The Laredo Independent School District has named Cassandra Mendoza as its Executive Director for Secondary Education.
Mendoza is an accomplished educational leader with more than two decades of experience in public education, known for her unwavering commitment to student success, instructional excellence, and school improvement. Throughout her career with LISD, she has held key leadership roles and made a lasting impact on both students and faculty. Most recently she served as Principal of J.W. Nixon High School. Through her leadership, Nixon has attained an Exemplary rating from the Texas Education Agency during these last two years.
She began her career in education in 2000 as an English/Language Arts teacher at Dr. Leo G. Cigarroa High School. During her 10 years in the classroom, she not only prepared students for academic success but also contributed to district curriculum development and mentored new teachers. Her dedication to instructional quality and student achievement soon led her into administrative leadership.
From 2010 to 2014, she served as Assistant Principal and later as Career Academies Dean at Cigarroa High School, overseeing curriculum, assessment, grants, and department coordination for English language arts, special education, Spanish, and Career Technology Education (CTE.) She played a vital role in campus initiatives such as the High Schools That Work (HSTW) program and Campus Education Improvement Committees, where she chaired both general operations and budget planning.
In 2014, she transitioned to Martin High School, continuing her service as Career Academies Dean and Assistant Principal in charge of curriculum. She managed Martin High’curriculum-related aspects, supervised core departments and CTE, guided professional learning communities, and played an active role in shaping instructional strategies and school culture.
Her leadership culminated in her appointment as Nixon High School principal in 2017, where she led through 2025. During her tenure, she fostered a culture of academic rigor, student-centered growth, and equity. Her innovative approaches earned her recognition as the New Principal of the Year in 2027-2018, and Secondary Principal of the Year in 2019-2020. She was also selected as part of the first cohort of the Holdsworth Fellowship, a prestigious honor reserved for transformative educational leaders in Texas.
Mendoza earned her Master of Science in Educational Administration from Texas A&M International University and is currently pursuing her superintendent certification through Lamar University. She is also certified in the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System. Her undergraduate degree, a B.A. in English and Sociology, was also earned from Texas A&M International University.
Throughout her career, Cassandra Mendoza has been driven by a deep belief in the power of education to change lives and by a steadfast commitment to equity, instructional leadership, and community engagement. Her legacy is one of empowering students, educators, and the school community.
“I am grateful for the trust that LISD has placed on me to serve our secondary schools,” Mendoza said. “LISD is a premier school district in South Texas with a rich history. I am eager to work with our outstanding team which includes our Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, and administrators. I look forward to continuing to serve our students at the district level and contributing to the legacy of greatness at LISD.”
Cassandra and her husband, Juan Mendoza, have four children, Peter, Gabriella, Victoria, and Lexi.