Lamar CISD Superintendent Named 2026 AASA National Superintendent of the Year
It’s official! Dr. Roosevelt Nivens, Superintendent of Lamar CISD, has been named the 2026 AASA National Superintendent of the Year, and the entire Lamar CISD community (including Cross Creek West) is beaming with pride.
This prestigious recognition, now in its 39th year, highlights Dr. Nivens’ exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to public education. Selected from just four finalists nationwide, Dr. Nivens earned this honor after being named the 2025 Texas Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Association of School Boards.
This is the second time in its history the award has gone to a Texas-based superintendent, and the first Texas winner since 2001, when then-Houston ISD Superintendent—and later U.S. Secretary of Education—Rod Paige was awarded the top national honor.
When it comes to leadership, Dr. Roosevelt Nivens has raised the bar — then raised it again. His focus on strategic planning has positioned Lamar CISD as a model district in Texas, even as it experiences hypergrowth. With more than 49,000 students across 57 campuses (and a projected enrollment of nearly 70,000 in the next decade), managing this level of growth requires a clear vision and exceptional execution. Dr. Nivens has both in spades.
A distinctive hallmark of Dr. Nivens’ tenure at Lamar CISD was the implementation of the “Innovative School Day.” The program restructures the school calendar to “buy back” time for teachers. It designates specific days where students engage in non-traditional learning, freeing up teachers for collaboration, data analysis, and lesson planning during normal working hours. This reduces the need for teachers to work unpaid overtime on nights and weekends.
Another thing that sets Dr. Nivens apart is his commitment to community engagement. As the son of two educators, he deeply understands the importance of fostering relationships — not just within the district, but with families, local leaders, and the wider community.
On the academic front, Dr. Nivens is a champion of innovative curriculum development that equips students with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. Whether it’s preparing students for college or launching them into the workforce, his forward-thinking approach ensures that Lamar CISD students have access to high-quality, relevant educational opportunities.
Lamar CISD and its surrounding communities, such as Cross Creek West, have felt the tangible effects of his leadership, whether through improved educational outcomes or the confidence of parents who know their children are in good hands.
We congratulate Dr. Nivens on this well-deserved honor and are proud that Cross Creek West students benefit from his exceptional leadership.