The Los Fresnos Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees approved an employment contract naming Dr. Joseph Villarreal as superintendent of schools.

The board took action during a Special Called Board Meeting on Aug. 17. Dr. Villarreal began serving in his new role immediately.

The action followed the board's July 24 selection of Dr. Villarreal as the lone finalist for superintendent and the completion of the state-required 21-day waiting period.

"We are pleased to welcome Dr. Villarreal as superintendent of schools and look forward to working alongside him as he begins this new chapter of leadership in Los Fresnos CISD," Board President Donald Henderson said. "We are confident his leadership will build upon our district's record of academic excellence and continue advancing opportunities for every student."

Dr. Villarreal brings 25 years of experience in public education. He most recently served as superintendent of schools in Santa Maria Independent School District.

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His appointment marks a return to Los Fresnos CISD, where he previously held several campus and district leadership roles.

During his time with the district, he worked at Liberty Memorial Middle School, Resaca Middle School, Los Fresnos United Ninth Grade Campus and in the district's Academic Services Department.

"I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to return to Los Fresnos CISD and serve as Superintendent of Schools," Dr. Villarreal said. "This district and community have played an important role in my journey as an educator, and I am deeply committed to serving our students, supporting our staff and working alongside our families and community. I look forward to building upon the district's strong tradition of academic excellence and ensuring that every student has the opportunities and support needed to succeed."

Throughout his career, Dr. Villarreal served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, executive director of academics, assistant superintendent of secondary education and senior executive director. He has leadership experience in Los Fresnos CISD, Harlingen CISD, Houston ISD and Santa Maria ISD.

Dr. Villarreal earned a bachelor's degree from New York University, a master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Brownsville and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He is also a graduate of the Holdsworth District Leadership Program.

The board also extended its appreciation to Jimmy McDonough for his leadership as Interim Superintendent during the transition. McDonough provided continuity for the district throughout the superintendent search and the state-required waiting period.

McDonough will return to his role as Deputy Superintendent.