Education Service Center (ESC) Region 13 has announced Dr. Holly Morris-Kuentz as the 2026 Regional Superintendent of the Year. She will now represent the region as one of 20 nominees statewide for the Texas Superintendent of the Year award, presented by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB).
Selected for her visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to student success, and ability to unite communities around a shared vision for public education, Dr. Morris-Kuentz has transformed Dripping Springs ISD into one of Texas' premier fast-growth school districts. During her five-year tenure, she has strengthened academic performance, restored community trust, and maintained exceptional fiscal stewardship while leading the district through unprecedented growth.
"Dr. Holly Morris-Kuentz exemplifies the kind of leadership that inspires confidence, drives meaningful change, and keeps students at the center of every decision," said Dr. Rich Elsasser, Executive Director of ESC Region 13. "Her ability to build trust, develop future leaders, and navigate the challenges of a rapidly growing district with vision and integrity has made a lasting impact on Dripping Springs ISD and serves as a model for school systems across Texas. We are honored to recognize her as the 2026 Regional Superintendent of the Year."
Since becoming superintendent in 2021, Dr. Morris-Kuentz has led the development and implementation of the district's Future Ready 2030 strategic plan while strengthening leadership development opportunities for students and educators and expanding community engagement through initiatives such as Taxpayer Tuesday and the Certified Realtor Program.
She has also implemented initiatives that have strengthened student achievement, including the addition of Career & Technical Education (CTE) offerings at middle school, middle school course alignment, Leader In Me alignment across all DSISD campuses, and improvements in College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) and Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) scores.
Under her leadership, the district has maintained balanced budgets, earned perfect financial ratings, and successfully passed its largest bond election with the highest voter approval rate in district history while continuing to meet the needs of one of the state's fastest-growing student populations.
Her leadership extends beyond Dripping Springs ISD through service with the Texas Association of School Administrators, the Fast Growth School Coalition, and other statewide organizations dedicated to advancing public education. She is also a registered superintendent mentor and board governance trainer, helping cultivate the next generation of educational leaders.
As Region 13's nominee, Dr. Morris-Kuentz advances to the next round of consideration for the 2026 Texas Superintendent of the Year, which will be announced this fall during the TASA/TASB Convention.