SAISD Superintendent Jaime Aquino Announces Retirement, Plans to Step Down in 2027
San Antonio Independent School District Superintendent Jaime Aquino announced March 6 that he will retire in January 2027, concluding a 40-year career in public education.
Aquino said the decision comes after decades of service and a desire to spend more time with his family.
“This was not an easy decision,” Aquino said. “I look forward to spending more time with my family, whom I have, for many years, unintentionally placed second to the demands of this work.”
During his time leading SAISD, Aquino has focused on strengthening student outcomes, expanding opportunity, and cultivating a sense of belonging across the district.
“I have come to this work every single day inspired by our students and by the remarkable spirit of familia that defines this district,” he said. “Watching our students grow, partnering with families, and working alongside such dedicated and passionate colleagues has been profoundly rewarding and a deep source of pride for me.”
Aquino also expressed gratitude to the Board of Trustees and the SAISD community for their support throughout his tenure.
“While I never had children of my own, I will be eternally thankful to the Board of Trustees for giving me the extraordinary gift of fatherhood—allowing me to be a father and grandfather to more than 40,000 students. That is a gift I will carry with me always,” Aquino said.
Alicia Sebastian, president of the SAISD Board of Trustees, praised Aquino’s leadership and dedication to students and the community.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are deeply grateful to Superintendent Aquino for his dedicated service to public education and for choosing, nearly four years ago, to join the SAISD familia,” Sebastian said. “His steadfast belief in our students’ brilliance, his advocacy for equity and opportunity, and his deep love for this community have left a lasting imprint on our district. We thank him for his integrity, his courage, and his tireless dedication to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.”
Although Aquino’s retirement is set for early 2027, he emphasized that he remains committed to continuing the work during the transition period.
“As the board initiates the search for the next Superintendent, I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that we keep building schools where our students can dream boldly and pursue those dreams without limits,” he said. “I am confident that the Board will engage our community and select a superintendent who truly reflects our familia and who will build on the strong momentum we have created together.”
Aquino also shared a message directly with students across the district.
“You are the reason for everything we do. You are powerful, brilliant, and full of possibility. Never let anyone define your limits or tell you what you cannot become. Dream boldly, work with purpose, and remember that you carry the strength of your families, your culture, and this SAISD familia with you wherever you go. Long after I step away, I will continue cheering for you, believing in you, and taking pride in all that you will accomplish. Your future is bright—and it is yours to claim,” he said.
The SAISD Board of Trustees is expected to announce next steps in the superintendent search process in the coming weeks.