The Tomball ISD board of trustees was named the Region 4 School Board of the Year for the 2020-21 school year by the Texas Association of School Administrators School Board Awards Program, according to a July 15 release from the district.

Region 4 serves 47 school districts and 40 open-enrollment charter schools, according to the release. With TISD taking the Region 4 title, the board can advance to the next round of the Board of the Year program, culminating with the Texas Outstanding School Board winner being announced during the Texas Association of School Boards Convention in September.

"Being recognized as the 2021 Region 4 Outstanding School Board is a tremendous honor and a well-deserved reflection of their dedication to our community, their servant and ethical leadership as well as their passion for advocating for our students," Superintendent Martha Salazar-Zamora said in the release. "We pride ourselves on being a place where climate and culture distinguish us as a destination district, and it begins at the top with our school board. This group of dedicated individuals shares a passion for education and understands the importance of investing in our future growth as a district."

The TISD board was evaluated on criteria related to policy and decision making, supporting educational initiatives, commitment to a code of ethics, advocacy, community awareness and working in unity, per the release. TISD board members include President Matt Schiel, Vice President Kathy Handler, Secretary Lee McLeod, Assistant Secretary John McStravick, and trustees Mark Lewandowski, Michael Pratt and Justin Unser.

"We are honored to be able to recognize the dedication and hard work of the members of the Tomball ISD board of trustees for their unfailing commitment to excellence in service for children," said Pam Wells, executive director of the Region 4 Education Service Center, in the release.