Roberto J. Santos
Superintendent
(956) 473-6219

The Laredo-born son of Andres and Zenaida Santos, Roberto, or “Bobby,” as he is known by his family and friends, was raised to understand the importance of a good education and giving back to the community.  It is these two distinct characteristics that have driven Mr. Santos’ career and have ultimately led him to the position of Superintendent for the United Independent School District.

Mr. Santos discovered the world of sports at a young age.  He could be found playing basketball and baseball at the Laredo Boys’ Club.  As a member of Martin High School’s football, basketball, and baseball teams, Mr. Santos was known as a star athlete, both on campus and in the community.  Upon graduation from high school, Mr. Santos was offered a scholarship to St. Edward’s University in Austin to play on the Varsity Baseball Team.  In his senior year of college, he was chosen to be captain of his college team and was honored when he was named to the All-State Baseball Conference Team.

Mr. Santos received his Bachelor of Science in Education from St. Edward’s University.  He later continued his education earning a Master’s in Education from Pan American University in Edinburg.  Mr. Santos also has several certifications, including his Administrative Mid-Management Certificate from Laredo State University, as well as his Superintendent’s Certificate from Texas A&M in Kingsville.

Many may remember Mr. Santos when he first began teaching and coaching at the former Lamar Junior High School (now Lamar Middle School).  He coached the boys’ basketball team and later transferred to Nixon High School where he coached both the boys’ basketball and baseball teams with great success.

Mr. Santos was also active in the girls’ softball movement in 1980, after his twin daughters, Christina and Larissa, expressed an interest in the sport.  As a result of his efforts with other city leaders, Mr. Santos helped create the Laredo South Girls’ Softball League. Under his leadership, the girls’ softball team represented Laredo at the Senior League State Tournament in Waco, where they garnered third place and the coveted Sportsmanship Award.

After spending a short time in the private business sector, Mr. Santos returned to the field of education, joining the United Independent School District in 1983.  First serving as an Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent, he climbed up the ranks and was later promoted to the positions of Director of Human Resources, Assistant Superintendent for Support Services, and Associate Superintendent for Student Support Services.

In 2005, Mr. Santos was named as Superintendent for United I.S.D.  As Superintendent, Mr. Santos oversees one of the largest school districts in Texas, with an enrollment of about 42,000 students.  With approximately 6,700 employees, United I.S.D. is also one of the largest employers in Laredo.

Mr. Santos is also an active member of various community organizations including: the Laredo Webb County Food Bank, Kiwanis Club, United Way, Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Laredo, American Cancer Society, among others.

His most recent honors include:  Latin American International Hall of Fame; Martin High School Tiger Legends; LULAC Council #12 Tejano Achievers; Gateway to Mexico All-Sports Clinic Hall of Honor; American Cancer Society Relay for Life Honorary Chairman; March of Dimes Honorary Chairman; and Texas Association of School Administrators–Past President.

Mr. Santos is married to Carmen Santos, who was an educator for 34 years.  Their twin daughters, Christina S. Casanova and Larissa L. Santos, are also educators.  Mr. and Mrs. Santos are the proud grandparents of Andrea Victoria and Alexandra Rochelle Casanova.