United Independent School District is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Blanca Salazar as the new principal of Senator Judith Zaffirini Elementary School.

Dr. Salazar brings 25 years of educational experience within United ISD and a proven record of leadership, curriculum development, and student-centered excellence. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of roles dedicated to advancing student achievement and supporting educators across the district.

A graduate of St. Augustine High School, Dr. Salazar earned a Bachelor of Arts in History, a Master of Arts in History, and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Texas A&M International University. She later completed a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Her professional certifications include Principal EC-12, ESL 4-8, History 6-12, T-TESS, T-PESS, and Concept-Based Curriculum and Instruction Certified Trainer.

Dr. Salazar began her career as a middle school social studies teacher, serving students at Los Obispos Middle School and Lamar Bruni Vergara Middle School. She later spent 14 years as the district’s Middle School Social Studies Instructional Coordinator, helping guide curriculum and instructional practices across United ISD. Most recently, she served as Special Populations Administrator at Senator Judith Zaffirini Elementary School.

In addition to her work in K-12 education, Dr. Salazar serves as an adjunct faculty member in the College of Education at Texas A&M International University. She has also contributed to the field through research publications and was selected as a member of the Curriculum Associates 2026 Extraordinary Educator Leadership Collaborative.

Dr. Salazar credits much of her success to the support of her husband, Arturo, and children, Nautica and Damian. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, educational research, writing, traveling, exercising, and spending time with her family.

As principal, Dr. Salazar is committed to building upon the strong tradition of excellence at Zaffirini Elementary by fostering high expectations, strengthening partnerships with families, and creating opportunities for students and staff to thrive.

“I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the new principal for Senator Judith Zaffirini Elementary,” said Dr. Salazar. “My vision is to establish a powerful, interconnected system in which high-quality instruction, student learning and growth, and meaningful parent engagement work together to maximize student success. At Zaffirini Elementary, excellence and ‘A’ quality education, service, and support are our commitment to every student, every day.”