EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Ysleta Independent School District's (YISD) superintendent won the 2025 District of Distinction in Academic Excellence award among various school districts across the nation. The award was presented during an awards banquet at the District Administration Leadership Institute (DALI) Superintendents Summit in Charlotte Harbor, Florida. Ysleta Independent School District's Superintendent Xavier De La Torre accepts the 2025 Districts of Distinction award in Academic Excellence at the DALI Superintendents Summit. Photo courtesy to YISD. "We are incredibly thankful and humbled to receive this esteemed award – what an honor for the Ysleta Independent School District to be named the best in the nation in academic excellence,” De La Torre said. "This award symbolizes the success of a collective vision, one that we have worked for a decade to bring to life." According to YISD, the District of Distinction recognition is "the belief that remarkable, home-grown programs can inspire and be replicated by educators nationwide. To be named a District of Distinction, winners must have pioneered initiatives that have made a significant impact on student achievement, engagement, and overall educational excellence." "I often say that leadership is not about one person, but about the team you build, and we have assembled an outstanding team of educators, support staff, and leaders who are committed to helping all students reach their promise and potential," De La Torre said. In addition to the District of Distinction award, YISD's Superintendent Dr. Savier De La Torre was named one of the five finalists for the 2025 National Superintendent of the Year. "Ysleta ISD is the highest-rated district in the region, with the highest levels of college and career readiness among our graduates. We understand the stakes are high for our students and families – that’s why our singular focus is to provide dynamic leadership in the classroom, at the campus, and throughout the district for one purpose: To change the trajectory of students’ lives and prepare them to thrive in a global economy," De La Torre said. According to YISD, DALI is a national pre-K12 organization dedicated to empowering district leaders and ensuring schools are equipped with the resources needed. For more information, you can visit DALI's website here.