Texas Border Business
PHARR – Linda Carrillo, Principal at PSJA North High School, has been honored with the Women in School Leadership Awards by AASA, The School Superintendents Association.
The award co-sponsored by Farmers Insurance, is designed to recognize exceptional leadership of active, front-line female administrators who are making a difference in the lives of students every day and to pay tribute to the talent, creativity and vision of outstanding women educational administrators in the nation’s public schools.
Carrillo received the award during the AASA National Conference on Education in Nashville, Tenn. last month. Along with the recognition, she received a $1,000 check and a one-year membership to the association.
“We are excited about bolstering today’s education space, which is why we are so pleased to honor the outstanding women in this field,” said Randy Rice, national manager, Education Programs, Farmers Insurance. “Congratulations to Superintendent Woodward and Principal Carrillo for receiving this award. As we increase the number of women in educational leadership roles, the better off America’s education agenda will be.”
Candidates were judged based on leadership in meeting the learning needs of students, personal and organizational communication strength, constant professional improvement of knowledge and skills and active community involvement.
“I feel very humble that I was selected for this award,” Carrillo said. “Being able to get recognized at the National level confirms the great things happening at PSJA.”
According to Carrillo, being a leader means being able to help others be successful and through her role as Principal, she ensures her teachers have what they need to help their students succeed.
“Mrs. Carrillo is a great example of the quality of leaders we have at our schools,” Dr. Daniel King, PSJA Superintendent said.
Carrillo began her tenure as Principal at PSJA North High School in August. She previously served as Principal at the district’s College, Career & Technology Academy (CCTA) for three years and prior to that, as Director of PSJA North Early College High School. She was an integral part of the expansion of CCTA, a program for students ages 18-26 who have not graduated or have dropped out of school that has received state and national attention for its success in not only graduating students from high school, but connecting them to higher education.
She has been instrumental in creating a college-going culture and guiding students on a clear path to college. CCTA has also been recognized by the Texas Education Agency as a demonstration model for the state and residency programs are provided for both district employees and outside visitors from Texas and across the nation.
