LAREDO, TEXAS— Laredo ISD recently earned statewide recognition for its commitment to strong leadership development. Through the Holdsworth Center’s Aspiring Principal Program (APP), two of the District’s leaders, Mario Mireles, principal of Raymond & Tirza Martin High School, and Amy Cruz, principal of J.C. Martin, Jr. Elementary School, are serving as rotation principals. By opening their campuses and sharing their leadership practices, Mireles and Cruz are giving aspiring administrators from throughout the state a real-world look at effective school leadership in action. Their participation underscored not only their individual success but also LISD’s role in shaping the future of education in Texas.
Throughout the school year, Mireles and Cruz will each mentor a total of 10 aspiring principals. These participants shadow them during a two-day campus rotation designed to mirror a residency model. By observing real-time decision-making and campus leadership, participants gain valuable insights into the practices that sustain successful schools.
Founded in 2017 by H-E-B Chairman Charles Butt, the Holdsworth Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening public education by building strong, effective leaders at every level of the school system. Its Aspiring Principal Program introduces future principals to the daily realities of leadership while encouraging reflection and growth through guided support. Mireles and Cruz also participated in the Holdsworth Cohort, a two-year campaign that allowed them to study research-based leadership techniques and apply them at their schools, strengthening student outcomes and campus culture.
“I am honored to serve as a rotation principal and to share the culture of Martin High School with aspiring leaders,” Mireles said. “This program not only allows participants to witness leadership in action, but also gives us as principals the chance to reflect on our own practices and growth.”
Cruz added, “Being a rotation principal is a rewarding experience. It allows me to support the growth of future school leaders while also contributing to the work of our JCM Professional Learning Community. Through the Aspiring Principals Program, I enjoy sharing best practices, supporting colleagues, and helping others grow in both leadership and instruction. This work strengthens our schools and helps build strong leaders at all levels.”
The four rotations highlight different aspects of leadership: Leadership Excellence, Sustainable Leadership, Instructional Leadership, and Excellent Communication.
“The energy from Martin HS is contagious! Mr. Mireles and his entire staff were so welcoming and open with me and Chanelle Scott during our visit. Everyone there truly embraces the motto of ‘Somos Familia,’ and it is felt everywhere you go on campus,” Hobbs High School Assistant Principal Alex Lopez said. “I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to meet so many members of the Tiger family and those involved in LISD. The leadership there at Martin HS is definitely something special. Thank you for sharing your campus, your staff, and your students with us! Looking forward to visiting again sometime soon!”
Mireles’ leadership was also recognized during the Holdsworth graduation ceremony, where MHS was named a Holdsworth Champion. Out of 60 projects presented, MHS was selected as one of the top campuses and delivered a 12-minute presentation that showcased how applied research strategies helped boost academic performance, particularly in math. Despite demographic challenges that typically place schools in the C or F range, MHS has maintained an “A” rating by the Texas Education Agency for the fourth consecutive year. As part of this distinction, MHS was the only campus invited to present to the entire graduating class, addressing Holdsworth board members, superintendents, and cohort fellows from across Texas.
In addition, Mireles was one of only six principals chosen to participate in a Holdsworth leadership panel, where he fielded questions from administrators about the strategies used at MHS. His insights and expertise later earned him an invitation to serve on another panel post-graduation.
Through their participation, Mireles and Cruz are not only guiding 10 aspiring leaders but also extending LISD’s influence to communities across West Texas and Southeast New Mexico.
“I am so honored to have been able to visit J.C. Martin, Jr. Elementary, an exemplary campus with an amazing principal Ms. Amy Cruz and a phenomenal staff. As a first-year principal, I have gained a wealth of knowledge with my visit and learned what a campus can do not only with strong leadership but with a dedicated staff where everyone is invested in student learning and success,” Yarbrough Elementary School Principal Kristen Godwin said.
JC Martin, Jr. Elementary is a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School, recognized in the category of Exemplary Achievement in Closing the Gap. This prestigious award highlights our commitment to closing achievement gaps among student groups and ensuring academic success for all.
In 2024, JC Martin, Jr. Elementary was also named a Texas Honor Roll School by the Education Results Partnership (ERP), a distinction awarded to top-performing public schools across the state. This recognition reflects our continued academic excellence and success in narrowing performance gaps.
“As a Holdsworth campus, we’ve implemented research-based strategies through a Capstone Project designed to enhance student outcomes. Our team has also collaborated with leaders from two elementary schools in Dallas ISD, learning and sharing best practices to drive continuous improvement,” Cruz said. “At JC Martin, Jr. Elementary, we are committed to academic excellence, equity, and innovation—ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.”
Mireles and Cruz’s work through the Holdsworth Center’s Aspiring Principal Program stands as a testament to the caliber of leadership within Laredo ISD. By opening their doors and sharing their expertise, they are helping to build a pipeline of strong, capable principals who will shape the future of education. Their efforts elevate LISD while inspiring lasting change in schools and communities across the state.