Jim Miller

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources

Jim Miller joined NISD in 2004 when he was hired as the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources. Prior to that, Miller was the Superintendent of Beeville ISD and Tahlequah Public Schools in Oklahoma.

Miller also has served as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and high school principal for Midwest City - Del City Public Schools, also in Oklahoma.

Before coming to Texas in 2000, Miller was a finalist for Superintendent of the Year in Oklahoma, was named Secondary School Administrator of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators, and was the Oklahoma Basketball Coaches Association Coach of Year. Miller also was the Region II nominee for Superintendent of Year while at Beeville ISD.

Miller holds a bachelor's degree from Oklahoma Christian University and a master's degree from the University Central Oklahoma.

Cecil Tatum

Executive Director of Benefits and Risk Management

Cecil Tatum, the Executive Director of Benefits and Risk Management, has spent more than 25 years handling insurance/employment issues in the state of Texas. He holds responsibility for health benefits, leaves of absences, retirement annuities, workers compensation, property and casualty insurance, unemployment, and safety/loss control functions. Duties also include consulting on various employee relations and general Human Resource and district operational issues.

Prior to joining Northside in 2000, Tatum managed a National Independent Claims company branch, overseeing and managing the San Antonio and Austin office for all lines of insurance. Previous positions in risk management and the insurance field have gained Tatum claims, safety/loss control and risk management experience from carrier, employer, third party administrator and governmental regulator perspectives, and extensive experience in the public entity environment. While Risk Management Division Manager for the City of Houston, he earned a Risk Management Award with Distinction from the Public Risk and Insurance Management Association of Texas.

Tatum is inaugural and current Chairman for the Texas Association of Public Schools, currently the second largest writer of Property and Casualty insurance for Texas school districts. He also serves as the sole representative of the K-12 segment on the United Educators Insurance Companies Board of Directors. He is a CSRM (Certified School Risk Manager) and holds a bachelor of science degree in occupational safety and health management from Indiana State University.

Vernon Dunagin

Assistant Superintendent for Facilities & Operations

Vernon Dunagin, the Assistant Superintendent for Facilities & Operations, joined NISD in 2004 as the Executive Director of Construction & Engineering.

An architect by trade, Dunagin designed his first school in 1978. Prior to coming to NISD, Dunagin worked for Amtech Building Sciences in Austin, and worked as a roofing and waterproofing consultant for NISD from 1992 to 2004.

A Past President of the South Central Texas chapter of the Council of Educational Facility Planners International, Dunagin has won national design awards for his restoration projects, including Sunset Station in San Antonio, First Baptist Church in Lubbock, and the D.C. Greer Building in Austin.

Dunagin grew up in Lubbock and received a bachelor's degree in architecture from Texas Tech University. He and his wife, Fran, have three daughters and one grandson and enjoy landscaping and traveling.

Leroy San Miguel

Executive Director of Construction & Engineering

Leroy San Miguel has worked in school district facilities since 1990, and worked for Corpus Christi ISD and San Antonio ISD before joining NISD in 2009 as Executive Director of Construction & Engineering.

While in Corpus, San Miguel's positions included Construction Manager and Director of Facilities and Operations. In San Antonio ISD, he served as the Executive Director of Maintenance & Operations and the Executive Director of Facilities Planning, Construction, and Operations.

Currently, San Miguel is serving as secretary of the Board of the local chapter of the Council of Educational Facility Planners International. He has a bachelor's degree in environmental design and a master's degree in architecture from Texas A&M University at College Station.

He was born and raised in Corpus Christi, and he and his wife have one daughter.

Pascual Gonzalez

Executive Director of Communications

As the Executive Director of Communications and spokesman for Northside ISD, Pascual Gonzalez is responsible for keeping the public informed of the news and events of Texas' fourth largest school district.

Gonzalez has spent his entire career in Northside ISD and has served in various capacities since 1977. A former teacher at Jones and Hobby middle schools and Holmes High School, he served as the Executive Director of Media & Technology before heading the Communications Department.

Gonzalez is a highly respected school communicator who has held various leadership positions in state and national school public relations associations. He is a Past President of the Texas School Public Relations Association and was named a National School Public Relations Association "Front Runner" for 2005. Also, in 2005, Gonzalez was named the "Public Relations Professional of the Year" by the San Antonio Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

Gonzalez is a graduate of Southwest Texas State University where he earned his bachelor's degree in English and journalism. He earned his master's degree in educational management and leadership from Our Lady of the Lake University.

Kelly Smith

Assistant Superintendent for Technology Services

Kelly Smith joined the Northside ISD Technology Services department in 1995 as an Instructional Technology Coordinator, was named Executive Director of Technology Instruction and Integration Services in 2003, and became Assistant Superintendent for Technology Services in 2004.

Smith taught high school mathematics and computer science for 18 years, both in Indiana and Texas public schools, and has served in educational leadership positions since 1989. Her areas of expertise include teaching, curriculum writing, technology-related staff development, multimedia development, web-based instructional design and publishing, and educational leadership.

Smith was honored by the Center for Digital Government in 2007 with the Best in Texas award and, in 2005, was one of three finalists for the National Public School CIO of the Year Award and a semifinalist for the Technology & Learning Leader of the Year Award. She was a recipient of Northside ISD's Technology Director's Award in 2001 and the Northside ISD's Technology Founder Award in 1997, and was featured in the Texas Education Association's Promising Practices Video in 2000.

Smith received a bachelor of science degree in mathematics from Ball State University in Indiana and a master's degree in education leadership from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She also has a Lifetime Texas Secondary Teacher Certification in computer information systems and mathematics, Texas Mid-Management Administrator Certificate, and a Texas Superintendent Certificate.

She has been married to her husband, Victor, since 1976, and they are the proud parents of four children.

Diana Goering

Executive Director of Information & Infrastructure Services

Diana Goering, the Executive Director of Information & Infrastructure Services, began her career in education in 1976 teaching chemistry, earth science, and physical science. She then spent 20 years in the U.S. Air Force in the communications and computer specialty career field. She retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, and her last assignment was as Commander of the Communications Squadron at Lackland AFB.

Goering joined NISD in 2000 as Director of Technology Acquisitions and Project Management. She holds a bachelor of science degree in earth science from Radford University in Virginia and a master's degree in management from Troy State University.

Goering and her husband Douglas have two children, Barbara and Karl. She enjoys reading, traveling, and card games.

Bonnie Ellison

Director of School-Business-Community Partnerships

Bonnie Ellison has spent more than 35 years promoting Northside and fostering partnerships to improve students' education.

Ellison was the Director of Communications from 1972 to 1995, during which time she served a term as President of the National School Public Relations Association and the Texas School Public Relations Association. While she was NSPRA President, she created the Education Flag that was carried into space on the Challenger by Christa McAuliffe. The Education Flag still is used nationwide today.

She has received numerous awards, including NSPRA President's Award and the TSPRA Professional Achievement Award. She also was named Best News Source in San Antonio by the San Antonio Express-News.

As the Director of School-Business-Community Partnerships since 1995, Ellison works to establish partnerships with parents, businesses, and community members that will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make positive lifelong personal, social, academic, and career choices.

Ellison has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

Brian Woods

Deputy Superintendent for Administration

Brian Woods began his career in education in 1992 as a socials studies teacher at Marshall High School. He served as Assistant Principal at O'Connor High School and Vice Principal and Principal of Clark High School before moving to central office in 2006 as Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Administration.

He became Deputy Superintendent of Administration in 2008.

Woods has a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Texas at Austin, a master's degree in educational leadership from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and currently is working on his doctorate at UTSA.

He and his wife have one son.

Ray Galindo

Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Administration

Ray Galindo, the Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Administration, started his teaching career in Austin ISD in 1991. He came to Northside one year later and taught at Valley Hi and Leon elementary schools. He served as Vice Principal at Lackland City and Leon Springs elementary schools and then as Principal at Leon Valley and Hatchett elementary schools before moving to central office.

Galindo has a bachelor of science degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

He and his wife have been married for 16 years and have a 13-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son. A previous resident of Chicago, he is a huge Cubs fan.

Stephen Daniel

Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Administration

Stephen Daniel, the Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Administration, began his career in education with Northside in 1991 as a teacher and coach at Jones Middle School. He also has served as Assistant Principal at Stevenson Middle School and O'Connor High School, Vice Principal at Warren High School, and Principal at Marshall High School.

Daniel holds a bachelor's degree from Southwest Texas State University and a master's degree from Texas A&M University - Kingsville.

Betsy Wynn

Executive Director of Elementary Administration

Betsy Wynn began her teaching career in 1976 at Briscoe Elementary School in San Antonio ISD. She joined NISD in 1986 as a teacher at Locke Hill Elementary School, and later taught at Scobee and Elrod elementary schools before moving into administration.

Wynn served as Vice Principal of Mary Hull, Valley Hi, and Elrod elementary schools and as Principal of Locke Hill and Blattman elementary schools before moving to central office as the Executive Director of Elementary Administration.

Wynn has a bachelor's degree in education from Trinity University and a master's degree in educational supervision from Corpus Christi State University.

Wynn, a native Texan, grew up in Carrizo Springs. She has been married to her husband Jim for 31 years, and they have two sons, Kevin and Kyle. Jim, Kevin, and Kyle are all graduates of Northside schools. Wynn enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, going to movies, and reading.

Ray Moncus

Executive Director of Secondary Administration

Ray Moncus has been a school administrator since 1985, when he became an Assistant Principal at Kennedy High School in Edgewood ISD. He later served as Principal at Kennedy and then moved to NISD in 1995 to become an Assistant Principal at Taft High School.

While at Northside, Moncus also served as Vice Principal and Principal at Hobby Middle School before moving to central office to be the Executive Director of Secondary Administration.

Before becoming an administrator, Moncus was a social studies teacher and coach in Bishop Consolidated ISD and Premont ISD.

A recipient of the Lamar Award of Excellence for Personal Achievement, Moncus has a bachelor of science degree in secondary education and a master's degree in school administration from Texas A&I University - Kingsville. Originally from Harlingen, Moncus and his wife Melinda have been married for 26 years. They have two sons, both graduates of O'Connor High School: Travis, a student at UTSA, and Justin, a student at Texas A&M. Moncus enjoys hunting and playing golf in his free time.

Linda Mora

Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Linda Mora, Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, is responsible for the NISD's educational curriculum meets the state-mandated Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills at both the elementary and secondary level. Since beginning her career in education in 1968, Mora has been a teacher, Curriculum Director, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Assistant Superintendent for Instruction at United ISD in Laredo. Prior to joining Northside in 2002, Mora served as Associate Commissioner of Accountability and Accreditation at the Texas Education Agency and Director of Statewide Initiatives at Region XIII Education Service Center in Austin.

Mora, a Kappa Delta Pi Golden Apple Award nominee, currently is the President-elect of the Alamo Area Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (AAASCD) and served on the Communities in Schools State Advisory Committee.

Mora received a bachelor's and master's degree from Texas A&I University in Kingsville, now under the Texas A&M system, and a doctorate degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Mora is married to Antonio Zardenetta and has twin daughters, Patricia and Diana, a son, Sal, and seven grandchildren.

Don Schmidt

Assistant Superintendent for Student, Family & Community Services

Don Schmidt joined Northside in 1979 and taught at Carlos Coon Elementary School, Rudder Middle School, and Taft High School before becoming an administrator. He served as Assistant Principal for Taft, Principal at Holmgreen, and Principal at Clark High School and then was named the Assistant Superintendent for Student, Family & Community Services in 2004.

Schmidt has held a variety of leadership positions though the years with the Alamo Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa.

The lifelong San Antonio resident holds a bachelor's degree in elementary and special education and business administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a master's degree from Texas A&I University.

Lynda Reyes

Executive Director for Elementary Instruction

Lynda Reyes is the Executive Director for Elementary Instruction and is responsible for the development of elementary curriculum, implementing instructional goals, providing campus support, providing staff development for campus leaders and campus administrators, and managing the Student Success Initiative.

Her entire 36-year career in education has been at Northside ISD and includes 22 years as an elementary classroom teacher and eight years as a campus administrator. Before moving to central office in 2004, Reyes served as a teacher at Cable and Esparza elementary schools, Vice Principal at Scobee Elementary, and Principal at Michael Elementary.

Reyes is a Past President of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Beta Chapter, and was inducted in the San Antonio Area Association for Bilingual Education (SAABE) Hall of Fame in 1988.

Reyes holds a bachelor's and master's degree from Our Lady of the Lake University, as well as a master's degree in school administration from Trinity University.

A lifelong San Antonio resident, Reyes has been married to her husband Ruben for 33 years and has two daughters. She is an active member of St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church and loves to read and travel.

Sara McAndrew

Executive Director of Secondary Instruction

Sara McAndrew is the Executive Director of Secondary Instruction and oversees teaching and learning in all middle and high schools. She's also responsible for raising student achievement and closing the gaps for all secondary students, working with the instructional specialists to create and implement exemplary curricula, and working with secondary administrators to create a college-going culture.

McAndrew has 40 years of experience in education and was previously an English teacher at Taft High School, Academic Dean at Clark High School, and co-founder of Communications Arts High School. She was previously named the St. Mary's University Teacher of the Year for San Antonio.

She has a bachelor's degree and doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin and master's degrees from the University of North Texas and Trinity University.

McAndrew, who grew up in Hillsboro, Texas, is married to Mack, a former schools superintendent, and has two children, Emily, a social worker, and Patrick, a lawyer. She enjoys reading, swimming, and attending UT sports events.

George Torres

Deputy Superintendent for Business & Financial Services

George Torres was named Deputy Superintendent for Business & Financial Services in 2004. Torres is responsible for all financial areas of the District including accounts payable, payroll, budget, accounting, purchasing, fixed assets, investments, debt management, and tax office functions.

A 27-year Northside employee, he was initially hired as NISD budget officer, then served as Director of Budget and Accounting, Executive director of Budget and Accounting, and Assistant Superintendent for Business & Financial services. In addition, Torres served as chief accountant at Edgewood School District for three years and worked in the private sector for seven years before coming to Northside in 1982.

Torres is a lifelong resident of San Antonio and received his bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin and is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Texas School Business Official.

Oscar Cardenas

Assistant Superintendent for Budget & Finance

Oscar Cardenas, a Certified Public Accountant, was named Assistant Superintendent of Budget & Finance in 2007. From 2002 to 2007, he was the Executive Director of Budget & Finance and previously served for 10 years as Director of Finance for NISD.

He oversees the daily operations of budget, accounting, payroll, accounts payable, investments, and debt issuance. Prior to joining NISD, he was a partner in a local public accounting firm, where he served as independent auditor and consultant for both public and private entities, including school districts, cities, and counties.

He is a lifelong resident of San Antonio, a 1977 graduate of Lanier High School, and a 1981 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor's degree in business administration.