Congratulations to Dr. Salazar! Today the Sundown ISD board of trustees unanimously approved and hired Dr. Salazar to be the next superintendent of schools for Sundown ISD starting the 2026-2027 school year. Congratulations!
Dr. Miguel Salazar is currently serving in his 5th year as the Principal of Sundown Middle School, where he has led with purpose, vision, and a deep commitment to students and staff. In 2025, he was honored as the Texas Middle School Principal of the Year by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals and was named a National Finalist for the NASSP Middle Level Principal of the Year, distinctions that reflect his unwavering dedication to educational excellence and servant leadership.
Dr. Salazar is a proud graduate of Sundown High School, Class of 2000, Dr. Salazar attended South Plains College before earning his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Texas Tech University in 2004, a Master's Degree from Lubbock Christian University in 2010, and a Doctorate of Education from Texas Tech University in 2025. Dr. Salazar began his career at Ralls High School as a math teacher, eventually serving as a coach, assistant principal, and ultimately the high school principal. Dr. Salazar served Ralls ISD for 17 years. He is now in his 22nd year in education, including 14 years in campus leadership.
Dr. Salazar has been recognized for cultivating strong school cultures built on respect, accountability, high expectations, and authentic relationships. His leadership philosophy centers on shared vision, continuous improvement, and the belief that every student deserves a safe, supportive, and empowering learning environment. He advocates for systems that prioritize mental health, academic growth, and purposeful celebration of student and staff accomplishments.
Dr. Salazar attributes much of his success to the dedicated educators he serves alongside. He believes that leadership begins with humility, presence, and a willingness to invest time and heart into people. Together with his team, he has fostered a culture of collaboration, clarity, and commitment that drives continual growth.
Dr. Salazar is grounded by his family and faith. He has two children: Alyssa, a 2024 graduate of Texas Tech University, and Michael, a current sophomore at Texas Tech. He attends Trinity in Lubbock and remains deeply connected to the Sundown community that shaped him.
Dr. Salazar knows the transformative power of education and believes leadership is most impactful when rooted in service to others. His work continues to inspire students, educators, and community members to lead with integrity, purpose, and heart.
We wish Dr. Salazar the greatest success and we know that the future is bright for Dr. Salazar and the rest of the Sundown School Community.
Congratulations Dr. Miguel Salazar! We look forward to your leadership in your new position!
Dr. Miguel Salazar is currently serving in his 5th year as the Principal of Sundown Middle School, where he has led with purpose, vision, and a deep commitment to students and staff. In 2025, he was honored as the Texas Middle School Principal of the Year by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals and was named a National Finalist for the NASSP Middle Level Principal of the Year, distinctions that reflect his unwavering dedication to educational excellence and servant leadership.
Dr. Salazar is a proud graduate of Sundown High School, Class of 2000, Dr. Salazar attended South Plains College before earning his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Texas Tech University in 2004, a Master's Degree from Lubbock Christian University in 2010, and a Doctorate of Education from Texas Tech University in 2025. Dr. Salazar began his career at Ralls High School as a math teacher, eventually serving as a coach, assistant principal, and ultimately the high school principal. Dr. Salazar served Ralls ISD for 17 years. He is now in his 22nd year in education, including 14 years in campus leadership.
Dr. Salazar has been recognized for cultivating strong school cultures built on respect, accountability, high expectations, and authentic relationships. His leadership philosophy centers on shared vision, continuous improvement, and the belief that every student deserves a safe, supportive, and empowering learning environment. He advocates for systems that prioritize mental health, academic growth, and purposeful celebration of student and staff accomplishments.
Dr. Salazar attributes much of his success to the dedicated educators he serves alongside. He believes that leadership begins with humility, presence, and a willingness to invest time and heart into people. Together with his team, he has fostered a culture of collaboration, clarity, and commitment that drives continual growth.
Dr. Salazar is grounded by his family and faith. He has two children: Alyssa, a 2024 graduate of Texas Tech University, and Michael, a current sophomore at Texas Tech. He attends Trinity in Lubbock and remains deeply connected to the Sundown community that shaped him.
Dr. Salazar knows the transformative power of education and believes leadership is most impactful when rooted in service to others. His work continues to inspire students, educators, and community members to lead with integrity, purpose, and heart.
We wish Dr. Salazar the greatest success and we know that the future is bright for Dr. Salazar and the rest of the Sundown School Community.
Congratulations Dr. Miguel Salazar! We look forward to your leadership in your new position!
Boys Final
Sundown 73
Smyer 15
Roughnecks lead Smyer 42-4 at the half.
Roughettes get a huge district win on the road!!
50-40, grit at the end to pull away from a tight ball game!
Roughettes head to the 4th up 1 on Smyer 28-27
Roughettes lead Smyer 22-21 at the half.
JV boys final:
Sundown 45
Smyer 5
Good job boys!
JV boys lead Smyer 31-3 at the half.
JV Girls 43
Smyer 33
Final
JV Girls 23
Smyer 14
Halftime
Roughnecks drop a tough battle with New Home 54-50. Great effort by the boys.
Roughettes capture the consolation side of the bracket with a 36-34 win over 4A Dumas. The girls went 3-1 in the Littlefield tournament. Great job ladies!
Roughnecks head to the 4th tied at 39 with New Home.
Roughettes head to the 4th up 27-21 over Dumas.
In their 2nd game of the day the Roughnecks are leading New Home 29-15 at the half.
Roughettes are at the half with a 16-14 lead over Dumas.
Roughnecks lead New Home 16-0 after 1.
Roughettes down 12-5 after 1 to Dumas.
Final
Sundown 52
Fort Stockton 48
Boys are up 25-17 over Fort Stockton at the Half