AUSTIN, Texas—Austin ISD has named Edmund Oropez, the district’s associate superintendent of high schools, interim chief schools officer to lead, manage and support AISD’s more than 120 schools.

Earlier this month, the trustees named Paul Cruz, the district’s chief schools officer for the past five years, as interim superintendent.

As associate superintendent for high schools since 2010, Oropez has provided leadership and support to 11 comprehensive high schools, three schools of choice and three specialized high schools. He also oversees AISD’s athletic programs, which includes the district’s participation in Special Olympics and facilities throughout Austin, including Burger Stadium and House Park.

Oropez will retain his responsibilities as associate superintendent and continue to support high schools.

Five AISD high schools rank among the best in the nation, according to the 2014 U.S. News and World Report. The district's Liberal Arts Science Academy and Anderson, Austin, Bowie and McCallum high schools earned a spot on the publication's list of "Best High Schools."

Oropez is a first-generation college student who earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Texas Pan-American. He has completed his course work toward a doctoral degree in educational administration at the University of Texas at Austin and plans to complete his dissertation in the near future.