina Valley ISD
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Montgomery ISD
Statewide winners will be announced at the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards ceremony on May 4 at the Hilton Austin. If selected, one early childhood facility will receive $25,000, one or more school boards will receive up to $25,000, and two school districts will be awarded $100,000 (large district) and $50,000 (small district), respectively.
Nominations Open for 2026 Awards
Nominations for the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards are now open to all state-certified public school professionals in Texas, including teachers, counselors, principals, early childhood centers, school boards, and districts. Nominations close on September 28, 2025. To nominate an educator, visit HEBLovesTeachers.com.
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Since its inception in 2002, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program has awarded over $14 million in funding to recognize outstanding Texas educators and school districts. For more information, visit HEBLovesTeachers.com.
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.
