May/June 2025 Texas School Business

Texas School Business

TABSE President Dr. Darwin Prater Spiller

TASB President Rolinda Schmidt

www.hcde-texas.org

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

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

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

N2P

New 2 Principalship

#TXN2P

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

$2,500 * per principal 10 SESSIONS

Ten, 90-minute online coaching sessions

Assistant Principal Leadership Academy APL

#TXAPL

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

$1,000 * per assistant principal 6 SESSIONS

Six, four-hour sessions during the school year

*Pricing excludes travel expenses.

Executive Leadership Institute

#TXELI

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

$4,000 * per administrator

4 SESSIONS

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

Principals’ Institute

#TXPVI

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

$6,000 * per principal

6 SESSIONS

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

TLI

Teacher Leadership Institute

#TXTLI

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

$800 * per teacher

6 SESSIONS

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

Who’s News

Abilene ISD

Jay Ashby, an employee of the district since 2011, has been named executive director for innovation and program development. He earned his bachelor’s degree from HardinSimmons University and his master’s degree from Lamar University.

e district’s new director of federal programs is Shannon Marshall, who was principal of omas Elementary School since 2022.

Veteran educator Jon Patrick has been selected as principal of Cooper High School. He has been with Abilene ISD since 2020, most recently leading Clack Middle School. Additionally, he was assistant principal of Abilene High and the Woodson Center for Excellence. He is a graduate of Angelo State University with a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Texas Permian Basin.

Brandon Randell is now principal of ATEMS (Academy of Technology, Engineering, Math and Science) and the LIFT (Leadership and Innovation in Future Technologies) a er serving as an assistant director of the campus for the past four years. A graduate of Abilene ISD schools, he holds a bachelor’s degree from McMurry University and a master’s degree from Lamar University.

Lyndsey Williamson has accepted the position of executive director of secondary education. She has spent 19 years of her 20-year education career with Abilene ISD and since 2019 has served as Cooper High School’s principal. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Angelo State University.

Academy ISD

e district’s new head football coach is Ty Kuhn, who comes to Academy ISD from Lampasas ISD, where he was assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator. He has also coached in Temple, Colleyville, Palestine and Krum ISDs.

Jeanna Sniffin, new principal of Academy Elementary School, brings almost two decades of experience to her job, most recently serving as an elementary principal in Belton ISD. She is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University with a master’s degree from the University of Houston at Victoria.

Alamo Heights ISD

Former Howard Early Childhood Center principal Yvonne Munoz now leads Cambridge Elementary. Prior to joining Alamo Heights ISD, she was a bilingual education teacher, assistant principal and principal in Judson ISD. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and her master’s degree in educational leadership from Concordia University.

Alto ISD

Amarillo ISD

Alto ISD has welcomed Derrick Conley as its new superintendent. He most recently worked as assistant superintendent of Pine Tree ISD.

Bastrop ISD

e rst principal of Adelton Elementary School, which is slated to open in August, will be Denise Guerrero. A 20-year education veteran, she has worked as an assistant principal in Elgin ISD and, most recently, at Bluebonnet Elementary in Bastrop ISD. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and a master’s degree from Concordia University.

Now serving as director of ne arts is Marc Telles, who was director of ne arts and bands in Seguin ISD. With over two decades of experience, he has also been a band director in P ugerville and Northside (San Antonio) ISDs and Harlingen CISD. He received his bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and his master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of North Texas.

Beaumont ISD

e new head football coach at Beaumont United High School is Drenard Williams He comes to Beaumont from LBJ Early College High School in Austin ISD, where he was associate head football coach and defensive backs coach.

College Station ISD

Steve Hoffman has joined the district as athletic director. His coaching career has spanned 25 years with stops in Corsicana ISD and Hays and Del Rio CISDs. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University.

e new director of curriculum and instruction, Kaci Kleypas, has been with Academy ISD for 11 years, most recently serving as assistant principal of Academy Middle School. She received her bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and her master’s degree from Sam Houston State University.

New superintendent Deidre Parish comes to Amarillo from Sweetwater ISD, where she also held the top job. Prior to that, she led Darrouzett ISD. In addition, she has been an assistant superintendent in Decatur ISD, director of professional learning in Frisco ISD, and an adjunct professor at the University of North Texas.

Anna ISD

e Anna ISD board of trustees has appointed Toby Tucker superintendent. He comes to Anna from New Home ISD, where he also held the top position. e 26-year educator was previously athletic director of Canyon ISD, director of school operations for ESC Region 16, superintendent of Claude ISD, assistant superintendent of Childress ISD and Wheeler ISD’s high school principal.

Now serving as director of data services and PEIMS (Public Education Information Management Systems) is Luis Sanchez, who joins the district from the technology services department of Texas A&M University. He holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in technical management, both from Texas A&M.

Corpus Christi ISD

Roy Miller High School’s new principal is Aurelio Tamayo, who formerly led Moore Elementary. He also served as an assistant principal at Hamlin Middle School and was an administrator in the district’s student support services department. His doctorate in educational leadership was awarded from Lamar University.

steps Baby

Back to basics in Donna ISD

by Dacia Rivers

When Dr. Angela Dominguez stepped into the superintendency in Donna ISD in October 2021, she walked into a challenge. Luckily, forging new paths wasn’t new to Dominguez, the rst female superintendent in the district and the rst in her family to graduate from college. Donna was in need of a strong leader and that’s just what it got.

At the time of her arrival, Donna was ve years into a TEA conservatorship. COVID-19 had basically shut down the Rio Grande Valley, forcing Donna’s 13,000 students into remote learning, leading to further learning loss in an already struggling district.

For Dominguez, the rst priority as the district’s new leader was to revamp the entire instructional system. She worked to create a curriculum and instruction team to dig into research and nd what would work best in terms of direct instruction in the district.

With the C&I team, Dominguez took instruction down to the studs, going back to the basics of the gradual release model and focusing on training and development for teachers.

She also kicked o a “Look, Listen, and Learn Tour,” meeting with Donna teachers, sta , parents, community members and students to hear their thoughts on what would make the district successful.

“We really wanted to work collectively with

Dr. Angela Dominguez

sta and give them a voice in the transition points along with a lot of training and development for both school leaders and campus instructional sta ,” Dominguez says. One thing that stood out was the district’s need for an overhauled bilingual instruction system. In Donna, 57% of students are emergent bilingual, and when Dominguez came to the district, the school board charged her with guring out why those students were not successful. e district had been through several di erent bilingual instructional models and at one point TEA had stepped in due to the program’s ine ectiveness.

“Many years ago, the model of instruction was sink or swim,” Dominguez says. “It was,

if you’re going to come to class and you don’t speak English, then do the best that you can. And there wasn’t a lot of support.”

Seeing a need for not only a revamped bilingual system, but also a lot of healing from the past, Dominguez and her team decided to move to a dual-language model. ey also worked to educate school sta as to why a dual-language model is so important. Many Donna ISD sta members are former students. For them, sink or swim was all they knew.

Four years a er the dual-language program’s implementation, the gap between emergent bilingual and monolingual students in the district has shrunk. When Dominguez came to Donna, that gap was more than 40% in

Four years after the dual-language program’s implementation, the gap between emergent bilingual and monolingual students in the district has shrunk.

certain instructional areas, and now those students are on par with each other.

“It’s really good to see that heavy li ing is paying o for kids,” Dominguez says.

Dual-language learners aren’t the only students who are reaping the bene ts of the recommitment to curriculum in Donna.

Since 2021, the district has seen 100% student growth in all subjects, including remarkable improvement in early childhood literacy. In 2021, just 18% of kindergarten students in Donna were reading at grade level. At the end of the 2023-24 school year, that number increased to 85% in both English and Spanish combined.

► See Baby Steps, page 14

This year Donna will launch both a fine arts elementary school and a science and sports academy.

◀ Continued from page 13

“At this point, you can walk into any classroom in Donna and you’re going to see high-quality instruction that’s aligned to the model that we’ve rolled out,” Dominguez says.

Dominguez credits the Donna ISD school board and their commitment to the district with helping improve instructional outcomes for students. Donna ISD was named TASA’s 2024 Texas Outstanding School Board. In 2023, the district was able to pass the largest bond in Donna ISD history, to support much-needed upgrades and prepare the district for the future.

“Our sta and our community trust the school board,” Dominguez says. “Our board has been so aligned with focusing on instructional outcomes. at’s all we talk about. e community has watched that very closely and seen that the focus is all about students, and I think there’s a high level of trust as a result.”

is year, four Donna board members were up for reelection and all ran unopposed — another rst for the district.

With the curriculum reestablished and academics on track in Donna, Dominguez says the district is now looking ahead to innovate and attract more students and families. is year Donna will launch both a ne arts elementary school and a science and sports academy, two exciting opportunities for students in the

Who’s News

◄ Continued from page 9

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Former Anthony Middle School principal

Vivian Bennett has been promoted to assistant superintendent of secondary curriculum and instruction. She was principal of Anthony since 2017 and, prior to that, was assistant principal of Hopper Middle School and Cypress Ranch High. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Louisiana University and her master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University. Her doctorate in professional leadership was conferred by the University of Houston.

Kimberly Harthorn, former assistant principal of Owens Elementary, is now principal of Francone Elementary School. e 25-year educator has spent her career in the district, beginning as an elementary math and science teacher. She is a graduate of Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) with a master’s degree from Sam Houston State University.

Melissa Martin, who led Francone Elementary School since 2018, is now the district’s assistant superintendent of elementary curriculum and instruction. She began her career with CFISD in 2005 as a teacher at Sheridan Elementary. She received her bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and her master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Texas at Arlington.

e new principal of Anthony Middle School is Crystal Romanelli, former director of instruction at Cypress Park High School. She has spent her 19-year career in the district, initially as a high school math teacher and going on to serve as a testing coordinator, director of instruction, and assistant principal. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and her master’s degree in education leadership from Lamar University.

Dallas ISD

Denton ISD

David Beaty has been hired as Denton High School’s head football coach and athletic coordinator. Most recently Florida Atlantic University’s wide receivers coach, he has almost three decades of experience coaching at the high school and college level, including serving as head coach at the University of Kansas.

Jason Foutch is the district’s new director of safety and security. A graduate of Denton High School and a veteran law enforcement o cer, he was a safety and security o cer for the district.

Jill Mitchell has been promoted from assistant principal of Rayzor Elementary School to principal. She has spent 13 of her 20 years as an educator with Denton ISD a er beginning her career in Irving and Coppell ISDs. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Texas.

Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD

Saginaw High School’s new head football coach and athletic coordinator is Mike DeWitt, a 25-year veteran coach who comes to his new job from New Caney ISD, where he held the same position. He previously worked in McKinney and Coppell ISDs. He is a graduate of Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

Now serving as district superintendent is Jerry Hollingsworth, who most recently led Waxahachie ISD. During his three decades-long career, he has been a high school teacher and an administrator at both the campus and district level. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University and his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of North Texas.

Ector County ISD

El Paso ISD

Western Hills Elementary School now has Donald Belknap as principal. He served as the school’s assistant principal before transferring to Franklin High in the same capacity. He was ESC Region 19’s Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2015.

El Paso ISD announces the appointment of Claudia Moreno as principal of Coldwell Elementary School. An educator with more than 25 years of experience, she previously worked as a counselor and assistant principal in the district. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso, where she also earned her master’s degree in bilingual education.

Roberto Padilla has been named principal of the district’s specialty campuses, including the College, Career and Technology Academy, Delta Academy, and Telles Academy. A native of El Paso, he earned his bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University and his master’s degree in education administration from Lamar University.

Belinda Perez, former assistant principal of Canyon Hills Middle School, is now campus principal. She previously held teaching and leadership positions at Guillen Middle School and Bowie and Andress high schools. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at El Paso, where she also earned her master’s degree in educational administration.

Powell Elementary School will welcome Michelle Pringle as its new principal when the academic year begins in August. Most recently principal of Rivera Elementary, she previously led Kohlberg Elementary for 10 years. She holds a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Elysian Fields ISD

Legendary basketball coach

James Mays will retire at the end of the school year a er 34 years with Dallas ISD, 32 of those at South Oak Cli High School, where he has been head basketball coach and athletic coordinator since 1999.

e Ector County ISD board of trustees has announced the appointment of Keeley Boyer as superintendent. She had been serving as interim superintendent since August and, prior to that, was the district’s chief of schools. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership and policy from the University of Texas.

e district’s new athletic director and head football coach, Bo Maines, was head coach at Azle ISD since 2014. He is a graduate of the University of North Texas with a master’s degree from Sam Houston State University.

PRESIDENT PROFILE

Texas Alliance of Black School Educators (TABSE)

When Dr. Darwin Prater Spiller’s caterer playfully signed one of the cookies for his TABSE president-elect campaign event “DarWIN” predicting he would win, the nickname stuck. But not just for its cleverness — the play on words spoke to something deeper: the power of believing in possibility. is idea emulates Spiller’s approach to leadership and education.

Spiller’s career in education started in 1997 as a sixth-grade selfcontained teacher at Stults Road Elementary in Richardson ISD, a er earning a bachelor’s degree from Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma. Spiller grew up on the West side of Chicago in CabriniGreen. He attended public schools and would “play school” as a favorite pastime and a way to avoid distractions that could have led him down a much di erent path. Spiller knew he wanted to be the kind of adult that he needed when he was younger. He wanted to be a source of consistency, encouragement, and opportunity for students — especially those navigating systems and circumstances that too o en overlook their potential.

“Education gave me access, choice, and ultimately a voice. I chose this path because I believe every child deserves to be seen, heard, and empowered—and I wanted to be part of building that kind of future,” he says.

In 2000, Spiller was promoted to assistant principal at the same campus and served in that role for three years before being named

Darwin Prater Spiller

wants educators to be seen, supported, and celebrated

by Autumn Rhea Carpenter

“I choose to lead with positivity because it creates momentum. It builds trust. And most importantly, it reminds people that they matter, that the work matters, and that forward is always possible. DarWIN isn’t just a name — it’s a mindset.”

principal of Stults Road in 2003 where he remained for nine years and gained insight into instructional leadership, family engagement, and building strong campus cultures. In 2012 he joined Houston ISD as a school support o cer and coached campus principals across a range of schools. He returned to Richardson ISD as the executive director of the Lake Highlands Learning Community where he led the community for seven years, supporting schools that served more than 10,500 students from pre-K through 12th grade.

In 2020, Spiller transitioned into his current role as executive director of Title IX compliance and investigations in Richardson ISD. is division was established to ensure that the district remains aligned with both federal and state regulations, while placing a strong focus on the safety, rights, and well-being of all students and sta . Spiller leads investigations, oversees the district’s grievance processes, supports the implementation of threat assessment protocols, and collaborates with multiple departments to provide training and build systems of accountability.

“ is work is both complex and deeply meaningful. I’m proud to be part of a team that is committed to fostering safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environments,” he says.

During his career journey, Spiller obtained a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and a doctorate from Dallas Baptist University.

PRESIDENT PROFILE

Texas Association of School Boards

When Rolinda Schmidt began serving as the campaign chair for the Kerr County United Way in the late 90s, an unexpected door to public service opened. She arrived for a Friday a ernoon meeting at Kerrville ISD’s central o ce when the receptionist asked if she needed a school board candidate packet. Schmidt had one hour to consider the idea and le her application.

“ e school board position was not on my radar at the time. at simple question changed my life,” she says.

Some 28 years later, Schmidt was sworn in during the delegate assembly at txEDCON24 in San Antonio as the 2024-25 Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) president.

Schmidt has a bachelor’s degree in social services from San Jose State University and is a managing partner in her family owned and operated commercial real estate development and management company, C&W Manhattan Associates. Since 1996, she has volunteered on the Kerrville ISD board, which serves almost 5,000 students, and has held the positions of board president, vice president, and secretary. Before serving as a trustee, she was involved in campus PTOs and was a board member and volunteer for the Kerrville Public School Foundation. She is also a strong supporter of the district’s early childhood education center, literacy programs, STEAM education, and College, Career, and Military Readiness initiatives.

Rolinda Schmidt advocates for Texas students as TASB president

by Autumn Rhea Carpenter

“I’ve been blessed by some of the most amazing mentors and hope to use my experience to best serve TASB and the hardworking trustees across the great state of Texas. Together we are better.”

During Schmidt’s time as a trustee, the district has passed bond packages to build an elementary school, middle school, high school, agriculture facility, and add security to all existing campuses. She worked to expand the district’s career and technical education o erings by collaborating with the local airport board, Airplane Owners and Pilots Association, and former NASA professionals to add aviation courses to the district’s high school curriculum. is has allowed Air Force Junior ROTC students and others to earn a pilot’s license or drone pilot certi cation.

Schmidt introduced a leadership program modeled a er a program developed by Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD. e program o ers the community an opportunity to learn about Kerrville ISD and the Texas public school system while serving as a showcase for the district’s successes. is program graduated more than 135 community ambassadors and future school board candidates.

“It takes a community-wide e ort to ensure every student has the educational resources and opportunities to reach his/her full potential,” Schmidt says.

Another program close to Schmidt’s heart is Kerrville’s sixth grade Outdoor Education program, which o ers students from four of the district’s elementary schools the opportunity to bond as one class at an overnight camp in the Hill Country.

“Fi y-seven percent of Kerrville students are economically

Two Bit Circus has grown into a network of powerhouse contributors, including Billings Productions, Bell Helicopter, Lockheed Martin, NASA, Cisco, Microso , Sphero, Texas Parks and Wildlife, zSpace, and several local museums. Each organization brings its own unique brand of innovation, giving students access to technologies and experiences they might otherwise only read about.

ere are many STEAM programs and establishments for students to take advantage of but the ESC Region 11 STEAM Carnival is an event, unlike the rest. is Carnival provides students and educators with an immersive, three-hour journey through creativity, exploration, and innovation. With everything from indoor planetariums to life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, coding stations, and Lockheed Martin ight simulators, the event o ers an array of activities that seamlessly blend play with learning. Whether students are testing their engineering skills in the Ultimate Recycling Challenge or crawling through simulated caves, every corner o ers a new adventure.

e 2025 event, held March 3-5, marked another major milestone for the STEAM Carnival. More than 3,000 students from 46 schools participated, exploring cuttingedge innovations and interacting with 15 industry-leading partners. e event was divided into four themed “Zones,” each designed to provide students with a unique hands-on experience.

e Carnival begins with its main attraction, the Student Showcase in Zone 1. Here, students become the exhibitors, demonstrating their own projects and innovations. From kindergarteners to high school seniors, participants showcase their school’s academies, programs, and personal STEM-related projects. is zone is a celebration of creativity and problem-solving, where students can proudly share their hard work with peers, educators, and industry professionals. Students are encouraged to explore freely, gravitating toward what piques their interest. Whether they’re testing a robot they designed, presenting a coding project, or demonstrating a science experiment, the energy and pride can be felt by everyone. Zone 2, otherwise known as the Midway, serves as the Carnival’s bustling hub of industry innovation. is large, two-room indoor area houses partner booths where

students can interact with representatives from leading tech companies, museums, and educational organizations. With 1620 booths typically on display featuring everything from hands-on coding activities to virtual reality simulations, there is something for everyone! e Midway o ers students a chance to explore future career paths and engage with professionals eager to share their knowledge. By giving students face-to-face time with industry experts, the Carnival fosters real-world connections that can inspire future educational and career choices.

In Zone 3, the Warehouse, things get even more hands-on. is expansive space is designed to allow students to build, test, and create. From constructing and launching their own rockets to attempting the tightrope challenge on slacklines, this zone exists to provide interactive

▲ Since its inception, the Region 11 STEAM Carnival has grown in both scale and impact.

experimentation. e Ultimate Recycling Challenge is a standout activity here, where students use engineering skills and creativity to repurpose recycled materials into innovative solutions. For students with an interest in aviation, Lockheed Martin o ers a chance to y a mission in their training simulator, giving them a glimpse into the world of aerospace engineering.

e Final Act in Zone 4 takes the excitement outdoors. Set in Region 11’s gated parking lot, this zone o ers largescale, experiential activities. In this zone, students can step inside a helicopter own during the Vietnam War, test their skills in archery, learn CPR and basic rst-aid, and even explore mobile technology and STEAM labs. In previous years, students have even escaped from a technologythemed bus in a team-based problemsolving challenge, showcasing their critical thinking skills. With full-size animatronic dinosaurs and physical adventure challenges, the Final Act leaves students with a sense of awe and inspiration before they return to their schools.

Since its inception, the STEAM Carnival has steadily grown in both scale and impact, becoming a cornerstone event for promoting STEAM education in the region.

► See Regional View, page 24

◄ Continued from page 23

Since 2016, there have been eight face-toface events, complemented by three virtual carnivals that have expanded accessibility to even more students. Collectively, the Carnival has engaged more than 30,000 students from across North Texas, with participation from more than 100 schools. roughout the years, students have explored hundreds of hands-on activities and interactive exhibits, each designed to ignite curiosity and foster a passion for science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Deputy Executive Director of Technology and School Safety for ESC Region 11, Rory Peacock, says, “ e Carnival’s consistent growth is a testament to its success in capturing students’ imaginations and inspiring a lifelong love for STEAM learning.”

e ESC Region 11 STEAM Carnival is far more than just a fun eld trip. It is a catalyst for inspiration. By giving students access to real-world technologies, industry experts, and hands-on learning, the event

The ESC Region 11 STEAM Carnival is far more than just a fun field trip. It’s a catalyst for inspiration.

plants seeds of curiosity that could grow into future careers in science, engineering, technology, and beyond. For educators, the Carnival provides a model of innovative, experiential learning. By seeing how handson, play-based experiences can captivate students, teachers are inspired to bring more interactive, STEAM-focused activities into their own classrooms.

Brent Bushnell, cofounder of Two Bit Circus, praises ESC Region 11’s team for transforming the STEAM Carnival into a model for others to follow. “ e energy that Rory and his team have brought to STEAM Carnivals is magical and a model for all. ey’re proof of the joy and impact that these programs can bring to students.”

With the 2025-26 STEAM Carnival already generating buzz, the ESC Region 11 team is gearing up for what promises to be the biggest event yet. e three-day event, planned for March 2-4, 2026, will once again invite thousands of students to experience the wonders of science,

technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics in a whole new way.

As ticket requests continue to pour in, it’s clear that the STEAM Carnival has become a cornerstone experience for North Texas students. With new partners, fresh activities, and even more immersive experiences planned, the upcoming Carnival is poised to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, artists, and innovators.

Educators, schools, and industry leaders are encouraged to get involved. Whether through sponsorship, partnership, or attendance, the STEAM Carnival o ers a unique opportunity to empower students with hands-on learning that could shape their future paths.

FOR MORE INFORMATION or to reserve your spot, please contact CentralRegistration@esc11. net or visit the ESC Region 11 website at esc11. net. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary celebration of creativity, innovation, and exploration.

United ISD

Emma Rodriguez has been promoted from assistant principal of LBJ High School to dean of Early College High at Alexander High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree and her master’s degree in school counseling from Texas A&M International University.

Waco ISD

Nkechinyere Washington, who for the past ve years has been a division instructional coach for the Harris County Department of Education, is now Waco ISD’s executive director of special education. She has an additional 12 years of experience as a classroom teacher. A graduate of Prairie View A&M University, she holds a master’s degree from the University of St. omas and is scheduled to receive her doctorate from Abilene Christian University in December.

Ysleta ISD

Ysleta ISD has announced the appointment of Glenda Salazar as director of child nutrition services, a position in which she was serving on an interim basis. She is a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University and has 12 years of experience in the eld of child nutrition. ◄

◄ Continued from page 11

Predictions for educational technology in 2045

e rapid evolution of technology in education since 2005 provides insight into the innovations that may de ne classrooms over the next 20 years. By 2045, advances in arti cial intelligence, immersive learning, and biotechnology will likely reshape how students learn and how teachers instruct. Here are a few predictions for the future evolution of educational technology.

AI-driven personalized learning

AI tutors will o er real-time, adaptive learning experiences tailored to individual student needs. Emotion-sensing AI will detect student engagement levels and adjust lesson delivery accordingly. Automated grading and feedback systems will provide instant evaluations, allowing teachers to focus on individual student needs.

Fully immersive learning environments

Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) will create highly interactive and customizable learning spaces, and holographic classrooms will enable students to engage with 3D historical recreations or virtual science experiments. AI-driven simulations will allow students to practice real-world skills in controlled, digital environments.

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and neurotechnology

Personalized learning experiences may be optimized based on brain activity patterns. For example, brainwave-powered learning tools could enable direct interaction between students and digital content. Neurofeedback technology may help improve focus, memory retention, and cognitive performance.

Decentralized and global learning networks

Sustainable and smart classroom infrastructure

Smart desks and walls with touch and voice recognition will facilitate interactive learning. AI-optimized energy-e cient buildings will create sustainable, adaptable learning environments, while personalized climate and lighting controls will enhance focus and productivity.

Integration of biotechnology in education

Biofeedback devices will provide insights into student health and cognitive states to optimize learning schedules. Geneticbased personalized learning plans may tailor education based on a student’s natural aptitudes. Longevity and cognitive enhancement technologies may rede ne the traditional concept of education over a lifetime.

Conclusion

From modems, laptops, cell phones, wireless, virtual reality, and AI, during the past 20 years we’ve witnessed nothing short of a revolution in the way students learn and teachers teach via technology in the classroom. As technology continues to evolve, its impact on education will only deepen, further de ning the future of teaching and learning. By 2045, we can imagine that educational technology will be seamlessly integrated into the student experience, blurring the lines between the physical and digital classroom. ese advancements will create more personalized, accessible, and e cient learning environments, ultimately transforming how knowledge is acquired and applied. As with any technological revolution, ethical considerations and equitable access will remain crucial in creating a future where all students bene t from these innovations.

DIANNE BORRESON, CETL, is executive director of TETL. DR. KARLA BURKHOLDER, CETL, is deputy director of TETL.

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

AI-powered translation tools will remove language barriers, enabling global, realtime collaboration, and decentralized education platforms may allow students to earn credentials from multiple institutions worldwide. Blockchain technology could provide secure, veri able academic credentials and lifelong learning records.

June 25-26

TASB Workshop: Get a Grip on the Family and Medical Leave Act Online

For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org

Cost: $225.

June 26

TASBO Workshop: Best Practices for Managing Operations Online

For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org

Cost: Members, $85; nonmembers, $160.

June 26-29

TASSP New Principal Academy Hilton Airport, Austin

For more info, (512) 443-2100. www.tassp.org

Cost: Early Bird registration (through June 6), $795; regular registration (after June 6), $895.

June 29-July 1

TAHPERD Annual Summer Conference Convention Center, Waco

For more info, (512) 459-1299. www.tahperd

Cost: Early Bird registration (by May 15): Professional and associate members and out-ofstate attendees, $150; retired members, $55; student members, $45. Pre-registration (May 16-June 15): Professional and associate members and out-ofstate attendees, $160; retired members, $55; student members, $45. Late registration (June 16-July 16): Professional and associate members and out-ofstate attendees, $170; retired members, $65; student members, $55.

Texas ASCD Conference: Leading Without Limits

Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio

For more info, (512) 477-8200 or (800) 717-2723. www.txascd.org

JULY

July 8-9

TASBO Workshop: Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue

TASBO offices, Austin

For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org

Cost: Members, $550; nonmembers, $625.

July 14-16

TCASE Interactive 2025

JW Marriott Hotel, Austin

For more info, (512) 474-4492 or (888) 433-4492. www.tcase.org

July 14-17

TGCA Summer Clinic Convention Center, Arlington

For more info, (512) 708-1333 www.austintgca.com

Cost: Clinic only, $65; membership only, $70; clinic and membership, $135.

July 15

TASB Workshop: Asbestos Designated Person Training

TASB offices, Austin

For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org

July 16

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

For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org

Cost: Early registration (through May 30): Members, $200; nonmembers, $250. Regular registration (May 31-June 27): Members, $220; nonmembers, $270. Late registration (June 28-July 11): Members, $230; nonmembers, $280. Onsite registration: Members, $240; nonmembers, $290.

July 16-18

TASPA Summer Conference

Worthington Renaissance Hotel, Fort Worth

For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org

Cost: Early registration (through May 30): Members, $305; nonmembers, $430; retired, $145. Regular registration (May 31-June 27): Members, $325; nonmembers, $450; retired, $165. Late registration (June 28-July 11): Members, $335; nonmembers, $460; retired, $175. Onsite registration: Members, $345; nonmembers, $470; retired, $185.

July 18

TASB Post-Legislative Seminar for the Texas Council of School Attorneys

TASB offices, Austin For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org

July 18-20

Texas PTA Launch 2025 Hilton Anatole, Dallas For more info, (512) 320-9801. www.txpta.org

July 20-22

THSCA Annual Coaching School and Convention

Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio

For more info, (512) 392-3741. www.thsca.com

Cost: Early registration (through June 1): $85; June 2-July 1, $100; onsite registration, $115.

July 23-24

TASA First-Time Superintendents Academy (session 1 of 4)

Austin Marriott North, Round Rock For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org

Cost: Members, $245 per session; nonmembers, $295 per session.

July 24

TGCA Satellite Sports Clinic Franklin High School, El Paso For more info, (512) 708-1333. www.austintgca.com

Cost: $80.

July 31

TASBO Workshop: Tax Rate Adoption

Live-streamed to in-person audiences in ESCs 1 (Edinburg), 4 (Houston), 11 (White Settlement) and 17 (Lubbock), and TASBO offices (Austin)

For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org

Cost: Members, $175; nonmembers, $250.

AUGUST

August 1

TASB/TACCA Post-Legislative Seminar for Community Colleges and Their Attorneys

TASB offices, Austin For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org ◄

Iby Riney Jordan

don’t know if I have ever seen a time in my life when there was so much grumbling in the world. Parents complain about teachers, teachers complain about parents. ere are complaints about administrators, about policy, about the number of days o , about funding, about salaries, about government interference, about lack of government interference, and the list goes on and on and on.

One day a week, I go to our local elementary school and spend time with a young boy who has di culty reading, as well as adjusting and socializing with others.

He gets so excited when he gures out a complicated word or when I encourage him and compliment him on his progress. In fact, he has done so well in reading, I questioned him about other subjects that he found to be di cult.

Immediately, he mentioned that math was hard for him. My next question to him was whether or not he knew his multiplication facts. He is a h grader, and by now, they should know them or have them almost mastered.

Upon quizzing him with a few of the multiplication facts, I immediately realized that he knew only the simplest ones. For the next several weeks, we worked with ashcards and he got better each week I worked with him. I’m thrilled to report that a er about eight weeks, approximately 20-25 minutes a day, one day a week, he’s got ‘em!

I had read that if you want kids to learn, the most important ingredient is encouragement, so that is what I did. e biggest reward has not come to this young man, however, but to me. He has caused me to realize how grateful I am for

the opportunity to help make a di erence in the life of someone else. I’m not tooting my own horn. It’s just a fact. I come home every Tuesday, so excited about what he has learned, about some funny remark he has made, or about the big huge smile that now covers his face when he sees me.

Now, don’t get me wrong. It’s a lot of trouble for this 83-year-old man to get dressed, put a walker in the back of the car, drive to school, be there at the right time, and then pack the walker back in the car and head home. But my goodness! It has been so worth it.

Before I started working with him, there were days that I would sit and think that I no longer had a purpose. I was becoming grumpy! It’s a common malady at my age. I remember making a comment a er I had taught a few years that they needed to add another teacher because I had close to 30 students in my room.

It was then that I remembered my student teacher, Mrs. Bledsoe, teaching h grade in Early, Texas. She had exactly 50 students in her room that year. You know, I never heard her complain one time. It was her job to teach the students that came her way, and she never hesitated. She always had a smile on her face and a word of encouragement for every student in the room every day. Oh, we do have so much to be grateful for in our lives today! Yes, there is stress, hard work, constant adjustments, and sometimes long hours. But the rewards can be simply amazing.

is week, this year, make an e ort to become an encourager. Strive to not be grumpy … but to be grateful!

Trust me. ere is no medication that even comes close to li ing your spirits when we stop grumbling and begin being grateful.