Dr. Ricky Stephens, superintendent of Keene ISD, has been named the Region 11 Superintendent of the Year for 2026. The Superintendent of the Year Award, sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards, honors outstanding Texas administrators for achievement and excellence in public school administration.

Since taking the helm in July 2013, Dr. Stephens has positioned the district as a model of innovation, student engagement, and future-ready learning. Under his leadership, Keene ISD has embraced a bold vision centered on students as “makers of learning,” moving beyond traditional measures of success to create a culture rooted in creativity, belonging, and real-world readiness.

Dr. Stephens led the district through the COVID-19 pandemic with courage and a steadfast commitment to students, making Keene one of the first districts in the nation to safely reopen for in-person instruction in August 2020. He has championed initiatives such as the districtwide House System, the Keene 22 soft skills framework, and IGNITE, a transformational instructional model focused on engagement, innovation, and capacity building.

Candidates for the award must be nominated by their school boards and demonstrate strong leadership skills, dedication to improving the quality of education in their districts, a commitment to public support for and involvement in education, and the ability to build positive employee relations among teachers and staff. 

The Keene ISD Board of Trustees shared that Dr. Stephens “does not just manage a school district; he inspires a community,”praising his ability to balance visionary leadership, strong school safety practices, fiscal stewardship, and a heart-centered approach to serving students. Under his guidance, Keene ISD has expanded student opportunities, welcomed hundreds of additional students through open enrollment, and gained statewide recognition as a destination district for educators seeking to learn from its innovative practices. Through his leadership, Dr. Stephens has not only elevated Keene ISD but has also demonstrated how a small district can serve as a blueprint for public education across Texas.

The Superintendent of the Year application process evaluates candidates across five key areas: Leadership and School Climate, Board Relations, Instructional Leadership, Fiscal Management, and Community Engagement. Regional nominees are selected following a detailed application and interview process. As Region 11’s winner, Dr. Stephens will now advance to the state-level competition, joining 19 other regional honorees.

The state selection committee will interview all regional winners and select five state finalists. The State Superintendent of the Year will be announced at txEDCON in October.

Congratulations to Dr. Ricky Stephens for this well-deserved recognition!