Alpine
Michelle Rinehart, the superintendent of Alpine Independent School District, has been named the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) 2026 Superintendent of the Year for Region 18. Rinehart has led Alpine ISD since 2022, “bringing a clear, systems-focused approach to improving outcomes for students,” the region noted in a release. “Her leadership has emphasized open communication, transparency with the board and community, and a consistent focus on results, building strong relationships and shared ownership across the district.
The region listed notable achievements since Rinehart began leading Alpine ISD:
● Led districtwide instructional improvements resulting in a B accountability rating (81)
● Expanded Career and Technical Education opportunities through regional partnerships
● Expanded high-quality child care access in a rural child care desert
● Coordinated historic, sustainable compensation increases district-wide, while closing a
$1.5M structural deficit
● Secured $8.2 million in grants and $1.6 million in philanthropic funding to advance the
district’s strategic priorities
● Coordinated $3.5 million in facility modernization projects to address decades of aging
infrastructure
● Strengthened community trust through proactive communication, collaborative
governance, and strategic partnerships
“Rinehart’s leadership has been marked by improved student outcomes, stronger district finances, and lasting partnerships between the district and the community it serves,” the release said.
“This recognition is a testament to the incredible team I am blessed to lead, serve, and grow alongside here in Alpine, a team that works tirelessly to improve student outcomes and wellbeing,” Rinehart said. “I am so proud of what the community of Alpine has accomplished for its children over the past four years. It’s a great day to be a Buck!”
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.
