Garland ISD - txurbancouncil

Quick Facts

Over 51,000 students.

Over 3,000 teachers.

68 schools.

Superintendent
Dr. Ricardo López

Garland ISD educates 51,000 students across 68 campuses, making it the second-largest district in Dallas County, the fifth-largest in Dallas-Fort Worth, the 15th-largest in Texas, and one of the 100 largest in America. With a rich 100-year tradition of excellence, GISD boasts a diverse population that speaks more than 72 languages. The district also features technology-driven campuses, magnet programs, and approximately 200 Career and Technical Education courses.

In Garland ISD, there are no attendance zones. Families select the campus their children will attend through our Choice of School program.

More than 98% of families receive their first choice.
Attend your neighborhood school, a school across town or apply to attend a magnet school.
Transportation is provided in designated transportation zones for neighborhood schools and for students accepted to magnet schools.
Students living outside of the district can attend Garland ISD schools through our Open Enrollment program.

We provide opportunities for all students to earn at least 12 hours of college credit or an industry certification alongside their high school diplomas.

Selective magnet schools, innovative programs and student-focused support services give each student the power to create a customized education based on personal strengths, talents and interests. There’s something for everyone, from 3 years old to 12th grade.

15 Best Community for Music Education awards
National Blue Ribbon schools, National PTA Schools of Excellence, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Schools and Texas Honor Roll distinctions
repeated National Merit and Advanced Placement Scholar student recognition
11.2 years average teacher experience and a student/teacher ratio of 15.5:1
AAA rating by Moody’s for financial excellence
Texas Comptroller Transparency Star Awards
64 campuses Energy Star certified

Superintendent

Dr. Ricardo López

Leading Garland ISD since January of 2018, Dr. Ricardo López is the 10th superintendent in the district’s more than 100-year history. His vision of access, equity, and opportunity for all students is encompassed in the district’s emphasis on student outcomes in the One Goal, One Focus strategic plan and the College for All innovative programs being phased in for students at all seven high schools.

López has also brought increased awareness and services for special education and dyslexic students in GISD by providing additional teachers, training and resources to ensure student needs are met and that every child reaches his or her full academic potential.

López is also widely recognized for his proven success in closing achievement gaps for all learners, including implementing the Accelerating Campus Excellence (ACE) model at two Garland ISD campuses to turnaround performance and provide added support for students most in need. His collaborative leadership approach and belief in the power of teamwork is evidenced in the #LopezListens sessions held with GISD staff, students, and tri-city community members.

In confirmation of his charisma, character and innovative approach to education, López was named a recipient of the Spirit of Sachse Award for 2019 and highlighted as a TASA Inspiring Leader at the 2019 TASA Midwinter Conference. He was also invited to participate in Governor Abbott’s Round Table for Safety and Security in 2018. He has received numerous other awards, including being named National Latino Superintendent of the Year for 2016 by the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents.

Pledged to providing excellence from the beginning of his career, López’s beliefs are grounded in quality teaching as the key to success for all students. As a result of this commitment, he was recognized as Teacher of the Year for both Ysleta ISD and Region XIX, providing a springboard for his career as an instructional leader and change agent.

López is a recipient of the University of Texas at Austin Recruitment Fellowship and is a graduate of the Cooperative Superintendency Doctoral Fellow program at the University of Texas at Austin.

He has more than 20 years of experience in education, beginning as a classroom teacher, campus principal and district administrator in Ysleta ISD, and as superintendent in Mission Consolidated School District, prior to taking the helm in Garland ISD.

Dr. Lopez is a husband and a father of four daughters, with two that currently attend school in Garland ISD.