The Laredo Independent School District Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Armando Molina as the new Principal of Dr. Leonides G. Cigarroa High School recognizing his extensive experience and dedication to education.
With more than 20 years of educational experience, Molina is proud to lead the Pride of South Laredo. “I am honored to continue the legacy of serving the students, teachers, and staff with high expectations established by former CHS Toro Principals. I am humbled and blessed to have an opportunity to return to Toro Land,” he said.
Growing up in Rio Bravo, Texas he was raised by his late father Ricardo Molina, former United ISD Board Member for 26 years, and mother Teodora Isabel Fox with his siblings Nino, Ricky, and Melissa. He and his wife, Michelle Molina, are the parents of Amanda Rae, Zoe Sky, and Xander Fox Molina. Molina feels blessed to have the love and support of his family.
After graduating from Alexander High School in 1997, he received an Associate Degree in Science from Laredo College in 1999, followed by a Bachelor of Arts degree from TAMIU in 2002. He received a Master of Science in Education degree in 2008 and is currently undertaking preparation hours towards the Superintendent Certificate Program. He was recently inducted as J. B. Alexander High School Bulldog Legend.
Molina initiated his career as a speech teacher and coach at CHS where he coached football, basketball, track, powerlifting and tennis. He later moved into the role of an administrator, first serving seven years as an Assistant Principal at Dr. Joaquin G. Cigarroa Middle School for three years and CHS for four years. For the past seven years, he has served in the capacity of a secondary school Principal. He proudly fulfilled his role at Francisco S. Lara Academy for three years; and recently, he was the Principal of CMS.
Under his educational leadership CMS was able to meet ‘Recognized’ status through the Texas Education Agency accountability system for the first time. He was selected to serve as the Assistant Regional Coordinator to represent the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals educational organization. He was also named as the 2024-2025 TASSP Region One Middle School Principal of the Year.
Undertaking his new role, Molina continues to share an inspiring message to students as a motivation to do the best they can with what they have. “Be resilient, resourceful, and work hard to take every opportunity given to them to be successful.” He believes that success comes to those who have a passion for what they do.