Congratulations to our new district leaders Sheryl Jacks, Chief of Schools; Dr. Nancy Montemayor, Chief of Academics; Dr. Richard Fowler, Assistant Superintendent of School Leadership; and Adriana Arellano, Director of Elementary Curriculum & Instruction.
Sheryl Jacks
Chief of Schools
Sheryl Jacks brings 26 years of educational experience and a proven record of advancing student achievement, strengthening school systems, and developing effective leaders. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of roles, including middle school special education teacher, high school assistant principal, middle school principal, and Director of Secondary Education. These diverse experiences have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of instructional leadership, school operations, and student support.
During her career, Ms. Jacks has led district and campus initiatives focused on instructional excellence, strategic planning, accountability, school improvement, technology integration, and school safety. She has supported the development of campus leaders, implemented data-driven systems, and fostered collaborative cultures that improve outcomes for students and staff. Her leadership has contributed to significant gains in College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR), improved campus accountability ratings, and the implementation of innovative academic programs designed to expand opportunities for students.
A recognized educational leader, Ms. Jacks was named the Region 13 High School Assistant Principal of the Year in 2013 and the Region 13 Middle School Principal of the Year in 2020, honors that reflect her commitment to excellence and student success.
Ms. Jacks holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Angelo State University and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from The University of Texas at San Antonio.
Dr. Nancy Montemayor
Chief of Academics
Dr. Nancy Montemayor is a dedicated bilingual educator with 28 years of experience in Texas public schools. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of leadership roles, including classroom lead teacher, assistant principal, principal, director, and assistant superintendent. These experiences have provided her with a deep understanding of teaching, learning, and organizational leadership, preparing her to support student achievement and staff development at the highest levels.
Most recently, Dr. Montemayor served as Assistant Superintendent of Student and Staff Support Services in an A-rated district where every elementary school has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School. In this role, she led districtwide instructional leadership initiatives and supported efforts to advance academic excellence. As a campus principal, she maintained a high-performing school with an A rating and achieved significant gains in student achievement and family engagement. Among her proudest professional accomplishments was serving as principal during the nomination and selection process that resulted in one of her district's first two National Blue Ribbon School awards.
A product of Texas public schools, Dr. Montemayor's educational journey is rooted in perseverance and determination. As a first-generation high school graduate, first-generation college graduate, English learner, and former migrant farm worker, she overcame significant challenges to pursue higher education and a career in education before advancing into educational leadership.
Dr. Montemayor holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Concordia University and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Dr. Richard Fowler
Assistant Superintendent of School Leadership
Dr. Richard M. Fowler is an educational leader with more than 30 years of experience dedicated to improving student outcomes, strengthening school systems, and developing high-performing leaders. Throughout his career, he has served in teaching, campus administration, and district leadership roles, which have given him a comprehensive understanding of the strategies and systems needed to drive sustained academic success.
Dr. Fowler has a proven track record of leading school improvement efforts and developing principals and leadership teams that deliver measurable results. He has led and supported campuses that achieved significant gains in student achievement, graduation outcomes, and state accountability ratings, including schools advancing to B and A designations. His leadership has focused on building strong instructional and organizational systems that accelerate academic performance and expand students' opportunities in college, career, and military readiness.
Most recently, Dr. Fowler served as Executive Director of Instruction, where he supervised and coached campus leaders across a diverse portfolio of elementary, middle, and high schools. In this role, he strengthened instructional leadership, improved organizational effectiveness, and supported school leaders in achieving continuous improvement. Prior to his district leadership role, he served as a successful middle and high school principal, leading initiatives that improved academic performance, increased graduation rates, and expanded opportunities for students.
Dr. Fowler holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia, a Master of Education in Educational Administrative Leadership from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Howard University.
Adriana Arellano
Director of Elementary Curriculum & Instruction
Adriana Arellano brings 25 years of experience in public education and a strong track record of instructional leadership and campus transformation. She served for 10 years as an elementary principal, leading both small and large campuses and successfully guiding the implementation of initiatives designed to improve student outcomes and expand learning opportunities. During her tenure as a principal, she led two Title I campuses to achieve a combined record of three A ratings and two B ratings under the state accountability system. At one campus, she transformed a C-rated school into an A-rated campus within a single year.
During her leadership tenure, Ms. Arellano spearheaded the instructional work that transformed a traditional campus into a STEM academy, helping create innovative learning experiences for students. She has completed leadership development programs through the Holdsworth Center and the Harvard Graduate School of Education, further strengthening her expertise in school leadership and organizational growth.
A recognized educational leader, Ms. Arellano has contributed to the field through presentations on STEM education and instructional leadership, serving as both a featured speaker and representative of a featured campus. She has also mentored aspiring and current school leaders, supporting the development of effective leadership practices across schools.
Ms. Arellano holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics.