Dr. Kenneth Border Named 2018 Region 17 Education Service Center Superintendent of the Year

Provided by Shallowater Independent School District

Shallowater Independent School District Superintendent, Dr. Kenneth Border, was selected as the 2018 Region 17 Education Service Center Superintendent of the Year.  Since 1984, the Texas Association of School Boards has sponsored the Superintendent of the Year program.

The purpose of the award program is to honor outstanding administrators for achievement and excellence in public school administration. These school leaders exhibit exemplary and visionary leadership toward improving student performance. They are chosen for their strong leadership skills, dedication to improving the quality of education in their districts, and commitment to public support and involvement in education. All regional winners will be interviewed on August 24-25, 2018, with five finalists to be chosen by the TASB State Selection Committee. These five finalists will be interviewed, with a winner selected and presented with the State Superintendent of the Year Award at the 2108 Texas Association of School Administrators/Texas Association of School Boards Conference, in Austin, on September 28, 2018.

Dr. Border has served as Superintendent of Shallowater ISD since January 2015. He began his career as a Principal in Shallowater ISD, in 2006. He has also been Head Baseball Coach, Secondary School Coordinator, and Assistant Superintendent for the District. In addition, he has served as the Executive Director for the Shallowater Education Foundation. Prior to working in Shallowater ISD, he served as a Classroom Teacher and Assistant Principal at Ector County ISD. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Wayland Baptist University. Dr. Border received his Doctorate of Education from Baylor University (2004), Master's in Education from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin (1998), and Bachelor's from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin (1996). He is a member of several professional associations and has received numerous honors and awards, including being named the 2003 Region XVIII Junior High Assistant Principal of the Year and the 2013 Region XVII Middle Level Principal of the Year.

Dr. Border stated, "I am extremely humbled by this award. It is truly a reflection of the hard work of the students, teachers, parents and community members of Shallowater ISD more than it is a reflection of me. Shallowater ISD is an amazing school district, and I am simply honored to serve as its superintendent."

Shallowater ISD School Board President, Vohnya Tongate, said, "The Shallowater School Board is very pleased and excited that Dr. Border was selected as the Region 17 Superintendent of the Year. We look forward to him being named the 2018 TASB Superintendent of the Year as well. We believe it is an honor that is well deserved for him. Dr. Border's dedication to Shallowater ISD and the students and staff he SERVES is second to none. We are very blessed to have such a servant leader as our superintendent; his commitment to the success and wellbeing of everyone connected to the district is unparalleled."

Shallowater ISD School Board Secretary, Jessica Kelly, said, "When our school board began discussing the idea, it was quickly deemed unanimous to nominate Dr. Kenneth Border for Superintendent of the Year. We are thrilled and honored he will be representing Shallowater ISD and Region 17 at the state level. Shallowater Schools have been run exceptionally well and quite professional for a long time. Dr. Border has chosen to capitalize on those who came before him to create an even more outstanding campus environment. He is positive with teachers, creates outreach programs for children in need, and high-fives kids in the hallways while walking his own children to school. He truly loves and cares for the kids, and you can see it in his eyes. Just yesterday the school district received a positive and encouraging email from Dr. Border reminding us to take pause in our daily lives and appreciate the simple things. It's small touches like this that create the personal connection amongst our staff and students, along with parents and volunteers, allowing Shallowater ISD to be exceptional. Dr. Border is also a whiz in navigating solid financial strategies in budgeting and school finance during the seemingly commonplace lean years of late. Dr. Border strives to recruit the finest teachers, retain them, and make a difference in the lives of children each and every day. Each student is meaningful to Dr. Border. As a school district, Shallowater ISD is fortunate to have Dr. Border leading the way, and we wish him well at the state competition level for superintendent of the year."

Dr. Border would be amiss if he didn't thank his wife and children for the sacrifices they make each day as it relates to his duties as superintendent. "Often times, the superintendent's wife is forgotten in the mix, yet I greatly appreciate what my wife, Mendi, does day in and day out to support me in this endeavor. She is a champion for our family and is one of my greatest supports. Without her, the job of superintendent would be a daunting one." Dr. Border and Mendi are blessed with two children who attend Shallowater ISD schools. Brynlee is going into 3rd grade at Shallowater Intermediate, and Boston will enter into 1st grade at Shallowater Elementary. They are both proud to be Fillies and Mustangs! Lastly, Dr. Border states, "It is truly a blessing to raise my family in Shallowater ISD—an outstanding school district and an absolutely amazing community."