Paula Texel

Area Superintendent, Area 4

Paula Texel has served as Area 4 Superintendent for Pinellas County Schools since January 2025. A lifelong educator and dedicated leader, she brings more than three decades of experience in teaching, school leadership and district administration, with a strong commitment to supporting students, schools and employees. 

A Pinellas County native and graduate of Seminole High School, Ms. Texel began her career with Pinellas County Schools in 1992 as an elementary teacher. She taught at 74th Street, Pasadena and Frontier elementary schools before transitioning into school leadership in 2000 as assistant principal at North Shore Elementary School and later Oakhurst Elementary School. 

Ms. Texel went on to serve as principal of Bear Creek Elementary School, Lake St. George Elementary School and Ponce de Leon Elementary School. During her tenure as principal, she was recognized as Pinellas County's Elementary Principal of the Year in 2015 for her outstanding leadership and dedication to student achievement. 

In 2016, Ms. Texel joined the district's executive leadership team as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Services and later served as Chief Human Resources Officer. In these roles, she led efforts to recruit, develop and retain a highly qualified workforce while overseeing services that support employees throughout every stage of their careers, from recruitment and hiring through retirement. 

As Area 4 Superintendent, Ms. Texel works closely with school leaders to support academic excellence, strengthen school communities and ensure students have opportunities and resources for success. 

Mrs. Texel earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of South Florida. 

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Ms. Texel is a member of St. Petersburg Masters Swim Team, enjoys playing golf, and rooting on her Tampa Bay professional sports teams.