San Angelo ISD Principal Joe Gandar Receives Carol Santry Hispanic Educator Award

The Hispanic Heritage Museum and Cultural Center honored a San Angelo ISD Difference Maker with a prestigious award at the annual Hispanic Heritage Month Banquet on September 27. The Hispanic Heritage Committee educates and provides public awareness of the Hispanic community’s impact throughout history, while also recognizing those who have made a profound impact on our community today.

Lincoln Middle School Principal Joe Gandar received the Carol Santry Hispanic Educator Award from the Hispanic Heritage Museum and Cultural Center. Mr. Gandar was honored for his dedication to education, commitment to cultural understanding, and service to students and the community. In the spirit of Carol Santry – who devoted her life to celebrating Hispanic culture through teaching and mentorship – Mr. Gandar embodies the power of education to build bridges and honor heritage. 

Mr. Gandar is in his 23rd year in education, all with San Angelo ISD, and has served as an elementary and middle school teacher, at-risk coordinator, assistant principal, and principal of Carver Learning Center. He is serving his fifth year as Lincoln Middle School principal. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated excellence. He was named the 2021 Region 15 Secondary Principal of the Year by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, an honor recognizing school leaders whose exemplary performance prepares students for success in a global community. Under his leadership, Lincoln Middle School earned the national distinction of Texas School to Watch, a recognition given to high-performing middle schools that demonstrate measurable progress in student achievement and a commitment to continuous improvement.

“Mr. Gandar’s personal journey and life story is a testimony of his perseverance and explains why he loves his students as he does,” said San Angelo ISD Superintendent Dr. Christopher Moran. “Mr. Gandar’s staff and students are fortunate to have a caring and dedicated principal leading Lincoln Middle School.”

Mr. Gandar exemplifies the characteristics of the SAISD Educator Profile through his commitment to students and staff, providing each learner with an inspiring educational experience that prepares them to be future-ready, whatever that future may hold. We extend a heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Gandar on this well-deserved honor and look forward to Lincoln’s continued success under his leadership. He is a shining example of how, at SAISD, our people make the difference.

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