Dr. Mary Thomas, a trustee of Manor Independent School District (ISD), has died after nearly five decades dedicated to public education. Dr. Thomas began her service as a member of the Manor ISD Board of Trustees in 2022 and previously worked as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and central office administrator. Her career included roles in Commerce ISD, Austin ISD, Manor ISD, and positions with Starr Consulting Firm and Greater Calvary Bible Church International.
In 2024, Dr. Thomas received the Business Leaders in Education Award from the Forttuna Organization. This international honor recognized her for “exceptional leadership, innovation, and service” as well as her influence at multiple levels.
“On behalf of the Manor ISD Board of Trustees, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Thomas’ family, friends, and loved ones. We join the entire Manor ISD community in mourning this tremendous loss,” said Board President Ana Cortez. “Dr. Thomas was a servant leader in every sense of the word. She believed deeply in the power of education to transform lives and worked tirelessly to ensure students had opportunities to succeed. Her wisdom, compassion, and steady voice will be greatly missed, and her legacy will continue to guide our work moving forward.”
Superintendent Dr. Robert Sormani described Dr. Thomas as “a true trailblazer” whose career showed a strong commitment to helping others learn and grow.
Manor ISD expressed condolences to Dr. Thomas’s family and acknowledged her contributions to public education and the local community.
The district serves more than 10,000 students across 15 campuses in Texas through eight elementary schools, three middle schools, one PreK-8 campus, three high schools and an alternative learning campus according to its official website. It focuses on providing equitable education with programs such as dual language offerings and pathways for career certifications or associate degrees while supporting student achievement in academics and arts official website. The district has also been recognized for visual arts by the Texas Art Education Association official website.
Manor ISD encourages student-led initiatives that benefit the community official website and offers annual signing opportunities for those pursuing college-level athletics official website.
Dr. Mary Thomas’s impact remains evident through those she influenced during her long career.
