Principal Information
Leila L. Garza
Mrs. Garza is entering her 22nd year in education, all of which have been dedicated to the San Antonio ISD. She graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2001 and began her teaching career at Rodriguez Elementary School. During this time, she also earned her master’s degree in educational leadership from UTSA, through a partnership with SAISD and the UTSA Urban School Leaders Collaborative.
In 2005, Mrs. Garza became the campus instructional coordinator at Highland Park Elementary, where she spearheaded the implementation of innovative programs and best practices in teaching and learning. In 2010, she accepted the position of assistant principal at Will Rogers Elementary, a formative period that provided her with a strong foundation in elementary curriculum and leadership.
In 2016, Mrs. Garza joined Maverick Elementary School as the assistant principal. The following year, she had the honor of becoming the principal, leading the school and its talented teachers and students. During her principalship, Mrs. Garza participated in the Relay Graduate School of Education’s National Principal Academy Fellowship in 2018, where she honed her skills in instructional leadership, data-driven decision making, and creating high-performing school cultures.
Additionally, she was a Cahn Distinguished Principal Fellow in 2022, a prestigious program that allowed her to engage deeply with transformative leadership practices, collaborate with other distinguished principals, and develop strategies to drive school improvement and student success. This experience further enriched her approach to leadership and provided her with valuable insights into effective school management and innovation.
Mrs. Garza is a strong advocate of shared leadership and values building strong relationships with her students, staff, and community.