The Laredo Independent School District Board of Trustees named
Dr. A. Marcus Nelson as Superintendent of Schools on July 24, 2009

Dr. A. Marcus Nelson is the Superintendent of Schools for the Laredo Independent School District.  In this position, Nelson serves as the Chief Executive Officer of more than 25,000 students on 32 campuses including 20 elementary schools, four middle schools, three comprehensive high schools, an Early College High School located on the campus of Texas A&M International University, and three magnet schools.  Laredo, Texas is located on the North bank of the Rio Grande River and is the principal port of entry from Mexico to the United States.

Under his leadership, Nelson has reorganized the central office for higher efficiency, reduced the district personnel costs by over $2 million, and improved academic achievement to exceptional levels including one of the few Exemplary high schools in the state of Texas.  In 2010, Laredo ISD also reached unprecedented academic gains with 43% of the schools earning the state’s top Recognized and Exemplary ratings.
 
Dr. Nelson has also launched a non-traditional high school that is specifically designed to meet the needs of students who have not been successful in LISD comprehensive high schools. This online credit recovery program personalizes the education for every student and recaptures students who have dropped out of high school for various reasons.

In his first year, Nelson has elevated the academic rigor in Laredo ISD by creating a college readiness initiative which improved the number of Advanced Placement Exams taken by LISD students over 13%. This leadership system also increased the number of college scholarships and reached significant improvement in the district graduation rate.

Prior to this position, Dr. Nelson served as the Chief Academic Officer and second-in-command for the Judson Independent School District (a suburb of San Antonio, Texas). During his tenure at Judson ISD, Nelson established himself as a curriculum and instruction expert, a regular presenter at national drop-out prevention conferences, and a ‘turnaround specialist’ of low performing schools.  In fact, Nelson was part of the senior leadership team that was responsible for quadrupling the number of Recognized/Exemplary campuses according to the Texas Education Agency.  Over the course of his career, he has served as an elementary fifth grade teacher, high school algebra teacher, middle school vice principal, high school assistant principal, high school principal, and Director of Secondary Schools.

At each stage of his career, Dr. Nelson has been an agent for change.  As a nationally renowned Recognized high school principal, Dr. Nelson has inspired audiences throughout the United States with his powerful message of quality teaching, teamwork, and high expectations. He has earned several college degrees including an undergraduate degree from Abilene Christian University, two master’s degrees, and a doctoral degree from Texas A&M University – Commerce.

Dr. Nelson has found ways to be a leader outside the classroom, as well. In 2006, Dr. Nelson was awarded the "Change The World" Award from Abilene Christian University.  This honor was given to 100 alumni that "quietly make a difference in small and large ways in their communities and throughout the world."  In 2009, he received the coveted Grover C. Morlan Award given annually by ACU's Department of Education and Kappa Delta Pi, the education honor society.  Recipients are alumni who have made significant contributions or improvements in the field of education.

Dr. Nelson’s commitment to community service is evident in his work with various organizations devoted to supporting underprivileged students and their communities. He is currently a member of the Advisory Board of Directors for Laredo Boys and Girls Clubs and an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Laredo Kiwanis Club.  While working in Austin area schools, Dr. Nelson served as a board member for the Boys and Girls Club of the Greater Austin Area and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas. In addition, he is a Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., an organization dedicated to uplifting their respective chapter communities.