Dr. Sarah Baray brings more than 30 years of experience in education to her leadership of Pre-K 4 SA. Prior to joining the organization, she served as a professor at Texas State University, where she directed the Ph.D. in School Improvement program and contributed as a researcher and instructor in the Educational and Community Leadership program. Before her time in higher education, Dr. Baray built a distinguished career in the Austin Independent School District, advancing through roles as a teacher, principal, and district administrator. Dr. Baray earned her Ph.D. in Executive Public School Leadership from the University of Texas at Austin, where she also completed her Master of Education and Bachelor of Science degrees. Her scholarship focuses on policies and practices that advance educational equity. As a scholar practitioner, she bridges research and practice, particularly in understanding how high-quality early learning shapes long-term educational outcomes. She has authored dozens of articles and book chapters and has provided extensive professional development to support educators in becoming more culturally responsive. Deeply rooted in San Antonio, Dr. Baray lives along the river and is an active civic leader. She serves on the boards of the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas and the UP Partnership, was recognized with the 2020 Women’s Leadership Award from the San Antonio Business Journal, and the 2025 Freedom Award from the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Baray and her husband, Ray Baray, a San Antonio native, are proud parents of a daughter practicing law in Washington, D.C.