Irving, TX — Irving Independent School District Superintendent Magda A. Hernández has announced she will retire in December 2026, concluding a 34-year career in public education and eight years leading Irving ISD.
Hernández’s journey with the district began decades ago when she started as a paraprofessional. Over the years, she rose through the ranks, serving as a teacher’s aide, teacher, assistant principal and district administrator before being appointed superintendent.
Her appointment was historic for the district. Hernández became Irving ISD’s first female superintendent and the first leader to rise to the role from within the district’s own ranks.
During her tenure, Hernández led Irving ISD through significant strategic planning, organizational growth and leadership development while strengthening systems designed to support student success across the district.
One of the most notable milestones of her leadership came in May 2023 when Irving voters approved the district’s first bond package in 17 years. The bond provided critical investments in school facilities, safety upgrades and improved learning environments for students.
Following the bond’s approval, the district quickly launched multiple projects tied to the funding while maintaining a focus on financial accountability. During that same period, Irving ISD earned a perfect score on the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) for the first time in district history, highlighting the district’s strong financial management and transparency.
“Serving Irving ISD has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Hernández said. “This district is deeply personal to me. Every decision made has been centered on what our students deserve: opportunity, excellence and a future filled with possibility.”
She added that she is proud of the foundation built during her tenure and confident the district is positioned for continued success.
Irving ISD Board President A.D. Jenkins praised Hernández’s leadership and the lasting impact she has had on the district.
“Superintendent Hernández has led Irving ISD with strength, integrity and an unwavering focus on students,” Jenkins said. “Her leadership brought stability, vision and forward momentum to our district. The successful passage of the May 2023 bond after nearly two decades is a testament to the trust she built within this community.”
Jenkins said while the board would have welcomed more time working alongside Hernández, trustees respect her decision and celebrate the legacy she leaves behind.
Throughout her career, Hernández has received numerous awards recognizing her leadership and contributions to public education. Her honors include the 2019 President’s Award from the Irving Hispanic Chamber and a 2020 leadership recognition from the Texas Association of Bilingual Education.
In 2024, she received the PRISM Pamela Blumenthal Memorial Award from Mental Health America of Greater Dallas as well as the inaugural Power of Inspiration Award at the Leadership Summit for Women District Leaders. Under her leadership, Irving ISD was also named one of the Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness by the National Association of Business Resources.
More recently, Hernández was named 2025 Superintendent of the Year by the Lone Star State School Counselor Association and received the 2026 Leadership and Community Impact Award from the Irving Hispanic Forum.
The Irving ISD Board of Trustees will begin discussing the process for selecting the district’s next superintendent in the coming months to ensure a smooth leadership transition before Hernández’s retirement at the end of 2026.
