Texas Border Business
The Sharyland Independent School District (ISD) Board of Trustees named Dr. Elaine Howard, current Deputy Superintendent of Boerne ISD, the lone finalist for Superintendent during their regular board meeting on Monday, March 25, 2024.
Dr. Howard’s passion to serve students, families, and educators is deeply rooted in her life’s journey to be educated when others may have thought she was a lost cause. “If you have ever been told you are ‘unteachable’ or that you do not belong, you are faced with the choice to believe what you are being told or prove them wrong. I chose to prove them wrong,” says Howard. “My calling as an educator is to help create learning environments where every student is welcomed and given every opportunity to achieve their best. Sharyland ISD is doing amazing work for kids, which is the kind of work I believe in.”
Dr. Howard has served as an executive district leader in the San Antonio and Austin area at Boerne ISD, Judson ISD, and Hays CISD, with approximately 11,000 to 22,000 student enrollments. She is most excited about embracing the rich traditions of Sharyland ISD and being a part of the “next level” for the district.
By law, the Board must now wait 21 days before voting to hire Howard. Dr. Howard is slated to replace outgoing Superintendent Dr. Maria Vidaurri, who is retiring later this summer after a 39-year career as an educator.
Elaine Howard, Ed.D. – Bio
Dr. Elaine Howard is a passionate educational leader whose unique career journey has allowed her to use her skills and talents to serve school districts. She began her career as a classroom teacher and quickly became recognized as a teacher leader. Her transition to district administration included Coordinator of Professional Development, Executive Director and Chief of Human Resources, and Deputy Superintendent. Dr. Howard has been called upon to consult, and provide departmental audits of school districts across the nation and uses her expertise to assist in the writing of recommended action plans for school district improvement.
Dr. Howard strongly believes that educational opportunities are not contained in a classroom but also happen on the field, in the music hall, and in the community. For her, innovation in education is not just about using technology, it’s about finding ways to bring learning to life for kids.
Dr. Howard believes her leadership is best exemplified in her service to others. She is committed to creating an environment where others have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
Outside of her work, Dr. Howard is most grateful for her family, near and far, and is proud to call the Sharyland ISD community her home.
