Dr. Celina Estrada-Thomas

Dr. Celina Estrada Thomas has dedicated her entire professional career to public school education. Her career spans 37 years in a variety of leadership roles with the most recent appointment as the superintendent for Hutto ISD. She is originally from the Rio Grande Valley (Brownsville), but has lived in Central Texas for the last 28 years.

Her professional experiences include serving as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in Fredericksburg ISD; Director of Human Resources in Bastrop ISD; a middle and high school principal for 19 years; and six years of teaching at the elementary and high school levels. She also worked as a Research Associate at the Texas Education Agency and the Intercultural Development Research Association in San Antonio, which was instrumental in assisting with the completion of her doctoral studies.

Dr. Estrada Thomas holds a Doctorate Degree in Educational Administration from University of Texas at Austin, and a Master of Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Pan American University (now University of Texas Rio Grande Valley or UTRGV).

Her career accomplishments include leading Hutto ISD with passing a much-needed school bond to meet the demands of the student growth. Of her service in Fredericksburg, she is proud of introducing the first Dual Language Programming to the district. The passion for dual language in Hutto ISD has led to the expansion of Dual Language programs to more elementary schools and to offering dual language at the middle school level. Her curriculum and instructional strengths are in balanced literacy, project-based learning, closing opportunity (achievement) gaps among student populations and staying current with emerging trends in career and technical education. She believes that a strong personal, relationship with students is the cornerstone of all sound instruction.

Visibility and a strong connection to the community are what make Dr. Thomas an effective, well-rounded leader. She maintains a close working relationship with City of Hutto officials to manage the immense growth in the area. In addition to being a regular attendee at school related and community events, she is a member of the Hutto Rotary Club, serves on the Williamson County CASA Board, and is active with the Hutto Lions Club.

Dr. Thomas is married to Michael Lee Thomas, retired General Warranty Manager for DR Horton Homes. They have six grown children (four daughters and two sons) and eight grandchildren. Three of their daughters are public school teachers; one of their sons served in the US Navy for eight years, and one son is still an active duty Major in the US Marine Corps. They enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, country western dancing, and loving on their dog, Jake, who is like the seventh child!