James J. Ponce, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools
A renowned leader in cutting-edge instructional technology and studentcentered, inquiry-based learning, James J. Ponce, Ed.D. has infused McAllen
ISD with a focus on rigor in teaching and learning, while simultaneously
leveraging all resources—encompassing classroom and central staff,
business and community partnerships, and international giants in business
and higher education. That focus has led to the development of TLC3 Transforming Learning in the Classroom, Campus, and Community, a
game changer that is revolutionizing the way students are prepared for the
21st Century. Through TLC3, students are engrossed in a world of incredibly
thought-provoking, discussion-igniting learning experiences—igniting
inquiry in the classroom, integrated technology, higher-level thinking, and
creativity, and prompting students to delve deeper into issues at all levels and in all subjects.
Dr. Ponce’s leadership, team-building, and global-thinking style has garnered state and national
recognition for the District, including spotlights in an international publication—the International
Society of Technology and Education—and state publications—Texas School Business and Texas
Association of School Boards (TASB). He has presented at the 2012 Summit on College
Readiness/Achieving the Dream: Completion at South Texas College (STC) in February 2012, the
Summit on Career Readiness at STC in 2010, the CTE Career Fair Network for the Future Keynote
address in McAllen in 2009, and the Title I Regular, Migrant, State Compensatory, Bilingual, and
Other State and Federal Programs District-wide Parent Advisory event in McAllen in May 2011. He is
scheduled to deliver the opening statements at the 30th National Conference for Paraprofessionals in
San Antonio in March 2012.
Dr. Ponce has recently joined the TASA Visioning Network (TVN) Design Team, which leads a
statewide initiative to develop innovative, next-generation learning standards, assessments, and
accountability systems for Texas Public Schools. He is also a member of the TASA Communications
and Technology Group, Tech Prep Board of Directors/Rio Grande Valley Partnership, Regional
Advisory Council Region I ESC, Texas School Alliance, McAllen Chamber of Commerce Board of
Directors, and the March of Dimes Regional Financial Committee.
Dr. Ponce is noted for the manner in which he strengthens and builds staff leadership capacity
through extensive instructional and leadership training for the CEO’s (campus principals), new
Campus Instructional Leadership Teams, and through the development of an Institute for Aspiring
Principals. McAllen ISD has implemented new parent-outreach efforts—parent leadership
conversations at every school, a newly established Parent Advisory, Annual Parent Engagement
Conferences, specialized informative presentations for parents at every campus, and efforts centered
on transitioning students and parents into their new school well before the child moves through the
feeder system. Parents are engaged in fulfilling the fundamental mission of the district—to produce
graduates who are college and career ready.
In conjunction with the Board of Trustees, McAllen ISD implemented a Five-Year Strategic Plan that
takes a critical look at the district’s educational, operational and business goals, serving as a compass
to guide continued progress. Along with a focus on “first-teach” instruction, the district utilizes
Value-Added data analysis to push for higher academic rigor and for interventions that are more
prescribed and purposeful. In addition, a critical look at the structure of course offerings has resulted
in an increase in the number of students enrolled in dual enrollment (college level) courses. A
partnership with STC makes it possible for students to earn Biology, Engineering, and Computer
Science Associates Degrees and take part in a new Gateway to College Program. McAllen ISD is
known for high achievement in its Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
programs (national model) that will be expanded to include every elementary and middle school
within the district by the 2012-13 school year. McAllen’s IB Programme has a 99.4% diploma success
rate, one of the highest in the world. The district has also had the most National Merit Scholar
Semifinalists in the region since 2003. Students are also offered choices that include Dual Enrollment,
Concurrent Enrollment, and Early College High School.
Outstanding teaching is a keystone to district success. McAllen ISD has produced 18 Regional and
state Teacher of the Year titles in the last 20 years, including the State Elementary Teacher of the Year
in 2009. The District provides highly acclaimed Fine Arts and Athletics Programs, also building
blocks of a successful all-around educational system. McAllen ISD received the College Ready Gold
Performance Acknowledgments in 2009-10 and 2010-11, along with the Gold Performance
Acknowledgment for the District’s Recommended High School Program and Distinguished
Achievement Program in 2010-11. Four high schools were named “Top High Schools in the State” by
the 2011 Washington Post National Challenge Index and the District made the State’s “Top 25” list
with the highest number of students applying to Texas colleges, according to Apply Texas. McAllen
ISD is an eight-time winner of state Superior Achievement ratings. Dr. Ponce oversees 33 schools,
25,205 students and 3,265 employees, including multiple departments and programs.
Prior to taking the helm at McAllen ISD, Dr. Ponce served Dallas ISD as deputy chief of staff where
he provided leadership for the district Transformation Management Office, Emergency Management
and Operations, Police and Security Services, Parent Services and School Choice, and Athletics. Part
of his 16 years at Dallas ISD was spent serving as Area VI Superintendent overseeing 36 campuses
and approximately 30,000 students. Beginning his career as a bilingual teacher, he served as a high
school assistant principal, an elementary principal and directed the Reading First Program.
A three-time graduate from the University of Texas in Austin, he earned a Bachelor of Business
Administration-Finance degree and in Management in December 1990, his Master’s in Educational
Administration in December, 1998, and his Doctorate in Educational Administration in May, 2009.
He is married to Katherine, his wife of 19 years. They have three sons – Julian, Mathew and Gabriel.