The George - Dr. Roosevelt Nivens Named 2026 AASA National Superintendent of the YearFebruary 16, 2026
When it comes to shaping the future of education, few leaders leave as profound an impact as Lamar CISD Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens. Recently named the 2026 AASA National Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Nivens has been recognized on a national stage for his innovative vision, steadfast dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence in public education. Now in its 39th year, the National Superintendent of the Year program honors leaders who go above and beyond in advancing public education in their communities. Co-sponsored by AASA, Corebridge Financial, and Sourcewell, this award celebrates superintendents who exemplify creativity, strong communication, professionalism, and community involvement. Since becoming Superintendent of Lamar CISD in 2021, Dr. Nivens has been a driving force of innovation and progress. His leadership has been especially vital as Lamar CISD continues to navigate its status as the fastest-growing school district of its size in Texas. With more than 49,000 students across 57 campuses and enrollment projected to soar to 70,000 within a decade, Dr. Nivens has tackled the unique challenges of hypergrowth with strategy and foresight. One of his signature contributions is the “Innovative School Day” program. Designed to address the growing demands on teachers’ time, this initiative restructures the school calendar by carving out specific days for non-traditional student learning. During these days, teachers have time to collaborate, analyze data, and plan lessons within their contracted work hours. Translation? Less unpaid overtime for educators, more effective teaching strategies for students, and an overall boost to staff morale. Dr. Nivens’ ability to marry innovation with practical solutions has made him a standout leader. His approach is not just about adapting to change but thriving in it, ensuring that the district remains a nurturing and forward-thinking environment for students and staff alike. Congratulations to Dr. Nivens!  |
