Rod Paige (Associated Press)
HOUSTON – Houston Mayor John Whitmire confirms the former Houston ISD superintendent and U.S. Education Secretary, Rod Paige, died on Tuesday. He was 92.
Paige had a distinguished career in public service, serving as Dean of the Texas Southern University College of Education, Superintendent of Houston ISD, and as U.S. Education Secretary under President George W. Bush from 2001-2005.
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Rod Paige. He was a Houston hero, respected educator and a dear friend,” Whitmire said in a statement. Throughout his distinguished career in public service, from Dean of the Texas Southern University College of Education, Houston Independent School District superintendent or serving as the seventh U.S. Education Secretary, Dr. Paige transformed lives and opened the doors of opportunity for countless children and their families throughout our community and across the country.”
“God does not allow us to choose when we lose loved ones and friends, but he does allow us to honor their legacy and celebrate their lives. I ask everyone to celebrate Dr. Paige’s life and keep his family and loved ones in your prayers,” Whitmire said.
Copyright 2025 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.
About the AuthorChristian Terry
Christian Terry covered digital news in Tyler and Wichita Falls before returning to the Houston area where he grew up. He is passionate about weather and the outdoors and often spends his days off on the water fishing.
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