User Profile

Superintendent, San Antonio Independent School District

Pedro Martinez joined SAISD as superintendent in June 2015, bringing to the District a focus on improving academic achievement so that more students are performing at higher levels. In January 2016, he unveiled the SAISD Blueprint for Excellence: Target 2020, which outlines the strategies the District is using to achieve 10 academic goals by the end of the 2019-2020 school year. The blueprint was developed with a long-term perspective and inclusive of external and internal feedback. Martinez believes the success of students extends beyond high school graduation, and for that to happen, all stakeholders need to be involved. Martinez welcomes community members to ask tough questions. He knows it’s a sign they are engaged or are looking to be engaged, and community involvement and commitment is what the District needs to realize its goals for transforming SAISD into a national model urban school district. Under his leadership, the District is seeing improved graduation and college-going rates, as well as expanded access to rigor. Innovative schools have been developed and launched providing new models of education. In addition, strong academic programs in existing schools have been expanded to provide high-quality choice for families. Martinez is a data-driven leader with a strong financial background and in-depth knowledge of academic reform strategies. He has more than 20 years of experience in the private, nonprofit and public education sectors. He holds an MBA from DePaul University, a bachelor’s degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a graduate of Broad Superintendents Academy.