Irving, TX — Irving ISD Superintendent Magda A. Hernández announced Monday evening that she will retire in December 2026, bringing to a close a 34-year career in public education. Hernandez was named Irving ISD Superintendent in December 2018.
Hernández shared the news during the Irving ISD Board of Trustees meeting on March 9. By the time she retires, she will have served eight years as superintendent of the district.
Her career in Irving ISD began during the 1992–1993 school year when she was hired as a bilingual aide at Good Elementary School. She later became an assistant principal at Townley Elementary before moving to the district’s administration building to work in human resources.
In 2010, Hernández left Irving ISD to work in Waxahachie ISD. She returned to Irving in 2012 as Director of Human Resources but later went back to Waxahachie for two years. Irving ISD hired her again in 2014, where she served in several human resources and administrative leadership roles before being appointed superintendent in December 2018.
Under her leadership, the district has focused on student success, staff support and strengthening connections with the Irving community.
In a letter to Irving ISD families and the community, Hernández described leading the district as one of the greatest honors of her life.
She said the decision to retire came after significant reflection and with confidence in the direction and strength of the district.
“Serving as Irving ISD Superintendent has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Hernández wrote. “This is a personal decision made with reflection, gratitude and deep confidence in the work Team Irving built together and will continue in the years ahead.”
Hernández said she remained in the role beyond her initial retirement eligibility because she believed the district was building something lasting for students, staff and the community.
“I love this district. I love our students. I love our staff. I love our families. I love our community,” she wrote. “Every decision made has been grounded in one unwavering belief: our students deserve the very best, and so do the people who serve them.”
Hernández said she plans to work closely with the Irving ISD Board of Trustees over the coming months to ensure a smooth leadership transition. She expressed confidence that the board will select a superintendent who will continue advancing the district’s goals.
“Irving ISD is strong. Our systems are solid. Our vision is clear,” she said.
Hernández also thanked the board and the community for their support and partnership throughout her tenure, emphasizing that her commitment to Irving ISD students will remain strong through her final day in office.
“It has been the privilege of my career to serve this community,” she wrote.
During her tenure as superintendent, Hernández placed a strong emphasis on employee wellness and support. In the fall of 2020, she launched a campaign reminding staff that “self-care isn’t selfish – it’s necessary.”
Her focus on wellness led to the creation of a unique facility designed to support the well-being of employees, students and families. The Magda A. Hernández Institute, known as MAHI, was created to provide a space for work, learning and healing while offering wellness resources for district employees and families.
In 2024, Irving ISD renamed the Professional Learning Center in honor of Hernandez; becoming, officially, the Magda A. Hernandez Institute of Wellness and Professional Learning.
