Latest update
Cuellar signed his contract as SISD’s new superintendent during the trustees’ regular meeting Sept. 9, according to a Sept. 10 news release from the district. He was selected as the lone finalist for SISD’s superintendent position Aug. 18, but districts are required to wait 21 days between naming a lone finalist and hiring a superintendent, as previously reported by Community Impact.
“I’m elated—thank you for your confidence in me during such a critical time for SISD,” Cuellar said via the release. “I want to sincerely thank you for believing in me. To our families: I do not take this charge lightly. I promise you my full commitment to treat every child as if they were my own. We are destined for greatness, and I am both hopeful and excited for the future of SISD.”
Prior to being named the superintendent lone finalist, Cuellar served as interim superintendent in the wake of former Superintendent Lupita Hinojosa’s retirement, which was effective June 1, as previously reported. SISD began a nationwide search for the next superintendent in May.
What they're saying
“We’re confident in the depth of experience and leadership [Cuellar] brings to our district at such a critical time,” board President Justine Durant said via the release. “We believe he is the right fit to help us address the many challenges we face—from academic turnaround to rebuilding trust in our schools and community.”
Career history
Cuellar was SISD’s chief of academics and school leadership before he stepped up as interim superintendent, as previously reported. He has more than 20 years of public education experience, including previous jobs as:
- Deputy superintendent at Midland ISD
- Deputy superintendent for Portland Public Schools
- Community superintendent at Baltimore County Public Schools
- Assistant superintendent in the College Readiness Department at Houston ISD
