Xavier de Torre

Background

About Xavier de Torre

Since joining the Ysleta Independent School District as Superintendent of Schools more than a decade ago, I've helped guide this historic 109-year-old district in becoming one of the highest-performing school districts in Texas, and prompted a stunning transformation of our schools and facilities by passing nearly $1 billion in voter-approved facilities bonds. I am an incessant champion of children, public education, innovation, and technology, and I'm committed to preparing students for a lifetime of success through education. As a traditional superintendent whose career began in the four corners of the classroom as a teacher, I’ve gained a deep understanding over the years of what it takes to be a leader, and it has strengthened my belief in the transformative power of education. Like many other educators, public education is not just a profession for me. It is a calling, and I've experienced firsthand how it changes lives. My parents came to this country seeking opportunity, and through education, my siblings and I created better lives for ourselves. I was able to achieve my dreams and I will never take this for granted. This is what I strive to give back to Ysleta ISD students, many of whom come from backgrounds very similar to mine. I firmly believe public education has the potential to break the cycle of poverty and create a brighter future, and I’ve dedicated my career to ensuring that every child has access to that possibility. I began my career in education in California as a teacher, coach, and principal before serving as Associate Superintendent of Human Resources in the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District, where I managed all aspects of personnel and labor relations. I went on to serve as Associate Superintendent of Human Resources and Chief Labor Negotiator in the Elk Grove Unified School District before moving to El Paso, Texas, to serve as Superintendent of Schools at the Socorro Independent School District. I eventually returned to California to serve as the County Superintendent of Schools at the Santa Clara County Office of Education for two years before returning to El Paso, Texas, to become the leader at Ysleta ISD. Much of the leadership I provide at Ysleta ISD goes back to my days of playing and coaching sports. I treat this district as my team, and we get up every morning and compete for our parents' trust and confidence. Ultimately, I’ve learned that through consistency and continuity, you can turn around a huge battleship in a small canal – and this is the secret sauce for creating meaningful, long-term success.