Abelardo Saavedra

Education

Saavedra received a bachelor's degree in Science in 1972 and a master's degree in Science in 1974; he earned both degrees at Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M University–Kingsville) in Kingsville. In 1976 he received his Doctor of Philosophy degree in school administration at the University of Michigan in 1976.

Beginning of career

Saavedra became a principal at 28 years of age.

Career at Corpus Christi ISD

Saavedra became the superintendent of Corpus Christi Independent School District and he held that position from 1993 to 2000 for a total of seven years. At one point authorities filed charged against Saavedra, accusing him of tampering with government documentation and theft by a public servant; the authorities accused him of labeling 344 United States dollars-worth of alcohol purchases with a CCISD-issued American Express credit card as a purchase of "meals." CCISD documents stated that Saavedra had reimbursed the district with $186.43. Some trustees said that they were with Saavedra when he purchased the alcohol. Three trustees said that they lost confidence in Saavedra, while other trustees said that they did not lose confidence. By April 4, 2000 the school board did not vote on whether to fire Saavedra. On May 18, 2000, a jury acquitted Saavedra and he paid a 100 United States dollar fine.

Career at Houston ISD

Saavedra joined Houston ISD and became the Superintendent of the East District in February 2001. In August 2002 he became the executive deputy superintendent for School Support Services. When Houston Independent School District interim superintendent Kaye Stripling retired in August 2004 Saavedra took her position. The district officially made him superintendent on December 9, 2004. Saavedra became the first Hispanic American superintendent of Houston ISD.

As of July 2008 his annual salary was 442,556 USD. He announced his term would end in Spring 2010.