Martha Salazar-Zamora
Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora has served as an educator in Texas for over 37 years and as the Superintendent of Schools in Tomball ISD since 2017. She is a trailblazer and is the first female Superintendent of TISD and the first Hispanic Superintendent of Tomball ISD.
Prior to being named Superintendent, she worked as the district’s Chief Academic Officer for three years.
Leading Tomball ISD
Recognized as the 2023 Texas Superintendent of the Year, representing Region 4 as well as a 2024 AASA National Superintendent of the Year Finalist, Dr. Salazar-Zamora not only leads a fast growth district, but one of the highest academic achieving districts in the State of Texas, all while maintaining strong financial management practices.
As the Team Tomball leader, Dr. Salazar-Zamora has elevated Tomball ISD into a highly-rated school district and as the #1 Best School District in Harris County for the fifth straight year, according to Niche rankings. In addition, Tomball ISD was honored as a 2023 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards finalist in both Large School District and Outstanding School Board categories, the only school district in Texas recognized for one than one award.
Under Dr. Salazar-Zamora’s leadership, Tomball ISD continues to set the bar high with innovative programs and initiatives that are student-centered and intentional. Since 2017, she has led the implementation of Tomball Star Academy, the District’s early college high school, Tomball ISD’s Two-Way Dual Language Academy, the District’s first P-TECH focused on healthcare, a Pre-K Center for young learners, the state-of-the-art Tomball ISD Stadium and Event Center, along with the opening of several campuses and CTE programs which are in place to accommodate the fast growth happening in Tomball.
Leading over 22,500 students and over 3,100 employees across 23 campuses, Dr. Salazar-Zamora remains committed to the growth of public education and the impact it plays in our local community by serving her time on numerous boards.
Prior to Tomball ISD
She brings a wealth of experience in education. Before joining Tomball, Salazar-Zamora served in Round Rock ISD as the deputy superintendent of curriculum and administration. Prior to working in Round Rock, Salazar- Zamora was the assistant superintendent of school support services in Houston ISD. She also worked in Spring ISD as an area superintendent, an assistant superintendent, and the executive director of student/school services.
While serving Kingsville ISD, she worked as the superintendent of schools for three years. Prior to becoming superintendent, she also worked in Kingsville as an assistant superintendent for curriculum/instruction and human resources, as well as a speech/language pathologist. While working in Bishop Consolidated ISD, she served as a principal and director of federal programs/special education. Salazar-Zamora began her education career in Alice ISD as a teacher, educational diagnostician, and speech and language pathologist.
Education
Dr. Salazar-Zamora earned a doctorate of education at Texas A&M University, a master of education in educational administration and a master of education in special education at Texas A&M University- Kingsville, and a bachelor of science at Texas A&I University.
When she is not working, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband Emilio, their two daughters, Milan and Matisse, and granddaughters Arya Rose and Aurelia Rose.
