Diana Sayavedra Appointed South San Antonio ISD Conservator
The Texas Education Agency selected the former El Paso superintendent to lead the oversight of the district.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Administration
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The Texas Education Agency has appointed Diana Sayavedra as the new conservator for the South San Antonio Independent School District. She replaces Abe Saavedra, who resigned from the position citing a family illness.
Why it matters
The appointment continues the state oversight efforts aimed at addressing long-term school board dysfunction and management infighting. The conservator role serves as a vital bridge between local leadership and the state agency as the district works toward returning to local control.
Nine of the 12 total campuses in South San Antonio ISD earned a rating of C or higher in the most recent state accountability scores. Diana Sayavedra has been observing the district’s operations for the agency since February 2026.
The players
Diana Sayavedra
She is the former superintendent of El Paso ISD and currently serves as the state-appointed conservator for South San Antonio ISD.
Texas Education Agency
This is the state government agency responsible for overseeing public primary and secondary education in Texas.
Abe Saavedra
He is the former conservator for South San Antonio ISD who recently resigned due to a family illness.
The details
Diana Sayavedra previously served as the superintendent of El Paso ISD until her retirement in June 2025. She will now oversee the management of South San Antonio ISD, following a state takeover of the district that began in February 2025.
Timeline
The TEA first appointed Abe Saavedra as conservator in 2023.
The state agency took over South San Antonio ISD in February 2025.
Diana Sayavedra retired from El Paso ISD in June 2025.
Sayavedra began monitoring the district for the TEA in February 2026.
The TEA released new state accountability scores in August 2026.
Culture Shift
The appointment of Diana Sayavedra follows the standard operating procedures defined by the Texas Education Agency conservatorship protocols. This transition marks the latest development in the ongoing state intervention aimed at stabilizing local school districts plagued by systemic dysfunction.
The change in leadership signals continued state involvement in the district's daily management and academic policies. Families should monitor district communications regarding future shifts in curriculum or administrative procedures as the new conservator assumes her responsibilities.
The takeaway
Effective state oversight relies on a stable transition of leadership to maintain momentum toward academic performance goals. Residents should keep an eye on upcoming board meetings to see how the change in personnel influences the district's path to reclaiming local control.
Further reading
For more on how state oversight impacts local schools, visit the Administration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Antonio Express-News.
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