Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD is honored to announce the selection of Superintendent Brent Jaco as the Texas Association of School Board’s 2024 Superintendent of the Year for Region 18. Mr. Jaco has led PBTISD since the summer of 2020. Under his tenure, PBTISD has witnessed a transformative leadership, management, and school climate shift. With Mr. Jaco’s steadfast leadership, the district has established a consistent and visionary leadership foundation, providing stability and fostering collaboration and growth.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized as the Region 18 Superintendent of the Year,” said Superintendent Brent Jaco. “This achievement is a testament to the collective efforts of our dedicated staff, supportive school board, and engaged community. Together, we have worked tirelessly to create an environment where our students can thrive and achieve their fullest potential. I am proud of what we have accomplished and excited for the future of PBTISD."
Mr. Jaco has 26 years of experience in public education, including leadership in Galveston ISD, Brazosport ISD, Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, and PBTISD. His roles over his career include service as a teacher, athletic director, assistant principal, principal, chief of staff, and superintendent. Throughout Mr. Jaco’s career, he has developed a reputation for profoundly impacting the lives of students, educators and community members. Below are a few of the many notable achievements since Mr. Jaco began leading PBTISD:
Passed a combined $625.2 million in bonds in May 2021 and May 2023. With the 2021 Bond is projected to be paid off this summer of 2024.
Implemented strong government accounting principles to achieve clean audits for the past three years.
Improved academics and implemented a community-wide reading coalition.
Launched a community-wide Strategic Planning process involving over 150 stakeholders.
Improved safety and security procedures across district facilities.
Worked closely with the Board to develop an advocacy agenda to share with state and national elected officials on the needs of public education and community needs.
"Superintendent Jaco’s leadership has been instrumental in the transformation of our district,” said Board President AlexAndrea Zamarripa. “His vision and dedication have significantly improved our students' educational experiences and outcomes. We are incredibly proud of his recognition as the Region 18 Superintendent of the Year. It is a well-deserved honor highlighting his commitment to excellence in education and his unwavering support for our PBTISD community."
Sponsored by TASB, the Superintendent of the Year program has recognized exemplary superintendents for excellence and achievement in educational leadership since 1984. Candidates are chosen for their strong leadership skills, dedication to improving educational quality, ability to build effective employee relations, student performance, and commitment to public involvement in education.
Superintendents from any of the state’s local school districts are eligible for nomination by their school boards. Local nominees are submitted to a regional selection committee, which chooses one nominee to send to the state selection committee.
About the Texas Association of School Boards
The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) is a voluntary, nonprofit, nonpartisan, statewide educational association established in 1949 to serve local Texas school boards — the largest group of publicly elected officials in the state with more than 7,000 school board trustees. To learn more, visit tasb.org.