March 6, 2026 – After 40 years in public education, Superintendent Jaime Aquino announced today that he will retire in January 2027, concluding a distinguished career dedicated to students, families, and public education.
“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."
Serving SAISD, he said, has been the honor of a lifetime.
Throughout his tenure, Aquino has focused on strengthening student outcomes, expanding opportunity, and cultivating a culture 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 expressed deep gratitude to the Board of Trustees and the broader SAISD community for their trust and partnership.
“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.
Board President Alicia Sebastian praised Aquino’s leadership and unwavering commitment to students.
“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.”
Aquino emphasized that his announcement is not a farewell, but a commitment to continue the work through the remainder of his tenure.
"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.”
In his announcement, Aquino offered a message directly to students.
“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 Board of Trustees will announce next steps regarding the superintendent search process in the coming weeks.