In the News at A+UP
August 1, 2025
Board Names Superintendent
August 1, 2025
Dear A+UP Families and Community,
The A+UP Charter Schools Board of Directors is very pleased to officially announce that, following the required 21-day waiting period and a unanimous vote from our Board, Mr. Thomas “Kap” McWhorter has been formally named the new Superintendent of A+UP Charter Schools, effective immediately.
This announcement follows the A+UP Charter Board of Directors’ unanimous decision on July 10, 2025, to name Mr. McWhorter as the lone finalist for the position. With this final step complete, we celebrate the start of a new chapter—led by someone who is already deeply woven into the fabric of our school community.
Kap has served A+UP families with dedication and heart for more than seven years, first as Campus Principal and most recently as Head of Schools. His leadership has been marked by a steadfast commitment to creating a nurturing, inclusive, and student-centered culture. He is a trusted voice, a steady guide, and an inspiring leader who lives out A+UP’s mission every day.
Mr. McWhorter brings more than 25 years of experience in education and community leadership. From launching innovative student programs in Humble ISD to leading humanitarian work in developing countries around the world, his career has consistently focused on student empowerment and service. His unique blend of classroom experience, global perspective, and deep commitment to community engagement makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead our district forward.
We also want to thank Paul Castro for his years of dedicated service as Superintendent since A+UP’s founding in 2013. Kap steps into this role standing on a strong foundation, ready to elevate our district with vision and heart.
Please join us in congratulating Superintendent McWhorter on this well-deserved appointment. We are excited about the future of A+UP under his leadership—and we remain deeply grateful for your partnership in making our schools a place where every student can Belong, Grow, and Rise.
With gratitude and excitement,
The A+UP Charter Schools Board of Directors
For more information, please contact the Office of Communications & Community Relations at (713) 955-7557 x106.
In the News at A+UP
July 10, 2025
Board Names Superintendent Lone Finalist
July 10, 2025
(Houston, TX) – The A+UP Charter Board of Trustees, in a unanimous decision, has named Thomas “Kap” McWhorter as the lone finalist in its search for a new superintendent. The action was taken at a special called meeting of the board held Thursday, July 10. Mr. McWhorter is expected to succeed Paul Castro who was serving as the district’s superintendent since late it’s opening in 2013.
“I am honored to be named the lone finalist,” said Mr. McWhorter.
By law, the district is required to observe a 21-day waiting period before Ms. McWhorter can officially be hired.
Kap McWhorter brings over 17 years of educational experience as a teacher, administrator, and global servant leader. A graduate of Houston Baptist University, he holds both a Bachelor’s in Speech Communication and Theology and a Master’s in Theological Studies. His career began in ministry and community work, including humanitarian efforts in Mozambique and Malawi, where he developed a passion for student engagement through service.
He began his education career teaching speech at Humble ISD, where he also launched an innovative Social Action course that equipped students to enact real change locally and globally. This course later inspired his creation of Finding Heroes, a nonprofit dedicated to helping other districts implement social action programs.
Kap went on to serve as Service-Learning Coordinator for Humble ISD, where he developed district-wide opportunities for student-led community engagement. For the past four years, he has served as Campus Principal at A+UP, where he is known for cultivating a warm, family-like environment that deeply involves both students and parents.
In May 2025, the A+UP board posted the position online to assist with the superintendent search. The process involved gathering stakeholder input.
For more information, contact the A+UP Charter’s Office of Communications & Community Relations at (713) 955-7557 x106.