Mansfield ISD Superintendent Kimberly Cantu announced she will retire in February 2026.
“It has been my joy to serve, to listen, to lead, and to dream alongside this community,” Cantu said in a letter to MISD.
“I know, however, now it’s time for me to focus on being a mom to my 15-year-old daughter, as well as my older girls, and be a support to my parents and family.”
Cantu reflected on her time leading the district, citing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and the passage of a $500 million bond package in 2024.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for trusting me with the responsibility of serving you,” Cantu wrote.
“I am humbled, grateful, and forever proud to be part of the Mansfield ISD story.”
Cantu highlighted a rise in A-rated campuses during her tenure and noted that Mansfield ISD had no F-rated campuses.
Her tenure also included controversies.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, a potential conflict of interest arose as Mansfield ISD trustees prepared to vote on who would represent the district at the Tarrant Appraisal District.
Outgoing Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector Wendy Burgess faced controversy as a non-voting board member of the Tarrant Appraisal District. She was being considered for reappointment, which would have made her a voting member. According to the Dec. 13 agenda, MISD trustees were scheduled to vote on her appointment that Friday morning.
Questions arose over a possible conflict because Burgess’ chief of staff, Jerry Cantu, is married to Superintendent Kimberly Cantu, according to the district’s website. Jerry Cantu served as Burgess’ chief of staff from July 2023 to January 2025.