Welcome to KISD

Dr. Luz Martinez is a charismatic, visionary, student-centered, and equity-driven educator and leader who operates with an unshakable belief in “paying it forward.” A proud American/Puerto Rican and biliterate educator, she leads with a deep belief in “paying it forward”—a value shaped by her own journey from poverty to purpose through the power of education.

Over the past two decades, Dr. Martinez has held a wide range of leadership roles across Texas, including serving as Division Superintendent in Houston ISD, Chief of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Round Rock ISD, and Associate Superintendent at Midland ISD. She has also served as a leadership and instructional coach, principal, assistant principal, and classroom teacher across diverse settings—urban, suburban, rural, public, and private. Dr. Martinez has led comprehensive turnaround efforts in underperforming schools and districts, designing and implementing data-driven strategies that have accelerated student achievement and strengthened organizational systems. In addition, she spent over fifteen years teaching both children and adult learners at colleges and universities in Texas, Arizona, Virginia, and abroad.

For more than twenty-three years, Dr. Martinez has also served military-connected communities in the U.S. and overseas. As a civilian employee, school board member/president, and community volunteer, she supported schools, families, and service members in both stateside and international Department of Defense settings—earning several honors for her distinguished contributions to military education and family engagement.

Dr. Martinez has a proven track record of designing and implementing student-centered instructional and leadership systems. She leads with the belief that systemic, empathy-driven, and evidence-based practices maximize organizational success—resulting in improved academic outcomes for all students, increased teacher and leader efficacy and satisfaction, and stronger family and community engagement. She holds a steadfast conviction that every student can reach their highest potential when provided with high-quality instruction, strategic support, and genuine kindness.

She has been married for over 38 years to Dr. Hector Martinez, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel. Together, they have two adult children and three granddaughters.

Once a Brahma, Always a Brahma!