Marquis Who's Who Honors Dr. Karla Loría for Expertise in Educational Leadership
Press Release January 19, 2026
Dr. Loría is recognized for driving excellence and innovation as superintendent of Adams County School District 14, Colorado.
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Her tenure is marked by a steadfast commitment to student achievement, team development and community engagement.

COMMERCE CITY, CO, January 19, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Karla Loría has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Loría has distinguished herself as the superintendent of schools at Adams County School District 14 since 2021, where she has led a period of significant transformation and growth. Her tenure is marked by a steadfast commitment to student achievement, team development and community engagement. Dr. Loría spends her mornings in schools, directly engaging with students, visiting classrooms and collaborating with teachers and principals. Through regular collaboration with her cabinet, she advances excellence in human resources, innovation, academics and finance while adeptly steering the district through the political responsibilities of the superintendent role.

Under Dr. Loría's leadership, Adams County School District 14 achieved the highest increase in four-year graduation rates among Colorado school districts serving more than 1,000 students, a milestone not reached since the mid-1990s. This accomplishment is particularly notable given the district's history of low performance and state intervention over the past two decades. Dr. Loría attributes this success to her focus on building cohesive teams of experts with a student-centered focus to take informed risks within strategic guidelines. Her efforts have also led to the district being recognized as a school district of innovation increasing student voice by a prominent education network of school boards in Colorado.

Dr. Loría has built an exceptional career in educational leadership across some of the nation's largest school systems. She previously served as chief academic officer for the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, overseeing academic programs for 360 schools, and as region superintendent, managing approximately 127 schools to ensure consistent standards and support services.

Earlier, she held senior leadership roles including chief of human resources and student support services for Harrison School District in Colorado Springs and chief of schools for Houston Independent School District, where she oversaw 65 schools and advanced academic excellence and inclusive learning environments. She also served as area superintendent for San Diego Unified School District, managing approximately 25 schools.

Dr. Loría began her U.S. education career in North Carolina as a teacher, assistant principal and principal after immigrating from Costa Rica, where she had already distinguished herself as a university professor, educator and administrator—bringing a global perspective that continues to shape her impactful leadership.

With expertise in identifying the impact of collective work on students, analyzing student needs, and providing both academic and social-emotional support, Dr. Loría has consistently improved student services throughout her career. Committed to the field, she is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of School Administrators, the Association of Latino Administrators, and Superintendents and the Colorado Association of School Executives.

Dr. Loría earned her Doctor of Education in educational leadership and administration from the University of Houston in 2014. She also holds a master's degree in School Administration and a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, both from institutions in Costa Rica. These academic accomplishments have provided her with a solid foundation for her innovative and effective approach to educational leadership.

Reflecting on her career, Dr. Loría credits her success to a lifetime of diverse experiences that have shaped her into an adaptive leader, beginning with her inquisitive nature as a child in Costa Rica through more than 38 years of teaching and administrative experience across multiple countries. She emphasizes listening to families and students as essential partners in education, believing that their insights are invaluable for creating supportive learning environments.

Dr. Loría's contributions have been recognized with numerous awards. These include the Student Achievement Program Award from the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) and the Latino Superintendent of the Year from the Colorado Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (CO-ALAS), both in 2025. She has also received the Tech Award from All Star and the Outstanding Superintendent of the Year Award from the Mexican American School Boards Association (MASBA). She has also been recognized as a 2025-26 National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) Superintendent to Watch. Dr. Loría serves on the board of advisors for the Aldrin Family Foundation and CAPSTONE publishing company. She also acts as a Commissioner for COGNIA, and volunteers extensively within her community.

In her personal life, Dr. Loría enjoys painting with watercolors or oil paints, biking and spending time outdoors with her family and grandchildren. In reflecting on her work, she aims to leave every place she is better than how she found it. She is building in Adams County School District 14 sustainable structures that ensure continued excellence, particularly maintaining its status as Colorado's highest-paying district for teachers, and to see her students make meaningful contributions to society. Dr. Loría's enduring goal is to foster an environment where teachers feel valued and every voice is heard, allowing future generations to build upon her legacy of empowerment and opportunity.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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