Arlington schools superintendent Marcelo Cavazos announces retirement

Arlington schools superintendent Marcelo Cavazos announced Thursday that he is retiring at the end of August.

Cavazos has led the 57,000-student district since 2012. He began his public education career 33 years ago and has been in the Arlington school district for 23 years.

He spearheaded two bond measures totaling $1.6 billion. In April, Cavazos added free pre-K for all 4-year-olds, according to a release from the school district. He also created the nation’s first districtwide STEM curriculum for 4-year-olds, according to the district.

“We are so happy for Cavazos while at the same time understanding the enormous loss to our community,” board president Melody Fowler said in a statement released by the district. “He has been an outstanding leader. He is revered here in our district and nationwide, too. In 2016, he was honored as the Superintendent of the Year in Texas from a pool of some 1,200 superintendents. That was a huge honor and one that demonstrates the exceptional leadership he brings to our staff and students daily. Under his leadership, students in the Arlington ISD have more opportunities than ever before. His visionary leadership has truly changed Arlington ISD for generations to come.”