Hutto ISD Names Dr. Raúl Peña Lone Finalist for Superintendent

After a lengthy process of gathering stakeholder input, a nationwide search which included the review of 54 applicants, and a comprehensive interview process of the top applicants, the Hutto ISD School Board is pleased to announce Dr. Raúl Peña as the lone finalist for Superintendent of the Hutto Independent School District.

Dr. Peña currently holds the position of Chief Talent Officer at Fort Worth ISD, serving more than 75,000 students and 11,000 employees. A lifelong, bilingual educator, Dr. Peña has a proven record of school improvement, authentic community engagement and high-quality instructional practices. 

A believer in the power of collective forces working together to influence change, he has dedicated his life to supporting families and students. As an English learner himself, he recognizes the needs of students and their parents who are learning English as a second language. He approaches every relationship through the lens of inclusivity, respect, gratitude and humility.

He has consistently focused on closing equity gaps and helping all students achieve college, career and military readiness. A collaborative leader, Dr. Peña works to identify and implement research-based programs and strategies to meet the social and emotional needs of all students.

For the past two years, Dr. Peña has served as the leader of Fort Worth ISD’s Talent Management Department. In this role, he revitalized the hiring processes and improved staff retention. With a history of innovation, his partnership with the George W. Bush Institute reshaped administrative hiring and is expanding to other impactful leadership roles. Previously, he served as the Chief of Elementary Schools in Fort Worth ISD, overseeing 76 campuses. Dr. Peña also has experience as an Executive Director in Dallas ISD. He has served as a Principal and Assistant Principal in Irving ISD, and Principal in Lewisville ISD. Dr. Peña began his educational career as a bilingual teacher in Dallas ISD.

Dr. Peña holds his bachelor’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and his Master of Education from Texas Woman’s University. He also completed the Harvard National Institute for Urban School Leaders. He and his wife, Misti, have three children and are looking forward to making Hutto their home. 

Hutto ISD Board President, Billie Logiudice, believes Dr. Peña is a great fit to serve the District as its next leader.  

“The Hutto ISD Board of Trustees is excited to announce the naming of Dr. Raúl Peña as the Lone Finalist and candidate to be the next Head Hippo to continue moving us forward as the premier choice in education through innovation, leadership and diversity,” said Logiudice. “In addition to having a heart for all student achievements, Dr. Peña has extensive background knowledge in leading large school districts and galvanizing community efforts.

“We look forward to his fresh perspective and welcoming him and his family to the Hippo Nation. He has been successful in all of the educational positions he’s previously held and will bring added value to the wealth of knowledge and solid foundation that has been laid by the leaders before him. Our board believes Dr. Peña is the perfect fit to lead us forward.” 

Dr. Peña is excited to have the opportunity to serve the Hutto ISD as Superintendent and work with the School Board, parents, staff, students and the community on a shared vision of providing the very best educational experiences for all students.

“I am extremely humbled and honored to join the Hutto ISD team. I look forward to meeting with our stakeholders, visiting classrooms, and working together to create world-class problem solvers and 21st-century learners. I am committed to inspiring excellence,” said Dr. Peña.  

Pending official approval of his contract, Dr. Peña will begin his role as Hutto ISD Superintendent on September 1, 2023.