What happens when a school leader faces the unimaginable — multiple student suicides in a single year?In this powerful episode of Superintendent Hot Seat, Dr. Martha Salazar Zamora, Superintendent of Tomball ISD and 2023 Texas Superintendent of the Year, shares one of the most vulnerable and courageous stories we’ve ever heard on the show.Dr. Z walks us through the heartbreaking moments that shook her district, the emotional toll it took on her leadership, and the transformative decision that followed: investing her own Superintendent of the Year award money into a student-led mental health program called Hope Squad.This episode goes far beyond policy and into the heart of leadership — what it means to lead through crisis, to be transparent with your community, and to reimagine student wellness from the inside out. With honesty and grace, Dr. Z reflects on her 39-year career, the power of student voice, and why creating space for connection is no longer optional — it’s essential.Listeners will also hear:How Tomball ISD went from tragedy to zero suicides since launching Hope SquadThe challenges and triumphs of leading a fast-growth, diverse school districtWhy being “not okay” is sometimes the bravest thing a leader can admitThe role of faith, family, and inner compass in sustaining long-term leadershipWhether you’re a superintendent, educator, or advocate for student wellness, this conversation will leave you inspired, informed, and reconnected to the why behind the work we do.

Ver todos los episodios