Superintendent of Schools

A passionate educator, leader, and advocate for students, Dr. Marcey Sorensen joined La Joya ISD as Superintendent in February 2024 after serving as Deputy Superintendent for the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). During her time at VDOE, Sorensen focused chiefly on initiatives surrounding learning acceleration, early literacy, and special education for Virginia’s 1.3 million public school students enrolled across 131 districts. She launched Virginia’s high-intensity tutoring program to address learning loss in both reading and math for students across the Commonwealth in response to learning disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

In 2019, Sorensen joined the Fort Worth Independent School District as Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning before being promoted to Chief Academic Officer. During her tenure, the district saw an 80% increase in the number of campuses that improved to a B rating while simultaneously seeing a nearly 90% decrease in the number of F-rated campuses. Sorensen reorganized the district’s special education department to better serve students with disabilities, overhauled instructional practices, led the adoption of aligned and nationally recognized, evidence-based curriculum in literacy, math, and dual language, and collaborated with Texas Christian University to establish a principal pipeline to help train the district’s future leaders. Dr. Sorensen also oversaw the Department of Multilingual Learners to ensure that students needing dual language services received evidence-based instruction and supports while aligning resources for families and caregivers so that multilingual learners had the resources needed to become more academically successful.   

From 2017 to 2019, Sorensen worked at the Madison (Wisconsin) Metropolitan School District, joining as Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction before finishing her tenure as Deputy Chief of Secondary Schools. Sorensen began her career in 1995 with Chicago Public Schools, spending 10 years as a social studies teacher before transitioning into an administrative role, where she led three campuses as principal for almost 11 years.   

A 1995 graduate of Northern Illinois University, Sorensen obtained her Master of Education in Pre-K-12 Administration & Supervision from Northeastern Illinois University in 2004. She earned her doctorate in Educational Policy & Leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2015 with her superintendency endorsement.   

Dr. Sorensen, her husband, a lifelong educator himself, and her two children are thrilled to be a part of the La Joya ISD Community and to call the Rio Grande Valley home.  

Area Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction

My name is Martin Muñoz, and I currently serve as the Area/Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Student Services. My story begins in August 1999 as a teacher here at La Joya ISD at Chapa Elementary, where I honed my passion for innovative and engaging teaching methods. As my commitment to education deepened, I took on the role of Assistant Principal in August 2004, contributing significantly to the administration and management of the school. This experience laid the foundation for my next chapter, where I assumed the position of Principal at William J.Clinton Elementary in July 2009, leading the campus to a decade of academic success and a positive school culture.

In October 2019, I transitioned to the district level, serving as the Assistant Superintendent for Human
Resources until January 2021. During this time, I managed various human resources functions, implementing policies that fostered a positive and inclusive work environment and providing guidance in employee relations and performance management. Recognized for my leadership, I was appointed as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in January 2021, where I have played a pivotal role in curriculum design, development, and alignment with state standards.

Throughout my career, I have been honored with accolades such as the Teacher of the Year Award at Chapa Elementary, the TEPSA Region One Principal of the Year in 2015, and recognition as an HEB Principal of the Year Semi-Finalist in 2018. My journey in education reflects not only professional growth but also a deep-seated commitment to creating meaningful and positive learning environments.

As a former graduate and current resident of the district, I have a vested interest in the success of our students. I am grateful to call the La Joya Independent School District home, where I reside with my wife of 29 years and our daughter, a former student of the district. I look forward to working closely with all members of our school community, striving to provide our students with the best educational opportunities and guidance to help them reach their full potential, both academically and personally.

Area Superintendent for Human Resources

Born and raised within the corridors of La Joya ISD, I embody the district's spirit of excellence and dedication to student success. As a proud graduate of La Joya ISD, I have traversed the halls not only as a student but also as a competitor, teacher, and now as a guiding force shaping the district's future.

Rooted in the values instilled by my family a testament to support, persistence, and humility – I acknowledge the pivotal role my parents, siblings, and teachers played in shaping my journey. Reflecting on my educational journey, I recognize the profound impact of a nurturing support system, both within and beyond the classroom, and endeavor to pay forward the encouragement and guidance I received.

With a legacy spanning 25 years within La Joya ISD, I have dedicated myself to giving back to the community that molded me. Through diverse leadership roles, I have been instrumental in fostering a culture of effectiveness and efficiency across  curriculum development, student services, human resources, and the accountability and evaluation department. In each capacity, I have overseen critical functions, from strategic planning to program implementation, focusing on ensuring student and district success.

Prior to my administrative roles, I served as a Middle School Principal, Elementary School Principal, and Elementary School Supervisor. My hands-on experience in instructional leadership and curriculum development has been instrumental in shaping educational practices within the district.

An ardent advocate for lifelong learning, I hold an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University-Kingsville, complemented by a Master of Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas-Pan American. Equipped with a diverse skill set, including proficiency in various software applications and exceptional communication skills, I thrive in dynamic environments. I am adept at planning, organizing, and supervising projects to fruition.

Driven by a commitment to the success of every student, I now set my sights on the role of Superintendent of Schools. With a vision to further elevate the district's standards of excellence, I seek to positively influence the entire school community through continued dedication and transformative leadership.

Area Superintendent for Operations

My name is José T. García, and I am currently serving the district as the Area/Assistant Superintendent for Operations. My journey into education leadership is a testament to my passion for nurturing growth and development in others. Born and raised in Palmview, Texas, my roots run deep in the heart of my community. My educational journey unfolded within the halls of La Joya Independent School District (ISD), where I not only received my foundational education but also embarked on a career dedicated to shaping the educational landscape of my hometown.  

After graduating from La Joya ISD, I pursued my Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Texas at Austin from 1990 to 1994. Eager to further my understanding of educational administration, I returned to my roots and enrolled in the Master of Education Administration program at the University of Texas – Pan American in Edinburg, Texas from 1997 to 1999.

Armed with a solid academic foundation, I embarked on my professional career within La Joya ISD, starting as an Elementary School Teacher in 1996. I played a crucial role in implementing grade-level appropriate curriculum and served as Grade-level Chair, supporting classroom teachers to ensure student success.

Driven by a desire to create a lasting impact, I transitioned into the role of Elementary School Supervisor and soon thereafter as School Principal from 2002-2012 in three different campuses within La Joya ISD. In this capacity, I demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and prioritizing the safety and success of students and staff alike. Furthermore, from 2010 to 2012, I successfully navigated a significant turnaround as a principal, leading the transformation of a campus that had been designated as "Improvement Required" by the Texas Education Agency.

As my career evolved, so too did my impact within La Joya ISD. I took on roles such as High School Assistant Principal and eventually Middle School Principal from 2012-2023, leading initiatives aimed at enhancing curriculum development, implementing innovative teaching methodologies, and fostering strong community partnerships. As a Bilingual/Biliterate campus we earned a campus rating of a B and in 2019 we earned five distinctions in ELA/Reading, Science, Social Studies, Comparative Closing the Gaps, and Comparative Closing the Gaps. The campus consequently has kept its rating of a B with an overall score of an 89. My overarching vision was to ensure students were prepared for high school while instilling within them a profound sense of pride and enthusiasm for their own learning journey.Top of Form

Throughout my tenure in La Joya ISD, I remained steadfastly committed to educational excellence. Leveraging my expertise in managing human and financial resources, I optimized campus operations and administrative functions. I was appointed to Assistant Superintendent for Operations in January of 2023. I am deeply involved in enhancing processes within our departments to ensure strict compliance with local, state, and federal procurement regulations.
Furthermore, I spearhead initiatives aimed at enhancing our facilities, aiming to create safe, clean, and engaging learning environments across our campuses. I collaborate closely with our transportation team to optimize routes, minimize overtime costs, and ensure the operational efficiency of our buses as they transport our most valuable asset: our students. These efforts contribute significantly to cost-saving measures for the district. Additionally, I work closely with our Child Nutrition Services (CNS) staff to guarantee the provision of delectable and nutritious meals. The CNS department serves an average of 19,000 meals which include breakfast, lunch, and afterschool super.

In July of 2023, I assumed the role of Area/Assistant Superintendent for Operations, maintaining a firm commitment to educational excellence. Leveraging my expertise in managing human and financial resources, I facilitate optimized student learning, campus operations, and administrative functions, meeting the diverse learning demands of approximately eight thousand Pre-K 3 through 12th-grade students. My dedication remains centered on ensuring student success and educational excellence, as I support principals and teachers within my area. My ability to cultivate meaningful relationships with stakeholders at all levels has solidified my reputation as a visionary leader within the district.

During my time in La Joya ISD, my story in education is one of passion, perseverance, and profound impact. As I continue to shape the future of education within La Joya ISD and beyond, I remain steadfast in my obligation to nurturing growth, inspiring excellence, and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Chief of Staff

Joseph Niedziela will assume the role of Chief of Staff for La Joya ISD, bringing with him over 20 years of teaching and leading experience. Grounded in a firm commitment to equity and excellence, Mr. Niedziela is dedicated to ensuring every child's right to a high-quality education. His leadership has a strong track record of lowering access barriers for students, improving student achievement outcomes, and strengthening organizational capacity to better support campuses and stakeholders.

Mr. Niedziela has served in a range of leadership positions in the Fort Worth Independent School District over the last 20 years.  In addition to his 10 years in the classroom, he served as a Content Specialist, Director of Social Studies, district lead administrator of summer learning and acceleration programs, Executive Director of Social Studies & Curriculum Supports, and a cabinet leader within the Division of Academics. Most recently, he was Director of K-12 Humanities. Mr. Niedziela began his career in education teaching grades 6-8 Social Studies and English at Saint Andrew’s the Apostle School in Clifton, New Jersey and is an 8-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

Mr. Niedziela received his Bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas Christian University where he met his loving wife of 20 years and with whom he has a teenage daughter. He holds a Master’s degree in Education in Teaching with Educational Leadership certification from the University of Texas at Arlington.  Mr. Niedziela is honored and humbled to have the opportunity to join the La Joya ISD family and is eager to serve the community as Chief of Staff.

Chief Financial Officer

My name is Ben Garza Jr.  I currently serve as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of La Joya ISD.  I reside in Pharr, and graduated from PSJA ISD.  I am a proud alumna of the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA).  I graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).

In 1998, I began working with La Joya Independent School District (ISD) as the Payroll Supervisor. After 12 years of working with payroll operations, my performance and dedication quickly garnered recognition, leading to my transition to Director of Accounting and Payroll.

As Director of Accounting and Payroll, I undertook the responsibility of overseeing complex financial processes, ensuring accuracy in payroll management, upholding compliance with regulatory standards, and financial reporting. With a steadfast commitment to community involvement, I served concurrently on the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) School Board for an impressive 12 1/2 years.

After serving 12 years as Director of Accounting and Payroll, I currently hold the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at La Joya ISD for the past 1 1/2 years. I continue to uphold financial integrity within La Joya ISD.

My multifaceted career exemplifies a blend of financial leadership, educational advocacy, and community service. My dedication to both La Joya ISD and PSJA ISD underscores a commitment to the betterment of educational institutions and the communities they serve.