Look Who’s Back: Trustees name Dr. Michael Hinojosa as interim superintendent

The Dallas ISD board of trustees tonight unanimously approved appointing Dr. Michael Hinojosa as the district’s interim superintendent.

Hinojosa will return to the district after serving as the superintendent from 2005–2011. Hinojosa told trustees that he will lead the district for as long as they need and pledged to continue to support recent reforms approved by the board during the tenure of former superintendent Mike Miles.

“Anyone who knows me knows how much I love the Dallas Independent School District. This is where I went to school and where I started my career in education,” Hinojosa said. “I am honored to again have the confidence of the board to help in this role. I look forward to working with the talented leadership team in place and the thousands of dedicated school leaders, teachers, staff and parents to continue to prepare all students for college and their careers.”

Hinojosa most recently was the superintendent of the Cobb County School District in suburban Atlanta. He retired from the position in May 2014 and has been working as an educational consultant.

Under Hinojosa’s leadership, the Dallas ISD graduation rate improved five consecutive years, voters approved a $1.35 billion bond program, and the district opened several new schools, including Trini Garza Early College High School, New Tech High School at A. Maceo Smith, and the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy. In addition, Hinojosa worked with the board to lay the foundation for the district’s new teacher evaluation system that later became known as the Teacher Excellence Initiative.

The trustees vote to name Hinojosa as interim superintendent follows Mike Miles’ resignation on June 23.