El Paso High's Paz is Region 19 Principal of the Year
(EL PASO HIGH SCHOOL -- June 29, 2020) — The top principal in west Texas is an EPISD Proud administrator.
The Texas Association of Secondary School Principals announced last week that El Paso High Principal Mark Paz is the 2020 Region 19 Principal of the Year.
Paz learned about the honor from one of his fellow principals who emailed him a congratulatory note.
“As soon as I read why she was congratulating me, I was flooded by emails from other principals and friends,” he said. “It was exciting and humbling to get so many well wishes. We don’t become administrators to receive individual accolades, but it’s still a great honor to receive one – mostly because it validates the hard work our teachers, staff, and administrators have done so much for the students of El Paso High.”
Paz has been in education for 19 years including 16 with EPISD. Among his accomplishments in the past two and half years leading El Paso High include: the campus named among the Top High School by US News; the integrating T-STEM with the dual language and AP Capstone magnets; successfully partnering with New Tech’s College Access Grant; more than a 1/3 of students enrolled in multiple college level classes; and more than $15 million scholarships for the class of 2020.
“I have an outstanding team at EPHS who are student-centered – always seeking ways to improve and grow,” Paz said. “Our teachers and staff are tremendous professionals who are extremely hardworking and care about our students and the community. So many people deserve credit for this award, and it validates their commitment and effort.”
The TASSP Region Principal of the Year program annually recognizes outstanding leaders who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students. Candidates are rated based on the following categories: personal excellence, collaborative leadership, instruction and assessment and personalization.
Dr. Carla Gonzalez, associate superintendent of Academics and School Leadership, called Paz’s recognition well-deserved.
“Without sounding corny, he is a rock star,” she said. “He advocates for his students, staff and community and has high expectations with a focus on student opportunities. He truly leads by example with a professional student-first philosophy.”
This is the second year in a row that an EPISD administrator receives the Region 19 Principal of the Year Award. Last year, Transmountain Early College High School Principal Barbara Brinkley-Lopez was given the honor.