Houston Independent School District Executive and Leadership Team

Dani Hernandez, the Board President at Houston Independent School District, leads the governing body responsible for setting district policy and fiscal oversight. Hernandez presides over public meetings to ensure transparency and community engagement in the decision-making process. By establishing the strategic agenda for the board, the Board President guides the long-term direction of the district. This role involves evaluating the performance of the superintendent and holding the administration accountable for academic outcomes. Dani Hernandez facilitates consensus among board members to address complex educational challenges. Through active participation in state-level advocacy, the Board President represents the interests of the district at a broader policy level. Hernandez monitors the budget to ensure financial responsibility and alignment with student needs. By championing equity and excellence, the Board President shapes the culture of the district. Ultimately, Hernandez secures the governance framework necessary for sustainable educational progress.

Rebecca Helmer, the Chief Technology Officer at Houston Independent School District, directs the digital infrastructure supporting thousands of students and staff. Helmer architects scalable network solutions and secures sensitive educational data across the entire district. By modernizing classroom hardware and software, the Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless access to digital learning resources. This leadership role involves coordinating with academic departments to integrate technology into the core curriculum. Rebecca Helmer directly impacts student outcomes by maintaining robust systems that facilitate remote and in-person instruction. Through strategic planning, the Chief Technology Officer optimizes IT spending to maximize educational value. The technology department under Helmer manages complex cybersecurity protocols to protect the district from emerging digital threats. Ultimately, Helmer drives the technological transformation necessary for a modern, high-performing public school system.

Monica Zdrojewski, the Chief of Staff at Houston Independent School District, manages high-level administrative operations and organizational alignment. Zdrojewski coordinates cross-departmental initiatives to ensure the district meets its strategic goals. By streamlining communication between the superintendent and various functional leaders, the Chief of Staff maintains operational efficiency. This role involves overseeing complex projects that impact district-wide policy and resource allocation. Monica Zdrojewski facilitates board interactions and ensures compliance with educational mandates. Through rigorous oversight of daily administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff supports the broader mission of academic success. Zdrojewski monitors key performance indicators to track progress on district initiatives. By fostering collaboration among executive leadership, the Chief of Staff creates a cohesive environment focused on student achievement. Ultimately, Zdrojewski secures the operational stability required for effective district management.

Rebecca Dray, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Superintendent at Houston Independent School District, executes the strategic vision of the superintendent across all district operations. Dray manages critical communications and ensures the superintendent receives actionable data for decision-making. By facilitating engagement with community stakeholders, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Superintendent strengthens the relationship between the district and the public. This role involves coordinating high-priority projects that require direct oversight from the superintendent office. Rebecca Dray monitors the implementation of district policies to ensure consistency and accountability. Through careful management of executive schedules and priorities, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Superintendent optimizes the time and focus of the district leadership. Dray supports the superintendent in navigating complex educational challenges. Ultimately, Dray ensures the alignment of all administrative functions with the overarching goals of the district.

Stephen Jackson, the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer at Houston Independent School District, directs talent acquisition and workforce management strategies. Jackson oversees the recruitment of high-quality educators to fill critical vacancies across the district. By implementing professional development programs, the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer enhances the capabilities of the existing teaching staff. This role involves managing labor relations and ensuring compliance with employment laws. Stephen Jackson designs compensation structures that attract and retain top-tier talent in a competitive market. Through the optimization of HR information systems, the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer improves administrative efficiency. Jackson collaborates with school principals to address staffing needs and foster a positive work culture. By prioritizing employee engagement, the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer supports the overall mission of academic excellence. Ultimately, Jackson secures the human capital necessary for student success.

Norma Castillo, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Houston Independent School District, architects comprehensive benefits and wellness programs for the entire workforce. Castillo manages the complex landscape of employee health insurance and retirement planning to ensure long-term staff stability. By analyzing workforce data, the Chief Human Resources Officer identifies trends in turnover and develops strategies to improve retention. This role involves leading diversity and inclusion initiatives that reflect the diverse student population served by the district. Norma Castillo oversees the performance management process to ensure accountability and growth among all staff members. Through the development of clear career pathways, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports professional advancement within the organization. Castillo coordinates with legal counsel to mitigate employment risks. By fostering a supportive work environment, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives organizational health. Ultimately, Castillo secures the workforce stability required for consistent educational delivery.

Ann Best Scott, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Houston Independent School District, directs the strategic planning of staffing models to meet the evolving needs of the district. Scott oversees the onboarding process for new hires, ensuring rapid integration into the school community. By managing labor contracts and negotiations, the Chief Human Resources Officer maintains harmonious relationships with employee unions. This role involves implementing advanced HR analytics to forecast future staffing requirements. Ann Best Scott designs training modules that address specific pedagogical needs identified by the academic leadership. Through the modernization of HR record-keeping, the Chief Human Resources Officer enhances data accuracy and accessibility. Scott collaborates with the finance department to align personnel budgets with district priorities. By focusing on operational excellence in human resources, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the daily functioning of schools. Ultimately, Scott secures the talent pipeline essential for long-term district growth.