Today, Plano Independent School District was named one of five finalists for the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education award in the school board category.
The foundation awards school districts based on academic and student progress within the district, identification of community needs and implementation of specific actions addressing them, and innovative approaches to community management.
“This nomination reflects the commitment of our entire school board, educators, staff and community to provide an outstanding educational experience for every student,” said Plano ISD Superintendent Theresa Williams. “Our board invests countless hours, leveraging their expertise and passion to create opportunities for every student in Plano ISD. Their dedication transforms our district’s mission of ‘educating, inspiring and empowering every student to activate their unique potential’ from a statement into reality.”
The district will receive $5,000 for being a finalist alongside Clear Creek ISD, Gregory-Portland ISD, Lamar CISD and New Braunfels ISD. These school boards will then give a tour to a panel of judges before a winner is determined.
The winner will be announced at the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards ceremony on Sunday, May 4 at the Hilton Austin. The winner will also receive up to $25,000.
Last year, Plano educator Christina Ferenschuetz, a teacher at Shepard Elementary School, was a finalist for the foundation’s Leadership award for elementary teachers, but ultimately was beat out by Kaneice Washington, a teacher at Galena Park Elementary located west of Houston.
