Election Date

Paula Sanchez is a dedicated educator, instructional leader, wife, mother, and lifelong advocate for children and families. She has been married to her husband, Reynaldo Sanchez, for 38 years, and together they are blessed with two amazing young adults, Ashley and Austin, who are loved more than they will ever know. 

Paula is the daughter of the late Pablo and Elva Mata, whose love, values, and example helped shape the woman and leader she is today. Family has always been at the heart of Paula's life, and the lessons she learned from her parents continue to influence her commitment to serving others with compassion, integrity, and purpose.

Paula's passion for education began in 1999 and has grown into 27 years of diverse educational experience. She earned her Bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Communications from the University of Texas–Pan American and later earned her Master's degree in Educational Leadership in 2014.

Throughout her career, Paula has served in a wide range of educational roles, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the many responsibilities and challenges involved in making a school successful. Her experience includes serving as a Human Resources secretary, office clerk, instructional assistant, teacher, volleyball coach, UIL coach, adult education teacher, assistant principal, campus behavior coordinator, LPAC administrator, adult education supervisor, and principal.

Paula has worked with Weslaco ISD, Point Isabel ISD, Region One, and currently serves as Principal of Horizon Montessori Public School in Harlingen. Her experience in both instructional and administrative roles has provided her with a unique perspective on the needs of students, teachers, staff, families, and communities. She understands that every position within a school plays an important role in creating a successful campus and that effective leadership requires listening, collaboration, accountability, and a commitment to doing what is best for students.

Throughout her career, Paula has also served on numerous committees, including the Superintendent's Advisory Committee, ARD Committee, SHAC, GPC, and Campus Beautification Committee. These experiences have strengthened her belief that meaningful progress happens when educators, parents, staff, and community members work together toward a common goal.

At the center of Paula's educational philosophy is the belief in educating the whole child. She believes every child deserves to be treated with dignity, encouraged to reach their potential, and provided with opportunities to experience success. Her philosophy is simple: educate every child the way you would want your own child to be educated.

Paula believes great educators create opportunities for students to experience those important "aha" moments—moments when a concept finally makes sense and a child realizes, I can do this. She believes lessons should be thoughtfully created, differentiated, and scaffolded so that every student has an opportunity to understand, grow, and succeed.

After 27 years in education, Paula remains passionate about students, families, educators, and the communities she serves. Her career has given her experience from the front office to the classroom and from campus leadership to district and regional service. She understands the complexity of education because she has lived it from many different perspectives.

For Paula Sanchez, education is more than a career—it is a calling. Her commitment is to continue serving with integrity, experience, education, and results, always keeping students and their future at the heart of every decision.