Chaparral High School Administrator Named Assistant Principal of the Year

Ron Sursa, assistant principal of Chaparral High School in Killeen ISD, has been selected to represent the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals as a Region 12 Outstanding High School Assistant Principal of the Year.

TASSP recognizes outstanding principals and assistant principals from the 20 Education Service Center Regions throughout Texas. School administrators are nominated and chosen by their peers within their regions. Nominations are based upon exemplary performance and outstanding leadership.

As a Region 12 winner, Sursa is eligible to compete for the state title of TASSP Texas High School Assistant Principal of the Year.

“This recognition means so much to me, especially coming from my peers,” Sursa said. “It reflects our collective efforts and teamwork, and I’m grateful to work alongside such dedicated individuals in and out of the educational field. I am thankful for the community involvement and campus support that I get daily.”

Sursa is in his eighth school year as an assistant principal and has been part of the Chaparral High School leadership team since the 2023 school year. He attended Texas A&M University-Central Texas and earned his bachelor’s degree and holds a master’s degree in education leadership.

Dr. Nino Etienne, Chaparral’s principal, said Sursa is a servant leader who works daily to build positive relationships with all students and stakeholders.  “We’re fortunate to have him at our school,” Etienne said. “He’s an outstanding educator and person who is making a difference in the lives of our students and staff every day.”

He is credited with numerous achievements, including KISD Elementary teacher of the year finalist in 2015. He has earned recognition for various state awards, including the Association of Texas Professional Educators as Special Service Educator of the year finalist in 2018, and Administrator of the Year finalist in 2021.