INSIGHT - Summer 2025

INSIGHT

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DEPARTMENTS

INSIGHT EDITORIAL STAFF

Executive Director Kevin Brown

Deputy Executive Director, Charles Dupre Member Engagement & Support

Director, Communications Amy Francisco & Marketing

Coordinator, Graphics & Multimedia Marco A. De La Cueva

Editorial Director Dacia Rivers

INSIGHT is published quarterly by the Texas Association of School Administrators, 406 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas, 78701-2617. Subscription is included in TASA membership dues. © 2025 by TASA. All rights reserved.TASA members may reprint articles in limited quantities for in-house educational use. Articles in INSIGHT are expressions of the author or interviewee and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of TASA. Advertisements do not necessarily carry the endorsement of the Texas Association of School Administrators.

About TASA

TASA’s mission is to promote, provide and develop leaders who create and sustain studentcentered schools and develop future-ready students.

We envision innovative, future-focused leaders for every public school student.

OFFICERS

Chris Moran, President, San Angelo ISD

Roosevelt Nivens, President-Elect, Lamar CISD

Jeannie Meza-Chavez, Vice President, San Elizario ISD

Martha Salazar-Zamora, Past President, Tomball ISD

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Alejos Salazar, Jr., Region 1, Lasara ISD

Sharon McKinney, Region 2, Port Aransas ISD

Robert O’Connor, Region 3, Edna ISD

Walter Jackson, Region 4, La Porte ISD

Stacey Brister, Region 5, Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD

Darol Hail, Region 6, New Waverly ISD

Carnelius Gilder, Region 7, West Sabine ISD

Jason McCullough, Region 8, Mount Vernon ISD

Brad Owen, Region 9, Burkburnett ISD

John “JJ” Villarreal, Region 10, Rockwall ISD

DesMontes Stewart, Region 11, Gainesville ISD

Bobby Ott, Region 12, Temple ISD

Mark Estrada, Region 13, Lockhart ISD

Bryan Allen, Region 14, Clyde CISD

Aaron Hood, Region 15, Robert Lee ISD

Greg Brown, Region 16, Perryton ISD

Scott Harrell, Region 17, Sudan ISD

Jay McWilliams, Region 18, Big Spring ISD

Diana Sayavedra, Region 19, El Paso ISD

Burnie Roper, Region 20, Lackland ISD

AT-LARGE MEMBERS

Sanée Bell, Katy ISD

Tory Hill, Channelview ISD

Nicole Poenitzsch, Bellville ISD

Tiffany Spicer, Waco ISD

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Lauralyn Arterbury, Advocacy

Dana Bashara, Professional Learning

Donny Lee, Member Engagement

Roland Hernandez, Legislative

EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Jeannie Meza-Chavez, San Elizario ISD, Chair

Lauralyn Arterbury, New Braunfels ISD

Dana Bashara, Alamo Heights ISD

Roland Hernandez, Corpus Christi ISD

Donny Lee, Wichita Falls ISD

Michael O'Malley, Texas State University

TASA Professional Learning Calendar

For details on TASA professional developement events, see https://tasanet.org/professional-learning.

txEDCON 2025, the annual TASA/TASB Convention, will be held September 11-14 in Houston. The convention is a tradition that goes back nearly 65 years! The first official TASA/TASB Convention took place September 24–25, 1961, at the Municipal Auditorium in Austin. Co-sponsored, co-staffed, and co-planned, it marked a new era of partnership between school governance and leadership. Admission was free, and meal tickets were just $1.75 for lunch and $3 for the banquet. Visitors to the exhibit hall were entered to win a 17-inch portable "television set." In 1967, a registration fee was introduced — $3 for members, $8 for non-members. In the early 1970s, the convention was scheduled around UT football. Though held in San Antonio, charter buses transported attendees to the games in Austin for $5 per ticket. Attendees departed at 5:30 p.m. from the convention center and returned after the game. Don't miss this year's convention in Houston! Get details at https://tasa.tasb.org!

Chris Moran

PRESIDENT’S

MESSAGE

My father often told me, “Get all you can and can all you get.”

CALLED TO SERVE

In this issue of INSIGHT, we welcome new TASA President Christopher Moran. Dr. Moran is superintendent of San Angelo ISD, a post he has held since 2024. Before that, he was superintendent in Whitehouse and Brownsboro ISDs. A 34-year veteran educator, Moran has been married to his wife, Christa, for 30 years and he is a proud father to four children and two grandchildren.

Ioriginally intended to teach and coach basketball as a career, but I could never have imagined the journey that would unfold through my years as an educator. Born in Southern Arizona, just two miles north of the border, I was raised by loving parents who had little in terms of material wealth, but an abundance of faith and commitment to family. When a family divorce left my three male cousins without a home, my parents welcomed them in. At the age of 7, our new home — a 14-by-80 trailer in East Texas — became the center of a family.

Living in the country offered me a childhood of simple joys: riding bikes, romping through the woods, and playing in the creek. My time was divided between school, church, family work, and exploring the outdoors. Though our means were limited, I now realize how rich I was in love, opportunity, and support.

Neither of my parents had a college education, but they dedicated their lives to serving Jesus Christ and others. They instilled in us the belief that education was not only important but essential. My father often told me, “Get all you can and can all you get.” In Whitehouse, Texas, strong academics for me were complemented by band and basketball.

It wasn’t until college that I found my path toward a teaching certificate. Playing college basketball at an NAIA school in Missouri ignited a deep passion for coaching. What began as a dream to teach and coach slowly evolved. One step led to another, and now, in my 34th year in Texas public education, I am honored to serve as superintendent and the president of the Texas Association of School Administrators.

Along the way, I have been blessed with mentors who modeled integrity, servant leadership, and a standard of excellence. They challenged me to grow and taught me the importance of surrounding myself with people who are smarter than I am — people who can help build something greater than any of us could do alone.

Looking back, I recognize how much others have sacrificed, prayed, and encouraged me along the way. My parents and brothers have been steady examples of service and devotion to others. Their influence helped shape the foundation of who I am today.

Through it all, my prayer is that every student I serve experiences the same kind of support and love I received as a child. I believe every student is created in the image of God and possesses gifts and abilities of great value. My mission is to love and serve each student who enters through the doors of San Angelo ISD — regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic background, or any other label. By providing a rigorous academic experience paired with compassion and care, I aim to serve the God I love and empower every student to pursue a life of purpose and possibility.

Serving Texas public school students isn’t just my career — it’s my calling.

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HEARTBREAK AND HOPE

Kevin Brown EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S VIEW

Thank you to the educators, administrators and bus drivers who showed up — as you always do.

The Central Texas floods on July 4 were a terrible tragedy — the loss of so many lives, the grief of families and friends, the sorrow in our communities. The most profound losses, of course, were the children. They had been looking forward to attending their beloved camp for a month with old and new friends, or to a family vacation along the river.

Survivors face lifelong wounds as they process what they saw, heard and lost. It’s enough to test anyone’s faith and resolve.

It’s hard to find a silver lining. Nothing can bring back those we’ve lost. Yet as I watched the news and heard stories of heroic rescues — young counselors risking their lives for others, school employees, bus drivers, principals, and superintendents jumping into action to save hundreds — I felt hope.

Two stories in particular moved me. One father, searching for his son, helped others cope with their own grief. His quiet strength gives me hope in humanity. Another man, searching for his parents, told reporters he was overwhelmed by the public’s unity. Filled with grief, he said if their deaths brought our divided nation together, even briefly, their lives were not lost in vain. His words brought me to tears.

As school districts raise money and offer support, I’m reminded of the generosity of the people in our profession. Thank you for providing counseling to students and comforting your communities. Thank you to the educators, administrators and bus drivers who showed up — as you always do. You welcome every child, hold yourselves accountable to your communities, and serve selflessly in good times and bad.

A special thank-you to the educators and leaders in Kerrville, Ingram, Hunt, Comfort, and Center Point. You have carried the greatest burden and given the most.

It’s often said that when things are at their worst, people are at their best. We’ve seen countless examples of that during this ordeal. Perhaps one way to honor those we lost is to set aside our differences and strive for unity — not just in hard times, but always. In that regard, never forget: You model that for our society every day.

Kevin Brown TASA Executive Director

Get to know TASA’s 2025-26 officers

Chris Moran, president

Chris Moran is serving as TASA president for the 2025-26 year. In 2024, he became superintendent of San Angelo ISD. With more than three decades of work in public education, Moran previously served as superintendent in Whitehouse and Brownsboro ISDs. In 2019, he was named the Region 7 Superintendent of the year. He has worked as a teacher, coach, bus driver, assistant principal and principal, all in Whitehouse ISD, the district from which he himself graduated.

Moran received his bachelor’s degree from Evangel University, his master’s from The University of Texas at Tyler, and a doctorate from Stephen F. Austin State University. He has also received post-doctoral training through the Lamar University Center for Executive Leadership and the SMU District Leadership Fellows.

Moran has served on the TASA Executive Committee since 2021. He has also served on the Commissioner’s Cabinet and enthusiastically advocates for all students.

Roosevelt Nivens, president-elect

Since 2021, Roosevelt Nivens has served as superintendent of Lamar CISD. Prior to that, he was superintendent of schools in Community ISD. Nivens began his career in education as a teacher in Dallas ISD before working as an assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent of achievement and organizational management in Lancaster ISD.

The son of educators, Nivens earned his bachelor’s degree from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, and his master’s and doctoral degrees in education from Texas A&M University-Commerce. He also trained at the Harvard Executive Leadership Institute, the Harrison Williams Collins Executive Leadership Institute and the Thompson Executive Leadership Institute.

In 2019, Nivens was named Region 10 Superintendent of the Year and National Superintendent of the Year for the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE). In 2022, he was named Latino Serving Superintendent of the Year by the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS). As a TASA member, he has chaired the Advocacy Committee and the Editorial Advisory Committee.

Jeannie Meza-Chavez, vice president

Jeannie Meza-Chavez is superintendent of San Elizario ISD, a position she has held since 2017. Now in her 28th year working in education, Meza-Chavez was previously superintendent in Tornillo ISD. She began her career in education as a middle school English and reading teacher in Socorro ISD before moving to San Antonio to help open the Young Women's Leadership Academy.

After returning to the El Paso area, Meza-Chavez became principal at Nolan Richardson Middle School in El Paso ISD, then moved into district administration, working as the human resources director for secondary personnel before stepping into the superintendency in Tornillo.

Meza-Chavez earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at El Paso, her master’s from Sul Ross State University, and her doctorate from New Mexico State University.

Recently, Meza-Chavez served as president of the Texas Council of Women School Executives. She has served on numerous TASA committees. As vice president, she chairs the TASA Editorial Advisory Committee.

Martha Salazar-Zamora, past president

Tomball ISD welcomed Martha Salazar-Zamora as superintendent in 2017. In 2023, she was named Texas Superintendent of the Year — the first Hispanic female to receive the honor — and she was selected by AASA as one of four finalists for 2024 National Superintendent of the Year.

In 2024, Salazar-Zamora was named the Houston Area Educator of the Year, one of the Top 40 Women of Distinction in Houston, and she was listed by “District Administration” magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Educators in the nation. In late 2024, she was also named one of two finalists for AASA’s Women in Leadership Award.

She has worked in education for 39 years, serving in several diverse districts across the state, including as deputy superintendent for instruction and administration in Round Rock ISD. Salazar-Zamora received her master’s and doctoral degrees from Texas A&M University.

Salazar-Zamora currently serves as president of the Texas Council of Women School Executives, and she has previously served as president of the Fast Growth School Coalition. She is also a past president and founding member of the Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents.

100 years of TASA presidents

As we celebrate TASA's centennial this year, we honor all the outstanding school leaders who have served as TASA president over the past 100 years.

TASA and the Texas Education Leadership Lab at the University of Texas at Austin have partnered to publish what will become an annual report on the status of the superintendency, and we're excited to announce that the 2025 release of "The Texas Superintendent Workforce in 7 Graphics" is complete. This first-of-its-kind report includes demographics, turnover, tenure, pay and gender, and snapshots of the superintendency based on district size, serving as a resource for school districts, boards, policymakers, and the public at large. See the full report at https://bit. ly/2025-supt-workforce-report.

Then and now: TASA membership over the years

Before TASA was "TASA," it was the "Section of Superintendence" of the Texas State Teachers Association. Founded in November 1925 with 108 charter members, including 72 superintendents and 24 principals, the roster included one woman: Mary Carroll, superintendent of Corpus Christi ISD from 1922 to 1933.

Charter members paid a $1 membership fee, on which then-Secretary-Treasurer N.S. Holland commented: “Our objective is to get an organization among school administrators, in Texas, along professional lines. The membership fee of $1 should be substantially increased, so that we can find sufficient funds for this organization to assert itself.” One year later, the membership fee was increased to $5.

During the years the organization operated as the “Section of Superintendence,” it rarely exceeded 100 members, but after becoming the Texas Association of School Administrators in 1939, TASA began to grow. As 1942-43 TASA President J.W. Edgar once noted, "Since about 1938, the organizational structure had been in transition, moving from a passive research organization to an active membership organization.

"By 1952, TASA had 800 members. Back then, before the internet and email (or even faxes), TASA used paper and ink to communicate with those members, and volunteer leaders among the membership collected the dues and conducted the business of the association.

It wasn't until 1966, when the TASA Executive Committee appointed R.E. “Emmett” Harris as the first full-time executive director, that TASA had a full-time staff. Annual dues at that time were $15 (about $145 today), and that was after an increase was made to fund the hiring of Harris and establish a TASA headquarters.

Five years later, in 1971, the TASA membership approved a constitutional amendment to increase annual dues to $35. That increase enabled TASA to provide liability insurance coverage to members and hire a part-time assistant executive director.

It was in the early 1970s that discussion began about creating a dues structure based on a percentage of members' salaries. A Dues Structure Committee recommended that they be increased to 1.5% of the gross salary of each member, but that effort failed when put to a vote of the whole membership, as did another couple of efforts to raise dues in the early 1970s.

In 1975, an Executive Committee recommendation that TASA dues be set at fourtenths of 1% (.004) of each member’s gross annual salary with dues no less than $56 nor more than $120 was presented to the general membership and adopted by a vote of 234 to 48, with 83% of TASA members voting in support.

The effective date was June 1, coinciding with an announcement that applications were being accepted for a new executive director to replace Harris, who had announced his intent to retire in June 1976. By 1983, TASA grew to nearly 1,500 members.

Since that time, the dues structure has changed only once — in 1990 — when TASA’s “21st Century Task Force” recommended that

TASA revise its dues structure. The change eliminated the $120 cap on Active Category members’ dues instituted in 1975, deleted the institutional membership category, and provided for dues increases for Associate and Student Category members.

Modifications to TASA’s Constitution & Bylaws in subsequent years granted flexibility to the Executive Committee to change the dues amounts for members other than superintendents. However, the basic dues structure adopted in 1990, providing for growth in dues revenue annually based on member salaries, remains in effect today.

As a new millennium dawned in 1999-00, TASA reached 2,000 members. Two decades later, membership hit 3,000, and growth accelerated rapidly for the next five years. TASA is now stronger than it has ever been with 4,089 Active, Associate, Retired, College/University/State Agency, and Student members and a legacy of a century of service and support to Texas school leaders. In addition, we cur-

rently have 1,967 Honorary Life members. That special category is reserved for school administrators who have demonstrated extraordinary devotion to education and to the association during their careers. (See pages 20-29.)

Today, TASA members enjoy a range of benefits. However, the following 1954-55 TASA membership campaign call to action still sums it up pretty well:

“’Oughtness’ is not enough reason for belonging to TASA, but there are many reasons why every school administrator in Texas owes it to himself and his school district to affiliate himself with TASA. The genial, progressive, well-informed school administrator, with a TASA membership card, and with unshakable confidence in himself, his ability, his school district, his association, his state, and his country, is to millions the living representative of Public Education in Texas!"

Celebrating extraordinary devotion TASA Honorary Life Membership TASA CENTENNIAL

Each year at the TASA Midwinter Conference, the association honors a new cohort of Honorary Life members. This special category of membership is reserved for school administrators who have demonstrated extraordinary devotion to education and to the association during their careers. TASA has awarded 2,205 Honorary Life memberships since 1943, the first year of the program.

Ramon Abarca

Elizabeth Abernethy

Truett Absher

Clyde Abshier

Glenn Acker

W. Acker

Stacy Ackley

Billy Adams

Gary Adams

H.G. Adams

Jeff Adams

Raymond Adams

Seth Adams

Vicki Adams

Robin Adkins

Antonio Aguirre

A. Aikin

John Alebis

Ruben Alejandro

Billy Alexander

C. Warren Alexander

Tommy Alexander

Bill Allen

Terry Allen

Frank Allenson

Daniel Allie

James Allison

Kevy Allred

Arturo Almendarez

Kenneth Almond

Ace Alsup

Ernesto Alvarado

James Alvis

Thomas Alvis

Joe Ammerman

Bill Anderson

Gerald Anderson

Gordon Anderson

J. Anderson

Karen Anderson

Marcus Anderson

S. Anderson

Joe Andrews

W. Andrews

Larry Appel

James Apple

Kent Appleby

Herbert Arledge

Billy Arnold

Dorothy Arnold

Doug Arnold

Paul Arnold

Raymond Arnold

Elvis Arterbury

Stephanie Arterbury

Steve Arthur

Ross Aschenbeck

Sarah Ashburn

Robert Ashworth

Morrison Asman

Joe Austin

Ted Averitt

Royce Avery

Fred Ayer

Thomas Baca

Jay Baccus

Larry Baer

Kelly Baggett

A. Bagley

Coleman Bailey

Fred Ayer

TASA’s First Honorary Life Member

John Bailey

Richard Bain

Jerry Baird

Betty Baitland

James Baize

Anne Baker

Billy Baker

Bobby Baker

TASA’s first Honorary Life Membership was bestowed at the 1943 annual meeting, when TASA President J.W. Edgar arranged for and conferred it on Dr. Fred C. Ayer, a professor of educational administration at The University of Texas at Austin.

Ayer, TASA’s “Director of Research” from 1931 to 1935, had published a series of reports titled “The Progress of Pupils in the State of Texas.” He was recognized for the importance of that research.

As TASA President Jake Hendricks noted in the foreword of one of Ayer’s reports, “All other educational issues are subsidiary to the problem of child progress.”

Carl Baker

Carlos Baker

Charles Baker

Charlotte Baker

Dewey Baker

Emmett Baker

Garth Baker

J. Baker

John Baker

Shannon Baker

Vivian Baker

W. Baker

Arzell Ball

James Ball

Michael Ball

Elaine Ballard

Orville Ballard

B. Banks

Bill Banks

Robert Banks

Amos Bankston

James Bankston

C. Barbee

R. Barber

Tony Barcelona

J. Barefield

Joseph Baressi

Charles Barker

Gary Barker

Monte Barnes

Sam Barnes

Tracy Barnes

Curtis Barnett

James Barnett

Shaun Barnett

William Barnett

Linda Barnhart

Rob Barnwell

Paul Barr

Robert Barrett

John Barron

James Barta

Frank Barton

Scott Barton

Elwyn Bass

John Bass

Billy Bates

Louis Baty

Sherri Bays

Harold Beam

Joe Bean

Von Rhea Beane

Bobby Beard

Kenneth Beard

Roy Beard

Janice Beasley

Marvin Beaty

Randel Beaver

Harry Beavers

Wes Beck

Woodie Beene

A. Bell

Ellen Bell

Roland Bell

Danny Bellah

Alda Benavides

Roy Benavides

Dennis Bennett

J. Bennett

Leslie Bennett

Gilbert Bernstein

Richard Berry

Randall Berryhill

Carol Bertholf

Gene Best

Raul Besteiro

Robert Bethea

Ray Bethke

James Bible

Jimmy Bickley

Pete Bienski

Eugene Bigbie

John Billings

Sandra Billodeau

E. Bills

Walter Bingham

Jerry Birdsong

A. Birdwell

Patti Birney

Merrill Bishop

Charles Bitters

G. Blackman

Larry Blair

James Blake

Leon Blake

George Blanch

Eddie Bland

Albert Blankenship

Don Blankenship

Gwinn Blankenship

O. Blaschke

Lori Blaylock

Philip Bledsoe

Wayne Blevins

Landell Blocker

A. Blunt

Billy Blythe

Michael Bodine

Charles Boggess

Vernon Bohach

Keith Boles

Elmer Bondy

Henry Bonorden

James Boone

John Booth

Bill Borgers

Paul Boswell

R. Boulter

Oscar Bounds

Jerome Bourgeois

Sharon Boutwell

Alton Bowen

Charles Bowen

William Bowen

James Bowie

Billy Bowman

James Bowman

Thomas Bowman

Clarke Boyd

James Boyle

S. Boynton

Charles Bradberry

Seburn Bradley

James Bramlett

Bill Brantley

Gerald Brashears

Rosalyn Bratcher

Hugo Brehm

Fred Brent

David Brewer

Raymond Brewton

Berry Bridges

Charles Bright

Elzo Brinson

M. Brockette

Anna Brodie

Ercell Brooks

John Brooks

Julee Broscoff

Glendon Broumley

Bobby Brown

Darrell Brown

Gordon Brown

James Brown

James Brown

Joe Brown

Johnny Brown

Keith Brown

Mortimer Brown

Patsy Brown

Ray Brown

William Brown

L. Bruns

Donald Bryan

Leslie Bryan

Sam Bryan

Walter Bryan

Pamela Bryant

Cathy Bryce

Stacey Bryce

Clarence Buck

J. Buckley

D. Buckner

Ross Buckner

Garland Bullard

W. Bunting

William Burden

Steve Burleson

Sam Burnes

C. Burnett

Floyd Burnett

Quentin Burnett

Bobby Burns

Otis Burroughs

Gene Burton

Lynn Burton

Elden Busby

Lawrence Bussard

Dan Bustamante

Charles Butcher

Douglas Butler

Larry Butler

Alberto Byington

Weldon Bynum

Buddy Byrd

W. Byrd

R. Byrom

Ron Cagle

James Cain

Peyton Cain

Elton Caldwell

Darlene Callender

Ronald Caloss

James Calvert

Peter Cameron

Rose Cameron

Thomas Cameron

Janiece Campbell

Joe Campbell

M. Campbell

Raymond Campbell

Thomas Campbell

W. Campbell

I. Candoli

Allan Cannon

Bobby Cannon

Jerry Cannon

Joe Cantu

Rafael Cantu

Michael Caplinger

W. Caraway

Julie Carbajal

Mike Cardwell

J. Carlisle

T. Carmichael

Bill Carnes

Jimmie Carpenter

David Carr

Rex Carr

E. Carrington

Ellis Carroll

Hazel Carroll

Irby Carruth

Robert Carruthers

Dorothy Carter

Arthur Casey

Ernest Caskey

C. Casselberry

Robert Caster

Rodney Cathey

Tommy Cathey

Arturo Cavazos

Marcelo Cavazos

James Caveness

Rodney Cavness

S. Cernosek

Jimmie Chadwell

W. Chalmers

H. Chambers

HD Chambers

Charley Chambless

Al Chance

Ray Chancellor

C. Chandler

Doyel Chandler

J. Chaney

Tylor Chaplin

Garland Chapman

William Chapman

H. Charles

Neal Chastain

Jesus Chavez

Clead Cheek

Joe Chenella

J. Cherry

W. Cherry

Wayman Chilcutt

Carl Chilton

Jerry D. Christian

Jerry R. Christian

Jerry Church

Monte Churchill

Kathy Cikanek

Derek Citty

Erwin Ckodre

Robert Clanton

Collin Clark

James Clark

Johnny Clark

Johnny Clawson

Gary Clay

Jack Clemmons

A. Clemons

Robert Clemons

E. Cleveland

Richard Clifford

Mike Clifton

Ruby Clifton

Don Clingenpeel

Paul Clore

Albert Cobb

B. Cobb

Gerald Cobb

Lester Cobb

William Cochran

W. Cockerham

Jasper Cockrell

Jack Cockrill

Leland Cockrill

Edmund Cody

Charles Coe

Larry Coffman

Richard Cohagan

Louie Coker

Bob Coleman

Shirley Coleman

Lana Collavo

J. Collier

Virginia Collier

Donald Collins

Gary Collins

James Collins

Thomas Collins

Ben Colwell

Coy Colwell

M. Combs

C. Comer

Alfred Conley

James Connel

Glen Conner

Treva Conner

John Connolly

Anthony Constanzo

C. Cook

James Cook

Jerry Cook

John Cook

Allen Cooper

Steve Cooper

A. Copeland

Jim Copeland

Rick Copp

Billy Coppinger

Weldon Corbell

W. Corder

Ruben Corkill

Ronald Corn

Nabor Cortez

Phil Cotham

Ted Cotton

Jim Coulston

James Counts

Jim Covert

Richard Cowan

Harold Cowley

James Cowley

Jessie Cowley

Charlie Cox

J. Cox

Jimmy Cox

Wilbur Crabbs

John Craft

Carl Craighead

Joe Crane

Ray Crass

Fred Craven

Debi Crawford

Erwin Crawford

Marvin Crawford

W. Crawley

Jimmy Creel

T. Crenshaw

Robert Criswell

William Crockett

Deborah Cron

Darryl Cross

D. Crossland

Robert Crouch

Denny Crow

Nolen Crow

Thomas Crowe

Gary Crowell

George Crowson

Carlos Cruz

J. Cullender

Mark Culwell

Chester Cunningham

Harvey Cunningham

James Cunningham

Nugget Cunningham

W. Cunningham

J. Curlee

Paul Curtis

Raymond Curtis

Paul Czerwinski

Holly Dale

Harold Dalton

Marvin Dameron

James Damm

Jack Damron

Robert Damron

T. Dane

Don Daniel

Diane Daniels

Jack Daniels

Rex Daniels

Anthony Daugherty

Bill Daugherty

Harlin Dauphin

Curtis Davenport

Gene Davenport

Thomas Davenport

Jack Davidson

Steve Davidson

Bryan Davis

Buddy Davis

C. Davis

Cecil Davis

Garland Davis

Gary Davis

Gilbert Davis

Jack Davis

James Davis

Jefferson Davis

Margaret Davis

Norman Davis

Shirley Davis

Benjamin Daws

L. Dawson

G. Day

Otis De Volin

James Deatherage

Greg Decker

Lynn Dehart

Milton Denham

William Denman

Cathy Denton

Danny Denton

Loran Denton

Robert Denton

Eddie Derr

Raymond DeSpain

Patrick Deviney

James DeWitt

Larry Dickerson

James Dickson

Jerry Dickson

Robert Dillard

C. Dillehay

W. Dillingham

Neal Dillman

O. Dinkins

Allan Dinsmore

E. Dixon

Ted Dockery

Marlin Dodds

Winifred Dodds

D. R. Dodson

Jerry Doherty

Everett Dollar

J. Donaldson

M. Donaldson

Jack Donnell

Don Dorman

Billy Dornburg

John Dosher

James Doughty

Art Douglas

Dale Douglas

Eli Douglas

O. Douglas

Dan Douglass

Charles Downer

Clayton Downing

Jerry Doyle

Cecil Drachenberg

Leonard Duckworth

Buddy Dulin

James Dunlap

Howard Dunn

Lyndon Dunn

P. Dunning

Daniel DuPree

Jodi Duron

Robert Duron

Robert Dwight

Mark Eads

Clark Ealy

Steven Ebell

Wilburn Echols

Jerry Eddins

J. Edgar

Eldon Edge

Leland Edge

Scot Edington

L. Edmondson

John Edmons

Cindy Edwards

Donald Egg

Nelson Eichman

Ray Elam

Bob Elder

Curtis Eldridge

Lawrence Elkins

Doyne Elliff

E. Ellis

John Ellis

Roger Ellis

Glenn Ellison

James Elms

Galen Elolf

Don Elsom

Charles English

Kenneth English

Maurice English

Bennie Enis

Larry Enis

Thilman Erickson

Aida Escobar

Dwain Estes

Nolan Estes

Raymond Etheridge

James Ethridge

Janice Evers

Alton Ezell

Bobby Fannin

Teresa Farler

Bill Farmer

Edd Farmer

Joe Farmer

Les Farmer

R. Farr

Jack Faubion

Richard Faulkner

Thomas Fausett

William Faver

Beverly Felts

Melvin Fenoglio

Garland Ferguson

John Ferguson

Tommy Ferguson

Charles Fielden

Alton Fields

Shane Fields

H. Fillers

Mal Fischer

Mack Fisher

Richard Flanagan

Virgil Flathouse

Dianne Fleming

Paul Fleming

Deane Fletcher

Sherman Fletcher

John Fling

R. Fling

Jack Flinn

Steve Flores

Darrell Floyd

Joe Folk

John Folks

David Foote

Bill Ford

M. Ford

Michael Ford

Walter Ford

Pat Forgione

James Forrest

Ben Fort

William Fort

Nelda Fortune Crawford

Benefits of Honorary Life Membership

• Opportunities to stay engaged and connected after retirement

• Resources to stay informed and be an advocate for public education in Texas

• Special pricing on legal services

• Access to TASA membership directories and Career Center

• Get the details at https://bit.ly/tasa-honorary-life.

David Foster

H. Foster

Inez Foster

William Foster

Philip Fowler

Sam Fowler

Joe Fox

L. Fox

Alton Frailey

Horace Francis

James Francis

Euin Frank

Claude Franklin

Juana Franklin

K. Franks

Clarence Frase

Leland Frase

Lanny Frasier

Ray Freeman

Robert French

Bonner Frizzell

R. Froehner

Diane Frost

Jack Fry

H. Fuller

O. Fuller

Fred Fulton

Billy Galbreath

M. Galbreath

Tom Galbreath

E. Galyean

Allan Gamblin

Antonio Garcia

Roberto Garcia

Gena Gardiner

Kerry Garmon

Bob Garrett

Jody Garrett

Darrell Garrison

Harry Garrison

Enos Gary

William Gary

Eleuterio Garza

Joe Gassiott

Keith Gast

Gary Gazaway

Henri Gearing

Roger Gee

Bennett Geeslin

George Gentry

Mike Gentry

W. Gentry

Craig Gibbins

Catherine Gibson

Don Gibson

Greg Gibson

Jim Gibson

Joe Gibson

Travis Gibson

Vernon Gibson

Marley Giddens

Jerry Gideon

Johnny Giebler

C. Gifford

Ben Gilbert

Michael Gilbert

Roy Gilbert

Buck Gilcrease

Vickey Giles

John Gillett

Michael Gilley

Edward Gilliland

Ronnie Gilliland

Ted Gillum

Clarence Gilstrap

Linda Gist

Leigh Ann Glaze

Tom Glenn

Gene Glover

A. Godley

Ronald Goehring

Scot Goen

John Golmon

Thomas Golson

Luis Gonzalez

Hayden Goodgion

William Goodman

Thomas Goodwin

Guy Gorden

Max Gordon

Rodney Gordon

Jack Gorman

V. Gosch

Linda Gossett

Paul Gothard

Clyde Gott

Richard Gott

Brian Gottardy

William Graeber

Lance Graham

Leon Graham

Lloyd Graham

G. Grant

Sidney Grant

Ben Graves

Bill Graves

Hob Gray

J. Gray

Sam Gray

Charles Greenawalt

Kenneth Greene

Alfred Greer

Clyde Greer

Howard Greer

Julian Greer

C. Gregory

Larry Gregory

Ron Gregory

Lynn Grell-Boethel

L. Griffin

Merritt Griffin

Richard Griffin

Harry Griffith

Bob Griggs

John Grigsby

Ben Grill

Richard Grill

Bert Grimes

Noel Grisham

N. Grivich

Dennis Grizzle

Gary Grogan

Larry Groppel

D. Grounds

Elmer Grounds

Gordon Grubbs

James Grunert

Adelaida Guerra

Augusto Guerra

Lauro Guerra

Marla Guerra

Michael Guidry

Ernest Guinn

Bill Gunn

Cindy Gunn

Jim Gunn

Hal Guthrie

Arturo Gutierrez

James Gwaltney

Robert Haas

Barry Haenisch

Frank Hafernick

Weldon Hafley

George Haggard

James Hagler

Roger Hailey

Melody Haley

Charles Hall

Jack Hall

Joe Hall

Tommy Hall

W. Hallmark

Ann Halstead

Hank Halvorson

B. Hamblen

Al Hambrick

J. Hambrick

Gary Hamilton

H. Hamilton

Oran Hamilton

William Hamm

Gerald Hampton

Charles Hamrick

Don Hancock

Randy Hancock

T. Hancock

W. Hancock

W. Hanes

J. Hanks

Jeffrey Hanks

Mary Hanks

Clarence Hannel

Kerry Hansen

John Hardwick

Jerry Hardy

J. Hare

Pauline Hargrove

Tom Harkey

William Harlan

Cecil Harper

Herbert Harper

Gary Harrell

John Harrell

Doug Harriman

Harold Harrington

Dan Harris

E. Harris

Hubert Harris

R. Harris

Walter Harris

William Harris

Glenn Harrison

James Harrison

Robert Hart

Michael Hartman

Roy Hartman

Thomas Harvey

L. Haskew

William Hasse

George Hatfield

Richard Hatley

Johnnie Hauerland

Larry Hausenfluke

Fred Havel

Wayne Havens

Larry Hawkins

Rik Hawkins

Jesse Hawthorne

Robert Hawthorne

Bascom Hayes

Fred Hayes

James Haynes

Wesley Hays

Richard Hazlewood

Claude Hearn

H. Hebert

Lynn Heflin

Kermit Heimann

Glenn Hellman

Charlie Helmer

Crawford Helms

Ken Helvey

Ronnie Hemann

James Henderson

Johnnie Henderson

Patrick Henderson

Robert Henderson

H. Hendrick

O. Hendricks

Linda Henrie

Jim Hensley

James Hermes

Tina Herrington

James Hesson

Grady Hester

David Hicks

Donald Hicks

Richard Higginbotham

Harold Higgins

Dennis Hill

Don Hillis

Lawrence Hindt

Bruce Hineman

Christopher Hines

Michael Hinojosa

Saul Hinojosa

W. Hinson

Lynn Hise

Harold Hitt

Mart Hitt

Robert Hodges

Jerry Hogue

June Hogue

Lacy Hogue

Charles Hohertz

Karin Holacka

Freddy Holcomb

John Holcomb

Mark Holcomb

Coy Holcombe

Harrell Holder

Walter Holik

Francine Holland

Jim Holland

Melvin Holland

I. Holleman

Jack Hollensed

Susan Holley

Gus Hollomon

William Holm

Ernest Holman

C. D. Holmes

James Holmes

Pat Holmes

George Holst

Chuck Holt

Dennis Holt

Joyce Holt

Bill Hood

Jack Hood

Alfred Hook

Don Hooper

Wendal Hoover

Mona Hopkins

James Hopper

Rick Howard

Tom Howard

Walter Howard

Mollie Howell

Rachel Howell

Russell Howle

Randall Hoyer

Thomas Hoyer

Jimmy Hoyle

John Hoyle

Wendell Hubbard

B. Huber

I. R. Huchingson

James Huckaby

Ervin Huddleston

Joanie Hudson

William Hudson

B. Hudspeth

Thomas Huff

R. L. Huffman

Dennis Hughes

Donald Hughes

J. L. Hughes

A. Hughey

Jerry Huie

Chris Hulen

Charles Hundley

Andrea Hungerford

Robert Hunt

Fred Hunter

Joe Hutchinson

Preston Hutchinson

Duane Hyde

R. Hyden

Richard Hyden

Eduardo Infante

David Ingram

Truitt Ingram

Phillip Irby

Elmer Ireton

Edwin Irons

Gordon Irons

Hubert Irsfeld

Gene Isabell

Dan Ives

C. Jackson

Dorman Jackson

Frank Jackson

Mike Jackson

Noel Jackson

Albert Jacobs

Amy Jacobs

Bill Jacobs

Terry Harlow

Gordon Harmon

H. Harmon

Daniel Hernandez

Franklin Herndon

Mard Herrick

John Horn

Marilyn Hoster

E. H. Howard

L. Jacobs

Charles Jaggers

Jack James

William James

Bob Jameson

Michael Jansen

Tom Jarboe

Earl Jarrett

Hollis Jean

Donald Jefferies

H. Jefferies

Homer Jefferson

Steve Jenkins

Noel Jett

Milton Jirasek

Bob Johnson

Charles Johnson

Eddie Johnson

Harley Johnson

Harold Johnson

Henry Johnson

Jack Johnson

Jerry Johnson

Louis Johnson

Melody Johnson

N. Johnson

Roy Johnson

Scott Johnson

Steve Johnson

William Johnson

James Johnston

Johnny Johnston

Daniel Jones

Don Jones

J. Jones

John Jones

Larry Jones

M. Jones

Michael Jones

Sue Jones

Thomas Jones

Timothy Jones

Tony Jones

Byron Jordan

Jack Jordan

V. Jordan

Billy Julian

Jerrell Julian

Claude Jungman

Chester Juroska

Beeman Justice

Thomas Justiss

Kay Karr

Mary Kasting

Yvonne Katz

Johnnie Kay

W. D. Kay

George Kazanas

Johnnie Keeling

Arthur Kees

James Keese

James Kelly

John Kelly

Lamar Kelly

David Kelm

Frank Kemble

Jean Kemp

Billy Kennedy

David Kennedy

J.D. Kennedy

Leonard Kent

Solomon Kepley

Dane Kerns

Adyth Kerr

Ted Kerr

Billy Key

Carl Key

John Key

John Keys

Loretta Kibler

Michael Killian

Bobby Kimball

Knox Kinard

Ronnie Kincaid

Susan Kincannon

Daniel King

Harold King

Jo Anne King

John King

Mike King

W. King

Wayne King

Billy Kingston

Ray Kinnison

Jerry Kirby

Jim Kirkland

Marvin Kirkman

Richard Kirkpatrick

Richard Kitchens

Arnold Kleinschmidt

Duncan Klussmann

Harold Knape

Lee Roy Knauth

Deborah Kneese

Bill Knight

J. C. Knowles

Douglas Koebernick

J. Koepf

Richard Kolek

Allison Koonce

Charles Koonce

Brenda Krchnak

Victor Krejci

Gail Krohn

Preston Kronkosky

Larry Krumnow

M. F. Kruse

Pete Kucera

Stephanie Kucera

Marilyn Kuhn

Allen F. Labay

Allen J. Labay

Ray LaBeff

Brad Lancaster

James Lancaster

Thomas Lancaster

Liesa Land

C. D. Landolt

H. Landrum

Lawrence Lane

Robert Lane

Thomas Lane

Jimmie Lange

J. Langwith

James Lanier

Michael Lanier

William Lanier

Jill Lankford

James Largent

Gerald Lasater

Cathy Lauer

Lesli Laughter

Ernie Laurence

Jimmie Laurie

Thomas Lawrence

Gayla Lawson

Huelyn Laycock

Ray Lea

Edward Lechler

Bob Lee

Larry Lee

Michael Lee

Nathan Lee

Wilburn Leeper

Kent LeFevre

Charles Lemmons

John Lemons

M. Leonard

E. Leslie

Levatta Levels

Marc Levesque

Kirk Lewis

Richard Liardon

Ann Ligon Moore

Patricia Linares

Henry Lind

Bill Little

Eddie Little

W. Loessberg

Deanna Logan

James Logan

Bill Loggins

Louis Lohn

Gayle Lomax

Dan Long

Steve Long

Tommy Long

William Long

Mary Lookadoo

Deana Lopez

Ruben Lopez

John Lovelady

Norton Lovell

Deanna Lovesmith

Danny Lovett

S. O. Loving

J. R. Lowe

Sandra Lowery

Doyle Lowrance

H. W. Lowrance

Will Lowrance

Earl Luce

Thomas Luce

Samuel Lucia

Louis Ludwig

Kelly Lusk

Raymond Lusk

Edward Lyman

Bill Lytle

Jonathan MacBride

Robert Madding

Delbert Mahan

Steve Maikell

James Mailey

W. Malkey

James Mancill

William Mann

Kenneth Manning

Paul Manning

Gina Mannino

Ricky Mantooth

Dana Marable

Barbara Marchbanks

Peter Marecek

Francesca Marek

Irma Marsh

Raymond Marshall

Russell Marshall

Scott Marshall

Gary Martel

Don Martin

E. O. Martin

E. Wayne Martin

Guy Martin

James Martin

Jay Martin

Q. Martin

Robert Martin

Wesley Martin

Weyman Martin

Mike Martindale

Ernesto Martinez

G. T. Mason

J. Mason

Rosser Mason

James Masters

Charles Mathews

Clarke Mathews

Wilmar Mathis

Richard Matkin

Angela Matterson

Billy Matthews

Ernest Matthews

Dee Mattox-Hall

W. D. Mauldin

G. Maxfield

M. Maxwell

Sam May

D. Mayer

Bill Mayfield

Ron Mayfield

Jerry Maze

Theresa McAllister

Charles McAnally

Wendell McAndrew

Linda McAnelly

Bobby McCall

Warren McCarson

Jim McClellan

Cole McClendon

David McClendon

J. McClesky

Gerald McClure

Weldon McCord

Oscar McCormack

Ken McCraw

Olan McCraw

J. McCreary

Billy McCullough

J. McCullough

James McDaniel

William McDaniel

Fred McDonald

Randy McDowell

Carl McEachern

Eugene McElroy

John McFadin

Charles McFarland

Robert McGee

James McGehee

Pamela McGill

B. McGuire

L. McKamie

Kenneth McKay

Emmett McKenzie

Don McKinnerney

C. McLendon

Johnnie McLeod

Ronald McLeod

James McLeroy

Kay McMahon

Marshall McMillan

T. McMillan

Nancy McNeal

Arthur McNeil

Timothy McPherson

Bill McQueary

Richard McReavy

Charles McWatters

O. Meador

Edward Mercer

Jimmy Merchant

Leonard Merrell

Malvin Merrem

C. Lee Meyer

Richard Middleton

LeRoy Miksch

Randall Miksch

Sharron Miles

Dennis Miller

Fred Miller

James R. Miller

James T. Miller

Ken Miller

Lenard Miller

Ronald Miller

Gail Milligan

G. Mills

L. Mills

T. R. Mills

Weldon Mills

James Milstead

Harvey Milton

Gilbert Mircovich

Charles Mitchell

Glen Mitchell

Kenneth Mitchell

Lloyd Mitchell

Hugh Mixon

Gilbert Mize

Frank Moates

Jeanette Moczygemba

Randy Moczygemba

Larry Moehnke

Carol Moffett

F. Moffett

Randy Mohundro

How to become an Honorary Life Member

Per the TASA Constitution, the Executive Committee may award complimentary Honorary Life Memberships to retiring administrators who meet the following criteria:

• Retirement from an administrative position in a public, county, or private school or association, college or university

• At least 25 years of experience in education

• 10 years of membership in TASA

• Be a TASA member at time of retirement

• A record of outstanding service to the education profession

• Approval by the TASA Executive Committee

If you are retiring from education this year or know a deserving TASA member who is, submit a nomination for Honorary Life Membership in TASA by November 1. Go to https://bit.ly/tasahonorary-life for more information.

Retirees who do not meet the above criteria may join TASA as Retired (Associate) Members. Go to https://tasanet.org/retired-membership to learn more.

Leonard Molotsky

James Monaco

Steven Monkres

Frank Monroe

Robert Montagne

David Montgomery

Sam Montgomery

William Montgomery

Carl Montoya

John Moody

Steven Moody

Dave Moore

Dorman Moore

Douglas Moore

Joe D. Moore

Joe P. Moore

Luther Moore

Richard Moore

Robert Moore

Rufus Moore

Will Moore

William Moore

J. M. Moorman

Linda Mora

Glen Morgan

Talmadge Morgan

Glenn Morris

Janet Morris

Tom Morris

Bob Morrison

Kayla Morrison

Michael Morrison

Dale Morton

Susan Morton

Warren Morton

A. Mosby

Dalton Moseley

Thomas Moseley

W. Moseley

Michael Moses

Morgan Moses

Mike Motheral

Kelli Moulton

Steven Muizers

Claude Mullins

Ron Munday

Dolores Munoz

Howard Murchison

Steve Murray

Tony Murray

Willard Murrey

Darrell Myers

Douglas Myers

Terry Myers

Thomas Myers

Charles Naiser

Clyde Nalls

Orval Nanny

Ed Nash

Joe Nation

Eusebio Nava

Shirley Neeley Richardson

Roy Neff

Joe Neill

George Nelson

Guy Nelson

M. Nelson

L. Neswick

Barry Nettles

John Neubauer

Alvin Newman

Max Newman

Ray Newman

Don Newsom

Ralph Newsom

Vernon Newsom

A. Newsome

H. H. Nicholas

J. Nichols

Joe Nichols

Larry Nichols

Bobby Nicholson

Fred Nickles

Robert Nicks

Sydney Nieschwitz

J. Nixon

Matt Noble

Kenneth Noles

J. Norman

James Norris

Kenn Norris

Sybil Norris

Tom Norris

W. Norwood

Lewellyn Notley

Faris Nowell

R. Nuckols

Andrew Nutt

John O'Brien

D. O'Quinn

Arnold Oates

Bruce Oberholtzer

Alfonso Obregon

Frank Odom

James Ogg

Terrell Ogg

Rudy Okruhlik

Ruben Olivarez

James Oliver

Roger Oliver

Richard Oller

David Olson

Dawson Orr

William Ortego

Vernon Osterloh

Richard Owen

Robert Owen

Michael Owens

Richard Ownby

Larry Palmer

Monte Pannell

Billy Parker

Bobby Parker

Dick Parker

Don Parker

Jimmy Parker

W. Parker

Joe Parks

Walter Parks

J. Parnell

David Parr

Jose Parra

J. Parrish

Marcellus Parrish

Curtis Parsons

Jimmy Partin

Tom Pate

Wilber Pate

Charles Patterson

Arnold Payne

Jimmy Payne

Kenneth Payne

Michael Payne

Stan Paz

Jerry Peacock

Jones Pearce

Glenn Pearson

Herbert Pearson

James Pearson

John Peck

Rex Peeples

Albert Pena

Roel Pena

Rolando Pena

James Pennington

Roy Pennington

Gerry Peoples

Sylvester Perez

James Perkins

Joe Perrin

Chris Perry

Cullen Perry

Henry Perry

Randy Perry

Russ Perry

Andrew Peters

Don Peters

Carl Peterson

J. Petty

Gus Pfeiffer

E. Pharis

James Phillips

Thomas Phillips

Daniel Pickering

James Pickett

Clive Pierce

R. Pierce

Wayne Pierce

Carolyn Pierel

Willie Pigg

Harry Piles

Adren Pilger

Johnny Pineda

Harold Pinkerton

Joe Pirtle

B. Pittinger

Terry Pittman

Dale Pitts

Joe Pitts

Norman Plemons

Edwin Plowman

David Plymale

Travis Poe

Carroll Pogue

Kent Pogue

Howard Pollard

Walter Pond

Darrell Pool

Robert Pool

Irwin Popham

Fred Porter

Thomas Portwood

Don Posey

Ralph Poteet

Dan Powell

J. Poynor

Sidney Poynter

Jenny Preston

Rondall Preston

George Price

John Price

Thomas Price

Tony Price

David Priddy

Pat Pringle

Thomas Pritchard

Dannah Procter

L. Procter

Robert Proctor

Nathan Pruitt

Sid Pruitt

Cloyce Purcell

Edward Pustka

Barbara Qualls

Sandra Radtke

Robert Rahm

Harold Ramm

Luis Ramos

O. Rampley

David Ramsey

John Ramsey

Thomas Randle

Warren Randolph

Elton Randow

Billy Jack Rankin

David Rastellini

Hal Ratcliff

Garland Rattan

Fred Rauschuber

Donna Rawlings

Maurice Rawlings

Alfred Ray

Carol Ray

L. Raynes

Dale Read

William Reader

Billy Reagan

Ron Reaves

Malcolm Rector

Penelope Reddell

Lynn Redden

James Reed

Jim Reed

Noel Reed

Sandra Reed

Rick Reedy

Glenn Reeves

Jack Reeves

W. Reeves

Randall Reid

William Reisdorph

Victor Rendon

Lonnie Renfro

C. A. Reynolds

Harold Reynolds

John Reynolds

Kent Reynolds

Mary Ann Reynolds

R. Reynolds

Roland Reynolds

Don Rhodes

J. Rhodes

Garner Rice

M. Rice

Ralph Rice

Walter Richards

Billy Richardson

James Richardson

Sharon Richardson

Thomas Richey

Wyman Richey

Kenneth Riley

James Risinger

Truett Roach

Michael Roasa

Donald Robbins

Edward Robbins

Archie Roberts

Bobby Roberts

Don Roberts

Hal Roberts

L. Roberts

Mike Roberts

Willie Roberts

Berhl Robertson

Guylene Robertson

C. Robinson

Carl Robinson

Joe Robinson

Lindy Robinson

Janet Robles

Marvin Roden

Erasmo Rodriguez

Oscar Rodriguez

Victor Rodriguez

Wilburn Roesler

Charles Rogers

Don Rogers

Gerald Rogers

J. Rogers

Jim Rogers

Kevin Rogers

Vernis Rogers

Jerome Rohan

Kenneth Rohrbach

Dan Rose

Shirley Rose

Gerald Rosebure

Mike Rosenberg

David Ross

Arvel Rotan

G. Rotan

Gary Rotan

John Rotzler

John Rouse

Ron Rowell

K. Rowland

Karen Rue

James Rueter

Jim Rumage

Fred Rush

William Rushing

Charles Russell

Elmer Russell

Jack Ryan

Jim Ryan

Jon Ryan

Robert Ryan

Robin Ryan

Abelardo Saavedra

Gary Sage

Imelda Salinas

Roy Sallee

Fred Salling

Michael Salvato

K. Sams

Glenn Sanders

Howard Sanders

James Sanders

Tommy Sanders

Thomas Sandifer

Gwendolyn Santiago

Neal Sattawhite

Fred Satterwhite

John Saul

Randy Savage

John Sawyer

Michael Say

Thomas Scannicchio

John Schaefer

Dan Schaffner

Keith Scharnhorst

Eddie Scheer

Mark Scheffler

R. E. Schlortt

Max Schlotter

Harvey Schneider

Rick Schneider

Steven Schneider

Todd Schneider

Marvin Schnelle

Ronald Schraer

Rod Schroder

James Schroeder

Ray Schultz

Herbert Schulz

R. Clinton Schulze

Robert Schumacher

Claude Schumate

Guy Sconzo

Archie Scott

George Scott

Henry Scott

Jerry Scott

Thomas Scott

Vernon Scott

Joe Scrivner

David Seago

John Seale

Alan Richey

Bennie Rutherford

S. Seale

Walter Sears

Joe Sebesta

Max Seidenberger

Lonnie Seipp

Pam Seipp

Doug Setliff

Timothy Seymore

Gene Shackelford

Julian Shaddix

Jack Shanks

David Shanley

David Sharp

Hiram Sharp

E. Sharpe

Bill Shaver

Donald Shearmire

Gene Sheets

Allen Sheffield

T. Shelby

Patricia Shell

Byron Shelley

Clarence Shelton

J. Sheppard

Jacob Sherman

Donald Shields

Hershel Shoffner

Jill Shugart

Claude Shumate

Frances Sicola-Cardwell

E. A. Sigler

Emory Sigler

L.B.T. Sikes

Archie Simmons

Don Simmons

Pete Simmons

Phil Simmons

Charlene Simpson

Hubert Simpson

Max Simpson

Archie Sims

Frank Singletary

C. Sivells

Charles Skeen

Dean Skiles

Erwin Sladek

John Slater

Harold Slaughter

Don Slocomb

Dale Smiley

Bob Smith

Bynum Smith

Dewey Smith

Don Smith

Greg Smith

Herbert Smith

J. Herman Smith

James A. Smith

James F. Smith

James W. Smith

Larry Smith

Lloyd Smith

M. Smith

Michael L. Smith

Michael T. Smith

Michelle Smith

Newman Smith

Paul Smith

Paul F. Smith

Randall Smith

Roel Smith

Rollin Smith

Travis Smith

W. Smith

Wanda Smith

Patsy Smith-Gasperson

John Sneed

Stuart Snow

Vernon Sockwell

Gene Solis

Velma Soliz-Garcia

Timothy Sonnenberg

Kermit Sorrells

Mario Sotelo

Richard Souter

Olaf South

Billy Sparks

Ty Sparks

Lynda Speak

Aubrey Spear

Bobby Spence

John Spies

Kevin Spiller

Gregg Spivey

Chester St. Clair

R. Stafford

J. Stambaugh

R. Standefer

J. Stanfield

Norris Starkey

Joe Starnes

Robert Stathem

Byron Steele

Diane Stegall

Douglas Steger

Kenneth Stein

Bennie Steinhauser

Michael Stevens

Sid Stevenson

Gailen Stewart

Irene Stewart

James Stewart

Marvin Stewart

William Stewart

Wade Stidevent

William Stidham

Delton Stilley

Larry Stinson

Richard Stockman

Craig Stockstill

Roy Stockstill

Donald Stockton

Eugene Stoever

Vernon Stokes

Martha Stone

James Story

W. Story

O. Stowe

Geraldine Strader

Marian Strauss

W. Stribling

Chester Strickland

Ben Stricklin

Donn Stringer

John Strnadel

Morris Strong

L. Sturgeon

Leo Stuver

Billy Sullins

F. Sullivan

Kip Sullivan

Barbara Sultis

Rick Summers

Jim Surratt

Ben Sustr

John Sutton

Stan Swann

Kenneth Sweatt

Shelley Sweatt

Graham Sweeney

Richard Swetnam

W. Swinburn

Donald Sykes

Wanda Talasek

Maurice Talbert

James Taliaferro

James Talley

Ramón Tanguma

Jon Tate

Carroll Tatom

Carl Taylor

Dale Taylor

Danny Taylor

Donald Taylor

Gordon Taylor

James Taylor

Larry Taylor

Leslie Taylor

Orace Taylor

Wesley Taylor

Carroll Teague

Clyde Teague

Richard Tedder

William Teel

Ronnie Teichelman

Tom Templeton

R. Tenney

Rick Teran

Charles Tergerson

James Terry

Harlan Thacker

George Thigpen

James Thigpen

Carrol Thomas

Charles Thomas

Dee Thomas

Jimmy Thomas

John Thomas

Luther Thomas

Michael Thomas

Wiley Thomas

Jack Thomason

Charles Thompson

G. Thompson

George Thompson

James C. Thompson

James W. Thompson

Jay Thompson

John Thompson

Marion Thompson

Marvin Thompson

Max Thompson

Ray Thompson

Sam Thompson

W. Thompson

Jesse Thornton

Larry Threadgill

Annette Tielle

Virgil Tiemann

R. Tolson

Steven Tom

Thomas Tope

John Townley

Dennis Townsend

Rod Townsend

Donald Trant

Paula Traynham

Elizabeth Treadway

Lloyd Treadwell

Vidal Trevino

Bob Tribble

John Trice

Thomas Trigg

Z. Trout

Philip Troutman

Paul Trull

Johnny Tubb

L. Tubb

James Tucker

W.R. Tucker

Roy Tully

George Turner

Jeff Turner

Joe Turner

Michael Turner

Rhonda Turner

Robert Turner

Vernon Turner

Daniel Twardowski

Gifton Underwood

Matt Underwood

Ronald Urbantke

Enrique Uribe

Charlie Uselton

John Uxer

Alvie Vaden

C. Vail

William Valigura

Leslie Vann

Bill Vardeman

P. Vardy

Grady Vaughn

Jerry Vaughn

Karl Vaughn

Larry Vaughn

Lamont Veatch

Lloyd Verstuyft

Johnny Veselka

Bill Vestal

Jessie Vick

J.C Smith

Clifton Stephens

Ernest Stephens

Lu Anna Stephens

W. Stephenson

Houston Stevens

P. Tanksley

Norris Tanton

C. Tarter

Delvin Taska

Earl Tate

G. Tillerson

M. Tilley

Coy Tindel

Joe Tison

Thomas Tocco

Maria Vidaurri

Mac Vincent

Walter Vincent

Joe Vinyard

Carla Voelkel

James Vornberg

Kenneth Voytek

Paul Vranish

Fred Waddell

Stephen Waddell

Carl Waddle

Linda Wade

Linda Wadleigh

G. Wadzeck

Charles Wages

Kay Waggoner

Justin Wakeland

C. Walker

Christie Walker

Jeff Walker

Thomas Walker

William Walker

Easton Wall

Elizabeth Wall

H. Wallace

Michael Wallace

Jim Waller

Robert Waller

Frank Walter

James Ward

Mary Ward

Joe Wardell

James Warlick

J. Warren

James Warren

Ryder Warren

Michael Wartes

Max Washington

Sidney Wasson

David Watkins

Harroll Watkins

Keith Watkins

Floyd Watson

Forrest Watson

Hoyt Watson

Ben Watts

Maxie Watts

Fred Weaver

Gilbert Weaver

John Webb

Robert Webb

Tom Weeaks

Arnett Weeks

Jim Weeks

Mark Weisner

N. Welch

Truman Welch

Jack Weldon

Kevin Weldon

Billy Welkener

Nola Wellman

Pam Wells

Pepper Wells

Robert Wells

Kenneth Welsch

Joseph Wenke

C. West

Ed West

Ted West

Jane Westbrook

Cal Wester

James Westfall

Richard Westfall

H. Wetzel

Reggie Whalen

Hubert Wheat

Jesse Wheat

C. Wheeler

Henry Wheeler

Stanley Whisenhunt

Aaron Whitaker

Burl Whitaker

J. Whitaker

Jerry Whitaker

Crystal White

Jim White

Joe White

Kenneth White

Melvin White

T. White

W. White

H. Whitehurst

Mary Ann Whiteker

Thomas Whiteley

Ray Whitley

Tommy Whitlock

Laura Whitson

Don Whitt

Pari Whitten

Paul Whitton

Pearl Wier

Bill Wiggins

George Wilcox

James Wilcox

E. Wildman

T. Wilemon

Fred Wilkerson

Odell Wilkes

Robert Wilkin

William Wilkins

H. Wilkinson

Edgar Willhelm

Alvin Williams

Angi Williams

Charles Williams

Dana Williams

Darrell Williams

David Williams

Don Williams

Donald Williams

Doug Williams

Gene Williams

Jackie Williams

James Williams

Marvin Williams

Melvin Williams

Nat Williams

R. Williams

Robert Williams

Tony Williams

Walter Williams

Dave Williamson

Joe Williamson

Lee Williamson

Lester Williamson

Louie Williamson

Gilbert Willie

Walter Willingham

Cecil Willis

Randy Willis

Marion Wills

Barbara Wilson

Ben Wilson

Harvey Wilson

Jamie Wilson

John Wilson

Roy Wilson

W. Wilson

Arthur Winkelman

Dwight Winkler

Clarence Winn

Travis Winn

Wayne Wise

Winnie Wisener

Joddie Witte

Orlie Wolfenbarger

Bennie Wolff

Roy Wollam

William Wolston

Bill Wood

Bruce Wood

David Wood

James Wood

Phil Wood

Roy Wood

Joe Woodland

L. Woods

E. Woodward

Tom Woody

William Wooldridge

Newell Woolls

Levis Worsham

Kevin Worthy

Ernest Wranosky

Franklin Wray

George Wright

Howell Wright

Jim Wright

Linus Wright

Telena Wright

Elbert Wuthrich

Guy Yarborough

Charles Yarbrough

Mel Yates

J. Yeager

Charles York

Dwain York

Coy Young

Crandall Young

David Young

James Young

Royce Young

Erwin Youngblood

Herbert Youngblood

B. Younts

Fred Zachary

Ernest Zamora

Roberto Zamora

Charles Zeigler

Charles Zeller

Charles Zepeda

Michael Zolkoski

George Zoller

Meet TASA’s Inspiring Leaders

Now more than ever, Texas public school staff members are looking to leaders to inspire them in their day-to-day work as we all cope with an ever-changing educational landscape. TASA’s “Inspiring Leaders” tagline is not just a reminder of TASA’s commitment to leadership development — it describes our members themselves. In this and future issues of INSIGHT, you’ll meet some of those Inspiring Leaders, and it’s our hope that they will guide you and invigorate you in the work that you do. To nominate a leader for inclusion, email drivers@texasschoolbusiness.com.

Frank E. Alfaro

In Alamo Heights ISD, Dr. Frank Alfaro serves as assistant superintendent for administrative services, and those who work with him say that his dedication to leadership helps inspire them.

"There is no challenge that Frank cannot solve,” says Dana Bashara, superintendent in the district. “His support for me personally as well as our entire administrative team is so appreciated. I'm incredibly grateful he shares his talents with us in AHISD.”

What makes Alfaro proud of his district is the way AHISD functions as a pillar of the local community.

“Many of our parents and grandparents attended Alamo Heights and their own children represent several generations of families who have chosen to make this community their home, in large part because of our schools, our tradition of excellence, and our focus on the well-being of all children,” he says. “As a community, we see all children as our children. We celebrate each other’s victories, and we come together to support each other during times of challenge.”

As a leader, Alfaro says that being of service to others helps keep him going when the work gets challenging. When he struggles with motivation, he finds his spirits lifted when he is able to help a coworker or district parent with something that is important to them.

“Leadership, when done well, isn’t about you; it is about those you serve,” Alfaro says. “There may be certain things that only you can do for the organization, as the leader, and each leader certainly has personal strengths that make them unique. In the final analysis, however, my role as a leader is to serve the larger group and the greater good.”

To Alfaro, mentorship and support are key components of leadership. He says that he loves to help others maximize their own strengths and bring forth their unique skills to allow them to have the most impact on their schools.

“This is challenging work,” Alfaro says. “To be effective as a whole, we need each individual to contribute their unique talents. There is gold in each of us, and that gold might look different from one person to another, but it is there. We must bring out the best in each other to do the important work of public education.”

Toby Cox

Toby Cox is executive director of student services in Joshua ISD and has worked in the district for more than three decades. Among his peers, he is known as a master at building effective, meaningful relationships.

“Toby Cox is truly one of the most genuine people I know,” says Debra Brakel, executive director of human resources in Joshua. “His ability to lead with both respect and kindness has created a strong sense of belonging and mutual respect among all of us who have the privilege of working with him.”

Cox is exceptionally proud of his district, pointing to the work those in the district have done and continue to do to serve students.

“Joshua ISD has always made family and people a priority and treated the staff and students like they are what is most important,” he says. “Joshua ISD continues to maintain a high standard for students and staff academically as well as professionally.

When the work gets tough, as it often does in public ed, Cox relies on his personal commitment to serve others to keep him going.

“I believe it is important to help people in any area that I can and try to make a difference, even if it is in the smallest way,” he says. “I hold on to things that people have given to me or said to me throughout my career and pull them out to re-read from time to time. It reminds me of my purpose.”

In his career, Cox has served as a teacher, counselor, elementary administrator, secondary administrator, and now central office administrator. He says that every step of the way, he has benefitted from unofficial members, and now he devotes himself to paying that support forward to others.

“The best part of my job is the relationships that have been built and seeing the kindness in others and their passion for education. I truly enjoy spending my days with my work family.”

SMART ROOFS FOR SMART SCHOOLS

Inspiring leader from TASA history

Edward T. Robbins: TASA president with 60-plus years of membership

In 1985, TASA conducted an informal search to identify the school leader who had been a TASA member for the longest time. The search revealed that Past President Edward T. Robbins had been a member since 1926 — 60 years of membership at the time!

After earning his BBA from the University of Texas at Austin, Robbins served as the superintendent of Hearne ISD from 1926 to 1935, earning his master’s degree in 1933. From there, Robbins went on to become superintendent of Taylor ISD, where he served from 1935 to 1947. Later that year, he became superintendent of Alamo Heights ISD, where he stayed until 1966, when he joined the staff of Trinity University in San Antonio.

Robbins served as TASA president in 1951-52, having been passed the gavel when TASA President W.T. White (1950-51) announced he was resigning his TASA presidency because he was also serving as AASA president at the time and felt that he wasn’t able to focus enough on his TASA work. At the time, TASA was heavily involved in working with Commissioner of Education J.W. Edgar and the Texas Education Agency to implement the sweeping new Gilmer-Aikin legislation.

Robbins became an Honorary Life member of TASA in 1976 and worked as an educational consultant in the 1980s.

For more on J.W. Edgar and TASA's history, be sure to check out "Texas Association of School Administrators: A Century of Inspiring Leadership" by the late TASA Executive Director Emeritus Johnny Veselka at https://bit.ly/TASA-History.

HIGHER EDUCATION

An era of opportunity: pathways and promises for

aspiring Texas educators

by Stacey Edmonson and Abbie Strunc

School districts and universities continue to invest in strengthening the Texas teacher pipeline through innovative, contextually specific, and high quality educator preparation strategies. And, in a major show of support, the Texas Legislature has joined in this investment, notably through the passage of House Bill 2 (HB 2), which has significantly expanded support for aspiring teachers through multiple pathways. As we mentioned previously, the Texas Education Agency reported that 32.9% of the teachers who were employed and certified in the 2023-24 school year were prepared through an alternative certification program (Landa, 2024), and in the same school year, a reported 38,257 uncertified teachers were employed across Texas school districts. In other words, almost half (43.8%) of teachers in schools last year were alternatively certified or not certified at all (Ghazzawi et. al, 2025). For school and district administrators as well as for higher education, this isn’t just a statistic — it’s a call to action. The investment into high quality educator preparation pathways (EPPs), with meaningful connections across EPPs and school districts, is a clear first step in meeting the critical needs of today’s classrooms with well prepared teachers who can have a positive impact on students, Day 1.

HB 2 introduces transformative opportunities that both school districts and higher education institutions must embrace. Specifically, in addition to many other considerations, HB 2 provides financial support for teacher residency programs, alternative certification support, and grow-yourown programs.

Teacher residency programs

HB 2 provides substantial funding for high-quality teacher residency programs, allowing teacher candidates to receive paid, in-classroom training under the guidance of experienced mentors. These programs are designed to improve teacher readiness and retention, especially in high-need districts. The residency model provides immersive, mentored experiences that mirror the success of yearlong clinical teaching models. The PREP (Paid Residency Educator Preparation) allotment offers stipends for residents, outcome-based bonuses for preparation programs, and incentives for districts to participate. As many preparation programs have shifted to yearlong residency models to replace traditional student teaching, this funding provides investments that allow teacher candidates to earn living expenses while they gain invaluable experience as teachers in classrooms, as well as adding important instructional support opportunities for the classrooms they serve.

Alternative certification support

To address immediate staffing needs, HB 2 also includes one-time financial incentives to help school districts certify existing staff through alternative certification programs. This support helps paraprofessionals and other school employees transition into full-time teaching roles, expanding the pool of qualified educators. Building meaningful, well supported alternative certification pathways is a direct opportunity for universities to partner with districts and offer high-quality, accelerated certification options.

Grow your own programs

HB 2 also enhances funding for Grow Your Own (GYO) initiatives, which aim to support future educators from within the context of their local communities. These programs target high school students, paraprofessionals, and community members, offering structured pathways into the teaching profession. Formula funding to support these efforts is provided through HB 2, recognizing GYO as a long-term strategy to address teacher shortages in hard-to-staff areas. Higher education EPPs are uniquely positioned to support these efforts through dual credit courses, early field experiences, and tailored certification pathways.

Together, these investments reflect Texas’ commitment to building a sustainable, contextually relevant, and well-prepared educator workforce. Aspiring teachers now have more accessible, supported, and community-based pathways into the profession than ever before, and the opportunity to capitalize on these investments is paramount.

A call to action for teacher preparation

Historically, higher education EPPs have led the charge in teacher preparation. But the current landscape — and the growing teacher shortage — is a wake-up call. Today’s aspiring teachers prioritize flexibility, accessibility, affordability, and time-to-completion (2025). Innovation is no longer optional; it’s essential. Fortunately, quality and quantity can coexist. We can meet both candidates and school districts where they are without compromising the integrity of teacher preparation.

Agility in structure and support

Adapting the modality and structure of EPPs is key. The goal isn’t to replace traditional programs but to expand access. Long semesters and rigid entry points deter candidates — especially those already working in schools. Institutions like SHSU are leading the way with multiple entry points throughout the year, removing outdated barriers and building capacity.

Flexibility also means rethinking support. Mentoring, coaching, and consistent feedback are proven to reduce attrition and improve teacher effectiveness. At SHSU, Professors of Practice serve as mentors, collaborators, and instructional coaches — helping candidates with everything from lesson planning to classroom management.

Affordability and time-to-completion

Cost remains a major barrier. HB 2’s funding creates an opportunity for universities to reexamine pricing structures and make certification more accessible. High-quality alternative certification programs must be affordable, sustainable, and scalable.

Time-to-completion is equally critical. While traditional programs span years, many candidates need faster pathways. With intentional design — mirroring residency models, leveraging district partnerships, and embedding mentorship — universities can offer accelerated programs without sacrificing quality.

The path forward

The data is clear: Texas needs more teachers, and nearly half of them are entering through non-traditional routes. HB 2

provides the resources and momentum to reimagine teacher preparation. Institutions of higher education must rise to the challenge — adapting, innovating, and leading the way toward a more inclusive, effective, and responsive system of educator preparation. For school administrators, this isn’t just a statistic — it’s a call to action.

Why this matters to district administrators

District leaders are undoubtedly on the front lines of the teacher shortage. Administrators see and feel the impact of teacher shortages, retention gaps, and lack of general preparation every day. HB 2 provides supports to help address these challenges, but using these tools to build successful teacher pathways is up to all of us. We are responsible for building strong partnerships between districts and EPPs that build a more agile and effective teacher pipeline. The following strategies can be key components for next steps.

1. Partner strategically: Work with EPPs that offer multiple entry points, residency models, and alternative certification programs aligned with your district’s needs.

2. Leverage HB 2 funding: Use new state funding to support uncertified staff, host residents, and launch or expand GYO programs.

3. Prioritize support: Ensure novice teachers — especially those in alternative pathways — receive mentoring, coaching, and classroom-based support. SHSU’s Professors of Practice model is one example of how this can be done effectively.

4. Advocate for affordability and access: Encourage your higher education partners to keep costs manageable and programs

accessible. Affordability is a key barrier for many aspiring teachers.

5. Focus on time-to-impact: Accelerated, high-quality certification programs can help fill teacher vacancies faster without sacrificing teacher quality. Look for programs that mirror the structure and support of yearlong clinical teaching.

Moving forward (quickly!)

It continues to be critical that neither higher education nor school districts work in isolation. Becoming nimble, agile, and truly responsive to the needs of Texas students and schools requires building strong partnerships across candidates, campuses, districts, EPPs, and other institutions of higher education. The teacher preparation landscape is changing — and district and school leaders have a pivotal role to play. By embracing the opportunities in HB 2 and partnering with innovative EPPs, we help build a stronger, more sustainable educator workforce for your district. An era of opportunity awaits. Let’s reimagine what’s possible — together. n

Dr. Stacey Edmonson is Dean of the College of Education at Sam Houston State University. She was formerly Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership & Counseling and has been a teacher, principal, and central office administrator in Texas public schools.

Dr. Abbie Strunc is Associate Dean for Academic Administration & Enrollment in the College of Education at Sam Houston State University. She was previously chair of the School of Teaching & Learning at SHSU and a high school history teacher in Texas public schools.

References

Ghazzawi, D., Olofson, M., Landa, J., & Eluru, M.S. (2024). Uncertified teacher rates 2018 – 2019 through 2023 – 2024. Texas Education Agency. https://tea.texas.gov/reports-and-data/educator-data/uncertified-teachers-historic-2018-2019-to-2023-2024. pdf

Landa, J. (2024). Employment of initially certified teachers 2019 –20 through 2023 – 24. Texas Education Agency. https://tea.texas. gov/reports-and-data/educator-data/employment-of-initiallycertified-teachers-2023-2024.pdf

TSPRA VOICE

The importance of partnerships

by Claudia McWhorter

My superintendent is Superman. On any given day, he is attending a STEAM Day at an elementary campus, chamber ribbon-cutting, Special Olympics competition, Education Foundation board meeting, Rotary Club luncheon, meeting at the Capitol, school carnival or one of many, many student awards assemblies. He even met families at a local barbeque restaurant on a weekend to hear input on a possible school closure.

But why this relentless engagement? Sure, he's a genuinely amiable man, but the truth runs deeper.

As a school district that sees 68% of its tax dollars go to recapture, Eanes ISD's reliance on community support is paramount. Relationships matter. Volunteers and support groups aren't just helpful extras; they are integral to our functioning, and ultimately, our success. These partnerships extend beyond mere financial aid, encompassing vital contributions of time and expertise, even extending to the intangible yet essential staff appreciation and recognition. Following are a few tips on ways we strengthen our partnerships in the community.

Collaborate and problem-solve together

Every year we host an annual PTO/booster club boot camp for our incoming presidents and presidentselect. This one-day event introduces our operational intricacies but also serves as a forum for aligning efforts and rallying support for upcoming initiatives. Participants learn best practices, meet district go-tos, hear tips on campus relationships, fundraising, programs and events, parent involvement and more. This year, we introduced a new catering program spearheaded by our food services department. Booster clubs have eagerly embraced this initiative, making it their go-to option for events and meetings. This small mention has yielded additional revenue for the school district.

Following boot camp, we host the leaders of these campus-based groups for a monthly Presidents’ Council meeting where we discuss reports from Board of Trustees meetings, bond projects and more. The meetings provide an opportunity to hear concerns in the community, problem solve and collaborate. We look to this group when considering a bond referendum, showing possible projects and getting feedback and buy-in before the bond proposal is finalized. In doing this, we are cultivating a network of allies who can lend crucial support when challenges inevitably arise.

Recently, my superintendent initiated a collaboration with ministers, clergy and religious leaders from 15 area faith organizations to discuss mutual challenges and topics of interest. Topics range from the concerning trends of suicide, politicization and discrimination to gaining insights into the specific hurdles faced by students and families within our Jewish community. This partnership has not only provided valuable awareness but has also proven instrumental in connecting families with financial or other support resources when needed.

Show up

But it’s more than boot camp and meetings. It’s showing up for your partners, too. Which is one of the reasons my superintendent is so busy. True partnership means showing up — literally — at

the school carnivals, galas, and ribbon-cutting ceremonies hosted by our community allies. Remember that in some ways, our school district leadership is the chamber of commerce; we are intertwined with the fabric of the community, and that demands active involvement and support for our partners' endeavors.

And of course, the financial support is critical. With a slogan of “We Fund Teachers,” we are incredibly fortunate to have a strong education foundation that helps lessen the hit from recapture so we can provide supports in the classroom the state does not fund. We partner with the foundation in marketing and fundraising events to help leverage their messaging, and of course, my superintendent attends all their events — sometimes six or seven in a month during their busiest fundraising season.

Listen and respond

By actively listening to our partners, we gain valuable insights into what meaningful involvement means to them. For instance, in response to feedback from our local rotary group, we recently expanded our educator appreciation program. Traditionally, the group awarded financial gifts to our educators of the year during an annual luncheon. However, they expressed a desire to

increase their support by offering monthly gifts to educators and visiting campuses.

This simple adjustment has yielded remarkable results. Not only do our educators receive delightful surprises throughout the year, but it also creates opportunities for Rotarians to engage meaningfully with both staff and students on our campuses. These interactions foster deeper connections within our community and contribute to a culture of appreciation and collaboration.

So yes, my superintendent will give up many weeknights and weekends, always with a smile. Whether it's enduring a pie to the face for a school fundraiser (yes, that happened) or lending a sympathetic ear to concerns, his boundless spirit and genuine commitment resonate deeply with our schools and community. It is a symbiotic relationship — one where his generosity of spirit enriches us all.

And if you want to see just how much he gets out around the community, follow him on Facebook @eanessupt. n

Claudia McWhorter is chief communications officer in Eanes ISD.

TECH TAKE

Surviving deficit budgets

by the TETL Next Digital Shift Committee

Defining

the problem

Many districts across Texas are experiencing some financial challenges. Inflation costs have increased an average of 3.57% per year, which has resulted in a cumulative price increase of about 23.45% from 2019 to 2025. The Texas state basic funding allotment to school districts has not increased since 2019. Thus, districts are faced with the challenge of compensating for increased costs with static funding. Meanwhile, the mission of technology leaders remains the same. As technology leaders, we will support and enhance the educational experience for students and staff by providing reliable and secure technology solutions. Technology leaders will continue to ensure digital equity, work with other departments to integrate technology into the curriculum, and maintain a secure and efficient IT infrastructure. The goal is to create a safe and secure environment that supports learning and prepares students for the future.

The opportunity is for us as technology leaders to provide a safe and secure environment while operating on a reduced or static budget. These budget challenges will require us to be more resourceful, strategic, and innovative in managing limited resources while striving to meet the organization’s technology needs and goals. This paper is a collaborative response from districts across Texas. It discusses how different technology departments are addressing the budget challenges while providing and maintaining a secure and efficient IT infrastructure.

Contributing districts

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD (CFISD) is Texas's third-largest school district, with 118,057 students, 19,000 employees, and 96 campuses. The district is a 1:1 device per student. CFISD maintains the fourthlowest administrative costs in the state of Texas. Currently, taxpayers receive a 20% local homestead of optional exemption with a tax rate of $1.0869.

Schertz-Cibolo Universal City Independent School District (SCUCISD) has 14,914 students and 16 schools. While the district’s residential developments are growing, the student population is slightly declining. This lowered student enrollment, combined with the challenge of having and celebrating the largest veteran population — which results in significant residential and deserved tax exemptions that are not held harmless by the state — has exacerbated the funding concerns. SCUCISD will continue to partner with the local community to seek prioritization on funding expenses and community input into future revenue options.

Mineral Wells ISD (MWISD) has 3,300+ students, 500+ employees, and six schools. MWISD is a rural district with approximately 73% of its students classified as economically disadvantaged. The district’s student enrollment has remained relatively static over the past decade. The most significant overall financial issue that the district faces is the lack of an increase to the basic allotment since 2019; a substantial increase to the basic allotment would help offset inflationary increases that have skyrocketed costs since the last increase.

Montgomery ISD (MISD) has an enrollment of 9,864 students with 1,660 active employees. The district is a 1:1 kindergarten through 12th grade district, with 12 school sites and five auxiliary sites. The adopted tax rate is $1.0912.

Strategies from the contributing school districts

Our findings indicate that thriving districts in all circumstances are optimizing financial management and being good stewards of equipment, resources, money, time, and staff. By prioritizing projects and minimizing waste, technology departments will continue to get the most value for their money. Leveraging technology assets in strategic ways, as outlined below, will allow technology leaders to optimize their costto-value ratio.

Student device replacement — master schedule

Establishing an ongoing strategy for device replacements is an additional challenge for technology departments weathering the budget crisis in Texas. Other options are being explored as we use the standard processes of re-evaluating usable device lifecycles, in-house repairs, and lowerquality replacements. One option that bears promise is strategically replacing student devices based on the percentage of necessary classroom usage for those devices. SCUCISD calls this a "needs-based 1:1" replacement. In this process, student devices remain on campus, which aids in minimizing breakage, and the devices are shifted between standard classroom environments for the highest availability possible, with fine arts and athletics instructional spaces having less availability. This dynamic reassignment of devices throughout the school day allows districts

to purchase replacement student devices based on a percentage of each campus’ student enrollment rather than a device for every student. The process minimizes the issue of idle devices found in traditional 1:1 deployments, while still meeting the core academic needs of students.

As more online activity is required by students for state testing and advanced academics, districts will need to shift their expectations for the number of days within each testing window that must be devoted to testing on a given campus. Without the excess of devices in daily instruction, testing windows will need to be leveraged to provide students with the necessary opportunities to pursue college credit, demonstrate their learning on the STAAR test, or provide local district data on annual growth.

MWISD is a 1:1 district with cart-based prekindergarten (PK)-6 and take-home 7-12; PK is iPad, and K-12 is Chrome (nontouch). MWISD will test touch Chrome devices for PK this upcoming school year in hopes of being Chrome-based PK-12. MWISD is three years in on attempting to have all Chrome devices be in service for a six-year lifecycle. This was initially planned when the Chrome Auto Update Expiration (AUE) went to eight years, it’s now a 10-year AUE.

Devices are more likely to survive six years in the cart-based deployments versus the take-home model. Understanding this, MWISD purchases a set number of devices each year for the incoming seventh grade class; typically, this class ranges from 240260 students, so 275 devices are purchased and remain with that group of students. These student numbers hold fairly steady through freshman year and then slowly decline during the last three years of high school with the average graduation class being about 180-200 students. Devices from the original purchase of 275 that are no longer used by those students remain

with that group and replace devices that do not physically make it to graduation, whether because of unrepairable damage, damages too costly to justify, or because a device is lost or stolen. When students graduate, devices still have two to three years left on the AUE, so those devices either get moved into loaner pools, spare testing carts, replacements for other devices across the district, or sold via a buyback program with a third-party vendor (e.g., AGI, Bluum, Chromebookparts, etc.).

Once the AUE is reached, any remaining devices are sold via a buyback program. Besides consistently purchasing the same amount of devices each year for incoming seventh grade students, the district replaces the devices for each of three elementary schools at one school every other year. This keeps student device purchasing consistent and allows the department to coordinate increases in purchasing staff devices and classroom technology in years in which student device purchases are reduced.

CFISD is a 1:1 Lenovo Chromebook district. The district has Accidental Damage Protection (ADP) and the manufacturer’s warranty on the devices. Devices are currently on a five-year refresh cycle. The district became a 1:1 district as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Devices were delivered, enrolled, prepared, serviced, and deployed from a centralized location. Buses were used for transportation to and from schools. When students returned to campus, the department moved to another location but still operated in a centralized model: technicians on campuses hot-swapped devices and non-working devices came back to the centralized location for triage where a determination was made whether to send out the device for service or repair it (power-wash) at that location.

Analysis of resource data and support tickets indicated that this was not a sustainable model so the district moved to a decentralized support model whereby technicians were trained on power washing and Chromebook support, technician staff at the central location were assigned to buildings, and schedules were made with the warranty vendor for pick-up and delivery schedules. Moving to a decentralized model has allowed the department to provide better service time, and decrease the number of support tickets. Ticket analysis shows that most devices are now repaired through accidental damage protection versus warranty. CFISD’s vendor partners, Prime Systems and Lenovo, have worked extensively with the district to reduce service times and provide better communication to schools regarding service pick-ups and returns. Moving to a decentralized model and leveraging vendor resources has allowed CFISD to sustain this program.

Montgomery ISD is also a 1:1 Lenovo Chromebook district with Accidental Damage Protection and a manufacturer’s warranty on the devices. Devices are currently on a five-year refresh cycle.

Administrative device replacement

MWISD lifecycles Windows devices every five years on a three - year purchasing cycle. Devices at two facilities are replaced each year (HS/JH one year, two elementary schools one year; and one elementary school with the district office, cafeterias, libraries, and labs in one year). Similar to student device purchasing, this keeps purchase projections relatively consistent. The district is completing the removal of many Windows labs, except CTE, and replacing any necessary labs (basically one lab per campus) with Chrome devices. Over the past three years, the district has reduced the Windows device

count from 850 to 550 total devices, which helps further reduce costs on items such as PDQ (Windows inventory and software management/deployment) and EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) licensing.

In CFISD, most of the administrative fleet is a Dell Windows laptop or desktop device. A five-year Dell manufacturer warranty covers the Dell Windows devices. Dell provided training to all of the district’s technicians and they all have access to a Dell support portal. Technicians can elect to have a part shipped to their location and complete the repair. If they need assistance, they can escalate the ticket, and a Dell technician is dispatched the next day to complete the repair onsite. The district only had a handful of Dell devices that needed to be repaired off-site and GTS Technology Solutions, Inc., assisted in those instances. This service model was a lower-cost option than a third party performing the manufacturer's warranty support. This has also allowed the department to decrease device support turnaround time for administrative devices.

Break/fix

MWISD deals with a lot of damage, particularly with take-home Chrome devices for secondary (seven-12) students. The department uses work-in (zipper) cases for take-home devices and clamshell cases on cart-based devices for grades K-6. In 2019, all Chrome device repairs were being done by AGI, taking roughly two to three weeks from damage until return, and the district only took the standard one-year warranty with Chrome device purchases (this did not cover most damages). After evaluating four-year warranties with accidental damage versus the annual costs of paid repairs (actual collection from students was not considered — each year, the district ends up collecting about 35% of what is charged to students

for damages), it was determined to be less expensive to continue paying for repairs as they occurred. After COVID-19, the district began transitioning to in-house repairs, and by 2023 MWISD was no longer sending any repairs to a third party. With the reduction of actual expenditures by purchasing parts and managing the amount of labor spent doing repairs, along with the roughly 35% collection rate, the department ended in the black with repairs for the school year 2023-24. Additionally, a repair is generally completed within a day, two to three days at most, instead of a two- to three-week turnaround, which puts less strain on loaner pools and allows the department to reduce those device allotments in half.

CFISD uses two manufacturers, Dell and Lenovo, and two local resellers, Prime Systems and GTS Technology Solutions, Inc. Prime Systems services the Lenovo machines with a next-business-day warranty. Additionally, Chromebooks are covered by accidental damage protection. Support ticket analysis showed no difference in tickets on Chromebooks covered with a case versus those without a case and following discussions with the manufacturer and vendor, the district decided not to continue to purchase cases for new devices this year. Existing cases would, however, remain on existing devices. This resulted in a cost savings of about $29 per device. The district’s Dell machines are covered with a Dell warranty, and the first line of support are CFISD technicians with the Dell Support portal. Splitting the fleet between the two manufacturers has allowed the district to navigate many of the pandemic supply chain issues and leverage vendor/manufacturer relationships to provide better support service.

Continued on page

Reducing printer, paper, or cartridge costs (personal printers)

CFISD: It is well documented that color prints cost more per page than monochrome. Paper and ink costs are part of the total cost of ownership of any printer. For many years, the district worked extensively with instructional technology to standardize the printer fleet. Each school has a large color multifunction device in the library and other color printers are deployed based on curriculum needs. Printer drivers can be set for monochrome with the option to choose color. CFISD moved to shared network printers versus printers in each office or classroom. Additionally, the district has leased copiers in large-volume shared areas (e.g., workrooms). Printing is an area which the district continues to revisit. It is an area in which the district works to minimize waste while maintaining educational value for the money spent. CFISD has been able to reduce some printing through the implementation of an electronic document management solution. Records and needed information are retained digitally versus storing paper copies.

MWISD: Printers are primarily a campus-level expense, with technology simply supporting the printer fleet and approving any printers before purchase by a campus to maintain support. The technology department purchases or replaces very few printers district-wide. The district has a copier contract with a local vendor and each campus is financially responsible for the number of copiers on its campus. Printers and toners are then maintained from campus budgets; again, with technology approval for purchase, deployment, and support.

SCUCISD: Many cost-saving opportunities exist with printing services, but one that has had a significant impact has been secure document release. Print jobs sent to multi-function copiers do not automatically print with this arrangement but must be released by a secure PIN or RFID badge. A significant number of print jobs are never released, sometimes in the hundreds of pages per job. Without secure print release, these costs would have been incurred even though the print job was deemed unnecessary by the staff member.

Use E-Rate, grant, or bond funding to support district technology efforts

MWISD uses E-Rate funding to the fullest potential. The infrastructure lifecycle is based on manufacturer EOL (end-of-life) in conjunction with five-year Category 2 E-Rate funding cycles and budgets. The district uses Category 1 E-Rate funding for Internet and WAN services, but does not use funding for hotspots due to the low number of hotspots needed for student use. MWISD applied for the Cybersecurity pilot program, but was not accepted. The district hopes for that to become permanent in the near future. MWISD finds having an E-Rate consultant extremely helpful and valuable in watching the current Texas legislative session for potential increases in safety and security funding, as well as an extension of funding from the expiring cybersecurity initiative (hopefully with fewer restrictions), and/or restoration/increase in IMTA funding.

Montgomery ISD uses a combination of funding sources: E-Rate Category 1 funds WAN and DIA services. E-Rate Category 2 funds some infrastructure lifecycling replacements such as UPSs, Firewalls, and core switching. Category 2 also helps to fund MIBS for Firewall and switch monitoring. The district passed a bond in 2022 which has been used to upgrade switching, WAPs, classroom technology, VoIP, and security cameras. Grant funds will be used for SPAT summer of 2025.

CFISD uses a combination of Category 1 and Category 2 E-Rate funding. Our E-Rate consultant, E-Rate Central has helped us maximize the reimbursement money coming back to the district. Additionally, we have recently viewed a demonstration of a product from TitanTech. This company’s product aims to provide a consolidated repository of grants, E-Rate, and other programs that align with your district’s profile criteria and areas of interest.

Additional input from smaller districts in the San Antonio area revealed other unique situations causing funding concerns. The school districts located on the Joint Base San Antonio military bases are public schools, but they lack the local residential tax revenue. These districts rely on additional federal funding to cover the overhead of administrative costs which cannot be scaled back, such as a campus administrator for their high schools. Although enrollment may be much smaller than other local districts, with very few non-base residents transferring into the

JBSA districts, they still need to maintain minimum administrative staff and operate buildings. In recent news, these districts have expressed concern about the loss of federal funding which could make the continued operation of their schools no longer viable.

Software reduction

With the pressure of budgets increasing, one method of creating additional space for necessary costs is to evaluate software usage and make necessary cuts. There are tools available for districts to track software usage, SCUCISD uses Classlink's Analytics tool to gather this data. In addition to specific applications available through the single-sign-on platform, this tool provides insight into common domains visited by both students and staff. If users are accessing paid tools outside of the expected method, their usage is still captured.

Additionally, if an alternative tool is being consistently accessed, it can be reviewed as a possible cost-saving replacement to one or multiple paid options. SCUCISD has adopted a three-year process for evaluation of effectiveness according to the pattern: software tool selection and rollout in the first year, integration of professional development and usage analytics in the second year, and assessment of possible student impact in the third year, which results in the necessary data to determine if the software’s fiscal burden is making an impact worthy of renewal.

CFISD has reviewed software for the 202526 school year via a digital resource review committee, which reviews applications for House Bill 18 compliance and district application compliance. The process helped the district identify applications that perform similar functions, allowing the district to consolidate applications, provide more standardization, and reduce the overall spend. Through this approved list of resources, the district has allowed a small number of school-funded approved

applications. By closely reviewing orders, the department realized that some of the small orders required more work support effort than larger bulk orders, thus the department worked this year with end customers to bulk up orders for next year. This will allow contract consolidation, single entry of requisition, anticipated lower pricing from bulk orders, single PO issue, and single rostering of data. The anticipated outcome is reduced costs to the end customer and reduced efforts of time from employees supporting application orders (through contract review, order entry, data rostering, and application push out). Additionally, CFISD uses a product called Digital Insight from Lightspeed Systems. This tool shows usage and assists the district with Return on Investment (ROI) calculations.

MWISD is using ClassLink Analytics+ for the same purpose as Digital Insight–usage & ROI. (Learn Platform from Instructure also does usage & ROI calculations). The district plans to implement AppTrack from ClassLink when it gets released this summer, which will allow an update to the current software vetting process. ClassLink appears to be working on bringing in badges for this edtech software approval process from trusted evaluation vendors such as 1EdTech and ISTE.

Montgomery ISD uses Classlink Analytics+ for usage and ROI. The Technology Planning Committee meets a minimum of three times a year to review applications for House Bill 18, changes to COPPA, and evaluation of district AI policy for both staff and students.

G-Suite transition from MS — turning older Windows devices into Chromebooks

In conclusion, while Texas school districts continue to face the ongoing challenges of reduced or static budgets, technology leaders across the state are demonstrating resilience, innovation, and strategic foresight. Through collaborative planning, careful resource

management, and creative problemsolving, districts are finding ways to stretch limited funds while still delivering high-quality, safe, and secure technology solutions. By prioritizing what matters most — student learning, staff support, and long-term sustainability — these districts are not only surviving, but actively transforming to ensure that their technology infrastructure continues to support educational excellence in the evolving financial climate. n

Steve Barnwell is the Director of Technology for Schertz-Cibolo Universal City ISD.

Kim Bowlin is the Assistant Director of Technology Support Services/ Purchasing for Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.

Amanda Davis is the Executive Director of Technology and Digital Learning for Montgomery ISD.

Justin Lascsak is the Director of Technology for Mineral Wells ISD. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ in/justin-a-lascsak/

References

In2013Dollars. (n.d.). U.S. Inflation Rate, $1 in 2019 to 2025. Retrieved Feb. 19, 2025, from https://www.in2013dollars.com/us/ inflation/2019?amount=1

Teaching is academic, social, and emotional labor all in one, and yet, despite the increasing demands placed on educators, teachers persevere.

TEACHER PERSPECTIVE

More than content: why teachers are irreplaceable in today’s

classrooms

by Kristi Leff

Each day across Texas, educators step into classrooms armed with far more than a lesson plan. They carry with them compassion, resilience, creativity, and an unwavering belief in their students. As the 2025 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year, I am often recognized for my efforts in education, but this honor is not mine alone. It belongs to the thousands of educators across our state who teach with heart, lead with purpose, and persevere through challenges to do what is best for children.

In an age dominated by digital innovation and rapidly advancing technology, it's tempting to believe that screens and software might replace aspects of traditional instruction, but no matter how advanced a device becomes, it cannot replace the human connection that defines teaching. It cannot replicate the presence of a teacher who knows when a child needs a word of encouragement, a moment of redirection, or simply someone who believes in them because teaching is more than delivery of content. Teaching is the shaping of the whole child.

The work behind the scenes

Teachers are often seen standing at the front of a classroom, delivering instruction, but the true impact of an educator stretches far beyond what’s visible. Teachers are constantly tuning in to more than just academic progress. We scan the faces of our students for signs of distress, withdrawal, or worry. We create safe routines for students who crave consistency, and we modify expectations for those who are carrying invisible burdens. We help children navigate friendship, conflict, failure, and growth. All of this happens while we also analyze assessment data, align to standards, differentiate instruction, and creatively rework lessons to meet the needs of 25 different learners in a single room.

This is the reality of teaching: It is both head and heart work. Teaching is academic, social, and emotional labor all in one, and yet, despite the increasing demands placed on educators, teachers persevere. They stay after school to tutor. They spend their own money to stock classrooms. They call home to celebrate small wins. They attend games, concerts, and events because they know that being present matters.

Why human educators matter now more than ever

Technology will always be a useful tool, but it will never replace the irreplaceable; the human connection between teacher and student. Artificial intelligence can solve math problems, generate essays, and automate feedback, but it cannot celebrate a student’s improvement with joyful tears. It cannot ask a child how their weekend was and listen with empathy when the answer reveals a deeper need. It cannot model patience, flexibility, or integrity.

In a world where many children are navigating trauma, instability, or disconnection, the steady presence of a caring adult in the classroom becomes not just important; it becomes life-changing. Teachers humanize the learning experience. They offer a mirror for identity, a window into possibility, and a bridge to the future.

The unseen courage of educators

This profession is not for the faint of heart. Teachers face increasing scrutiny, changing standards, and the emotional weight of a job that never truly ends when the final bell rings, but even amid those challenges, they continue. They show up for the student who’s been absent more than present. They adapt when the plan falls apart. They celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. They believe in students when students haven’t yet learned to believe in themselves. It is this deep, unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of each child that makes teachers essential. Not just valuable. Essential.

As I reflect on being named Teacher of the Year, I do so with humility and perspective. This award represents the collective courage, passion, and perseverance of a profession that often works without fanfare. Texas teachers are not just delivering instruction. They are building futures. They are growing leaders. They are shaping hearts.

While technology continues to evolve, and as systems shift and adapt, let us remember this: the strength of our schools still rests in the hands of the educators who walk into classrooms each morning with hope, resolve, and the audacity to believe that every child can succeed because we do not just teach content.

We teach the future. n

Kristi Leff is the 2025 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year. She is a fifth-grade science and English/language arts teacher at Humphrey’s Highland Elementary in Amarillo, where she has taught since 2015.

Find Your Learning ABILITY

When schools face budget cuts, staff shortages, or public criticism, when families are hurting and students are struggling, it is not easy to summon a sense of thankfulness.

LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVE

Gratitude beyond the glass

by Quintin Shepherd

Gratitude is one of those words that feels deeply personal yet universally understood. We know it when we feel it, and we admire it when we see it in others. But what does it actually mean? According to the Oxford English Dictionary, gratitude is “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” A simple definition, but it invites deeper exploration because gratitude is not just an emotional response. It is also a practice, a discipline, and even a form of resistance against despair.

Consider how gratitude is understood within Buddhist philosophy. It is not simply about being thankful for what is pleasurable or beneficial. In fact, Buddhist teachings often emphasize being grateful even for suffering, because it can be a teacher. Gratitude in this context is not contingent upon comfort or gain. It is a way of being present and accepting what is, without clinging or aversion. This spiritual perspective is echoed in other traditions as well. Many Indigenous communities, for example, begin each day with expressions of thanks … not for a particular outcome, but simply for the gift of life, the land, the sky, and each other. Gratitude is communal, embodied, and expansive.

This deeper sense of gratitude brings us to a familiar metaphor: Is your glass half full or half empty? The phrase is often used to distinguish optimists from pessimists. Optimists see what is there and pessimists see what is missing. It’s a tidy way to frame our outlook, but it is also reductive. Because what if, in the moment, we’re neither? What if the glass is almost empty, and the room is dark, and no one is coming to refill it?

In those moments, gratitude can feel elusive. When schools face budget cuts, staff shortages, or public criticism, when families are hurting and students are struggling, it is not easy to summon a sense of thankfulness. A half-empty glass in education can feel like an indictment: Why don't we have more? Why is it so hard? Where is the justice?

But gratitude is not denial. It does not ask us to pretend things are better than they are. Instead, it invites us to anchor ourselves in what is, even if what is feels insufficient. The glass may be half-empty, yes ... but we still have something to work with. We are still here. The students are still showing up. The work still matters. That, too, is enough.

And when the glass is half full, when we have what we need, or nearly so, gratitude becomes a wellspring. We are thankful not because everything is perfect, but because we are aware of what we have. In this frame, gratitude amplifies joy. It builds resilience. It allows us to move forward not in fear of losing, but in celebration of what has been given.

Yet, even this dichotomy, half full or half empty, misses something essential.

The deeper truth is this: real gratitude is being thankful that you have a glass at all. Before the contents, before the conditions, there is the simple fact of existence. You are here. You are alive. You are capable of giving and receiving. That, in itself, is a miracle.

This shift, from focusing on the contents of the glass to appreciating the glass itself, is more than wordplay. It is a change in orientation. It allows us to move beyond optimism or pessimism and toward something more enduring: perspective.

In leadership, in education, and in life, this form of gratitude becomes a compass. It does not erase hardship, but it transforms how we meet it. It roots us in presence. It reminds us that the people around us are not problems to be solved but gifts to be honored. And it challenges us to find something to be thankful for even on the hardest days, perhaps especially on those days.

As we begin another chapter in our schools and communities, may we look not only at how full our glass is, but at the simple fact that we have one. May we teach our students not just to count their blessings, but to see them in the first place. And may we remember that gratitude is not a passive feeling. It is a deliberate practice … one that starts not with what we have, but with how we see. n

Dr. Quintin Shepherd is the superintendent of Pflugerville ISD. He works as an adjunct professor at University of HoustonVictoria and has served as superintendent for the past 19 years in three states.

N2 Learning and TASA are excited to partner to help districts transform the learning experiences for students, teachers, and administrators.

Our strategic initiatives in partnership with TASA are designed to create learning opportunities for school leaders across Texas. These initiatives cultivate purposeful networks of leaders engaged in meaningful work that advances the principles in the New Vision for Public Education

Scan the QR code or visit N2Learning.com for information, testimonials and registration for our institutes with TASA.

N2P

New 2 Principalship

#TXN2P

New principals will collaborate to share leadership strategies, explore innovative solutions, and build strong, accountable professional networks across diverse districts.

$2,500 * per principal 10 SESSIONS

Ten, 90-minute online coaching sessions

Assistant Principal Leadership Academy APL

#TXAPL

APL equips assistant principals with the skills and inspiration to become transformative leaders, preparing them for principal roles through targeted learning and leadership development.

$1,000 * per assistant principal 6 SESSIONS

Six, four-hour sessions during the school year

*Pricing excludes travel expenses.

Executive Leadership Institute

#TXELI

ELI empowers district leaders to drive system-wide improvements in teaching and learning, offering strategic development sessions and year-round support from an Executive Coach.

$4,000 * per administrator 4 SESSIONS

Four, two-day sessions during the year rotating between Austin, Dallas, and Houston

Principals’ Institute

#TXPVI

The Principals’ Institute is a year-long professional development series that equips principals with the knowledge and skills to lead and sustain transformative change in public education.

$6,000 * per principal

6 SESSIONS

Six, two-day sessions during the year rotating between Austin, Dallas, and Houston

TLI

Teacher Leadership Institute

#TXTLI

The boundary-breaking Teacher Leadership Institute empowers teachers to collaborate, move beyond traditional accountability standards, and create innovative, student-engaging classrooms.

$800 * per teacher

6 SESSIONS

Six sessions during the year customized for individual or regional consortium of districts

TASA Corporate Partners

TASA is grateful to our 2024–25 corporate partners for their support. Each level of the Corporate Partner Program is designed to offer our partners quality exposure to association members. Partners at the President’s Circle, Platinum, and Gold levels may customize special events and opportunities.

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

BuyBoard

Coryell Roofing

DLR Group

Frontline Education

Huckabee

Imagine Learning

K12 Insight

Lone Star Investment Pool

Milliken & Company

N2 Learning

PBK

Stantec

TASB Energy Cooperative

TASB Risk Fund

TCG, a HUB International Company

ThoughtExchange

VLK Architects

WRA Architects, Inc.

PLATINUM

Age of Learning

Capturing Kids' Hearts

Carnegie Learning

Centegix®

ClassLink

College Board

Curriculum Associates

EF Education First

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

lead4ward

Lone Star Furnishings, LLC

NWEA

Scholastic Education

GOLD

Corgan

Edmentum

New Tech Network

Savvas Learning Company

Schneider Electric

Whizz Education, Inc.

Learn more about TASA’s Corporate Partner Program

SILVER

AlphaBEST Education, Inc.

BRW Architects

Escamilla & Poneck, LLP

Gaggle

Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union

Harris County Department of Education

H-E-B

Just Right Reader

LPA, Inc.

NoRedInk

Performance Services

Pfluger Architects

Raise Your Hand Texas

SFE - Southwest Foodservice Excellence

Stephens Inc.

Walsh Gallegos Kyle Robinson & Roalson P.C.

BRONZE

Aries Education Solutions, Inc.

BTC

Branching Minds

Cardonex

Claycomb Associates, Inc.

Corwin

Cory Hartsfield, P.C.

Digi Security Systems

Edia Learning

EveryDay Labs

HKS, Inc.

Hilltop Securities

INDECO

Lexia

Linebarger Attorneys at Law

M&R Roofing and Construction Company, LLC

McGriff Insurance Services

Meteor Education

MIND Education, Creators of ST Math

Panorama Education

PowerSchool

Protect|ED

Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, Inc.

SchoolStatus

Vista Higher Learning