PECOS, Texas — Mr. Brent Jaco, who has led the Pecos Barstow Toyah Independent School District (PBTISD) since 2020, has won the Texas Association of School Board's 2024 Superintendent of the Year for Region 18.
According to a press release from the Region 18 Education Service Center, Mr. Jaco has 26 years of experience in public education and has led multiple school districts throughout Texas.
Below is the full release from the Region 18 Education Service Center:
"Mr. Brent Jaco, the superintendent of Pecos Barstow Toyah Independent School District (PBTISD), has been named the Texas Association of School Board’s 2024 Superintendent of the Year for Region 18. Mr. Jaco has led PBTISD since 2020. Under his tenure, PBTISD has witnessed a transformative leadership, management, and school climate shift. With Mr. Jaco’s steadfast leadership, the district has established a consistent and visionary leadership foundation, providing stability and fostering collaboration and growth.
Mr. Jaco has 26 years of experience in public education, including leadership in Galveston ISD, Brazosport ISD, Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, and PBTISD. His roles over his career include service as a teacher, athletic director, assistant principal, principal, chief of staff, and superintendent. Throughout Mr. Jaco’s career, he has developed a reputation for profoundly impacting the lives of students, educators, and community members. Below are a few of the many notable achievements since Mr. Jaco began leading PBTISD:
• Passed a combined $625.2 million in bonds in May 2021 and May 2023. With the 2021 Bond is projected to be paid off this summer of 2024.
• Implemented strong government accounting principles to achieve clean audits for the past three years.
• Improved academics and implemented a community-wide reading coalition.
• Launched a community-wide Strategic Planning process involving over 150 stakeholders.
• Improved safety and security procedures across district facilities.
• Worked closely with the Board to develop an advocacy agenda to share with state and national elected officials on the needs of public education and community needs.
Sponsored by TASB, the Superintendent of the Year program has recognized exemplary superintendents for excellence and achievement in educational leadership since 1984. Candidates are chosen for their strong leadership skills, dedication to improving educational quality, ability to build effective employee relations, student performance, and commitment to public involvement in education.
Superintendents from any of the state’s local school districts are eligible for nomination by their school boards. Local nominees are submitted to a regional selection committee, which chooses one nominee to send to the state selection committee." - Region 18 Education Service Center
PBTISD released a statement to NewsWest 9 following the announcement.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized as the Region 18 Superintendent of the Year,” Superintendent Jaco said in a press release. “This achievement is a testament to the collective efforts of our dedicated staff, supportive school board, and engaged community. Together, we have worked tirelessly to create an environment where our students can thrive and achieve their fullest potential. I am proud of what we have accomplished and excited for the future of PBTISD."
PBTISD Board President AlexAndrea Zamarripa praised the work Mr. Jaco has done during his tenure within the school district.
"Superintendent Jaco’s leadership has been instrumental in the transformation of our district,” Board President Zamarripa said in the press release. “His vision and dedication have significantly improved our students' educational experiences and outcomes. We are incredibly proud of his recognition as the Region 18 Superintendent of the Year. It is a well-deserved honor highlighting his commitment to excellence in education and his unwavering support for our PBTISD community."
