On October 27 Vanguard Academy Superintendent Dr. Narciso Garcia was named Leader of the Year 2021 by the Texas Public Charter Schools Association (TPCSA). The award honors outstanding Texas administrators for achievements and excellence in charter school administration. The presentation was made in Dallas at the annual TPCS conference.
Dr. Garcia has been in education for 26 years and has served as Vanguard Academy superintendent since 2017. He attributes his recognition to God, family, and the great students and staff we have at Vanguard Academy.
“It is the serving of God, family, students, teachers and staff that really deserve this recognition,” Dr. Garcia It is because of these four entities that Vanguard has received this recognition.”
Dr. Garcia serves as an example of leadership for all Texas Charter Schools, advocating for local and state charter movements. Vanguard Academy has transformed into an innovative charter school that is among the highest-performing school systems in the region. Vanguard has established strong partnerships with community and city organizations to better serve the communities of Pharr, Edinburg, and Alamo.
“Serving the communities of Alamo, Edinburg, San Juan and Pharr in the Rio Grande Valley have really allowed us to step it up to not until ensure a student’s academic well-being, but also meeting their needs according to Maslow’s Hierarchy of thinking,” he said.
As per TPCS, Leaders of the Year are selected by a committee based on the advocacy for local and state charter movement, serve within their community, and serve as a leader within their region.
“When selecting a leader, we look for someone who has done a fantastic job running the school system, how they have impacted their community and made a difference in the educational system,” TPCSA Vice President of Communications and Research Brian Whitley said. “We were extremely impressed with Dr. Garcia and the Jet Grant and the advocating for the charter systems.”
In February 2021 Dr. Garcia was instrumental in leading the cause giving charter schools access to the Jobs and Education for Texas (JET) grant program. This grant would allow charter schools to purchase equipment for career and technical educational courses. During the legislative session, the bill was signed into a law.
“Charter schools like Vanguard Academy get to work collaboratively with parents to make sure ALL students and young people get out of poverty. We place children, young people, and families first,” Dr. Garcia said.