After 26 years working in Mansfield ISD, Dr. Kimberley Cantu, superintendent, announced her intention to retire in February 2026 through an email to the district Aug. 27. In her email, Dr. Cantu said she wants to take time to focus on her 15-year-old daughter, sophomore Harper Cantu, and her older children.
“This is now an opportunity to be more present for Harper while she is still in high school and support my other daughters, too,” Dr. Cantu said. “I have three adult girls and three grandbabies. Being available for them and increasing my ‘Gigi time’ is something I am truly excited about going forward.”
Harper plays volleyball, runs track, and volunteers with Key Club at Legacy.
“I look forward to her being able to come to all my events,” Harper said. “Since she was so busy, she couldn’t always make it to everything, which is OK, of course – I understand how busy her job is, but it’s going to be nice to see her there.”
Harper’s favorite memory with her mom as superintendent is going up to the press box during games at Newsom because of the view and the food. She enjoys spending time with her mom during football games.
“I’m proud of her and she’s a really good mom,” Harper said. “She’s always making sure I’m taken care of, despite her busy job. She’s the best mom I could’ve asked for, even if she doesn’t realize it.”
Dr. Cantu plans to remain involved in MISD by showing up to support Harper.
“For a while, it looks like a supportive mom at all of her volleyball games and track meets, an LHS concession stand worker, and a carpool driver,” Dr. Cantu said. “In the future, I would love to volunteer in any way that I can to support Mansfield ISD.”
Dr. Cantu worked in education for 33.5 years, with 26 years in Mansfield. In her email to the community, Dr. Cantu highlighted that her biggest accomplishment in the district is the community.
“It’s always been the same no matter the position I’ve held in education,” Dr. Cantu said. “Anytime I get to engage with and be around kids is my favorite part. They’re absolutely the reason for and the best part of this job. We have done an excellent job of providing our students with what they need to thrive.”
Dr. Cantu hopes the person who takes her position will prioritize the students in the district and use the support of the community to continue to accomplish great things for MISD. She also hopes the person filling her shoes will stay focused on the district’s number one value: students.
“I will miss the work and the people,” Dr. Cantu said, “but Mansfield ISD always thrives, even in transition, and I know we will continue to put our students, their learning, and their experiences first.”
