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The News Magazine for Public Education in Texas

Texas School Business

JULY/AUGUST

2026

A tale of two cities

Administrators reflect on lessons learned in the wake of natural disasters

Also in this issue: TASPA President Chris Bailey TCWSE President Sonja Brown

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Texas School Business JULY / AUGUST 2026

10 A tale of two cities

Administrators reflect on lessons learned in the wake of natural disasters

TASPA President Profile Chris Bailey leads TASPA with passion, dedication

Columns

18 TCWSE President Profile Sonja Brown steps up as newest TCWSE president

5 From the Editor by Dacia Rivers 7 The Law Dawg— Unleashed by Jim Walsh 20 Student Voices by Zachary Borja 24 Regional View by Taryn Courville 31 The Back Page by Riney Jordan

Departments 8 Who’s News 28 Calendar 31 Ad Index

Photo Feature

27 TACS offers members a variety of annual events

The views expressed by columnists and contributing writers do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or Texas School Business advertisers. The publisher also makes no endorsement of the advertisers or advertisements in this publication.

George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX • Oct. 8-11

Leadership works better together. At txEDCON, your whole team belongs in the room so your board and superintendent can tackle challenges and solutions together.

Registration and Housing open July 21 at tasa.tasb.org.

Special pricing available for full board and superintendent teams.

From the editor

t’s hard to believe it’s been a year since massive flooding hit the Hill Country and caused massive destruction and loss of life. What’s not so hard to believe is how, even over the summer, local school districts stepped up to help the communities recover and heal following the event. Texans are no strangers to extreme weather. From hurricanes and flooding to wildfires and severe drought, our state has more than its share of potentially catastrophic events. In this issue, writer Stacy Evans tells the story of two school districts whose communities were impacted by severe weather, and the inspiring stories of how administrators there worked to support local residents when they were most in need. It’s a can’t-miss story, and it kicks off on page 10. We know these communities are not alone in their overwhelming response. If you have a tale of what your district has done to support your local community in a time of need, we’d love to share your story in TSB. Drop me a line at drivers@texasschoolbusiness.com.

Texas School Business JULY / AUGUST 2026 Volume LXXIII, Issue 4 406 East 11th Street Austin, Texas 78701 Phone: 512-477-6361 www.texasschoolbusiness.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Dacia Rivers

Dacia Rivers Editorial Director

DESIGN

Phaedra Heinen COLUMNISTS

Riney Jordan Zachary Borja Taryn Courville Jim Walsh ADVERTISING SALES

Jennifer Garrido

TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Kevin Brown

DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

Amy Francisco

Texas School Business (ISSN 0563-2978) is published online bimonthly with a special edition, Bragging Rights, in December, by the Texas Association of School Administrators. © Copyright 2026 Texas Association of School Administrators

Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

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THE LAW DAWG – UNLEASHED

What would Mr. Madison think? by Jim Walsh

ames Madison is generally credited as being the “Father of the Constitution.” I’ve been thinking about Mr. Madison, our fourth president, ever since the Fifth Circuit declared our state’s Ten Commandments law constitutional. Please note that the following conversation did not actually happen. I made it up.

state and local governments. We also have privately operated schools and parents can send their children there. But the vast majority of our young people attend a public school.

WALSH: Mr. President! Thank you for time traveling to 2026 to visit with me!

MADISON: That’s very good news! I’ve always believed that education of the youth is essential if people are to govern themselves. Did you say the children are required to attend?

MADISON: My pleasure, sir. How can I help you?

WALSH: All 50 states require compulsory attendance.

WALSH: Well, sir, our Circuit Court has issued a decision of late about the interpretation of the term “establishment of religion.” The judges believe we should interpret that term the way you and your fellow Founders would have interpreted it.

MADISON: 50! When did that happen?

MADISON: Jolly good! It’s gratifying to hear that.

MADISON: Well, it’s a far cry from the type of coercion that was happening in colonial times. I suppose your “public schools” seek to instill sound values and good habits in the young people?

WALSH: The judges pointed out that in your day, before the Constitution was adopted, there were government officials who directly controlled church affairs, required attendance at the approved church, and punished those who attended other churches. MADISON: Very true. Is that kind of thing still happening? WALSH: Oh no! But we have other issues. Our state Legislature recently passed a law requiring public schools to post a copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom. What do you think of that? MADISON: A “public school”? What is that? WALSH: Oh. That’s right. You didn’t have those! Well, today we require the attendance of all children in a school that is established, funded and operated by

WALSH: We’ve had 50 states since 1959, but let’s not get sidetracked here. What do you think of a law that requires the posting of the Ten Commandments, as written in Exodus, in every classroom?

WALSH: Yes. That’s the goal for all of our boys and girls. MADISON: Girls? Girls are required to attend as well? WALSH: Yes. Our laws require equal treatment of boys and girls. MADISON: I’m surprised but happy to hear that. WALSH: We also have children of all races and national backgrounds attending school together. Many languages are spoken every day in our schools.

WALSH: Not even close. MADISON: Your “public schools” accept children of different faiths? WALSH: All of the children are welcome in our public schools. No one gets turned away based on religion or race, language spoken or disability. We’ve fought a lot over those issues over the years, but it’s well established now that all children are welcome. We’re proud of that. MADISON: I see the problem you are concerned about. The Ten Commandments come from the God that Christians and Jews believe in, but it sounds like your public schools are serving many children whose parents are raising them in other faith backgrounds. WALSH: Exactly. MADISON: Hmmm. You’ve given me a lot to think about. I’d like to talk to Jefferson, Franklin and Hamilton about this before expressing an opinion. WALSH: That would be great, Mr. President. Our Fifth Circuit judges tell us that we should interpret the Constitution the way you would have. That’s why I fired up the Time Traveling Machine to get you here. And if you don’t mind, when you speak to Mr. Hamilton, please congratulate him on the success of the Broadway show that bears his name. MADISON: What????

MADISON: My goodness. Things have changed a lot! But what about faith? Are all the children in your “public schools” being raised as Christians?

JIM WALSH is an attorney with Walsh Gallegos Kyle Robinson & De Los Santos P.C. He can be reached at jwalsh@wabsa.com. You can also follow him on X: @jwalshtxlawdawg. Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

Who’s News

schools and executive director of early childhood and school improvement. She brings 25 years of experience to her new position.

Abilene ISD

Anahuac ISD

Patricia Anderson is the newly appointed

New superintendent David Walker comes to Anahuac from High Island ISD, where he also held the top job. He began his career as a special education teacher before transitioning to administrative roles and serving as superintendent of Christoval ISD from 2008 to 2022.

principal of the Woodson Center for Excellence, where she has served as associate principal since 2023. The 30-year educator received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Abilene Christian University. Former Stafford Elementary School assistant principal Christina Dooley is now the school’s principal. She began her career in 1999 and has served as a teacher, instructional coach and behavior coordinator as well as her most recent role. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Hardin-Simmons University. The new head coach for Abilene High School’s girls’ basketball is Lisa Macias. She was a coach for the district’s Mann STEAM Academy, where she has worked since 2012. She began her coaching career in Leakey ISD, going on to work in Clyde ISD before coming to Abilene. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Hardin-Simmons University.

Academy ISD Academy ISD has announced the new head coach of boys’ basketball. Zane Johnson, who served in the same capacity in Belton ISD, previously spent nine seasons as assistant men’s basketball coach at Mary HardinBaylor University, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Alamo Heights ISD Alamo Heights High School’s new head football coach is Rudy Nerio, who was most recently the school’s junior varsity football coach and assistant track coach. New Woodridge Elementary School principal Salena Valdes served as the school’s assistant principal since 2021 and, prior to that, was an instructional coach at the campus. She previously worked in San Antonio’s North East ISD and in Somerset ISD.

Alvin ISD Superintendent Rhonda Mason has arrived in Alvin from Lamar CISD, where she was an area superintendent and, previously, an assistant superintendent, executive director of elementary and secondary

Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

Bastrop ISD New Camino Real Elementary School principal Jacqueline Dixon was assistant principal of Lost Pines Elementary since 2021 and prior to that served as a teacher at Bluebonnet Elementary, where she was named Teacher of the Year. She is a graduate of Texas State University with a master’s degree from the University of Kansas. Anne Marie Garza, newly

named principal of Cedar Creek Middle School, has 22 years of experience, including work as a bilingual elementary teacher and instructional coach. She received her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and dual master’s degrees, in educational leadership and bilingual/ bicultural education, from the University of Texas. Cedar Creek Elementary School will welcome new principal Christopher Turner at the beginning of the 202627 academic year. Most recently principal of Legacy Traditional School in Cibolo, he has also served as a classroom teacher, special education department chair, instructional lead and campus administrator.

Belton ISD Former Belton New Tech High School@ Waskom interim principal Neill Plemons is now campus principal. He is an educator with a decade of experience, formerly working in the district as a classroom teacher, program lead, and assistant principal.

Birdville ISD Longtime educator Alison Sheffield has accepted the position of principal of Mullendore Elementary School after serving as the school’s assistant principal for the past year. Prior to that, she was an assistant principal at West Birdville and Holiday Heights elementaries. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and her master’s degree from Dallas Baptist University, where she is working on her doctorate. Birdville ISD’s director of health services is Victoria Small, who has been the district’s resource nurse since 2022. A registered nurse since 2017, she also was a campus nurse. Her bachelor’s degree was awarded from Western Governors University, and she is at work on her master’s degree in nursing leadership and management.

Blanco ISD Former Lytle ISD assistant superintendent Tanya Tate now leads Blanco ISD as superintendent. She previously was Lytle ISD’s director of curriculum and instruction and served as a principal in Boerne ISD. She is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University with master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Bonham ISD The district has announced the appointment of Aaron Ford as head football coach and assistant athletic director. The Tarleton State University graduate was previously Celina ISD’s defensive coordinator.

Brazosport ISD Polk Elementary School will welcome Stephanye Durham as principal this fall. Most recently an assistant principal in Clute ISD, she also worked as a content specialist at Brazosport High School. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. The district has announced the appointment of Risa Hsu as director of bands at Brazoswood High School. Prior to coming to Texas, she was a band director for schools in Michigan after earning her degree in music education from Michigan State University. Her 20 years of experience includes stints in Angleton and Dickinson ISDs.

Jeremiah Luster is the new girls’ head

The district’s new athletic director and head football coach is Ryan Hood. He brings 17 years of experience to his new job, previously coaching in Paris and Daingerfield-Lone Star ISDs.

The next principal of College View High School is Joanna Slaton, former chancellor and director of South Grand Prairie Early College High School in Grand Prairie ISD. She also served as an assistant principal in that district and in Kemp ISD and taught graduate level educational leadership courses at Stephen F. Austin State University for 10 years.

Brownsville ISD

Columbus ISD

Roberto Baez, who has been hired as the

Columbus ISD has announced the appointment of Christopher Carpenter as district superintendent. He comes to Columbus from Slaton ISD, where he was assistant superintendent.

basketball coach at Brazoswood High School. He is a graduate of Midwestern State University.

Brownsboro ISD

district’s director of maintenance, has over 12 years of operations and project management experience, including overseeing large-scale capital programs, facility and fleet management and operational performance.

The Brownsville ISD board of trustees has named Alda Benavides interim superintendent. During her 40-year career, she has served as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent of La Joya and Edcouch-Elsa ISDs.

Burnet ISD Donna Brady, who was assistant principal

of Richey Elementary School, has been promoted to campus principal. She previously was a principal in Leander and Bastrop ISDs, worked in Lake Worth and Aldine ISDs, and spent five years as a teacher in Guatemala. She has a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and a master’s degree from Sam Houston State University. Her doctorate was awarded from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

Canutillo ISD Canutillo ISD has announced the hiring of Casey Rangel as principal of Canutillo High School. Most recently principal of Montwood High School in El Paso’s Socorro ISD, he has 13 years of experience in both teaching and administrative work. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Texas at El Paso.

College Station ISD Amy Heye has been appointed

director of the College Station ISD Education Foundation. She has served the foundation for 13 years, beginning as an administrative assistant. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business.

Coppell ISD Sheryl Dennehy has been promoted from

assistant principal to principal of Valley Ranch Elementary School. In her 17 years as an educator, she has been a paraprofessional, teacher and instructional coach in addition to her most recent role. She holds degrees from the University of Nebraska and Lamar University. New chief operations officer Randy Fite brings more than 20 years of experience in construction and facilities management to the job, most recently serving as executive director of construction for Lewisville ISD. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University and a registered architect.

Corpus Christi ISD The new principal of Windsor Park Elementary School is Marc Aguilera. He led Sanders Elementary since 2021 following six years as assistant principal of Grant Middle School. Carroll High School’s new principal is Jenifer Guerra-Leos, who was most recently principal of Browne Middle School. She previously was assistant principal of Miller High School.

Corsicana ISD LaMetra Baker, an educator

for 17 years, has been approved as principal of Navarro Elementary School.

Laura Serrano has been named principal of

the district’s Sam Houston Dual Language Elementary School. She has been with Corsicana ISD for eight years.

Culberson County-Allamoore ISD The district’s new superintendent is Sandra Nix. She was previously a principal in Charlotte ISD, where she served as interim superintendent since early this year.

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Ericka Good, former

director of instruction at Smith Middle School, is now principal of Sampson Elementary School. She has been with the district for all of her 17-year career, beginning as an elementary teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a master’s degree from the American College of Education. Director of fine arts John Morrison has been presented with the Administrator of the Year award from the Texas Fine Arts Association (TFAA). Recognized at the Texas Music Educators Association convention in February, he has served in his current capacity since 2022 and prior to that was the district’s coordinator of secondary music. Now serving as principal of Walker Elementary School is Jennifer Soileau, former McFee Elementary assistant principal. The 31-year educator began her career in Georgia before coming to Texas to teach in Garland ISD. She joined Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in 2008. A graduate of Valdosta State University, she earned her master’s degree from Armstrong Atlantic State University. Jillian Williams, former

associate principal of Jersey Village High School, is now principal of Arnold Middle School. An educator for over two decades, she began her career in Houston ISD before joining Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in 2007. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Prairie View A&M University.

Eanes ISD Hill Country Middle School has announced the appointment of Morgan Peccarelli as principal. She most recently was an assistant principal in Keller ISD and prior to that worked in Carroll ISD. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma and her master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University.

► See Who’s News, page 14 Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

A tale of two cities

Administrators reflect on lessons learned in the wake of natural disasters

by Stacy Evans

t has now been one year since historic flooding took the lives of 25 school children who were enrolled at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas. In total, nearly 140 people died, with 119 of those in Kerr County alone. In Hunt, a town that is home to not just one, but several summer camps, these were the highest flood waters ever recorded. This tiny, bucolic hamlet nestled in the Hill Country of Central Texas is home to just over 1,200 residents — folks who usually feel uniquely blessed to call this place home. But 2025 was different. That Independence Day weekend, Hunt ISD Superintendent Luci Harmon had taken a road trip to Chicago with her husband and dog, hoping to spend some relaxing down time with her daughter and son-in-law. In the wee hours of the morning on July 4, however, Harmon started to realize that a restful weekend wasn’t in the cards.

Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

Hurricane Harvey hit Rockport on the night of Aug. 25, 2017.

From food deliveries to therapy dogs, the Hunt community teamed up with the school district to respond to last summer's catastrophic floods.

“When I woke up and started reading all of these texts on my phone, I couldn’t even make sense of what people were saying. There was water where there had never been water in 100 years. There was talk of people being rescued from trees. It just didn’t make any sense to me at all.”

“We had electricity and water at the school long before anybody else did,” recalls Harmon, “so we decided to open as a shelter for residents who needed a shower, and we also had canine units in here. We called the Red Cross, and they brought us cots.”

Harmon soon found herself on a flight back to Texas, and in a town she barely recognized, likening idyllic Hunt to a “war zone.” With only one road in, and one road out, the vetting process to get past emergency services was intense. After an hour in traffic, Harmon was finally able to confirm that the facilities at her district’s one campus had largely been spared, a bit of good fortune in the midst of so much tragedy.

Harmon says she was stunned by the magnitude of help they received from people both near and far. But at the same time, the sudden onslaught of supplies created the need for additional logistics. “What no one prepared us for,” says Harmon, “was how much space we’d need for diapers … so many diapers.” Along with the baby wipes, shovels, gloves and bottled water, came a tidal wave of volunteers, and while their help was greatly

“I would say to other administrators in crisis, don’t be scared of using your building to help the community. But with every single thing you do, get it in writing.” HUNT ISD SUPERINTENDENT LUCI HARMON

► See Two Cities, page 12 Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

“The whole county was without electricity for two weeks, so beyond assessing our damages, the question on all of our minds was, ‘What can we do to get our kids back to school?’” ROCKPORT-FULTON DISTRICT CFO KATHY HENDERSON ▲ Rockport-Fulton ISD's Kathy Henderson (CFO), Lesley Austin (superintendent), and Dina Hill (executive assistant to the superintendent) ◄ Continued from page 11

appreciated, many people were sleeping in their cars. Up the road in Kerrville, that city’s youth center was meant to serve as a check-in point for volunteers, but under the circumstances, that 13-mile commute could easily take an hour and a half, so many people just came on directly to Hunt. Located adjacent to the town’s volunteer fire department, a natural place for helpers to congregate, The Hunt School’s Pre-K through 8th-grade campus became both a de facto storage facility as well as a makeshift motel. Harmon notes that since Hunt is unincorporated, she was allowed to make important decisions quickly, without being restricted by red tape. That said, Harmon says if there’s one thing she regrets, it’s not getting a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) from Kerr County.

Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

“I got nothing from FEMA,” laments Harmon, “so I would say to other administrators in crisis, don’t be scared of using your building to help the community. But with every single thing you do, get it in writing.” In addition, Harmon says it’s critical to build strong networks, and hire good people. “My principal, Sarah Nichols, did an amazing job,” she enthuses. “She jumped right in and started organizing.” Pretty soon after their arrival on-site, they realized they’d need food, and lots of it. With the nearby Hunt Store on Highway 39 completely destroyed, people started sending food trucks, but with very limited parking, communication was key. Running a tight ship, Nichols and Harmon made sure the thousands of volunteers who came to Hunt would be sent out into the field with full bellies.

Although the two were proud of the work they did for the larger community, it was never far from their minds that they had a new school year on the horizon. “We had a huge group from the Mormon Church in San Antonio that put granite in place on the playground, fixed sprinklers and trimmed grass — they did a great job out there.”

When Harvey hit Two hundred and fifty miles southeast of Hunt sits the coastal community of Rockport, just across Aransas Bay from San Jose Island, where Hurricane Harvey famously touched down in August 2017. The costliest natural disaster in Texas history, this destructive storm claimed more than 100 lives just days after local students started their fall semester. With winds as strong as 130 miles an hour at landfall, the damage to buildings in Rockport-Fulton ISD was significant.

The Rockport-Fulton gymnasium was nearly completely wiped out by Hurricane Harvey's damaging winds.

“I truly think they saw the best of humanity, even though it was the worst of times for them. The football team came together and worked on their neighbors’ houses, just because they missed each other and wanted to be productive.” ROCKPORT-FULTON SUPERINTENDENT DR. LESLEY AUSTIN

District CFO Kathy Henderson remembers that time all too well. “The whole county was without electricity for two weeks, so beyond assessing our damages, the question on all of our minds was, ‘What can we do to get our kids back to school?’” The answer, as it turned out, was anything and everything. “Neighboring schools were wonderful,” recalls Henderson. “Portland took most of our kids because they didn’t have as much damage over there. In fact, a lot of our teachers went over there, and I think it helped our kids to see a familiar face.” Although the schools in Rockport-Fulton reopened that October, for the sake of consistency, some students opted to stay put. Henderson says the cost to the district went well beyond money, as the community as a whole felt fractured.

Friendships became long-distance, and communal experiences like football games had to be postponed. Rockport-Fulton Superintendent Dr. Lesley Austin was a high school principal in DFW at the time, but she says the stories she’s heard from Henderson are the stuff of legend. “I truly think they saw the best of humanity, even though it was the worst of times for them,” says Austin. “The football team came together and worked on their neighbors’ houses, just because they missed each other and wanted to be productive.” While it’s been nearly nine years since Hurricane Harvey rocked Texas’ Gulf Coast, the district is still litigating with insurance companies. In fact, the administration building sits unfinished to this day. Although Austin inherited a tangled web of paperwork, she says the professional relationships she’s forged with Henderson and her own executive assistant, Dina Hill,

have been critical as she considers which preventative measures to take moving forward. After all, with the district’s vulnerable location on the Texas Gulf Coast, it’s not a matter of if, but when the next big storm will disrupt their business of schooling Texas students. “I came in two years ago, and there’s a lot of lessons I’ve learned in this process,” Hill says. “It’s got to be a team sport, and that means having everybody at the table: insurance carriers, general contractors, everyone.” Like Harmon, Austin is adamant: No matter what, get everything in writing. STACY EVANS is a state-certified secondary teacher who spent five years working with students throughout the state of Texas. She has been a freelance writer for more than 20 years.

Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

Who’s News ◄ Continued from page 9

Ector County ISD The following administrative appointments have been announced: • Sydney Garcia, principal, Buice Elementary School; • Jana Norman, principal, San Jacinto Elementary School; • Melisa Valenzuela, executive director of special services; • Megan Watts, principal, Permian High School.

El Paso ISD The Young Women’s STEAM Research and Preparatory Academy is now led by Jennifer Arias, a 25-year educator who was assistant principal of guidance and instruction at Irvin High School. She has also served as a high school counselor and as an AP social studies teacher at Coronado High. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Texas at El Paso. Logan Elementary School will begin the 2026-27 school year with Jessica Campos as principal. She served as the school’s interim principal earlier this year and previously worked as an assistant principal at Navarrete Middle School and at Hillside and Barron elementary schools. Donica Pedregon has been named El Paso

ISD’s chief of police, the first woman to lead the department. She brings more than 15 years of law enforcement experience to her new job, including more than a decade with El Paso ISD police services. Kristen Villasenor has been named principal

of Herrera Elementary School. She comes to her new job from Tippin Elementary, where she was assistant principal, a position she also held at Nixon Elementary. She is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a master’s degree from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Fredericksburg ISD New superintendent Calvin Bowers has arrived in Fredericksburg from Kenedy ISD, where he also held the top position. The 19-year educator holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Lamar University.

Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

Georgetown ISD A new chief financial officer is in place for Georgetown ISD. Clay Goehring comes to the position with 24 years of experience in financial leadership roles, including director of business and finance in La Grange ISD and, most recently, chief financial officer in Burnet CISD. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in business from Texas State University. Drew Nichols, now serving

as principal of Richarte High School, comes to Georgetown from Austin ISD, where he led Garza Independence High School.

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD The district has a new chief financial officer. Carla Settle most recently held the same position in CarrolltonFarmers Branch ISD and prior to that served as Grand Prairie ISD’s finance director. She earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Texas Tech University. Billy Skinner has accepted

the role of executive director of athletics, coming to his new job from Arlington ISD, where he was athletic coordinator and head football coach at Lamar High School since 2021. He is a graduate of Sam Houston State University.

Granbury ISD

Gruver ISD

New chief financial officer LaTisha Griffin has joined Granbury ISD from Duncanville ISD, where she was director of budget and finance. Prior to her role in finance, she was director of UIL compliance and district facilities for Duncanville ISD and served as associate principal of operations for Duncanville High School.

The district has named Jermaine Cantu superintendent. For the past 11 years, he was Wellington ISD’s high school principal and prior to that served in Amarillo ISD as a teacher, assistant principal and principal. He is at work on his doctorate in educational leadership from West Texas A&M University.

Ammie Hill has returned

from seven years in Godley ISD to serve as principal of Acton Elementary School. She previously worked in Granbury ISD as an assistant principal at Crossland Ninth Grade Center and Granbury High School. She holds a master’s degree in education from Tarleton State University. Roberson Early Learning Academy’s new principal is Kellie Pollock, who has spent her academic career at Roberson, serving as assistant principal since 2022. She received her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Tarleton State University. Ben Sherley has been

promoted from assistant principal to principal of Granbury Middle School. Prior to joining Granbury ISD, he taught and held administrative positions in schools in California. He earned his doctorate in educational leadership from California State University at Fresno.

Harper ISD The district has named Paul Goetzke superintendent. The former executive director of human resources in La Vernia ISD is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a master’s degree from Grand Canyon University and a doctorate from Angelo State University.

Henderson ISD A new assistant superintendent of policy and operations is in place for the district. Allen Koch, an educator with more than 30 years of experience, was most recently Carthage ISD’s director of curriculum and instruction. Prior to that, he was a high school principal in multiple districts, including East Chambers and Tatum ISDs. He received his bachelor’s degree from Rice University and his master’s degree in educational leadership from Lamar University.

Highland Park ISD Stephanie Powell has been named principal

of Highland Park Middle School after two years with the district as an instructional coach and assistant principal.

Katie Schuttler, now principal of McCulloch

Intermediate School, comes to her new position from Carroll ISD, where she led Eubanks Intermediate School and was an assistant principal at Carroll High.

Humble ISD Stacy Williams, newly named Kingwood

High School athletic coordinator and head football coach, comes to Humble from Conroe ISD, where he was the Woodlands High School’s assistant football and track and field coach since 2021.

Irion County ISD Michael Heath, former high

school principal in Coleman ISD, now leads Irion County ISD as superintendent. An educator for 25 years, he was a science teacher, coach and department chair before taking his first administrative position in 2016.

Irving ISD A new superintendent is in place for Irving ISD. Dorian Galindo most recently served as the district’s chief of staff. The 15-year educator previously worked in San Antonio’s North East ISD. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas State University and her doctorate in applied demography from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Katy ISD Chief financial officer Christopher Smith has been elected vice president of the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO). During his tenure, the district has earned the TASBO Award of Excellence in Financial Management every year since the program’s inception. Six principal appointments have been announced: • Tanya Heard, Morton Ranch High School; • Lindsay Jones, Robertson Elementary School; • Aisha Montanez, McDonald Junior High; • Kaleena Roman, McElwain Elementary School; • Karla Sanchez, Franz Elementary School; • Erik Smith, Morton Ranch Junior High.

Keller ISD

Melissa Hernandez has

The new assistant director of athletics, Kristopher Price, joins Keller ISD from Leander ISD, where he was Leander High School’s athletic coordinator and head football coach since 2019. He is a graduate of the University of North Texas.

Kilgore ISD The district’s newly appointed athletic director, Clint Fuller, has been promoted from his most recent position as head coach of the Kilgore High School Bulldogs.

Killeen ISD Clarke Elementary School’s new principal, Brittany Nault, has more than 15 years of experience, most recently serving as assistant principal of Cedar Valley Elementary. Prior to that, she worked as a curriculum instructional specialist and a first grade and dyslexia teacher. She received her bachelor’s degree from Tarleton State University and her master’s degree from Lamar University.

Lago Vista ISD The district has announced three administrative appointments: • Brandie Guzman, director of curriculum, assessment and accountability; • Chelsea Murphy, assistant principal, Lago Vista Elementary School; • Cody Redfern, principal, Lago Vista Middle School.

Lake Travis ISD Hudson Bend Middle School now has Joshua Hughes as principal. He comes to Lake Travis ISD from Conroe ISD, where he led McCullough Junior High. He holds a master’s degree in school administration from Lamar University and is at work on his doctorate in educational leadership.

Lamar CISD The new principal of Randle Elementary School is Tamela Allen, who spent the past two years in the top position at Tamarron Elementary. She is a 23year educator with degrees from the University of Houston and the University of Houston at Victoria. Toshila Darjean, newly

appointed director of student discipline, previously worked as assistant principal of Lamar Junior High and Navarro Middle School.

stepped into the role of principal of Pink Elementary School. She began her career in Lamar CISD as an ESL teacher, going on to work as an assistant principal at Terry High School and as a summer school principal. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Houston at Victoria. Tamarron Elementary School’s new principal is Kelsey Kvinta, who has spent the past three years at Tamarron, most recently as assistant principal. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. Now serving as principal of Navarro Middle School is 24-year educator Katrina McLean, who previously was Navarro’s assistant principal. She has also been a classroom teacher and instructional coach. The district has announced the appointment of Carrie Yanta as principal of George Ranch Elementary. She has spent the past 14 years of her 21-year career with Lamar CISD, working also as a teacher, academic facilitator and associate and assistant principal.

Leander ISD Bush Elementary School’s new principal, Staci Cordell, brings 30 years of experience to her new job, 20 of those in campus administration. She most recently led Faubion Elementary and, prior to that, spent 14 years with Pflugerville and Coppell ISDs. After serving as River Ridge Elementary School’s interim principal since February, Marcia Fields now holds the position permanently. She previously was an assistant principal at Hisle and Pleasant Hill elementaries. Former North Elementary School assistant principal Gina Freeman now serves as that school’s principal. Before moving to campus administration, she was a teacher in the district and in Lake Travis ISD. Angela Hodges has been promoted

from area superintendent to deputy superintendent of learning and innovation. She brings two decades of experience to her new job, having served as a principal, assistant principal and instructional coach. ► See Who’s News, page 22 Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

PRESIDENT PROFILE

Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators

Chris Bailey leads TASPA with passion, dedication by Dacia Rivers

“I think the greatest benefit of TASPA membership is the ability to network with people who are doing your job at the same exact time, so you can talk to them about current issues or get advice.”

fter graduating from Abilene Christian University with a degree in organization communication and business administration, Chris Bailey accepted a position as a congressional intern in Washington, D.C. Her parents had worked in public education — her mom as a teacher, and her father as an associate superintendent, so Bailey decided to get a second major in education. And then she fell in love. Before she left for the internship, she was offered a job in Birdville ISD. Bailey figured she’d take the job and work in the district for about five years, then make the shift to working in HR in a corporate setting. But that shift never came. Now 28 years later, she’s found her permanent home in public ed, serving as executive director for human resources in Abilene ISD.

HR, she enjoys helping to mold leaders and grow the next group of master teachers. “I know when they hear that HR is on campus, people get nervous, but 90% of the time, we’re on campus for positive reasons,” Bailey says. “I love helping people further their careers or start new careers.” When Bailey first started working as a teacher in Birdville, her assistant principal at the time, Paige Curry, let her know that she could fulfill her dream of working in HR while still remaining in the school system. Curry wound up serving as a mentor to Bailey and encouraged her to join the Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators (TASPA) when she made the switch to HR.

“I really love seeing how I make a difference in people’s lives every day,” Bailey says of her work in public ed.

Bailey says she felt instantly at home with the group and got involved at the local level, eventually serving on the TASPA board. Recently, she was named TASPA’s newest president.

What keeps Bailey sticking to public education is being able to see the impact her work has on others. Specifically working in school

“I think the greatest benefit of TASPA membership is the ability to network with people who are doing your job at the same exact time,

Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

so you can talk to them about current issues or get advice,” Bailey says. “TASPA does a great job of giving guidance as far as making human resources decisions that are in the best interest of the district and employees while following state and federal mandates.” In June, a TASPA board member testified in front of the Texas House Committee on Public Education, something that makes Bailey proud of her organization as the group and its members work to make sure the voices of school district personnel are heard at the state level. Bailey, along with other TASPA members, attended a Day at the Capitol event in Austin in March to speak with Texas policy makers and advocate for public schools. “I am very proud that we were asked to testify in front of the Texas House

Committee on Public Education in June,” Bailey says. “I feel like that is a direct result of us going to the Capitol and speaking to the different offices about our perspectives and our concerns.” Currently, Bailey is helping TASPA kick off a brand-new podcast, hoping to reach members across the state with important information relevant to school personnel. For Bailey, HR and Texas public schools are her greatest passions, and being able to combine the two has driven her professionally since day one. Through her TASPA president, Bailey is able to expand her role and help support others as dedicated to the work as she is. DACIA RIVERS is editorial director of Texas School Business.

The Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators (TASPA) Membership: TASPA membership is open to Texas public school human resources administrators and support staff. Mission: The mission of TASPA is to engage and develop human resource professionals thereby enhancing HR services to school districts. Year founded: 1966 Number of members: About 1,000 Website: taspa.org

972-361-6303

keith.alberts@tpspool.org

More Information

tpspool.org

Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

PRESIDENT PROFILE

Texas Council of Women School Executives (TCWSE)

Sonja Brown steps up as newest TCWSE president by Dacia Rivers

“TCWSE creates a space where women leaders can connect with other women who understand the unique challenges, opportunities and expectations that come with educational leadership.”

onja Brown is no stranger to leadership positions. Besides working full time in Lancaster ISD, where she holds the position of talent operations coordinator, Brown also serves as the mayor of Glenn Heights, south of Dallas, and recently became the latest president of the Texas Council of Women School Executives (TCWSE). Public education is in Brown’s bloodline, as her mother, maternal grandmother and all of her maternal aunts worked in the field. But Brown herself didn’t step into public ed until she was a stayat-home-mom 13 years ago and became a substitute teacher so she could return to work with a schedule that matched her son’s. Her appreciation for the work quickly developed. “What I thought would be a temporary opportunity quickly became a calling,” Brown says. “You might say education was in my blood long before I realized it.” After serving as a sub, Brown transitioned to a campus administrative assistant role. Her superintendent at the time noticed her work and invited her to continue at the district-level. Brown made the move to the central office, serving as communications specialist, lead communications coordinator, government affairs coordinator and recruitment coordinator before settling into her current role.

Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

In 2018, Brown was elected to city council in Glenn Heights and was chosen to serve as major pro tem by her council members. In 2022, Brown was elected mayor of Glenn Heights, becoming the first African-American female mayor in the city’s history. For Brown, her work as mayor and her work in Lancaster ISD are intertwined. “Serving simultaneously in public education and as mayor of Glenn Heights allowed me to see firsthand that strong schools and strong communities are inextricably linked,” she says. “Whether serving a school district or serving as mayor of Glenn Heights, my focus remains the same: creating opportunities for people to grow, succeed and thrive.” Brown first joined TCWSE about eight years ago when encouraged to do so by a former supervisor, Sherese Conner (then Sherese Lightfoot). Conner had attended the annual conference and came back energized and passionate about the experience. “The following year, I attended my first TCWSE conference and I was hooked,” Brown says. “Like many women, I spend much of my time pouring into others. TCWSE was one of the first professional spaces where I felt my own cup being filled.” While Brown points to many benefits of TCWSE membership, she says the opportunity for connection is the greatest asset membership offers.

“Leadership can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be isolating,” she says. “TCWSE creates a space where women leaders can connect with other women who understand the unique challenges, opportunities and expectations that come with educational leadership.” Brown was inspired to enter TCWSE leadership by one of the council’s former presidents, Kathryn Washington. Brown says Washington’s energy was infectious, and drove her to want to do more to recreate her own TCWSE experience for others. During her time as president, Brown hopes to help the group to continue to expand its reach and offer opportunities for women across the state, including leadership pipelines and pathways to help women grow professionally and personally. “For the first time in history, four generations are serving side by side in the workforce, each bringing different experiences, expectations and perspectives,” she says. “TCWSE can serve as a bridge that connects experience with innovation, wisdom and fresh perspectives, and established leaders with emerging leaders.”

To Brown, TCWSE is a group that goes beyond providing professional development to create a community. She says that TCWSE brings together women from unique backgrounds where they can share their perspectives to create opportunities for mentorship, sponsorship, collaboration and growth.

Texas Council of Women School Executives (TCWSE)

“Leadership is not a solo journey,” Brown says. “None of us reaches our destination alone. We need mentors who guide us, sponsors who advocate for us, and supporters who encourage us along the way.”

Mission: TCWSE’s mission is to create and maintain a united community of professional educational executives by promoting equity and quality in leadership through renewal, mentoring and career advancement support.

At a time when education is evolving and facing challenges, Brown aims to serve as a leader who not only steers her organization but advocates for public education.

Membership: Anyone who supports TCWSE’s mission is invited to join the organization. Active and student memberships are available.

“We must ensure that the voices of our educators are heard, that the successes of our schools are celebrated, and that public education remains strong, accessible and protected for each child we serve,” she says. “Ultimately, I want TCWSE to be known as an organization that honors where we’ve been, understands where we are, and boldly embraces where we’re going.”

Year founded: 1984 Website: tcwse.org

DACIA RIVERS is editorial director of Texas School Business.

Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

STUDENT VOICES

Austin High culinary students create dish for local restaurant menu by Zachary Borja

y experience with the Kerbey Lane Cafe competition started way before the competition itself. My teacher Chef Hanna told us about an exciting email he had received about a cooking competition between Austin high schools, with the grand prize being a spot on the Kerbey Lane menu as a special. This was very exciting because I’ve been a huge fan of Kerbey Lane forever. I’ve seen menu items come and go, so I know the menu inside out.

“Student Voices” is a regularly featured column in Texas School Business. It’s an opportunity for students of all ages from across Texas to share their experiences in K-12 public schools. Contact Editorial Director Dacia Rivers at drivers@texasschoolbusiness.com for publishing guidelines.

Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

I resolved that I wouldn’t miss this opportunity without putting my best foot forward. My classmate Josiah and I decided to work together, and I knew I was in good hands because we’ve worked a good bit of catering together over the past two years in the culinary program. What I appreciate most about Josiah in the kitchen is his ability to make good calls that seem like common sense to me in hindsight, like adding certain ingredients or using different cooking techniques. He also has a great knack for seasoning and a fondness of paprika. My classmate Judah also tagged along as the third member of our team, serving as an assistant in the kitchen, although he couldn’t make it to the competition. When brainstorming ideas, the parameters given to us were a summer theme, the ingredients required (starch, protein, vegetables, etc.), and Chef Hanna’s instructions to look for gaps in their menu. Josiah and I didn’t want to rehash something they already served, so we built our dish around trying to create our own unique dish that could also fit in on the Kerbey Lane menu. After some discussion, we settled on a scampi dish. Scampi is a lemony pasta sauce that is light and flavorful, perfect for a summer theme. We knew we wanted some vegetables, but only after workshopping the dish did we settle on our final medley of yellow squash, zucchini, broccolini, and grape tomatoes. The first go-round of making our recipe proved unsuccessful. There were errors in our measurements, leading to what can only be described as a chili flake disaster in our sauce. It took about six times making the recipe in the span of five days to reach our vision, tweaking amounts of oil, lemon juice, and chili flakes with each new iteration. There were highs and lows in the process of practicing the dish, but making it over and over meant that we felt more than ready by competition day. When the day of the competition came, there was excitement all around, but nervousness, too. Austin High came with two teams, the other team being Harper and Ellie. Harper and Ellie had been workshopping alongside us, so when it came to competition day, we went from teammates to opponents. The process of cooking our dish during the competition was streamlined by Josiah and I prepping most of our ingredients in advance. That meant that all that had to be done was cooking our sauce and salmon, then plating the dish.

Austin ISD partnered with local restaurant Kerbey Lane Cafe to host a culinary competition for students to win the chance to create an item for the restaurant's menu. Zachary Borja and Josiah Peterson-Bull of Austin High were named the winners. In retrospect, this decision mirrored a line chef in a kitchen, showing that our dish could fit into their kitchen’s workflow. As the guests of the event trickled in, the reality of the situation set in that we were potentially cooking for the Kerbey Lane menu in a publicised event. At some points that really took my breath away and I had to take time to refocus on what to do. That sort of thing is an important part of life in and out of the kitchen, keeping a level head when feeling overwhelmed. I wasn’t even really overwhelmed, just excited to give it my all with no expectations about the result. I didn’t want to go in there expecting to win and get disappointed, but I didn’t want to stop trying to win.

thing ever, but I didn’t want to downplay our effort and the time we put into it. After presenting and explaining our dish, I felt relieved. Knowing we’d done all we could meant that all we could do now was wait. We didn’t have to wait long though, because minutes after we presented they called all the teams in to announce results. I could tell there was conjecture to the end, and it seemed like a pretty close tie for first place. But when the results came, it felt like one of those slow motion moments where everything else gets left behind and I’m really in the moment. They called out our team and dish for the number one slot, and I pretty much started fist pumping and skipping around with excitement.

When the time came to plate and serve, Josiah and I assembled our three plates and brought them to the judges. Something I didn’t expect was that they handed us a mic and asked us to explain the dish. I’m no public speaking expert, so I explained our dish while trying to entertain the people in the audience. I kinda felt like a performer up there with the mic, in the way that my momentum kind of built as I saw that my commentary was landing with the audience. Their laughs helped me get through the nervousness of the situation.

My team and I had put in so much energy and received such a strong payoff that my brain was working overtime with excitement and happiness. I’m sure maybe I’ll get married or have a kid some day, but for now I think this was the happiest day of my life. It felt like the universe was telling me that if I keep trying and I keep applying myself, when the stars align I can really succeed. That’s been my biggest takeaway from culinary over the past three years: If I just try, I can learn to cook, I can make a community, and I can believe in myself.

It wasn’t easy for me to talk about the dish we made, because on one hand I didn’t want to overhype the dish as the greatest

ZACHARY BORJA is a student at Stephen F. Austin High School in Austin ISD. Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

Who’s News ◄ Continued from page 15

Lewisville ISD Curt Angeli has been named principal of the

district’s new Pre-K Center. He comes to Lewisville from Wisconsin, where he began his career in 1990, most recently serving as a principal in the Gillett Public School District. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree in education from Viterbo University. Now leading Ethridge Elementary School is Lisa Burleson, who was assistant principal of Downing Middle School since 2024. A member of the Lewisville ISD team since 2014, she has also been a teacher, instructional coach and dean of instruction. Her bachelor’s and master’s degrees were earned from the University of North Texas. Vanessa Diglia, former assistant principal

of Forest Vista Elementary School, is the new principal of Homestead Elementary. She began her career almost 30 years ago in Kansas, joining Lewisville ISD in 2005. Her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction were awarded from Wichita State University. New chief of middle schools Tina Krol most recently served as principal of Briarhill Middle School. She has spent all of her 19 years as an educator in Lewisville ISD, also working as a teacher and assistant principal. The former principal of Parkview Elementary School, Clarence Scott, now leads Southridge Elementary. His 11-year career has included a stint as a district lead principal in Keller ISD as well as teaching and administrative assignments in HurstEuless-Bedford ISD. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a master’s degree from Dallas Baptist University. Chantell Upshaw has been appointed chief of high schools after serving as chief of middle schools since 2022. She began her career in Dallas ISD, coming to Lewisville in 1998. She has worked in the district as a teacher, associate principal and principal.

Lockhart ISD Plum Creek Elementary School announces the appointment of Jasmyn Corley as principal. Most recently executive assistant principal of Plum Creek and Borchert Loop Elementary, she previously was an ESL teacher at Strawn Elementary and taught in California schools.

Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

Derrick Estes, principal of Bailey

The district has selected Katherine Mahan as director of its REACH program. An employee of Lubbock ISD since 2003, she previously was an educational diagnostician, behavioral specialist and assistant principal. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas Tech University.

Mitch Isaac, newly appointed director of

his career in Lubbock ISD before joining Abilene ISD as a head basketball coach, has been named director of student and parent resolution. He is a graduate of Lubbock Christian University, where he also earned his master’s degree in secondary education.

Longview ISD Former Forest Park Middle School principal Ryan Carroll now serves as the district’s director of safety and security. A product of Longview schools, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University and his master’s degree in educational administration from Lamar University. Elementary, will now also lead Bramlette STEAM Academy. He began his career in Houston ISD and joined Longview ISD in 2024. He is a graduate of the University of Houston-Downtown with a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and a doctorate from the University of St. Thomas. technology, has joined the district from Chapel Hill ISD, bringing with him 30 years of information technology experience, 25 of those in education. The new assistant football coach at Longview High School is Jonny Louvier, who previously coached in Gladewater, Frankston, Tyler, Winnsboro and Spring Hill ISDs. Forest Park Middle School’s new principal, Francine Sparks, has been an educator since 2013, working in both Longview and Marshall ISDs as a teacher, assistant principal and academic dean. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Sul Ross State University and a master’s degree from LeTourneau University.

Loraine ISD Former Mathis ISD principal Lacy Brauchle is now superintendent of Loraine ISD.

Lorena ISD The district’s new superintendent, Teddy Clevenger, comes to Lorena from Bartlett ISD, where he was superintendent since 2019. He has more than 20 years of education experience, having served as a teacher, coach and principal at all levels. He holds a doctorate in organizational leadership and change from Abilene Christian University.

Lubbock ISD Now serving as director of federal programs is Amanda Boland, who has been with Lubbock ISD since 1999, working as a middle school teacher, AVID teacher and coordinator and testing coordinator. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas Tech University and a second master’s, in educational administration, from Lamar University.

Jimmy Moore, who began

Heather Thornburg is the new principal

of Wilson Elementary School. She is a product of Lubbock ISD schools, returning to Lubbock from 25 years as a teacher and administrator in Little Elm, Ponder and Denton ISDs. Daniela Torres has been

promoted from assistant principal of Ramirez Elementary School to principal. She came to Lubbock ISD in 2012 as a bilingual teacher at Bean Elementary, where she transitioned to assistant principal in 2019 before taking her most recent role. She earned her bachelor’s and two master’s degrees from Texas Tech University.

Manor ISD New director of human resources Rochelle Bond joins the district from Leander ISD, where she was human resources coordinator. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Park University, her master’s degree in school guidance from Sul Ross State University and a doctorate in counseling from Newburgh College. Now serving as executive director of human resources is Natasha Drumgoole, who brings nearly three decades of experience to her new role. She previously worked in administrative positions in Pflugerville and Georgetown ISDs, and as a teacher in Austin ISD. She holds a master’s degree in special education from the University of Texas Permian Basin and a second master’s degree, in educational leadership, from Texas State University.

McKinney ISD The district has announced the appointment of Debra Fort as director of guidance and counseling. In her 33-year career, she has been a teacher, counselor, special populations coordinator and, most recently, McKinney ISD’s coordinator of guidance and counseling. She previously worked in Bland, Garrison and Lubbock ISDs. Christy Giddens has been

named coordinator of health services. She has spent 17 years with the district as a school nurse and nurse educator. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Northeast Louisiana University. Evans Middle School’s new principal, Cari Owens, has spent 12 years of her 30-year career as a campus administrator, the past four as principal of Eddins Elementary.

Newcastle ISD Missy Hemby has been

named superintendent of Newcastle ISD. She was formerly a principal in the district.

Northside ISD Previously the district’s grants coordinator, Brenda Avery is now director of risk management. She earned her bachelor’s degree from St. Edward’s University and her master’s degree in management from the University of Redlands. Former vehicles acquisition manager Guadalupe Garza is now the district’s director of safety and security. Frank Johnson, who has been with Northside

ISD for 18 years, has been named director of career and technical education (CTE). He holds a master’s degree from Concordia University. Also, the district has announced the following principal appointments: • Joe Bishop, Briscoe Middle School;

• Madeline Bueno, Passmore Elementary School; • Lawrence Caranco, Rayburn Middle School; • Jill Chudej-Garcia, Meadow Village Elementary School; • Traci Contreras, Lock Hill Elementary School;

• Melissa De Hoyos, Adams Elementary School; • James Dominguez, Myers Elementary School; • Michelle Fine, McDermott Elementary School; • Candace Maldonado, Linton Elementary School; • Julie Meneses, Howsman Elementary School; • Bea Ramirez, Neff Middle School; • Kirsten Velasquez, Glenoaks Elementary School;

Pflugerville ISD Connally High School will welcome Lacey Ajibola as its new principal in August. She began her now 20-year career as a teacher at Connally, going on to serve as principal of Dessau Middle School. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University and earned her master’s and doctoral degrees from Abilene Christian University.

Pittsburg ISD The Pittsburg ISD board of trustees has announced the appointment of Brandon Dennard as superintendent. He most recently held the top position in Red Lick ISD, where he served since 2018. He earned his master’s degree in educational administration from Texas A&M University at Commerce.

Plano ISD James Iorio comes to Plano with almost

three decades of experience in education, most recently serving in Frisco, Garland and Irving ISDs. Patrick Johnson has joined Plano ISD as

director of information security, bringing with him 30 years of information technology experience and a doctorate in information systems. Jessica Malloy, now principal of Meadows

Elementary School, spent the past three years as assistant principal of Barron Elementary and prior to that held the same position at Beaty Early Childhood School. She received her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Baker University. John Neumann has been approved as

principal of Mathews Elementary School, where he had been serving as assistant principal. After a career in the private sector, he joined Plano ISD in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree from the University

of Oklahoma and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Governors University. Amy Weems has joined Hedgecoxe

Elementary School as principal. Previously assistant principal of Davis Elementary, she came to Plano from McKinney ISD after working in Allen and Burleson ISDs. Her doctorate was awarded from the University of North Texas.

Pleasanton ISD New superintendent John Prezas comes to Pleasanton from Corpus Christi ISD, where he was an assistant superintendent. Prior to that assignment, he was principal of the district’s Sanders Elementary and Martin Middle School.

Richardson ISD The district has announced the following area superintendent appointments: • Susan Burt, Pearce Learning Community; • Chris Gibson, Richardson Learning Community; • Michael McDonald, Berkner Learning Community; • Jordan Simmons, Lake Highlands Learning Community. In addition, four new principals are in place. They are: • Sarah Dye, Wallace Elementary School; • Carrie Greer, Liberty Junior High School; • Crystal Kemp, Forest Meadow Middle School; • Carissa Schwarzlose, Dover Elementary School.

Robinson ISD Robinson ISD has named Mandi Roberts director of athletics and operations. Previously head volleyball coach for the Robinson High Rockets, she was promoted last year to coordinator of girls’ sports. After graduating from Sam Houston State University, she began her career at Coppell ISD’s Coppell High School, going on to coach volleyball and softball in Lewisville ISD.

► See Who’s News, page 26 Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

REGIONAL VIEW

Education service center programs & practices

Region 12’s technology support program provides essential help to school districts by Taryn Courville

s education costs continue to rise and funding never seems to stretch far enough, school districts and the organizations that serve them have to be creative to meet all needs. At ESC Region 12, the vision of innovative solutions is not just words; it’s the foundation for all work. ESC Region 12 offers a variety of programs and services designed to address unmet needs while being economical for school districts. One of these programs is ProTech Services, a contracted hourly service that provides comprehensive technology support to Region 12 school districts. “As the cost for having an on-premise

Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

technology director or technology staff continually increases, districts have asked us to help fill that need at a rate that is more financially efficient for a school district,” said Keith Macik, director of technology services at ESC Region 12. ProTech Services was founded in 2006 when ESC Region 12 specialists noticed a growing need for additional technology support in school districts, especially in rural areas. In its inaugural year, the program provided expertise and resources to six school districts. Over the past 20 years, the program has continued to grow and evolve, and now serves 42 of the 77 school districts in the 12-county

“Being able to afford a fulltime tech person is almost impossible for a school our size. It’s very beneficial that ESC Region 12 is able to offer a service like this.” SHANE WEBB, SUPERINTENDENT, OGLESBY ISD

service area of Region 12. Advancements in technology have increased flexibility, enabling the ProTech Services team to support more school districts. “When I first started here, I was out at a school district every day of the week,” Macik said. “Now, as technology becomes more mobile, we can provide that support from anywhere.” Three members of the ESC Region 12 technology services team act as certified technicians for the ProTech Services program. These technicians support multiple school districts on a regular schedule and offer assistance to other districts as needed. Technicians help with

ESC Region 12 founded ProTech Services in 2006 to address a need for tech support in its schools.

a wide range of needs, including overseeing physical technology, maintaining network connectivity, and supporting the overall direction and technology planning of a school district.

district one day each week. The district has a technology teacher on staff, but having access to additional knowledge and skill sets as more processes become technologybased has been a big help, Webb said.

“Instead of having technicians on site every day, concentrating on one school district, they’re able to be here in the office and make the most of their time when multiple districts reach out for support since they can provide it remotely,” Macik said.

“Having a service that comes out one day a week has been very critical, because we can create a list of what our needs are throughout the week,” Webb said. “When the ProTech Services technician arrives, he works through the list and helps us with any issues we may have.”

Alongside finding better solutions, ProTech Services has helped Oglesby ISD stay on top of technology trends and cybersecurity initiatives, Webb said. With the initiatives from the Texas Education Agency and guidance from cybersecurity organizations, it can be easy to miss important updates. ProTech Services helps the district stay informed and keep vulnerabilities low.

Oglesby ISD’s technician, Eric Cooper, has supported the district for almost 10 years and has helped with a variety of technology needs. From maintaining everyday technology to finding solutions that will improve processes or save money, Cooper has helped the district ensure technology remains efficient and secure.

Additionally, ProTech Services technicians attend various trainings to stay up to date on the latest technology and innovative practices, Macik said. Keeping up with trends enables technicians to introduce new ideas and provide implementation guidance to districts, ensuring district technology is as effective and protected as possible.

One of the biggest ways Cooper has supported Oglesby ISD was by helping the district implement a single sign-on authentication tool, Webb said. Cooper configured all systems, facilitated user setup, and ensured everyone had access to the tools they needed at launch. The single sign-on has centralized district technology applications, enabling streamlined access for all employees.

“With a technology department that’s on site, they’re often putting out fires, and they don’t always have the time to learn new technology or more efficient ways of doing things,” Macik said.

ProTech Services support is tailored to each district’s needs. Depending on the district’s contract, technicians may support the district on a weekly schedule, during specific time blocks or as help is needed. “For some school districts, we are their technology department, and all technology decisions are made between the district leadership and us,” Macik said. “On the other hand, some districts only call when they need help with a specific issue.” Oglesby ISD, a rural school district in Coryell County with 257 students and 43 staff members, was one of the first districts to sign up for ProTech Services. Since then, the program has provided key technology support and direction to the school district. “For a small school like us, we need to have those different types of contracts that we can tap into,” said Shane Webb, superintendent of Oglesby ISD. “We may not be able to afford to hire someone fulltime, but if we can contract out for some part-time help, that helps an awful lot.” Oglesby ISD’s contract with ProTech Services provides the district with a dedicated technician who supports the

Cooper has also provided timely assistance when Oglesby ISD faces unexpected hurdles. Recently, Webb found out that the Oglesby community would be losing its copper phone lines and that the district’s phone bill was set to double. Instead of sticking with their current phone company and a higher bill, Webb turned to ProTech Services for guidance. Cooper and Macik

were able to recommend alternatives and will support the district’s transition to a new service.

While ProTech Services support may not seem groundbreaking to some, for school districts like Oglesby ISD that don’t have the bandwidth and personnel to research solutions and implement new technology on their own, ProTech Services is a vital support system. “Being able to afford a full-time tech person is almost impossible for a school our size,” Webb said. “It’s very beneficial that ESC Region 12 is able to offer a service like this.” TARYN COURVILLE is communications & digital media specialist for ESC Region 12. Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

Who’s News

Sherman ISD Neblett Elementary School’s new principal, Todd Frazier, comes to Sherman from Plano ISD. Prior to that, the 24-year career educator spent 10 years as an elementary principal in Anna ISD.

◄ Continued from page 23

Rockdale ISD Now serving as principal of Rockdale Elementary School is Jessica McMullen, a 22-year educator with 15 years of experience as a campus principal at the elementary and middle school levels.

Round Rock ISD Voigt Arts Integration Academy has welcomed Marcelina Cobb as principal. With more than 15 years of experience, she comes to Round Rock from Manor ISD, where she was an elementary principal since 2021. She has also worked in Taylor and Austin ISDs. Her bachelor’s and master’s degrees were earned from Texas State University. Jeremy Ferrero, now serving as principal

of Great Oaks Elementary School, was Grisham Middle School’s assistant principal since 2020. His master’s degree in educational administration was awarded from Baylor University. Brushy Creek Elementary School will begin the 2026-27 school year with Hannah Parker as principal. Most recently the school’s assistant principal, she also worked in Ridgeview Middle School as a special education teacher. She earned her bachelor’s degrees from Vanderbilt University and her master’s degree in education administration from the University of Texas.

Sherman High School’s new head football coach and boys’ coordinator is Efrain Ramos. Most recently head football coach and athletic coordinator in Lamesa ISD, he previously coached in Anna, Lubbock and Amarillo ISDs. Gayle Smith has accepted the

role of Sherman ISD’s director of special populations after serving in an interim capacity since January. An educator for three decades, she has been a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent and most recently was an education consultant. She is a graduate of Missouri Southern State College with master’s and doctoral degrees from Dallas Baptist University.

South Texas ISD Sandra Ochoa has

been named district superintendent. She previously worked in Donna ISD, where she began her career, and has led EdcouchElsa ISD for the past year.

Amber Sealy has been promoted from

assistant principal to principal of Cactus Ranch Elementary School. The 25-year educator earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Texas.

San Angelo ISD Lacy Duvall, newly appointed principal of

Goliad Elementary School, is an educator with 20 years of experience, including assistant principal of Lincoln Middle School and a stint in White Settlement ISD. She is a graduate of Tarleton State University with a master’s degree from Lamar University. The new head baseball coach at Central High School is Harrison Musgrave, a former major league baseball pitcher who went on to coach in West Virginia and, in Texas, at Lubbock-Cooper ISD. Jon-Reese Woodson now serves as Lake

View High School’s boys’ head basketball coach after serving in the same capacity in Buffalo, Woodsboro and Midland ISDs.

Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

Temple ISD Veteran educator Tijuana Hudson has been named assistant superintendent of student services. She comes to Temple from Duncanville ISD, where she was executive director of student services and campus support. Prior to that, she worked in Duncanville ISD as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal and principal.

Troy ISD Andru Gilbert, who held

an administrative position in Denison ISD, is now superintendent of Troy ISD.

United ISD Robyn Colin, Alexander High School’s new

head softball coach, is a product of United ISD schools who earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Texas A&M International University.

The district’s girls’ soccer coach is Marco Santos, who comes to his new job with more than two decades of coaching experience. He is a graduate of United ISD’s Alexander High School and Texas A&M International University.

Victoria ISD Victoria East High School’s new head football coach and boys’ athletic coordinator is Brad Smithey. He brings more than a decade of coaching experience to his new position, including a stint at Victoria West High. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and a master’s degree in sports studies from Oklahoma State University.

Waco ISD Twenty-five-year educator Bamma Moore has been named principal of Carver Middle School, where she previously served as assistant and associate principal. She also spent a decade as an assistant principal at Waco High School. Currently at work on her doctorate at Capella University, she earned her master’s degree from Lamar University and a bachelor’s degree from Paul Quinn College.

West Rusk County CISD The district’s new superintendent, Jake Jackson, was principal of West Rusk High School since 2010 and previously worked in Troup ISD. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Rice University and his master’s degree in educational leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University. ◄

Who’s News Send news items for Who’s News directly to news@ texasschoolbusiness.com

Photo Feature

TACS OFFERS MEMBERS A VARIETY OF ANNUAL EVENTS The Texas Association of Community Schools hosted several events over the last year including the group’s annual spring conference, which met in Tyler this year, and the TACS fall state conference, most recently held in Waco.

▲ Barry Haenisch, field services and former TACS executive director, recognizes new honorary life member Shane Fields, retiring executive director of ESC Region 14.

▲ Haenisch presents retiring Thrall ISD Superintendent and former TACS President Tommy Hooker with an honorary lifetime membership.

▲ Haenisch recognizes new honorary life member Gordon Taylor, retiring executive director of ESC Region 10.

◄ TACS events include important training and education on topics of interest to smaller and rural school districts.

▲ Barry Haenisch received an award from McMurry University, recognizing him as a distinguished alumni in the field of education. Haenisch is pictured with his wife Linda and grandson Charlie.

◄ Each year, TACS awards multiple scholarships to students from school districts that are members of TACS. Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

Calendar Professional development & events J U LY July 7-8 TAHPERD U Workshop: Outdoor Pursuits Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center, Seguin For more info, (512) 459-1299. www.tahperd.org Cost: Professional/associate members, $150; student members, $45; retired members, $55; out of state attendees, $150; emeritus members, no charge. July 10-12 TxPTA Launch 2026 Gaylord Texan Conference Center and Resort, Grapevine For more info, (512) 320-9801. www.txpta.org July 12-14 TAHPERD Annual Summer Conference Embassy Suites and Conference Center, Denton For more info, (512) 459-1299. www.tahperd.org Cost: Pre-registration (until June 15): Professional/associate members, $160; student members, $45; retired members, $55; out of state attendees, $160; emeritus members, no charge. Late registration (June 16-July 10): Professional/associate members, $170; student members, $55; retired members, $65; out of state attendees, $170; emeritus members, no charge. Onsite registration: Same rates as late registration. July 14 TASB Workshop: Asbestos Designated Person Training TASB offices, Austin For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org July 15 TASB Workshop: Integrated Pest Management TASB offices, Austin For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org TASPA Summer Law Conference Worthington Renaissance Hotel, Fort Worth

Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org Cost: Late registration (June 13-July 10): Members, $250; nonmembers, $300. Onsite registration: Members, $260; $310. July 15-17 TASPA Summer Conference Worthington Renaissance Hotel, Fort Worth For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org Cost: Late registration (June 13-July 10): Members, $375; nonmembers, $530; retired, $215. Onsite registration: Members, $425; nonmembers, $580; retired, $265. July 16 TASB Workshop: Indoor Air Quality Person Training TASB offices, Austin For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org July 16-18 TGCA Summer Clinic Esports Stadium, Arlington For more info, (512) 708-1333. www.austintgca.com Cost: Membership and clinic: $135; membership only, $70; clinic only, $65; student membership, $10. July 18 TABSE Master Class: HerINSPIRED Texas Southern University, Houston No phone number provided. www.tabse.net July 19-21 THSCA Coaching School and Convention Brown Convention Center, Houston For more info, (512) 392-3741. www.thsca.com Cost: Early Bird registration (through June 1): $85; preregistration (June 2-July 1): $100; onsite registration: $115.

July 21-22 ED 311 Behavior Leadership Conference Hilton Inn at EpicCenter, Grand Prairie For more info, (512) 478-2113. www.ed311.com Cost: Single registration, $375; group of five or more, $350 per person; group of ten or more, $340 per person. July 28-29 TASBO Workshop: Business Manager Fundamentals Online For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $245; nonmembers, $320.

AU G U S T August 5-6 TASBO Workshop: Getting Things Done Online For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $375; nonmembers, $450. August 6 TASPA Workshop: Qualifying a Special Education Teacher Manor ISD, Manor For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org August 11 TASBO Workshop: 2026 Tax Rate Adoption Online For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $175; nonmembers, $250. August 12 TASBO State Aid Template Series (session 4 of 4) Zoom event For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $200 per session; nonmembers, $275 per session. Discount per person for all four sessions: Members, $750; nonmembers, $875.

August 13 TASBO Workshop: Supervisor Fundamentals TASBO offices, Austin For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $245; nonmembers, $320. August 19 TASPA Workshop: Navigating Teacher Certification and Special Education Requirements Rockwall ISD, Rockwall For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org

SEPTEMBER September 2 TASPA Workshop: Navigating Teacher Certification and Special Education Requirements Goose Creek ISD, Baytown For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org September 3 TASBO Workshop: Understanding Risks and Internal Controls in School Districts Online For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, no charge; nonmembers, $75. TASPA Workshop: Navigating Teacher Certification and Special Education Requirements Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Cypress For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org September 9 TASBO PEIMS Proficiency Workshop: Mastering Your Role as PEIMS Coordinator Houston Marriott, Sugar Land For more info, (512) 462-12711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $245; nonmembers, $320. TASBO PEIMS Workshop: Fundamentals Houston Marriott, Sugar Land For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $245; nonmembers, $320.

TASBO PEIMS Workshop: The Foundation for Accountability Houston Marriott, Sugar Land For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $245; nonmembers, $320. September 9-10 TACS Annual State Conference Southwest ISD, San Antonio For more info, (512) 440-8227. www.tacsnet.org Cost: Members, $400; nonmembers, $450; corporate partners, $400; ESC executive directors, $400; TACS executive committee members, $300. TASA First-Time Superintendents Academy (session 1 of 4) Marriott Austin North, Round Rock For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: Members, $245 per session; nonmembers, $295 per session. September 10-11 TASBO PEIMS Academy Houston Marriott, Sugar Land For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $345; nonmembers, $420. September 15-16 TASA/N2 Learning Executive Leadership Institute (session 1 of 4) Tomball ISD, Tomball For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org Cost: $4,500 for all four sessions. TASA/N2 Learning Principals’ Institute (session 1 of 6) Tomball ISD, Tomball For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org Cost: $6,000 for all six sessions. September 16 TASBO Fundamentals Workshop (session 1 of 4) Zoom event For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $550 for all four sessions; nonmembers, $625 for all four sessions.

September 17 TASBO Fundamentals Workshop (session 2 of 4) Zoom event For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $550 for all four sessions; nonmembers, $625 for all four sessions. September 22 TASBO Series: Navigating a Deficit Budget (session 1 of 4) Online For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $750 for all four sessions; nonmembers, $875 for all four sessions. September 23 TASBO Fundamentals Workshop (session 3 of 4) Zoom event For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $550 for all four sessions; nonmembers, $625 for all four sessions. TASPA Workshop: Navigating Teacher Certification and Special Education Requirements Northside ISD, San Antonio For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org September 23-24 TASA Texas Public Accountability Consortium (session 1 of 2) Royse City ISD, Royse City For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org September 24 TASBO Fundamentals Workshop (session 4 of 4) Zoom event For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $550 for all four sessions; nonmembers, $625 for all four sessions. TASBO Workshop: Reimagining How K-12 Buys – The Role Procurement Marketplaces Online For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, no charge; nonmembers, $75.

September 27-28 TASSP Fundamental 5 National Summit Hilton Airport, Austin For more info, (512) 443-2100. www.tassp.org September 30-October 3 TXETA TheatreFest Moody Gardens, Galveston No phone provided. www.txeta.com

O C TO B E R October 5 TASPA Fall Support Staff Conference Worthington Renaissance Hotel, Fort Worth For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org October 5-6 TASPA Fall Conference Worthington Renaissance Hotel, Fort Worth For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org October 6 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, North Houston area cohort (session 1 of 6) Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Cypress For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions. TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, West Texas area cohort (session 1 of 6) Clyde ISD, Clyde For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions. October 7 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, East Dallas area cohort (session 1 of 6) Royse City ISD, Royse City For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, East Texas area cohort (session 1 of 6) Tyler ISD, Tyler For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions. October 8 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Austin area cohort (session 1 of 6) Georgetown ISD, Georgetown For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions. TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, East Houston area cohort (session 1 of 6) Channelview ISD, Channelview For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions. TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Northwest Dallas area cohort (session 1 of 6) Northwest ISD, Justin For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions. October 8-11 txEDCON 2026 (TASA/TASB Convention) Brown Convention Center, Houston For more info, (512) 467-0222. https://tasa.tasb.org/ October 15 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, San Antonio area cohort (session 1 of 6) Northside ISD, San Antonio For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions. TASPA Workshop: Certification Essentials Granbury ISD, Granbury For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org

► See Calendar, page 30 Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

◄ Continued from page 29 October 19-20 TASB HR Academy TASB offices, Austin For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org Cost: Early registration (until Sept. 21): $385; late registration (closes Oct. 12): $450. October 20-21 TASA/N2 Learning Principals’ Institute (session 2 of 6) Frisco ISD, Frisco For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org Cost: $6,000 for all six sessions. October 20-22 TASA Level 1 CMAT TASA offices, Austin, or virtual For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: Members, $800; nonmembers, $900.

Texas School Business JULY/AUGUST 2026

October 27 TASBO Workshop: Payroll Fundamentals Courtyard Marriott Dallas@The Event Center, Allen For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $245; nonmembers, $320. TASBO Workshop: Purchasing Fundamentals Courtyard Marriott Dallas@The Event Center, Allen For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $245; nonmembers, $320. October 27-29 TASA Future-Ready Superintendents Leadership Network (session 1 of 3) Texarkana ISD, Texarkana For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org

October 28 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, virtual cohort (session 1 of 6) Online For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

Where did you find that great conference?

October 28-29 TASBO Payroll Academy Courtyard Marriott Dallas@The Event Center, Allen For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $345; nonmembers, $420.

I found it in Texas School Business!

TASBO Purchasing Academy Courtyard Marriott Dallas@The Event Center, Allen For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $345; nonmembers, $420. ◄

Discover upcoming conferences and continuing education opportunities in the calendar section of each issue of Texas School Business and on our website. TexasSchoolBusiness.com

THE BACK PAGE

A lesson from Vince … and me by Riney Jordan

h, I’m sure you’ve heard of him. Vince Lombardi. His name has been attached to the most prestigious trophy given in the National Football League, the Super Bowl award. He was the head coach of the Green Bay Packers back in the 1960s, when his team was rated as one of the top football teams in the nation. As the years fly by, we tend to forget some of the legends of our time, but I hope that Vince Lombardi is not one of them. Vince Lombardi cared about the basics. He realized that football didn’t need to be a complicated game; it simply boiled down to the basics, which consisted of blocking, tackling, running, passing and catching. He believed with all of his heart that if you “do all those things right, you win.” He went on to say, “It’s a matter of the basics. You gotta concentrate on the basics.” The basics. Oh, how often we hear that expression, especially in this business of education. You know, most people assume that the basics are only reading, writing and arithmetic. But, there is so much more than these three elements of academia. Do I think you need to be committed to those three? Absolutely! But let me share what I think are some of the other “basics.” As an educator, are you still as committed as you once were to the basics of caring for the students you serve? I love the Latin term in loco parentis. It means that in the absence of the parent, you are there in the place of the parent — to love children, provide for them and care for them, as if they were your own. When we view someone else’s child as if they were our own, our perception of that child changes

completely. We want more than anything for that child to be successful, to not be hurt by another’s cruel and hurtful remarks. For them to do their very best gives us a sense of pride. In addition, have we forgotten the commitment to live our lives as worthy role models for our students and those around us? Sadly, I think this is one of the areas in which we have failed miserably. Regularly, I hear about school personnel who violate that sacred trust by taking advantage of a student. I know that some of you reading this will immediately think, “We are not to teach morality in the schools!”

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Bailey Education Group ..................30 baileyeducationgroup.com Harris County Dept. of Education.............................................. 2 hcde-texas.org N2 Learning...............................................6 n2learning.org TASA .................................................. 19, 32 tasanet.org TASPA.......................................................... 5 taspa.org Texas School Business.....................30 texasschoolbusiness.com TPS...............................................................17 tpspool.org txEDCON.....................................................4 tasa.tasb.org

But, if honesty, decency, truthfulness, and striving to be a caring, kind person are your ideas of teaching morality, I would urge you to rethink that position. When we model those characteristics in front of our students, we are teaching them some of the greatest lessons they will ever learn. Oh, the list of attributes for a quality educator is almost unlimited. Space doesn’t permit us to talk about our commitment to preparation, our commitment to our colleagues, our commitment to giving a full day’s pay for a full day’s wages. Let me simply conclude by giving you one of Vince Lombardi’s most memorable quotes: “The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” This school year, let’s all strive for excellence in every aspect of our job. I guarantee that you will see results in your students, in the parents, and in your own life. And that’s a good thing!

RINEY JORDAN is the author of two books and a frequent public speaker. To invite him to speak at your

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Join Us! TASA is the professional association for Texas school leaders. In addition to advocacy and professional learning, we provide networks and services that offer mentorship and inspiration to our members. TASA is working hard to provide the support that Texas school leaders need. We invite you to be part of TASA. Join/renew for 2026-27!

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Jul/Aug 2026 Texas School Business