What is AJ Pontillo's record as GCISD Trustee?

AJ Pontillo's record as GCISD Trustee Place 5 includes over $6 million in teacher raises, securing all 20 campuses with School Resource Officers, achieving a #4 ranking among the best school districts in Texas, record CTE enrollment of 3,346 students, and earning an A+ financial integrity rating.

How is GCISD ranked in Texas?

GCISD is ranked #4 among the best school districts in Texas according to Niche.com. The ranking is based on academic performance, teacher quality, and student achievement.

How much has GCISD invested in teacher raises under AJ Pontillo?

GCISD has invested over $6 million in teacher compensation over the last three years under AJ Pontillo's leadership, making these the highest teacher pay raises in GCISD history.

What is GCISD's CTE enrollment?

GCISD's Career and Technical Education program reached a record enrollment of 3,346 students with over 475 industry certifications earned in the 2024-25 school year, supported by partnerships with Baylor Scott & White, Bell Helicopters, Gaylord Texan, and TriVAN Roofing.

What is GCISD's financial integrity rating?

GCISD holds an A+ financial integrity rating, the highest level available, reflecting AJ Pontillo's commitment to transparency, zero-based budgeting, and eliminating administrative waste.

Official Record

The Record
& Accomplishments

A legacy of fiscal excellence, academic growth, and unwavering transparency. Explore how we've optimized every taxpayer dollar to benefit our students and teachers.

AJ Pontillo advocating for students at a GCISD Board Meeting

Niche.com Ranking

Best Districts in Texas

National Recognition for Academic Excellence

Under A.J. Pontillo's tenure, our district has ascended to the top tier of Texas education, ranking #4 in the state. The ranking is a comprehensive assessment based on rigorous academic performance, teacher quality, and student achievement.

Streamlined testing platforms to reduce redundancy, allowing students to focus on individualized growth.

Achieved an 89% increase in the number of Emergent Bilingual students who are now proficient in English.

Maintained exceptional graduation rates by ensuring strong academic foundations, including the implementation of a phonics-based reading curriculum.

Explore Academic Standards

Excellence in the Classroom

Raising the Standard

We've modernized our curriculum and expanded enrichment programs to ensure every student is challenged, supported, and prepared for the future.

Phonics-Based Reading

We brought back the fundamentals. By implementing a phonics-based curriculum grounded in the science of reading, we ensure students build strong literacy skills from day one.

Hands-On Science

Adopted a high-quality, hands-on science curriculum aligned with real-world learning to prepare students for critical thinking and future STEM careers.

252+ Students Honored

Record-breaking student achievement including National Merit Scholars, AP Scholars, perfect scores, and state champions in DECA and science fairs.

Award-Winning Fine Arts & Athletics

Named a "National Best Community for Music Education" with multiple Maestro Awards, alongside numerous athletic honors in cross country, baseball, wrestling, and cheer.

View Career Readiness

Preparing for the Real World

The Career & Technical Education Boom

Not every student's path looks the same. We have invested heavily in Career & Technical Education (CTE) to ensure graduates leave GCISD with highly marketable, real-world skills, industry certifications, and hands-on experience.

3,346

Record CTE Enrollment

475+

Industry Certs (2024-25)

Real-World Industry Partnerships

Baylor Scott & White
Bell Helicopter
Gaylord Texan
TriVAN Roofing

New Credentials Added

Taxpayer Stewardship in Action

Transparent reporting on district investments. We show you exactly where your money goes.

$6,000,000+

Teacher Raises

Over $6 million invested in compensation over the last three years to ensure our educators remain top-tier, reducing turnover and attracting the best talent.

19 + 1

Campuses Secured

Security infrastructure and School Resource Officers (SROs) successfully implemented across all 19 traditional campuses and our 1 virtual school.

Waste & Overhead

A zero-tolerance approach to administrative bloat. We ensure maximum funding is directed straight into the classroom where it belongs.

Fiscal Leadership

Efficiency & Responsibility:
The Proof is in the Data

A.J. Pontillo didn't just cut waste — he demanded answers. The most comprehensive efficiency audit in GCISD history uncovered real savings, rebuilt the budget from the ground up, and launched a five-year plan built to last.

Tax Cuts

Consistent Reductions

Accountability

Transparency Stars

✓ Verified

Complete Efficiency Audit

Review the comprehensive breakdown of district spending, savings, and the 5-year roadmap for financial sustainability.

Download PDF Audit

Updated Oct 2025

Campuses & Virtual School

13k+

Students Served