Harlandale ISD Superintendent Mr. Gerardo Soto has been named the 2025 Superintendent of the Year for Education Service Center Region 20 by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), a recognition that honors exemplary leadership and a commitment to student success.
Education Service Center Region 20 Executive Director Dr. Jeff Goldhorn, along with members of the ESC Region 20 team, delivered the surprise announcement Tuesday morning. Superintendent Mr. Soto was joined by Harlandale School Board Trustees, district and campus leadership, as well as his wife, daughters and family.
Each year, TASB selects one superintendent from each education region in Texas to advance to the next round of consideration for the State Superintendent of the Year title. Mr. Soto now represents Region 20 in the statewide selection process, with the winner to be announced during the 2025 Texas Association of School Administrators/TASB Convention this fall.
Mr. Soto brings more than 31 years of experience in public education and has served as Superintendent of Harlandale ISD since 2019. His career began as a paraprofessional aide before becoming a teacher, principal and later, Executive Director of Operations at Harlandale ISD. Under his leadership as superintendent, the district has undergone historic transformation.
Among his notable achievements during his tenure at Harlandale ISD include:
Leading the passage of Bond 2022– the largest bond in District history– which funded major projects like the new CTE Center, Memorial Stadium renovation, high school auditorium upgrades and the soon-to-be Multipurpose Arena
Repurposing campuses to better meet student and staff needs, including transforming the Carroll Bell campus into the new CTE Center, a strategic move that saved the District more than $15 million in construction costs
Earning the state’s highest financial rating, A–Superior Achievement
Launching the Educational Partners Program, addressing teacher shortages with qualified, degreed professionals
Generating $3.8 million in Teacher Incentive Allotment funding to more than 200 designated teachers
Establishing a state-of-the-art Career and Technical Education Center, where students can earn industry-recognized certifications in areas such as barbering, the dental field, welding, HVAC, plumbing and cyber security, to name a few
Introducing the state’s first LTE (Long-Term Evolution) private network to expand student connectivity, along with LTE towers and bus-based WiFi access across the district
Recognizing the importance of student mental health, Mr. Soto led the launch of the Early Alerts system to proactively identify and support student needs, and expanded services through the Harlandale Care Center to provide counseling, mental health resources and family support
Launching the Harlandale Makerspace Center in partnership with organizations such as Toyota, JCB, the DoSeum, SAWS, the Dee Howard Foundation, and True Light Productions to provide students with hands-on, project-based learning experiences and STEM exploration opportunities across all grade levels
Partnering with AVANCE, Community First, and the SA Food Bank to strengthen family and community engagement
Strengthening engagement by working closely with parents and students through involvement in student and parent advisory groups
Mr. Soto also represents Harlandale ISD on the UP Partnership Board, the San Antonio Education Partnership Board and serves on several regional and state-level advisory groups supporting public education.
“This recognition is a reflection of the work we’ve accomplished together for the betterment of our students through strong community partnerships, the leadership of our School Board of Trustees, and the dedication of our staff,” said Superintendent Mr. Gerardo Soto. “Every decision we make is with one goal in mind: The success of our students. We are proud to be champions for them, and I’m honored to serve a community that believes so deeply in the power of education.”
This distinction not only celebrates Mr. Soto’s leadership at the regional level, but also places him among an elite group of superintendents from across the state whose work is shaping the future of public education in Texas.
“Mr. Soto leads with both purpose and heart,” said Harlandale School Board President Norma Cavazos. “His leadership brings out the best in all of us, and having him represent Region 20 is something our entire community can take pride in. This recognition highlights the impact Mr. Soto is making on behalf of Harlandale ISD and reflects our commitment to putting the needs of students, families and staff first.”
For more information about Harlandale ISD, visit www.harlandale.net.
