The Ysleta Independent School District took to the national education stage Wednesday in Florida, winning the prestigious 2025 District of Distinction award from among the nation’s most outstanding school districts, garnering praise for its groundbreaking academic excellence and college & career readiness efforts that have driven meaningful change and inspired progress.
In addition, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Xavier De La Torre was named one of five finalists for 2025 National Superintendent of the Year from the District Administration Leadership Institute (DALI) for bold and courageous leadership, driving transformative changes within schools and the community, and extraordinary commitment to excellence in education.
“We are incredibly thankful and humbled to receive this esteemed award – what an honor for the Ysleta Independent School District to be named the best in the nation in academic excellence,” De La Torre said. “This award symbolizes the success of a collective vision, one that we have worked for a decade to bring to life.
“I often say that leadership is not about one person, but about the team you build, and we have assembled an outstanding team of educators, support staff, and leaders who are committed to helping all students reach their promise and potential,” De La Torre added.
“Ysleta ISD is the highest-rated district in the region, with the highest levels of college and career readiness among our graduates. We understand the stakes are high for our students and families – that’s why our singular focus is to provide dynamic leadership in the classroom, at the campus, and throughout the district for one purpose: To change the trajectory of students’ lives and prepare them to thrive in a global economy.”
The 2025 District of Distinction award was presented Wednesday evening to De La Torre during an awards banquet of the DALI Superintendents Summit in Charlotte Harbor, Florida.
DALI officials said at the heart of the Districts of Distinction recognition is the belief that remarkable, home-grown programs can inspire and be replicated by educators nationwide. To be named a District of Distinction, winners must have pioneered initiatives that have made a significant impact on student achievement, engagement, and overall educational excellence.
Since 2014, Ysleta ISD has enjoyed a steady yet strategic climb toward becoming one of the top-rated districts in Texas and the #1 school district in our region, undergoing a stunning transformation of schools and facilities through the passage of nearly $1 billion in voter-approved facilities bonds.
Ysleta ISD’s stable leadership, innovative educational offerings, and dedicated teachers and administrators have led students to win 11 athletic state championships over the past decade, and earn nearly $200 million in scholarships and financial aid for our Class of 2024.
DALI, the foremost national pre-K12 organization dedicated to empowering district leaders, is steadfast in its pursuit of advancing educational leadership to ensure schools are equipped with the visionary guidance needed to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. For more information, visit www.districtadministration.com.
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