Socorro Independent School District Superintendent James P. Vasquez has been named in the National School Public Relations Association annual list of Superintendents to Watch. This year, NSPRA selected 30 leaders from school systems across the United States for the 2025-26 honor, which recognizes innovative superintendents in their first five years for outstanding leadership in fostering meaningful, two-way communication and strengthening community engagement.
“I am honored to earn this notable recognition and feel extremely fortunate to have the privilege of leading Socorro ISD, a school district that I hold close to my heart,” Vasquez said. “This community is filled with incredible students, educators and families that contribute to our overall achievement. We have been through a lot over the last couple of years and I am so proud to be writing our next chapter of success together with this amazing community.”
Vasquez led Socorro ISD through unprecedented financial and operational challenges, guiding the district from a $42 million deficit to a balanced budget by June 2025 through transparent and decisive leadership. Under his direction, SISD achieved its highest number of A rated campuses, was the largest district in Texas to earn the TEA postsecondary distinction designation and earned national recognition as the first district in West Texas to receive the National Certificate for STEM Excellence.
This year’s NSPRA Superintendents to Watch honorees are shaping stronger school systems by recognizing communication as a core leadership priority and leading with clarity, consistency and community connection. Vasquez’s people centered approach emphasized face to face communication, employee engagement, and community involvement.
“These leaders understand that communication is not just about sharing information. It is about building relationships,” said NSPRA Executive Director Barbara M. Hunter, APR. “Through meaningful engagement with families, staff and community members, they are advancing their districts with clarity and purpose.”
Across their districts, honorees led efforts ranging from launching student and family advisory councils and districtwide listening tours to modernizing websites, newsletters and social media platforms to ensure timely, accessible communication for all families.
“The best part of serving in public education is building amazing relationships with a diverse group of people. Students, teachers, support staff, administrators, parents, business and community partners – everyone is critical to our consistent, outstanding academic success and I am grateful to work and live among the great people of Socorro ISD,” Vasquez said. “I look forward to many more conversations, visits, and events to share together and, ultimately, academic success for all of our students.”
NSPRA received 66 nominations this year, reflecting a highly competitive selection process with a deep field of outstanding nominees. Since the 2015–16 school year, NSPRA has recognized more than 200 school district leaders as Superintendents to Watch, a number of whom later went on to be named their state’s Superintendent of the Year.
This year’s superintendent honorees hail from California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.
Read more about Superintendent James Vasquez, 2025-26 Superintendent to Watch