HOUSTON (June 8, 2026) – A few years after retiring from a 47-year career in public education, Jim Cain, Ed.D., decided his time serving local students and educators was not over. He was elected to serve District 9 on the Lone Star College System Board of Trustees in 2020.
“My priority is to keep all the great things that are happening moving forward, whether that’s having a sound budget, offering high-quality instruction or implementing the strategic plan,” Cain said. “We’ve got such a good thing going that you want to just continue to improve and keep moving in a positive direction.”
Cain’s career began as a fifth-grade teacher and junior high basketball coach in a small farming community in Illinois after graduating from the University of Illinois in 1969. In 1971, he moved to Texas to take on a teaching role in Clear Creek ISD and earn master’s and doctoral degrees in school administration from the University of Houston.
He would later serve in Fort Bend ISD and in Klein ISD, where he ultimately spent 12 years as the superintendent. Shortly after he retired in 2016, the Klein ISD Board of Trustees named the district’s fifth high school, Klein Cain High School, in his honor.
“I always enjoyed school. From the time I was in kindergarten, I just really enjoyed being at school and learning,” Cain said. “I had great admiration for the teachers who taught me and the administrations who ran the school. It was natural for me, when I went to the University of Illinois, to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education.”
Other notable accolades on Cain’s resume include Texas Computer Education Association Superintendent of the Year, the Walter Kase Award from the Houston Anti-Defamation League, the John Kelley Distinguished Service Award from the Greater Houston Football Coaches Association, the John Pickelman Leadership North Houston Fellow Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Houston Intercontinental Chamber of Commerce, and being named a Region 4 Superintendent of the Year finalist, the University of Houston College of Education Alumni Association’s Volunteer of the Year, and the Friends of Texas Public Schools Ambassador of the Year.
But for Cain, it’s always been about preparing students for the future and celebrating their success.
Although Cain understood the trustee role from his time on the administrative side of education, he has learned a lot about the college system since being elected. Soon after joining the board, he visited every LSCS facility to meet campus leadership and get a firsthand look at program offerings. He also enjoys observing instruction at the classroom level and attends functions throughout the year to support LSCS students and employees.
“A highlight has been the support that the Board of Trustees has always given to the administration, whether it's the chancellor, the college presidents, the vice chancellors, the deans, as well as the faculty and staff,” Cain said. “I can tell you that the members of the board have great respect for the folks who are serving Lone Star College System, regardless of what their position is.”
Cain is also a loyal member of the Academy for Lifelong Learning at LSC-University Park. The program is designed to enrich the lives of senior adults through classes, social activities, skills development and personal growth opportunities.
“I’m very impressed with everything that Lone Star College System does,” Cain said. “The variety of coursework that’s offered is amazing. Whether you’re getting an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree or a certificate—whatever your goal is, this is a great place to be.”
Cain has also held seats on the boards of the Cypress Creek YMCA, the Texas Council on Economic Education, Northwest Assistance Ministries, Texas Academic Decathlon, The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts, WINGS Prison Ministries and Harris County Municipal Utility District 383. He is a child advocate for Children’s Protective Services in Montgomery County and mentors students in Klein ISD.
