Human Capital Chief Robert Abel was honored this week with the 2025 Distinguished Service Award by the Council of the Great City Schools for his distinguished service in urban education.
The award is sponsored by Kelly Education and is given to an individual from the management services ranks during the annual Chief Human Resources Officers meeting, which this year took place in Baltimore, Md.
With over two decades of experience in educational leadership, Abel has continually driven meaningful change in large, urban school districts, a vital part of the Council’s mission to improve student outcomes. Since stepping into his role as chief of HCM in 2021, he has been instrumental in strategic initiatives, such as a 44% reduction in overall grievances filed while achieving a remarkable 90% reduction in Level 3 grievances. These accomplishments reflect his commitment to fostering fair and transparent employee relations.
Under his leadership, the teacher applicant pool in Dallas ISD has grown by 14%, and substitute fill rates increased from 66% to 81%. Additionally, Abel implemented the Substitute AABS monitoring and accountability system, which has yielded approximately $1.5 million in annual cost savings. His strategic oversight of the district’s excess pool also resulted in savings between $10-12 million annually, ensuring that vital resources are reinvested into the classroom.
According to the CGCS, Abel’s dedication extends beyond numbers. He is a passionate advocate for collaboration and innovation in human capital management. His involvement in districtwide initiatives—including the At-Home Learning CORE team, IT Tech Steering Committee, and Special Education Curriculum Advisory Council—underscores his focus on operational excellence and holistic support for students, educators, and team members.
“Robert Abel epitomizes the kind of leadership we strive to recognize—one marked by the profound impact on students and staff, as well as innovative solutions to urban education’s most pressing challenges,” said Nicola Soares, president of Kelly Education, which co-hosts the annual meeting. “His achievements are a testament to the power of visionary leadership in creating strong, equitable systems that benefit every level of the school community.”
Abel holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology from Oklahoma State University.
