Jaime Velasco was officially named superintendent of the Italy Independent School District Wednesday evening at a special meeting.

Velasco and his wife, Lisa, are both in education. He comes to Italy from Rosebud-Lott where he served as assistant superintendent. His wife is a science teacher at Bruceville-Eddy.

Velasco earned his Bachelor’s Degree in psychology and a Master of Education Administration from Baylor University. He is a Doctoral candidate at Texas A&M University.

The couple have four daughters, Ecclesia, eighth grade; Epiphany, fifth grade; Trinity Jamie, second grade; and Faith, kindergarten.

Anthony Price, superintendent at Rosebud-Lott, was with Velasco at the called meeting.

Price said his has worked with Velasco for six years. He began as the middle school principal at Rosebud-Lott. Price said he saw a strong curriculum leader in him and eventually promoted him to assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and special projects.

Price said Velasco is a strong educational leader, a strong family man to both his personal family and his educational family. Price said his staff at Rosebud-Lott are like family. He said that’s how we raise test scores.

Price said school districts must go beyond teaching students in the classroom. He said they now have to teach children things they, at one time, learned at home. He said operating as close to a family unit as possible has helped his district succeed.

Price said, “I know Jaime will do an outstanding job here.”

The Italy School Board of Trustees named Velasco Lone Finalist on February 4 after narrowing their field of 35 applicants down to six candidates.

At Wednesday’s meeting, Sal Ramirez made the motion, with a second from Mark Stiles, to name Velasco the superintendent. The motion passed unanimously.

Velasco and his family currently reside in Lorena.