Region 9 has announced its selections for the 2026 Superintendent of the Year and Outstanding School Board of the Year programs, recognizing exemplary leadership in public education across the region.

Mr. Casey Adams, Superintendent, Woodson ISD, Named as Region 9 2026 Superintendent of the Year  

Mr. Casey Adams, superintendent of Woodson ISD, has been named the Region 9 representative in the 2026 Superintendent of the Year (SOTY) program. Adams was nominated by the Woodson ISD Board of Trustees.

In its nomination, the board highlighted Adams’ leadership in school improvement, fiscal management, community engagement, and organizational excellence. The nomination also recognized his advocacy for rural schools and public education.

Board President Gary Brockman praised Adams’ leadership, stating, “Casey has done an outstanding job creating a positive and stable school climate where both students and staff can thrive…(He) has helped create a culture where staff feel supported and valued, and where students understand they are part of something that matters.”

Beyond his work in Woodson ISD, Adams serves on the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) Commissioner’s Cabinet, is vice president of the Texas Association of Rural Schools (TARS), serves on the UIL Legislative Council, and is vice president of the Red River Superintendents Association.

Sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), the Superintendent of the Year program has recognized outstanding public school administrators since 1984. Regional nominees advance to state-level consideration, with the winner to be announced at txEDCON in Houston on October 10, 2026.

Henrietta ISD School Board Named as Region 9 2026  Outstanding School Board of the Year 

The Henrietta ISD Board of Trustees has been selected as Region 9’s nominee for the 2026 Outstanding School Board of the Year award.

The board was nominated by Superintendent Jaime Clark, who provided evidence of the board’s effectiveness in areas including policymaking, support for educational improvement and school transformation initiatives, commitment to student welfare, and community engagement.

The nomination highlighted the board’s efforts to strengthen community connections through programs such as Bearcat Ambassadors, which keeps senior citizens and community members engaged with district events, student achievements, and school initiatives. It also recognized the HISD Ambassador Program, which helps community leaders and stakeholders gain a deeper understanding of district operations, priorities, and initiatives.

The nomination will now be reviewed by TASA’s School Board Awards Committee. Five boards from across Texas will be selected as Honor Boards before finalists are interviewed later this year. The 2026 Outstanding School Board of the Year will be announced at txEDCON in Houston on October 9, 2026.

The TASA School Board Awards Program was established in 1971 to recognize school boards whose leadership and service positively impact Texas students.