By Edmond Ortiz
Jessica Palomares, assistant superintendent for elementary administration, will become Northside Independent School District’s interim superintendent Aug. 1.
Northside ISD officials made the announcement July 20. Palomares will replace John Craft, the current superintendent who said in early June that he would be retiring later this year, ending an educational career that dates back to 1999.
The Northside ISD board met in mid-June to discuss a transition plan, as Craft transitions to superintendent emeritus. Palomares possesses a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, and a master’s degree in education from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Palomares, a Holmes High School graduate, has spent 30 years in education, all of it in NISD. She has also been a campus administrator, a principal, and a central office official. She has been assistant superintendent since 2021.
“Northside is truly blessed to have such an outstanding pool of talent within our district,” school board President Sonia Jasso said in a statement. “These decisions are never easy when you have so many exceptional candidates. We are grateful to have Jessica Palomares leading us through this transition. Her experience and dedication to Northside will provide the steady leadership our students, staff, and community deserve.”
Northside ISD is one of a handful of San Antonio-area school districts, alongside San Antonio, North East and Judson independent school districts, that are seeking permanent superintendents or have named a permanent appointed leader.
