During exclusive gathering with realtors, Tomball ISD Superintendent praises support, collaboration of community partners

Inside a meeting room nestled merely steps away from the turf field on which Tomball ISD athletic squads, bands and spirit groups showcase Tomball’s best and brightest organizations – another example of “Team Tomball” was on display.

The Tomball Event Center, located at the north end of Tomball ISD’s multipurpose stadium, hosted a special Realtor Showcase Wednesday October 22nd. The event highlighted Tomball partnerships and was supported by the Tomball Economic Development Corporation (TEDC). Through a detailed and engaging presentation, Tomball ISD Superintendent Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora informed real estate professionals about the district’s growth and shared insights about what makes Tomball a premier destination for families.

“The quality of the schools and the education offered are the top things any homeowner is looking for when they're buying or selling a home,” realtor Donald Thomson, who attended the showcase, noted. “Real estate values correlate with the education values here. So, when you have a superintendent who cares that much - from a real estate perspective, it is very easy to sell the schools in Tomball. They offer great support and great academics. It’s just top notch. I'd put Tomball ISD up against any other school district or any other school anywhere in the state.”

Dr. Salazar-Zamora, affectionately referred to as “Dr. Z” by many in the area, was recognized as the 2023 Texas Superintendent of the Year and named a finalist for the 2024 AASA National Superintendent of the Year. The district she’s led since 2017 is highly acclaimed as well.

During her remarks to real estate professionals in attendance, Dr. Z pointed out Tomball ISD is not only the lone “A” rated district in Harris and Montgomery counties – it is the highest rated large district (20,000+ students) in the state of Texas. Additionally, Tomball ISD once again earned top honors in the 2026 Niche Best School Rankings – being selected as the No. 1 school district in Harris County for the seventh straight year and the best place to teach in Harris County.

Dr. Z praised the “ecosystem of support” in Tomball and cited collaboration and “beautiful partnerships” as reasons why the school district can thrive. An example of that cooperation is Tomball ISD’s award winning Early College High School for Pathways (P-TECH) initiative. Through a partnership with the TEDC, Lone Star College-Tomball and HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball, the district targeted the healthcare industry for the inaugural P-TECH program to provide students immediate access to healthcare jobs upon graduation. A future P-TECH track, to be facilitated at Tomball ISD’s newest high school, will focus on training future educators. The district also offers Career and Technology Education (CTE) pathways in high-demand fields such as aviation, emergency telecommunications, law enforcement and legal studies.

“We are Team Tomball and we’re at our best when we work together,” Kelly Violette, Executive Director of the TEDC, shared after attending the showcase. “As an economic development organization, the school district is one of the biggest drivers for company relocations. They immediately want to know about our workforce and the pipeline in place. So, to be able to showcase an incredible partnership with the school district and highlight these great pathways and internship programs – it’s phenomenal and something you don’t see in every community. It resonates with businesses and families, because they can see the way they have a future here – and so do their children.”

Like any elite squad consistently outpacing its competition, strong leadership and a willingness to work together have “Team Tomball” achieving unprecedented success.