Pictured L-R:  GCWDB Administration Contracts Manager, Linda Salazar-Ybarbo; Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Steven Ebell; TWS Communities In Schools (CIS) Staff, Rena Gray; TWS Supervisor, Carmen Herrera-Lara

CIS Program Award Recipient

Each year, Communities In Schools (CIS), a Texas Education Agency State Program that is locally administered by the Workforce Solutions Golden Crescent, honors those who have made an impact on helping students succeed by staying in school and preparing them for post secondary education.  Educators, students, volunteers, parents and businesses are candidates for the award and are selected for their outstanding commitment and dedication to the CIS program, students, families, schools, community at large; in addition to their own personal and professional enrichment from their involvement with CIS.

Dr. Steven Ebell was selected to receive the Superintendent of the Year award.   Dr. Ebell is the Superintendent of the Gonzales Independent School District.  He has worked in that capacity for the last two years and has worked in the field of Education for 15 years. 

Dr. Ebell was recognized to receive the CIS Program Award for his efforts in  implementing community-wide strategic planning sessions for district-wide improvements.  The result was the creation of a new high school position for a Career Development Coordinator.  The Coordinator assists graduating seniors with post secondary options.  Further, this position resulted in the creation of the Certified Nurse's Aid (CNA) Program.  Dr. Ebell also collaborated with The Victoria College to create the College Connection which provides assistance, resources, and encouragement for high school students to attend college. 

He was nominated by Rena Gray, Workforce Solutions/Communities In Schools staff located at Gonzales Elementary School.