Dr. Michelle Rinehart, superintendent of Alpine Independent School District, has been named the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) 2026 Superintendent of the Year for Region 18, according to an announcement released June 30 by the Region 18 Education Service Center.
Rinehart, who has led Alpine ISD since 2022, was recognized for her leadership in improving student outcomes, strengthening district finances, expanding educational opportunities and building community partnerships.
According to Region 18, Alpine ISD earned a B accountability rating with a score of 81 under Rinehart’s leadership. The district also expanded career and technical education opportunities through regional partnerships and increased access to child care services in an area described as a rural child care desert.
The announcement highlighted several financial and operational accomplishments, including districtwide compensation increases while closing a $1.5 million structural deficit. The district also secured $8.2 million in grants and an additional $1.6 million in philanthropic funding to support strategic priorities.
Region 18 officials said Rinehart coordinated $3.5 million in facility modernization projects to address aging infrastructure and worked to strengthen trust between the district and community through communication, governance initiatives and strategic partnerships.
“Dr. 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 stated.
The TASB Superintendent of the Year program, sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards, has recognized outstanding public school superintendents since 1984. Candidates are nominated by their school boards and evaluated on leadership, educational achievement, public engagement, employee relations and district performance.
As the Region 18 winner, Rinehart will advance to consideration at the state level as part of TASB’s annual Superintendent of the Year selection process.
