Citing her steady leadership and vision, the Texas School Nurses Organization (TSNO) has named Sylvia Belmontes, Ysleta ISD’s Director of Student Health Services, as the 2025-26 Texas School Nurse Administrator of the Year for outstanding contributions to student health, mentorship of nursing professionals, and the meaningful professional impact she’s made across the Southwest region.
Belmontes, who has spent the last six years at Ysleta ISD leading a team of more than 70 nurses, will be honored in November at the annual conference of the TSNO, which aims to enhance whole student wellness and learning by strengthening school nursing practice.
Elevating School Nursing Through Service
With 18 years of experience in school nursing, Belmontes is credited with elevating Ysleta ISD’s focus on whole-child wellness and helping coordinate exceptional care that meets each student’s physical and emotional needs. Described by her professional peers as a true mentor at heart, Belmontes also dedicates time to supporting emerging nurse leaders throughout the region, helping them navigate the demands of school health services with confidence and compassion.
“We commend Ysleta ISD for fostering an environment that values and supports exceptional nursing leadership,” TSNO Executive Director Becca Harkleroad said. “Ms. Belmontes’ achievements reflect the district’s commitment to student success & comprehensive health programs that make learning possible for every child.”
Uniting School Nurse Leaders Across Districts
As chair of the Southwest School Nurse Alliance, Belmontes is also credited with bringing together directors, coordinators, and lead nurses from nine El Paso-area districts to collaborate, share best practices, and stay aligned with evolving state laws and regulations.
Belmontes is also the driving force behind the Alliance’s annual conference, which brings evidence-based practices and cutting-edge knowledge to school nurses in this region. The conference has addressed critical topics such as student mental health, psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, and student nutrition – and this helps ensure nurses are equipped to meet the needs of today’s students.
Taking the Spotlight in The Woodlands
Belmontes will formally receive her Texas School Nurse Administrator of the Year award Nov. 1-2 at the TSNO conference at The Woodlands. For more information on TSNO, visit www.tsno.org.