Sept/Oct 2025 Texas School Business

Texas School Business

Above the storm

DeSoto ISD Eagles take flight following turbulent times

HFrom the editor

ello, school administrators. I hope this new school year is kicking off as smoothly as possible for you. This year in my house, I have a high school senior and a freshman, and as we navigate these significant milestones I am even more appreciative of the opportunities offered to them by their Texas public school.

This issue is a little bittersweet for me, as it wraps up our district transformation series. It has been an honor and a privilege, not to mention incredibly inspiring, to talk to these amazing and dedicated superintendents who have stepped into struggling districts where they were needed most and worked tirelessly for the good of Texas schoolchildren.

In this issue we highlight DeSoto ISD, where Dr. Usamah Rodgers walked into a challenging situation and took things head-on. If you only read and share one of these transformation stories, make it this one, though of course I encourage you to read and share them all. If you missed any, you can always visit texasschoolbusiness.com for a complete archive of all of our past issues.

As we work to plan our features for 2026, if you have any ideas for topics you’d like to see us cover, or if you just want to tell us about something outstanding going on in your district, please don’t hesitate to reach out. My job is to share your good news, and I am always happy to hear from you.

For now, enjoy this jam-packed issue, full of all of your favorite columns and more, and I’ll see you in November to celebrate our newest Texas Superintendent of the Year, then in December for another special Bragging Rights issue.

Thanks, as always, for reading, and a special thanks to all the districts highlighted this year for sharing your stories with us.

Dacia Rivers Editorial Director

Texas School Business SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025

Volume LXXII, Issue 5 406 East 11th Street

Austin, Texas 78701

Phone: 512-477-6361

www.texasschoolbusiness.com

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Dacia Rivers

DESIGN

Phaedra Strecher Heinen

COLUMNISTS

Steve Barnwell

Michael Cardona

Eric Harslem

Tiffany Huebner

Riney Jordan

Jessica Olson

Amy Rogers

Jim Walsh

ADVERTISING SALES

Jennifer Garrido

TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Kevin Brown

DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

Amy Francisco

A constitutional right to opt out ….

by Jim Walsh

In Mahmoud v. Taylor, a case from Montgomery County, Maryland, the Supreme Court held that parents have a constitutional right to require that their children be excused from parts of the required school curriculum. The decision is not based on the fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing of their child. It’s based entirely on the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. What that means in practice is that this newly minted constitutional right will have less impact on Texas schools than those in some other states. That’s because Texas parents already enjoy a more expansive right to opt out of assignments they object to. Let me explain.

The Supreme Court first recognized that parents have a constitutional right to direct their child’s upbringing 102 years ago in Meyer v. Nebraska. Two years later the court held in Pierce v. Society of Sisters that states could not give public schools a monopoly on K-12 education. That two-year-old parental right included the right to choose a private school.

Those two landmark decisions have been cited hundreds of times in the past 100 years as parents challenged various parts of school curriculum. There are cases about evolution, world religions, yoga, mindfulness, Harry Potter books, Halloween celebrations, and sex education. The courts have been pretty consistent about where the line should be drawn on these matters. Parents do not have the right to dictate school curriculum. The fundamental parental right to control how the child is educated was limited to the choice of school — public, private, secular, religious, or homeschool. Once the parents made that choice, they lost control over what was taught or how it was taught. The emphasis in these court decisions was that

education necessarily exposes children to ideas the parents may not approve of or agree with. Parents could not simply opt their child out of a part of the curriculum they did not like.

But now they can, at least in some situations. The Mahmoud case was about several books that were approved for use in K-5. The district sought to make sure that these early readers fairly depicted the diversity of America, and of Montgomery County, Maryland. Groups that had been previously underrepresented in the books would be included. Apparently there was no controversy over how this applied to racial or religious minorities or people with disabilities. But many parents objected to the message these books sent regarding same-sex marriage and children who wondered about their gender.

Four facts were of critical importance to the Court.

• First, the school district refused to give parents notice of when the books would be used in the classroom, and revoked the right to opt out that parents previously enjoyed.

• Second, these were very young children.

• Third, the parents did not argue that the school could not use these books. They just wanted their children excused.

• Fourth, the parental objections were anchored in their religious beliefs.

The legal argument was that the school was burdening the free exercise of religion. The Court agreed:

A government burdens the religious exercise of parents when it requires

The emphasis in these court decisions was that education necessarily exposes children to ideas the parents may not approve of or agree with. Parents could not simply opt their child out of a part of the curriculum they did not like. But now they can, at least in some situations.

them to submit their children to instruction that poses “a very real threat of undermining” the religious beliefs and practices that the parents wish to instill.

Justice Alito’s majority opinion relies heavily on the one previous Supreme Court case that allowed a particular group of parents to opt out of curriculum requirements. In Wisconsin v. Yoder, the Court held that requiring the Amish to send their children to school past the eighth grade would fundamentally threaten their entire way of life. In the Mahmoud case, Justice Alito says that having a teacher read “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding” aloud to first graders has the same effect.

This is a big deal. But let’s put it in perspective in Texas. Our Education Code allows parents to opt out of any assignment or activity the parents object to on religious or “moral” grounds. The parental objection does not have to be anchored in a religious belief. This has been the law in Texas for 30 years.

If the school board in Maryland had simply allowed parents to opt out, this case would have gone nowhere. In an era of increased emphasis on transparency and partnership with parents, the Texas law looks pretty dadgum smart.

JIM WALSH is an attorney with Walsh Gallegos Treviño Russo & Kyle PC. He can be reached at jwalsh@wabsa.com. You can also follow him on X: @jwalshtxlawdawg.

ALarge language models for just-intime training

by Steve Barnwell

s the landscape of large language model artificial intelligence has continued to evolve, the opinions about AI’s place in people’s lives and organizations has changed as well. Education has not been spared from this shift. The common large language model (LLM) tools available to us have started to lose their sheen of newness, a quality which had been admired by some and feared by others. Now, years into this journey, what we hold currently is a much more utilitarian view of the use of AI in offices and classrooms.

During the spring San Antonio Area Technology Directors meeting, participants discussed the adoption of AI for administrative tasks. School district technology teams are now leveraging customization of large language models where the generated output is constrained to content provided by the district. With the front-end of a familiar chat style AI, these customized tools can now act as just-in-time training to be shared with principals, other campus administrators, department leaders, and teachers alike. Similar to video or static document materials, training shared digitally offers low-stakes consumption of content, but now the medium is interactive. Adoption of AI technologies for this purpose has become a more universal means of leveraging LLM technology. Based on the anecdotal conversations, these custom training tools are even outpacing widespread adoption of teachingenhancing artificial intelligence tools in the San Antonio area.

The drive to move AI adoption along at the administrative level was generated out of necessity. Specifically in the aftermath and regrowth period following the pandemic’s

impact on public education, staff turnover and new challenges placed on teachers has also increased pressure on district administration. Teachers bear the weight of instruction in an environment that has dramatically changed as a result of their peers, new legislation, and student growthgap concerns. Customized AI tools used for just-in-time training can augment the capacity of district administrative efforts, freeing up time for those administrators to provide greater levels of support in the classrooms where they are needed most. To truly understand the nature of using customized AI tools, it’s important to delineate between consumer-facing chat bots and retrieval-augmented generation, RAG, or grounded artificial intelligence. Unlike the black-box style language generators which make use of undisclosed training material, the tools districts are using for AI delivered training are constrained to curated document sources provided by the organization. While some districts may use a custom GPT on OpenAI’s platform, others are using Google’s tools such as NotebookLM or custom Gems in Gemini. Each of these platforms provides significant customization with fixed document uploads and custom instructions to provide targeted responses.

One of the greatest benefits of using a document repository in conjunction with an AI tool is the ability to have references directly linked back to the original sources. If a district builds a custom AI for training on HR procedures, for example, a campus principal can quickly ask a question in plain language about how to handle a staffing situation and then receive the answer with a direct link to the supporting

▶ See Digital Frontier, page 33

To truly understand the nature of using customized AI tools, it’s important to delineate between consumer-facing chat bots and retrieval-augmented generation, RAG, or grounded artificial intelligence.

is a TETL member

STEVE BARNWELL

and director of technology in Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD.

Who’s News

Abilene ISD

Pedro Encarnacion has been named Abilene High School’s head boys’ soccer coach. He began his career in 2007 in Marble Falls ISD, going on to coach, teach, and serve as an assistant principal in Gainesville ISD. He joined Abilene ISD in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree from McMurry University and a master’s degree from Midwestern State University.

The district has announced the hiring of Dusty Fahey as Crockett Early Start’s program officer. Most recently assistant director of Crockett Early High School, she brings a decade of experience to her new position. She is a graduate of Tarleton State University with a master’s degree in early childhood education from the American School of Education.

The new head girls’ soccer coach at Abilene High School is Michael Fisher, who came to the district in 2017 as head soccer coach at Craig Middle School. He completed his bachelor’s degree at Lubbock Christian University.

Dottie Hawthorne is Cooper High School’s head softball coach. She comes to Abilene from Pampa ISD, where she served in the same position as well as working as an English teacher and girls’ athletics coordinator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Cameron University.

Academy ISD (Little River-Academy)

Now serving as director of special programs is Cindy Allman, who most recently was Waco ISD’s director of special education. An educator since 2004, she holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Tarleton State University.

Academy ISD’s new director of business services is Michelle Tish, who comes to her new position from Waco ISD, where she led that district’s purchasing department. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a master’s degree in education administration from Tarleton State University.

Aldine ISD

Diaka Melendez has been named Aldine ISD’s chief of school improvement. She began her career in the district in 2002, worked in other districts in the state, and returned in 2022 as assistant superintendent of student support, the position she held until her newest assignment.

Arlington ISD

Kiesha Edwards, new principal of Ellis Elementary School, was eighth grade assistant principal of Ousley Junior High since 2018. Prior to coming to Arlington, she held teaching and administrative roles in Mansfield, Everman and Denton ISDs.

Delisse Hardy is the new executive director of curriculum and instruction. She most recently was the district’s director of world languages. She began her career in 2001 as a bilingual and dual language teacher, going on to serve as principal of Wimbish World Language Academy and Crouch Elementary.

Norberto Rivas has accepted the role of interim chief financial officer. He brings more than 15 years of experience in school finance to his new position, including more than a decade as chief financial officer at San Elizario ISD. He is a CPA with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Bastrop ISD

Tonya Drake is now coordinator of health services after working for 10 years as a school nurse at district campuses. She has been a registered nurse for more than two decades.

The new principal of Mina Elementary School, Kevin Hans, comes to Bastrop from Karnes City ISD, where he was primary school principal. He previously worked in San Antonio and Judson ISDs. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and a master’s degree in education administration from Concordia University.

Kristi Lee has accepted the position of interim superintendent of Bastrop ISD. She has served as deputy superintendent since 2022 and is beginning her second decade as an educator, having worked as a teacher, principal and communications director. Her bachelor’s degree was awarded from Stephen F. Austin State University and her master’s and doctoral degrees from Sam Houston State University.

Now serving as principal of Emile Elementary School is Candice Pyles, who has been promoted from her most recent position as assistant principal of Camino Real Elementary. A former employee of Lamar CISD, she is a graduate of Sam Houston State University, where she also earned her master’s degree in educational leadership.

Danielle Riddick has been named director of elementary education, coming to her new position from Garland ISD, where she was principal of Lister Elementary School. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at El Paso, her master’s degree from the University of North Texas and her doctorate from Southern Methodist University.

Superintendent

Barry Edwards has retired. He began his career in El Paso ISD and spent 17 years with Bastrop ISD, the past seven in the top position.

Diana Greene has been named chief human resources officer for Bastrop ISD. She has spent her 30-year career with the district, 18 of those in the human resources field. Both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees were awarded from Western Governors University.

The former principal of Port Arthur ISD’s Memorial High School is now director of secondary schools at Bastrop ISD. Jeremy Small worked in Port Arthur ISD since 2023, having begun his career in 2018 as an academic coordinator in Center ISD. He holds a doctorate in education from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Birdville ISD

The new principal of Richland Middle School is John Deleon, who spent the past two years as assistant principal of Birdville High. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) and his master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Billy Neal, former principal of Richland Middle School, now leads West Birdville Elementary. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University at Commerce with a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Texas at Arlington.

The district’s new chief communications officer, Megan Overman, comes to her new job with 25 years of experience in education. She began her career in Birdville ISD in 2000, going on to hold leadership roles in Grapevine-Colleyville and Eagle MountainSaginaw ISDs.

Borger ISD

Former Sweeny ISD

superintendent Daniel Fuller has been named to the top position in Borger ISD. He has been an educator for 17 years, 14 of those as an administrator and 10 as a superintendent. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Texas Permian Basin and is at work on his doctorate from Lamar University.

Burnet CISD

Grant Freeman, former athletic director in Wichita Falls ISD, now holds that position in Burnet ISD. A graduate of Angelo State University, he coached in Springtown ISD and was head boys’ basketball coach in Comanche and Brownwood ISDs.

Alyssa Nottingham, newly appointed director of food services, earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama and her master’s degree in food and nutrition from Liberty University. She most recently completed an internship with the Veterans Administration in conjunction with the completion of her licensing as a dietician.

Cameron ISD

Mistie Dakroub has been promoted from Cameron ISD’s assistant superintendent to superintendent. A graduate of Texas Tech University, from which she also earned her master’s degree, she previously was Academy ISD’s high school principal.

Canutillo ISD (El Paso)

The district has announced the appointment of an interim superintendent.

Jesica Arellano, who was executive director of curriculum and instruction, is a 20-year education veteran, previously serving as a teacher, instructional coach, and campus administrator. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Texas at El Paso and her doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M University.

Veronica Campbell has returned to Canutillo ISD as its purchasing agent. She served in the same capacity for the district from 2015 to 2016 before working in Clint and El Paso ISDs. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at El Paso and her master’s degree in management from Webster University.

Canutillo ISD’s new director of special programs and services, Melissa Mena, comes to the district from ESC Region 19, where she was a special education project manager. She previously worked in Laredo’s United ISD and in El Paso ISD.

Janeth Plaza has been promoted from assistant principal to principal of Garcia Elementary School. She has been with the district since 2005, working as a teacher and instructional coach. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso with a master’s degree in administration from Texas A&M University.

Central Heights ISD (Nacogdoches)

Justin Keeling, who previously led Douglass ISD, is now superintendent of Central Heights ISD. An educator for 23 years, he has also held leadership positions in Woden and Mount Enterprise ISDs.

Chester ISD

Cory Hines, who previously served as Chester ISD’s superintendent from 2016 to 2021, has returned to the district in that capacity after leading Neches ISD for the past four years.

Comal ISD (New Braunfels)

Now serving as Comal ISD’s chief financial officer is Larry Guerra. He brings 20 years of experience in school finance to his new position, most recently serving in the same capacity in San Antonio’s Judson ISD.

Copperas Cove ISD

Copperas Cove ISD has hired its first fine arts director. Megan Kenobbie has been with the district since 2021, when she joined as an assistant principal of Copperas Cove High School. Prior to that, she taught in Killeen ISD.

Corsicana ISD

After more than a dozen years with Navarro College, the past six as a social media marketing specialist, Courtney Strayer has joined Corsicana ISD as executive director of the Corsicana Education Foundation.

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

A new principal is in place for Emmott Elementary School. Carrie Austin, who was assistant principal of Hancock Elementary since 2023, has almost 25 years of experience as an educator, beginning as a teacher in Aldine ISD. She is a graduate of Baylor University with a master’s degree in education administration from Prairie View A&M University.

Natasha Jernagin has been promoted from assistant principal to principal of Hancock Elementary School. The 15-year educator began her career in Spring ISD, coming to Cypress-Fairbanks in 2015 as an instructional coach. She is a graduate of Florida State University with a master’s degree from the University of California at Berkeley.

The Cypress-Fairbanks ISD board of trustees has announced the appointment of Irene Ruiz, former assistant superintendent of elementary school administration, as chief officer for school leadership. She has spent 15 of her 22 years as an educator in the district, working as an assistant principal and director of community programs. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Denton ISD

New chief communications and marketing officer

Nick Petito comes to Denton from Katy ISD, where he was general manager of media relations and director of internal and community relations. Prior to that, he was Fort Bend ISD’s information officer.

Students in DeSoto ISD line up at the start of a new school year.

Above the storm

DeSoto ISD Eagles take flight following turbulent times

by Dacia Rivers

When Dr. Usamah Rodgers became superintendent of DeSoto ISD in June 2022, she was the third person to hold the post that school year. And the district leaders weren’t the only ones heading for the hills. Over that summer alone, the district experienced a 16% enrollment decline and a 38% teacher turnover. DeSoto had been hemorrhaging students and staff for a while and was under a conservatorship for governance, finance and academics. Rodgers clearly had her work cut out for her.

“As a first-year superintendent, I was trying to get an assessment of what in the world was going on, and what did I say yes to?” she remembers.

The first order of business was trying to get classes covered, while getting a handle on the district’s instructional program. But most of all, Rodgers says she knew she had to help the district heal from an extended period of trauma.

“People were tired,” Rodgers says. “They were burnt out from constant turnover,

Dr. Usamah Rodgers

and there was a feeling of angst that I was going to come in and let everyone go.”

Hoping to bring the DeSoto ISD community back together again, Rodgers set out to build collaborative relationships in the district and cast a vision for its future. She spent time focusing on the district’s mission and goals while working on a leadership mindset and building out a plan for stabilization.

Earning trust with staff that is used to being burned is a challenge, one Rodgers says she tackled with public-facing, open and honest conversations. She visited campuses and took any questions, answering them with full transparency. She worked to close out non-vital positions and put new staffing formulas in place. She focused on the district’s college, career and military readiness plans, knowing that doing so was necessary to reach the district’s goals and increase outcome-based funding. She also looked toward the Texas Success Initiative, ensuring that industrybased certifications in the district were aligned with CTE pathways.

At the end of Rodgers’ first school year in DeSoto, things were improving in many areas, while some new issues reared their heads. For one, she learned that DeSoto had a significant overpayment due to the state, and had to work with her team to put together an appeal and seek out a loan to help cover the amount. This, along with the enrollment decline, meant budget cuts, and that’s when Rodgers learned that many people in the community were confused and upset by the harsh realities of public school funding.

“Nobody really understood the condition that the district was in, and people were angry,” she says. “Nobody had been talking to them about the rapid decline of students and the impact on the budget.”

To address this confusion head-on, Rodgers went on a roadshow in the community. She visited city hall and church groups and held informative meetings at each of the schools to discuss the need for budget cuts due to reduced enrollment and what the district was doing to try to bring students back. By being open and transparent, she hoped to gain

the public’s trust and share with them her vision for the future.

“We knew if our district was going to remain vital and viable in our community, we had to regain public trust,” Rodgers says. “And regaining that trust starts with us and how we show up.”

Working to help restore pride to DeSoto ISD, Rodgers and her team came up with a marketing plan. Looking at the district’s strengths, they decided to highlight the “Triple-A Experience” DeSoto ISD offers students, embracing strong academics, an amazing art program and the legacy and continuation of several athletics programs, the emphasis being that DeSoto ISD provides a holistic experience for all students.

It wasn’t just lip service either. The 2023 Grammy Music Educator Award recipient taught in DeSoto ISD, and the district boasts state-winning football, basketball and track programs.

Now, three years after Rodgers became superintendent, things are looking up in

▲ DeSoto ISD welcomes students back to school at the start of the 2025-26 school year.

Looking at the district’s strengths, they decided to highlight the “Triple-A Experience” DeSoto ISD offers students, embracing strong academics, an amazing art program and the legacy and continuation of several athletics programs, the emphasis being that DeSoto ISD provides a holistic experience for all students.

◄ Continued from page 13

DeSoto ISD. The district began the new school year with little turnover, 90% staffed as opposed to 75% staffed in fall 2022. In May, DeSoto passed a historic bond — the first district bond passed in two decades and the largest at $199 million. The largest proposition was $152 million and passed with 70% of the vote, with all others passing with more than 60%.

“To pass that bond let me know that the community has listened to what we’re doing,” Rodgers says. “They have hope for us and are supporting us as we work to continue to turn things around.”

The district has also received significant grants through Educate Texas and the

TI Foundation, as well as via Burns & McDonnell through Project Lead the Way. In total, the district has about a $1.5 million investment in STEM programs. DeSoto has also leveraged a Stronger Connections grant to roll out character education for all students.

Outcome-based funding is also on the rise. In Rodgers’ first year in the district, the total was around $52,000, and this year, DeSoto is on track to receive $516,000, with future increases expected as the district works to close the gap.

Helping keep the teacher turnover rate low, DISD has also created a Triple-A Experience for staff, focusing on

appreciation, acknowledgement and aspiration. When Rodgers arrived in the district, there wasn’t a pipeline for internal promotions, and by being intentional in that area, about 70% of positions filled now come from within the district. Administrators have also created robust curriculum resources for teachers, with the district developing lesson plans, slide decks and professional learning that focuses on helping teachers prepare.

District administrators participated in a training program through the Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center, where the slogan is “ladies and gentlemen taking care of ladies and gentlemen.” In DeSoto, they’ve

▲ DeSoto ISD Superintendent Usamah Rodgers visits with a student.

Personally, Rodgers has been able to stay motivated through the challenging work with support from her faith and her family, and a dedication to her own physical and mental well-being. She also gets inspiration from the resilient staff and community in DeSoto, as well as the support she receives from the board of trustees.

tweaked that slogan to “professionals taking care of future professionals.”

Three years after walking into DeSoto ISD with an open heart and an open mind, Rodgers advises that any administrator taking on a similar position in a struggling district pause their judgement and first “seek to understand.”

“For me, I really spent that first year understanding what the trauma was related to,” she says. “The superintendent before me came in and brought his own team, so people were unsure with me coming in if they would continue to have jobs.”

She also urges new superintendents to seek out the good in a wounded district. By

building a think tank of untapped, highpotential district staff members, she was able to find and highlight the areas that shined brightest in DeSoto.

Personally, Rodgers has been able to stay motivated through the challenging work with support from her faith and her family, and a dedication to her own physical and mental well-being. She also gets inspiration from the resilient staff and community in DeSoto, as well as the support she receives from the board of trustees.

“We work hard to stay connected as a team of eight, rooted in improving student outcomes.”

The theme in DeSoto ISD this year is “Eagle Pride,” a reminder of the district motto: “Today and every day is a good day to be an eagle.” Rodgers says the eagle is the perfect mascot for DeSoto ISD.

“Unlike other birds, eagles fly into a storm and use it to lift themselves,” she says. “I think that’s exactly what has happened in DeSoto ISD, and I am exceptionally proud of our students, our teachers and our community.”

DACIA RIVERS is editorial director of Texas School Business.

▲ Staff turnover in DeSoto ISD has decreased since Dr. Rodgers became superintendent in 2022.

TASA WELCOMES SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS TO SAN ANTONIO FOR TXEDFEST

The Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) held its annual txedFest in San Antonio in July, bringing together school district leaders from across the state for three days of relaxed, retreat-style learning.

▲ Networking and team-building is an essential component of

▲ txedFest sessions offer attendees the opportunity for networking and collaboration.

▲ School leaders catch up at the welcome reception.

▲ Administrators from Hondo ISD pose before one of many inspiring and educational sessions.

▲ Frank Alfaro of Alamo Heights ISD shares his take with his fellow conference attendees.

▲ West Sabine ISD Superintendent Carnelius Gilder details his leadership story in an inspiring txedFest Talk.

▲ With a nod to TASA’s centennial celebration, a display of inspiring leaders provides encouragement for school district leaders.

TASA’s annual txedFest.

▲ Roland Toscano of East Central ISD enjoys one of several enlightening txedFest Talks.

▲ Members of the Lytle ISD leadership team represent their district proudly at txedFest.

◄ Continued from page 11

Duncanville ISD

Danny Colbert has been named executive principal of Duncanville High School. He most recently was principal of Alexander Elementary and previously spent three years as assistant principal of Duncanville High School.

Eanes ISD (Austin)

Superintendent Jeff Arnett retired in July after serving in the top position since 2022. He began his career in St. Louis, Mo., schools and, prior to joining Eanes ISD, spent eight years in Barrington, a suburban Chicago district.

Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD

Dan Byron, now leading Remington Point Elementary School as principal, is in his eighth year as a district employee, having worked as a teacher, coach and assistant principal. He holds a master’s degree in education technology from Lamar University.

Creekview Middle School has a new principal for the start of the 2025-26 academic year. Carrie D’Amico is now in her nineteenth year as an educator, 18 of those with Eagle Mountain-Saginaw. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas, her master’s degree from Texas Woman’s University, and her doctorate in educational leadership from Texas A&M University.

Jayne McGuire has been chosen to lead Parkview Elementary School. Her 23 years in education have included stints in Keller and Denton ISDs as a principal. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and her master’s degree from Texas Woman’s University.

Marvin Nash, newly appointed head football coach and athletic coordinator at Chisholm Trail High School, brings two decades of coaching expertise to his new job, most recently as assistant director of player personnel at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss).

East Central ISD (San Antonio)

Valor Elementary School opened its doors to students for the first time with Kasey Bennett as inaugural principal. She has been an employee of the district since 2013, most recently serving as personnel coordinator.

Jaime Jaén has been chosen to lead Legacy Middle School as principal. He is the former principal of KIPP Texas Public Schools in San Antonio.

The new director of bilingual education is Leticia Martinez. She previously worked for the district as coordinator of its bilingual department and most recently worked in the same area in Comal ISD.

El Paso ISD

Lamar Elementary School welcomed Raquel Fierro as principal with the 202526 school year. She brings almost three decades of experience to her new job, having served the district as a teacher, grants program administrator and assistant principal. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Texas at El Paso.

The new principal of Whitaker Elementary School is Pauletta Howard, a 20year education veteran who most recently led Newman Elementary and previously held the top job at Terrace Hills Middle School. She is a graduate of Oakwood University with a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Patricia Lira is the new principal of Park Elementary School. The veteran educator most recently served as principal of Lamar Elementary. She earned her bachelor’s degree and three master’s degrees from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Sunrise Elementary School now has Melissa Ortiz as principal. With more than 15 years of experience in public education, she has served as a classroom teacher, counselor and assistant principal. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Bobby Stives, who leads Irvin High School, has also taken on the responsibility of serving as principal of Transmountain Early College High School. An alumnus of El Paso ISD, he also worked in the district as an assistant principal at Austin, Andress and Coronado high schools.

Georgetown ISD

New director of transportation Joshua Albro has two decades of experience in the field, most recently serving in transportation and operations roles at Waco’s Midway ISD and in Burnet CISD. The new director of multilingual services, Erica Galindo, previously worked in the district as a bilingual teacher, department lead and ESL instructional coach, returning from Manor ISD, where she was multilingual education director.

Rhonda McWilliams is the district’s new assistant superintendent of school leadership. She comes to her new job with more than 40 years of experience in education, most recently serving as interim principal at Forbes Middle School and Mitchell Elementary. She is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, where she also earned two master’s degrees, in occupational education and counseling. She holds a doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of Houston.

Mitchell Elementary School’s new principal, Melanie Moore, comes to Georgetown ISD from North Carolina with a bachelor’s degree from Urbana University and a master’s degree in school administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Heather Petruzzini has been named chief academic officer, coming to Georgetown from Austin ISD, where she served since 2016 as an assistant principal, principal, director of academics, special assistant to the superintendent and, most recently, executive director of academics. The 29-year educator earned her bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and her master’s degree in elementary education from Marymount University. She is nearing completion of her doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Texas.

PRESIDENT PROFILE

Texas Association of School Administrators

With 34 years working in Texas public education, Dr. Chris Moran recently became the latest president of the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA). Currently superintendent in San Angelo ISD, Moran previously served as superintendent in Whitehouse and Brownsboro ISDs.

Inspired by his own experiences as a student in Whitehouse ISD, Moran decided to go into education after he started college. A basketball player, Moran was inspired by his college coach, whom he cites as a man of character.

“I thought, ‘What a wonderful way to impact lives,’” Moran says of his coach. “That really drew me into public service.”

As a child, Moran had felt supported in Whitehouse ISD, and notes that many of his teachers felt like second parents to him, as they showed him genuine care that went above and beyond expectations.

“They developed a relationship with students that was healthy and right and built on trust and all the things we hope for in our teachers,” he says.

Moran was also inspired by his father’s dedication to a life of service. Dale Moran served as Whitehouse mayor for three terms, served on the city council, and was a faithful and active member in his church.

Chris Moran brings faith, dedication

to his

TASA leadership role

“When individuals bring their strength to the table and we come together and unite for a common purpose, we find that together we are much stronger than we are as individuals.”

With so many positive role models, Moran began his educational career as a coach. His wife, Christa, was an elementary school teacher at the time, and as the young, busy couple discussed their future plans, Moran made the decision to pursue his master’s degree in educational leadership at the University of Texas at Tyler.

It was there that Moran met another important mentor in professor Dr. Ross Sherman, who has encouraged Moran throughout his entire career. Moran was approached by the superintendent in Whitehouse, who invited him to fill an assistant principal position, thus cementing his move into administration.

Moran refers to the principalship as the most challenging and rewarding position he has held so far, but points to his current role as superintendent as being enjoyable because of the opportunity to shape the district’s long-term strategic direction. He finds enjoyment in creating systems that are best for students and staff and serve to increase the level of expectations and excellence in the district.

“That’s something I know the school board and I agree on,” he says. “I want them to hold me accountable to a high level so I can do the same with our staff. All that does is benefit our students. It creates an environment where excellence is the standard and people rise to the occasion.”

It’s easy to see how Moran’s passion for service has led him to the TASA presidency. He’s been a member of the association for about 28 years, and says he appreciates TASA as a steadfast, supportive organization that offers numerous benefits, including the chance to be a part of a strong network of leaders from across the state.

Initially serving on a handful of committees, including professional learning and higher education, Moran says he was invited to expand his service into an executive role when others recognized the work he was putting into the association.

“I have a strong belief that when you are given a job to do, you focus all of your attention on that job, you work hard, and you give it your best effort,” he says. “If you do that, other people will see that, and they will invite you to be a part of other things.”

In his time as TASA president, Moran plans to use his leadership skills to help update and refresh the TASA visioning document. This will help flow into creating a new strategic plan for TASA, offering a framework for the group moving forward.

When asked what is the greatest benefit of TASA membership, Moran mentions the German word “gestalt,” which means “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

“As a person gets involved, they will not only learn and grow from other people in the organization, but they will also contribute by bringing their strength to the group,” he says. “When individuals bring their strength to the table and we come together and unite for a common purpose, we find that together we are much stronger than we are as individuals.”

Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA)

Membership: TASA membership includes public school leaders at the district and campus levels.

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

Year founded: 1925

Website: tasanet.org

PRESIDENT PROFILE

Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association

As an executive principal in El Paso ISD, Dana Harley Boyd is adept at coaching and mentoring school leaders. And as the newest president of the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA), she is expanding that role to support school administrators from around the state.

Now in her 27th year in education, Boyd began her career as a first grade teacher. In 2007, she was named Texas Teacher of the Year, and due to the extensive traveling that role requires, her district moved her into a lead teacher and assistant principal position to mitigate her time away from the campus. For Boyd, it was a wonderful experience, and enticed her to make the move to administration permanent, something that had already been on her mind.

After five years as an assistant principal, she became a principal and later moved into her current position in EPISD, a role she now begins for the third year, coaching and supporting elementary school principals in 14 schools in the district.

Asked what she finds rewarding about her work, Boyd has an easy answer: It’s all about the kids.

“I am a proud product of public education, and I believe that everything we do has to have the mindset of what is best for kiddos,” she says. “That’s what my mojo has always been, because every

Dana Harley Boyd leads TEPSA toward “an unforgettable legacy”

“Being able to talk about public education has been a complete joy, because our voices get lost in the muddle sometimes, and I would not have even known that those opportunities were available had it not been for TEPSA.”

kiddo who comes into our school and leaves our school will have a memory about their elementary school years.”

When Boyd first became an assistant principal in 2007, her principal strongly recommended that she join TEPSA for the many benefits it offered members. To Boyd, the liability insurance and networking opportunities were obviously a strong enticement, but one perhaps unexpected benefit that has shaped her as a leader is the opportunity for advocacy.

“TEPSA helps you to be confident, because I did not have confidence in advocacy,” Boyd says. “I felt like, ‘I don’t know how to do this. It is not my jam.’”

Through TEPSA membership, Boyd has been able to stay abreast of goings on at the local, state and federal levels that affect public schools, and has overcome her fears, allowing her to speak to legislators and advocate for those in her field.

“Being able to talk about public education has been a complete joy, because our voices get lost in the muddle sometimes,” she says. “And I would not have even known that those opportunities were available had it not been for TEPSA.”

Boyd’s theme for her year as TEPSA president is “leave an unforgettable legacy,” something about which she is clearly passionate.

“I’ve told our members, you must leave that legacy for every child and for every teacher, that they do matter and that they are important,” she says. “Have empathy but also be a motivator for this tough, tough profession we are all in, and one whose support is financially dwindling at the state and local levels.”

One area in which Boyd is especially focused is supporting the mental health of teachers and administrators. During her presidency, she hopes to remind principals to check in with their teams.

“Principals, look at your teachers when they come through those doors. If you see something is not right, it is our obligation to ask them if they are OK. We need to send them home. We need to find coverage for that. We need to provide resources through our HR departments to let them know that they are valued.”

Not only a Texas Teacher of the Year, Boyd was also named NAESP National Distinguished Principal for Texas in 2016, which helped jumpstart her leadership role in the association. Through that designation, she began serving on the TEPSA advocacy committee, and attending regional board meetings.

When asked about running for TEPSA state office, Boyd says she was initially afraid to do so, but a former TEPSA president suggested that by serving in a visible leadership position,

Boyd could add a much-needed perspective to the organization. At that time, Boyd says there had not been an African-American member on the executive committee for more than 20 years, and as a woman of color, Boyd hoped that she could inspire all TEPSA members and remind them that they all have a voice in the organization.

Boyd is quick to point out that TEPSA is a small organization, with a small staff, that impacts more than 5,000 members. She hopes to grow membership and urges principals to join the group for the many perks, including the ability to network with other principals from different parts of the state.

“The tons and tons of principals I have met across this state have impacted me to be a better person, a better human, because you get comfortable in your own region, and you know about Austin, San Antonio, the big areas. But what about rural regions in Texas we know nothing about? To be able to get that insight, there are so many opportunities for networking and making lifelong friends.”

Boyd encourages anyone interested to “drink the TEPSA Kool-Aid,” as an investment to themselves and their careers, but also their schools and their communities as a whole.

“Every day I wake up, it’s a new opportunity to be able to do good. I’m a servant of God, and we go forward every day doing what we have to do for our kiddos.”

Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) Membership: TEPSA membership includes school leaders of Texas PK-8 schools.

Mission: TEPSA provides leadership training, networking opportunities, information and support for school leaders as they strive to improve the education of Texas school children and members’ working conditions. The group maintains its positive impact on legislators, policy makers, communities and other stakeholders to improve the quality of childhood, public education and the principalship, and continues to raise the level of respect for and prestige of the principalship and makes the principalship a highly desired leadership position.

Year founded: 1917

Number of members: more than 5,900 Website: tepsa.org

REGIONAL VIEW

Education service center programs & practices

Preparing our students for local jobs — whether as a gallery owner, street artist, app developer, or semiconductor engineer — means equipping them with critical thinking and collaborative skills that AI can’t match.

Preparing ALL students for an AI-driven future in Central Texas

by Michael Cardona and Eric Harslem

AI is disrupting tech careers, but that’s only part of the story in Central Texas, where tech jobs comprise 16% of all local jobs (vs. 9% of jobs nationally). As a superintendent and tech entrepreneur, we’ve learned that while AI may eliminate some coding jobs, 92% of ALL jobs now require digital literacy. The question isn’t whether to prepare students for tech careers — it’s how to prepare every student for an AI-driven economy.

Preparing our students for local jobs — whether as a gallery owner, street artist, app developer, or semiconductor engineer — means equipping them with critical thinking and collaborative skills that AI can’t match. Today’s K-12 students need both digital skills and the problem-solving abilities to direct and leverage AI tools effectively.

Some innovative Central Texas schools are bringing this approach to life by integrating future-ready competencies like algorithmic thinking and digital citizenship across all grades and subjects, making digital skills part of students’ everyday learning.

These digital literacy and navigation skills support every goal we have for students: better academic performance, career readiness, and preparation for citizenship in an increasingly complex world.

DeZavala Elementary School in San Marcos CISD, where Michael is the superintendent, integrated computing and digital literacy into existing subjects including science, library, and gifted courses. Core content classes and an optional Girls Who Code club have given even our youngest learners a headstart on developing these critical competencies.

In Harmony Public Schools, 100% of elementary and middle schoolers learn digital literacy and coding while exploring career opportunities so they’re prepared for multiple pathways in high school. To help teachers integrate this content across the K-12 continuum, the school provides training and ongoing support.

At IDEA Round Rock Tech, students across grade levels build these capabilities, starting in first grade and culminating in AP Computer Science Principles in high school. Whether students choose college-prep or industry-ready pathways, they all develop foundational skills and learn programming languages like Python and JavaScript. Across Texas, just 6% of high school students took a computer science class last year — leaving too much daylight between what students learn and what they need after graduation. Where digital courses exist, they’re typically standalone high school electives accessible to few students after years of missed opportunities to build foundational digital literacy, skills, and confidence.

Since 2021, a coalition of eight Central Texas districts and charter networks including San Marcos, Harmony, and IDEA has worked to close this gap. They’ve

increased students accessing essential digital citizenship, data fluency, critical thinking, and AI literacy skills from 664 to approximately 6,500, in partnership with Transcend and The KLE Foundation, which Eric co-founded.

The coalition nearly doubled the number of trained teachers and increased instructional time to an average of three and a half hours per week, integrating skills into core content areas across all grades. Among coalition schools, 100% of elementary schoolers now participate in computer science courses (vs. just 39% nationally). The coalition shows how individual schools and districts can make these experiences available early to all kids.

These digital literacy and navigation skills support every goal we have for students: better academic performance, career readiness, and preparation for citizenship in an increasingly complex world. When districts invest in helping teachers integrate logical thinking and digital tools across subjects, students win — whether they end up in boardrooms, classrooms, or workshops.

Every student in Texas deserves to graduate knowing how to analyze information, solve problems systematically, and work confidently with technology. That’s not a tech education goal — that’s basic preparation for navigating an increasingly complex world and engaging in any industry in 2025 and beyond.

DR. MICHAEL CARDONA is superintendent of San Marcos CISD, and ERIC HARSLEM is co-founder of the KLE Foundation.

THE ARTS News in fine arts education

“No matter the struggles or differences you have, Mrs. Olson is always able to help you learn about all kinds of music and to put a smile on your face. Being able to help these friends makes a difference in their lives and my life too!” — LAUREN WOOD, CHS JUNIOR

An autistic student writes wellformed music notes on the marker board for a class to play back. A nonverbal high schooler performs sign language to a popular movie tune in front of the student body. A student with significant physical disabilities plays the Boomwhackers in time within an ensemble. An introverted high school senior develops public speaking skills while teaching a lesson about jazz. A junior realizes their interest in becoming a special education teacher. Students who don’t typically fit in on campus are greeted with hugs and celebrity-style welcomes. This is the daily experience in our Music Partners class. Music Partners is a two-semester, for-credit course offered at Central High School in San Angelo ISD. Students receiving special education services are partnered with other high school students in an interactive music education class, taught by a certified music educator and board-certified music

Changing lives through inclusive music education

by Jessica Olson, Amy Rogers and Tiffany Huebner

therapist. This course satisfies the fine arts credit required for graduation. Beyond satisfying the course requirements for graduation, Music Partners often helps students find a new path they may not have considered pursuing after high school.

Bethany Haire, a 2023 graduate of Central HS and two-year member of the Music Partners class says, “Music Partners was the perfect introduction into the field of helping people with special needs, and I’m so grateful I got to learn and have fun in that class. I now work at a facility for adults with special needs and I wouldn’t have this passion without Music Partners!”

Some students have not only realized a passion for helping others with special needs but also discovered that while they are helping students with special needs, those students are making a difference in their lives as well. Zeila Cano, a current CHS senior had this to say: “Music Partners

isn’t just an elective to me. It’s a program where I learned how to help others and give my love for music to my special-needs friends. This class has shown me how little things can make a big impact and difference for students just by giving them my attention and effort. I will always be happy to know that these kids will have memories we were able to make that they can cherish forever!”

We have seen the way this class impacts students on campus during passing periods or at games. When they see each other, they say hello or give a fist bump. It is so meaningful for the students with special needs to be acknowledged by their general education peers. One example of this inclusion happened last year. A Music Partners student was a member of the school dance team, the TexAnns. She choreographed a dance for some of the partners and members of the dance team to be performed at the spring show. I had

several parents tell me how much it meant to them to have their child included in such a meaningful way. They felt seen and celebrated. Music Partners helps foster an environment where all students are included and accepted.

Course structure

Central HS offers two sections of Music Partners, which meet in the choir room. The course objectives were set using input from high school special education teachers, elementary and high school music educators, a music therapist, and district fine arts personnel. High school music TEKS and their prerequisite skills were also used to create the course’s curriculum.

The music therapist plans and implements a live lesson once per week. They modify instruments and curriculum to help best meet the needs of students, create visuals to be projected on the classroom screen via teacher iPad sharing, and include ideas, videos, content, songs, and strategies. The music educator/classroom teacher instructs the students for the remaining four classes of the week, repeating songs and strategies and practicing the concepts presented. The music educator is responsible for attendance and grades.

Currently, the Music Partners program content is divided into four quarters. The first quarter focuses on rhythm; primary instruments utilized in class are the drum pads with drumsticks, bucket drums, circle drums, and other percussion instruments. The second quarter focuses on melody and harmony, with the introduction and

instruction of the music staff and note reading. In this quarter, we use keyboards, Boomwhackers, and color-coordinating visuals most often (Music-Go-Rounds). The third quarter addresses vocal and singing skills, using solfège and Kodály hand signs, as well as sign language to offer an adapted method of participation for nonverbal students.

The final quarter of the course focuses on pulling all the concepts together. We study instruments and instrument families and collaborate with the band and orchestra teachers to have instrument demonstrations for the class. With assistance, Music Partner students can play as many instruments as they wish. These visits are a true course highlight. To finish out the year, we study at least five music genres, discussing their distinctive sounds and instruments, wellknown composers, and core characteristics. We listen to and play along with a variety of songs from the genre of the week. Students enjoy selecting songs from the genre of the week to play along with, dance to, or sing with, karaoke style.

In the spring, typically near the end of the third quarter or just prior to spring break, the combined Music Partners classes perform a sampling of songs and skills addressed in class for parents, peers, and staff. Students at the school now look forward to this performance, and other organizations and classes have become involved to assist on performance day. The performance skills, confidence, excitement, and pride the students display in their accomplishments is truly evident and irreplaceable.

Grading music partners

Each quarter, the partners receive a major grade from assisting with teaching the class in a small project. During the rhythm focus quarter, students create and notate a rhythm. Then, they teach the rest of the class to play that rhythm. In the second quarter, partners compose a melody, notate on either treble or bass clef correctly, and again present it for the rest of the class to play together. The third quarter major grade is helping set up, rehearse, clean up, and lead during the performance.

The final quarter assignment is to teach a five- to 10-minute lesson on a genre. Students select songs from the assigned genre to play instruments with and another song to choreograph movement or dance to (parachute, ribbon wands, or body percussion are top favorites). They also create a slide presentation with information and visuals to accompany their lesson. Each assignment offers the partners an opportunity to create a short lesson, song, or example and help teach it to the class. This allows partners to develop their own creative style and share it with the students in the class.

Music Partners benefits all

This diverse, live music-making Music Partners course allows students with a variety of physical and cognitive disabilities to learn from, engage in, and enjoy an ageand skill- appropriate music environment, alongside their same-age peers. All enrolled students are consistently developing new musical and social skills, laughing and dancing together with enjoyment. Each year’s group of partners is diverse, and this helps foster genuine connections and friendships that develop throughout the year.

JESSICA OLSON is a certified music educator at Central HS. She teaches Music Partners and English and has experience teaching students with a wide range of disabilities.

Board Certified Music Therapist AMY ROGERS owns and operates Sing Your Way Home: Music Therapy Services, LLC.

TIFFANY HUEBNER is the Director of Advanced Academics and Fine Arts at San Angelo ISD.

TEPSA HOLDS ANNUAL SUMMER

CONFERENCE IN ROUND ROCK

Members of the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) came together for their annual conference, with more than 2,000 attendees gathering for education, networking and more than a little fun.

▲ TEPSA 2025-26 Executive Committee installed: NAESP Zone 8 Director Annette Sanchez, Beeville ISD; Member At-Large Christy Watley, Midway ISD; NAESP Representative Lorena Carrasco, Pasadena ISD; TEPSA President Dana Harley Boyd, El Paso ISD; Member At-Large Lori Gallegos, Northside ISD; President-Elect Stephanie Gomez, Boerne ISD; Vice President Jaci Underwood, Lubbock ISD.

▲ The TEPSA Summer Conference features real principals sharing ideas and research to help other school leaders succeed.

▲ School leaders from Humble ISD enjoy catching up during a break.

▲ The 2025 Tribute to Texas Children Award was presented to the Texas Retired Teachers Association and Executive Director Tim Lee for their leadership in fighting to pass the 2024 Social Security Fairness Act in Congress.

▲ Region 12 TEPSAN of the Year Clint Glaesmann, Midway ISD, and TEPSA Past President Cooper Hilton, Coppell ISD.

▲ Educator and author Robert Thornell signs copies of his book “Juggling the Job.”

▲ Networking with other school leaders from your area is a hallmark of the TEPSA Summer Conference.

▲ Partnering with the University of Texas is one way TEPSA works to ensure aspiring administrators have the tools and resources they need to become successful educational leaders.

▲ TEPSA Region Leaders represent Texas PK-8 school leaders at the local level.

◄ Continued from page 17

Gunter ISD

Brandon Enos, who for the past three years was superintendent of Cushing ISD, now holds the top position in Gunter ISD. He previously served as assistant superintendent of Goliad ISD and is currently the legislative chair of the Texas Rural Education Association (TREA). He is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma with a master’s degree from Grand Canyon University and a doctorate in instructional leadership from the American College of Education.

Hays CISD

Hays CISD has announced the appointment of Javier González as principal of Camino Real Elementary School. An educator for more than a decade, he has been with Hays CISD since 2013. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas State University and an additional master’s degree in education leadership from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin.

Deborah Ottmers has been installed as the district’s chief financial officer. She has spent the majority of her 40-year career in school finance and also has experience as a career and technical education teacher and in private sector business. Most recently, she was chief financial officer for Ector County ISD.

Hereford ISD

Christopher Norton has joined Hereford ISD as executive director of curriculum and instruction. He comes to his new job from ESC Region 16, where he was coordinator of curriculum and instruction. He previously served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal.

Humble ISD

The district has named Joe Clark director of fine arts. He comes to Humble from Spring ISD, where he was director of performing and visual arts since 2013. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Sam Houston State University and a doctorate in K-12 professional leadership from the University of Houston.

Industrial ISD

The district’s new superintendent, Michael Colvin, previously worked in Lockhart ISD and was most recently Comfort ISD’s director of administrative and support services. During his time in that district, he was named ESC Region 13’s Principal of the Year.

Jim Ned CISD

Former Paradise ISD superintendent Will Brewer now holds the top position in Jim Ned CISD. He has held leadership positions in Stamford, Ballinger, Anson and Wylie ISDs, working as a teacher, coach and principal as well as superintendent.

Karnes City ISD

The district’s athletics department has announced the following appointments:

• Michael Enriquez, interim athletic director;

• Manny Peralla, Karnes City High School head softball coach;

• Aileen Krause Robinson, Karnes City High School head tennis coach;

• Kiera Washington, Karnes City High School head girls’ basketball coach.

Katy ISD

Former Rylander Elementary School principal Tanya Heard now leads Morton Ranch Junior High. With more than 25 years of experience in education, she also served as an assistant principal in Fort Bend ISD and led Katy ISD’s summer school programs. She holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and biology education and earned her master’s degrees in organizational management from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Keller ISD

Now serving as director of language programs is Brandy Crow, who since 2018 was the district’s coordinator of world languages. She began her career as a Spanish teacher in GrapevineColleyville ISD in 2003 and came to Keller in 2008. She holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of North Texas.

The new director of special education, Lisa McDaniel, joined the district in 2012 after working as a special education teacher in Fort Worth ISD. She has been a special education coordinator for Keller ISD since 2021. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a master’s degree from Tarleton State University and a doctorate in special education from Texas Woman’s University.

NaMicha Williams has been selected to serve as executive director of human resources. She was principal of Fossil Hill Middle School since 2021 and served as academic dean of Fossil Hill High School for five years. She holds a master’s degree from Texas Christian University and a doctorate in educational management from Hampton University.

A new superintendent is in place for the district. Cory Wilson, who served in that position in an interim capacity since January, has 27 years of experience in education, 23 of which have been spent in Keller ISD. Initially an intermediate school teacher, he went on to serve as an assistant principal, assistant superintendent of elementary schools, area superintendent and, most recently, assistant superintendent of education services. The district has also made the following principal assignments:

• Joe Baker, Keller Compass Center;

• Christina Benhoff, Timber Creek High School;

• Sydney Bramer, Trinity Meadows Intermediate School;

• Julie Maddy, Lone Star Elementary School;

• Ben Moore, Fossil Hill Middle School;

• Lee Parker, Keller Center for Advanced Learning;

• Diane Wilson, Vista Ridge Middle School;

• Kevin Wilson, Hillwood Middle School.

► See Who’s News, page 29

TEXAS SECONDARY PRINCIPALS MEET UP AT TASSP SUMMER WORKSHOP

With a theme of “Connected for Power,” members of the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) gathered in Dallas in June for three days of networking, learning, inspiration and celebration.

▲ TASSP 2024-25 President Dr. David Warren, principal of Farmersville High School, and Archie McAfee present Vincent Wong, a senior at Queen City High School, with both an Academic Excellence Award and Teens Serving Texas Award.

▲ Dr. Robyn Jackson urges registrants to “Stop Leading, Start Building!”

and Assistant

▲ TASSP Executive Director Archie McAfee and TASSP 2025-26 President Carlin Grammer, principal of Copperas Cove High School, present the TASSP State Principal of the Year Award to Miguel Salazar of Sundown Middle School.

▲ The Hilton Anatole Dallas provides a beautiful atmosphere for the TASSP Summer Workshop. See you there again next year: June 9-11, 2026! www. tassp.org

▲ “Power Sessions” in the TASSP Exhibit Hall are standing room only.

▲ Dr. Billy Pringle, TASSP deputy executive director, introduces the Academic Excellence and Teens Serving Texas Award recipients.

▲ We wish Archie E. McAfee a happy retirement after 25 years with TASSP as executive director!

▲ Many TASSP Past Presidents gather to wish Archie E. McAfee a happy retirement.

▲ Jostens Night of the Stars Awards Dinner honors TASSP Outstanding Principals

Principals of the Year, Retiring Principals, and Past Presidents.

Who’s News

◄ Continued from page 27

Lago Vista ISD

Superintendent Darren Webb has announced his upcoming retirement, effective the end of the 2025-26 school year, which will bring to a close a 35-year education career.

Lake Travis ISD

Lake Travis High School has welcomed James Bush as its principal. Most recently principal of Spring ISD’s Grand Oaks High School, he has more than 20 years of experience as a teacher, coach and campus administrator. He is a graduate of the University of Texas with a master’s degree in educational administration from Lamar University.

Lake Travis ISD has welcomed Brad Merritt as its police chief and director of safety. His 30 years of law enforcement experience have included two decades in supervisory and leadership roles, including chief of police at Pilot Point ISD and service in the Frisco police department.

Amanda Prehn has been selected to lead Lake Travis Elementary School as principal. The 20-year educator was most recently the district’s director of curriculum and instruction. Prior to that, she was principal of West Cypress Hills Elementary and Bee Cave Middle School.

Lake Worth ISD

Former Dallas ISD associate superintendent Mark Ramirez has accepted the position of superintendent of Lake Worth ISD. His 26-year education career has also included a stint as Harlingen CISD’s science coordinator. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a master’s degree in interdisciplinary science from the University of Texas at Arlington and a doctorate in educational leadership from Dallas Baptist University.

Lamar CISD

Jennifer Brewer has been promoted from assistant principal to principal of Huggins Elementary School, where she also served as a teacher and instructional coach. The Texas State University graduate earned her master’s degree from the University of Houston at Victoria.

Laredo ISD

The district has hired Cassandra Mendoza as its executive director for secondary education. She began her career as a teacher at Cigarroa High School, where she also served as career academies dean, and was an assistant principal at Martin High School. She most recently led Nixon High.

Sylvia Moreno now leads Christen Middle School, where she began her career. She taught at Christen for 12 years before being promoted to the top position at Leyendecker Elementary. In addition, she held administrative positions at Cigarroa and Nixon high schools, Memorial Middle School and Dovalina Elementary. She most recently led the Lara Academy.

Lizzy Newsome has been appointed to lead the Lara Academy as principal. Most recently principal of Valdez High School, she also led Memorial and Christen middle schools and Cantu Early College High School.

Valdez High School’s new coordinator, Aida Ponce, has spent 10 of her 25 years in education as an administrator, working at Martin High School and Gateway Academy. Her bachelor’s and master’s degrees were earned from Texas A&M International University.

Leander ISD

Longtime Leander ISD employee Maggie Jistel has been appointed principal of Cedar Park Middle School. Most recently principal of Cypress Elementary, which she led since 2022, she also worked at Parkside and Bush elementary schools after beginning her career in Amarillo ISD. She completed her master’s degree at Concordia University.

Lauren Meeks has been promoted from principal of Cedar Park Middle School to her first central office position, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Texas State University and her master’s degree at Lamar University.

The new principal of the Geiger Compass Center, home to the district’s 18+ transition services program, is Justin Pine.

Lewisville ISD

The new principal of the Jackson Early Childhood Center is Cortney Evans, who was assistant principal of Camey Elementary since 2021. The 20-year educator also worked in Hebron Valley and Stewart’s Creek elementary schools.

Kaleigh Malone, former Garden Ridge Elementary assistant principal, has been promoted to principal of the district’s STEM Academy at Valley Ridge Elementary. She began her career in Grand Prairie ISD before coming to Lewisville in 2013.

The district’s STEM Academy at Memorial Elementary School is now led by Sherri Miles, former Memorial assistant principal. She has spent her 32-year career in Lewisville ISD, working as a special education teacher, instructional coach, RtI (response to intervention) coordinator and early childhood summer school principal. Shadow Ridge Middle School has welcomed Cheryl Oberkrieser as its principal. She brings more than a decade of experience in Lewisville ISD to her new job, most recently serving as assistant principal of Shadow Ridge and Huffines Middle School.

Lockhart ISD

Christina Smith, who joined the district in 2023 as special education compliance coordinator, has been named director of special services. Prior to her time in Lockhart, she worked in Austin ISD and San Antonio’s Northside ISD in administrative roles. She holds two master’s degrees, one in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Texas at Arlington, and one in special education from Texas State University. She is at work on her doctorate.

Longview ISD

Jacqueline Burnett, former principal of East Texas Montessori Prep Academy in Longview, is now Longview ISD’s director of early childhood and K-2 parent engagement.

Former major league pitcher Robert Ellis is now Longview High School’s head baseball coach. He served in the same capacity in Bullard ISD from 2021 to 2024, then spent a year as athletic coordinator at Center ISD. Davia Morrison, newly appointed principal of Ware Elementary School, was most recently the district’s International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program coordinator and academic dean. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor, going on to receive a master’s degree from LeTourneau University.

Former Manor ISD principal Blake Rhyne is now Longview ISD’s director of curriculum, instruction and professional development. Initially an English and journalism teacher in North Carolina, he went on to serve as a founding principal of Paseo Preparatory School with KIPP Texas Public Schools. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is at work on his doctorate at Concordia University.

► See Who’s News, page 30

◄ Continued from page 29

Three principal assignments have also been announced. They are:

• Simone Howard, Williams Elementary School;

• Faith Newhouse-Greer, East Texas Montessori Prep Academy;

• Johnny Walker, Johnston-McQueen Elementary School.

Manor ISD

The new school year began with Valiza Castro as principal of Presidential Meadows Elementary School. She has 18 years of experience as an educator, eight of those as a campus administrator. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and her master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of St. Thomas.

Kendra Doyle has been tapped to serve as the district’s director of academics and multilingual services. Her 20-year career has included assignments as a teacher, instructional specialist, curriculum coordinator and, most recently, San Antonio ISD’s director of curriculum, instruction and assessment. Her master’s and doctoral degrees were awarded from Texas State University.

Brandon Powell, newly appointed director of career and technical education, has spent 19 of her 20-year career in Manor ISD. For the past five years, she was principal of Manor High School. A graduate of Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University), she earned her master’s degree from Concordia University.

Decker Middle School’s new principal, Brian Reed, comes to Manor from Houston ISD, where he was assistant principal of O’Donnell Middle School. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with a master’s degree from the University of St. Thomas.

McKinney ISD

Former Johnson Middle School assistant principal Grace Roberts now leads Wilmeth Elementary as principal. She began her career in 2007 in Dallas ISD. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas, where she also completed her master’s degree.

Midland ISD

Chris Bryant has been promoted to principal of Legacy High School from associate principal, a position he held since 2024. He is a 20-year employee of the district, having also worked as a science teacher, head soccer coach and assistant principal.

Monahans-Wickett-Pyote ISD

The district’s new superintendent is Stacy Parker-Knight, who most recently served as chief financial officer of Marlin ISD. She holds a doctorate in educational administration and leadership from Walden University.

Nacogdoches ISD

Longtime educator

Grey Burton has been chosen to serve as Nacogdoches ISD superintendent. He previously was the district’s associate superintendent of administrative services and operations, leaving seven years ago to lead Rusk ISD. Prior to that, he was superintendent of Martinsville ISD. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University.

New Home ISD

Julia Stephen has been named district superintendent, coming to her new position from Amarillo ISD, where she was director of high school academics. Other assignments during her 23year career have included serving as a high school principal in Colleyville and Lubbock ISDs.

Northside ISD (San Antonio)

Former Killeen ISD superintendent Jo Ann Fey has accepted the position of deputy superintendent of administration for San Antonio’s Northside ISD. Northside ISD has also announced the following principal appointments:

• Suzanne Lansdale, Nichols Elementary School;

• Paul Ramirez, Marshall High School;

• Serena Torres, Murnin Elementary School;

• Kevin Vanlanham, Pease Middle School.

Palmer ISD

Now serving as district superintendent is Jacob Duce. He was Sunnyvale ISD’s assistant superintendent of curriculum and student services.

Paradise ISD

Robyn Gibson has been promoted from assistant superintendent to superintendent of Paradise ISD. She has served in the top position on an interim basis since May, and has spent the past 12 of her 28-year career in the district, previously working in Bridgeport and Keller ISDs.

Pflugerville ISD

Natasha Hayes, newly appointed principal of the Provan Opportunity Center, comes to Pflugerville from Austin ISD, where she was administrative supervisor for campus support. Previous roles include associate principal of Manor High School in Manor ISD and principal of Del Valle Middle School in Del Valle ISD. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and a master’s degree in educational administration from Concordia University.

Dana Wilcott has been named principal of PACE High School. She most recently was the district’s coordinator of parent and family engagement and, prior to that, principal of Hutto ISD’s alternative high school. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, where she also earned her master’s degree in teaching and learning.

Port Arthur ISD

Memorial High School has begun the 2025-26 academic year with a new principal in place. Angel Murphy spent the past eight years leading the district’s Memorial Ninth Grade Academy.

Royal ISD

The 2025-26 academic year has begun with Megan Pape as superintendent of Royal ISD. Most recently superintendent of Snook ISD, she is a 16-year educator who previously held administrative roles in Bellville and Bryan ISDs. She is a graduate of the University of California at Davis, earning her master’s degree in special education from Sam Houston State University and her doctorate in professional leadership from the University of Houston.

Seguin ISD

Former Bullard ISD superintendent Jack Lee now holds the top position in Seguin ISD. A graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music and music education, he holds a doctorate in education from Texas A&M University at Commerce.

Kristi Miranda has been named director of accountability and teacher incentive allotment. She previously served as the district’s academic dean and worked in Bastrop ISD as an instructional coach. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and her master’s degree in education from Concordia University.

Sherman ISD

Newly appointed Sherman High School athletic director

Alan McDougal was most recently head baseball coach at that campus. He has three decades of coaching experience, working in Colleyville ISD as well as Sherman. He is president of the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association.

Max Smith has accepted the role of principal of Sherman Middle School, coming to his new job from Frisco ISD, where he was an administrator at Reedy High School. He previously worked in Crowley and Arlington ISDs and was an adjunct professor at Austin College. His bachelor’s degree was awarded from Southwest Baptist University, his master’s degree from the University of Phoenix, and his doctorate in educational leadership from Liberty University.

The next principal of Douglass Early Childhood Center has been announced. Torie Washington, who was most recently an early childhood assistant principal in Dallas ISD, also worked as an instructional specialist in that district. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and her master’s degree in educational leadership from Lamar University.

Slidell ISD

Chris Heskett, who has been appointed Slidell ISD’s superintendent, is a 31-year education veteran, spending the past eight years leading Covington ISD. Prior to that, he was for almost a decade Valley View ISD’s high school principal. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Midwestern State University and his doctorate from Lamar University.

Smithville ISD

Molley Perry, former deputy superintendent of Elgin ISD, has been named superintendent of Smithville ISD. She earned her bachelor’s and doctoral degrees from Texas A&M University and her master’s degree from Texas Tech University.

Socorro ISD (El Paso)

James Vasquez, who was the district’s acting superintendent since April of 2024, is now superintendent. He has spent 21 of his 29 years as an educator in Socorro ISD, serving as deputy superintendent since 2023 and also working as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal and principal. His bachelor’s and master’s degrees were awarded from the University of Texas at El Paso.

South San Antonio ISD

The district has welcomed Rose Chapa as director of student support services. A 21-year education veteran, she holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University at Kingsville and a master’s degree from Lamar University.

Jacob Collazo has been hired to serve as director of special education, coming to his new job from San Antonio’s Northeast ISD, where he spent 10 years as a teacher, assistant principal and principal.

The new director of bilingual education, Rocio Gutierrez-Ochoa, was initially a teacher in Los Angeles, coming to Northeast ISD in San Antonio 18 years ago. She was most recently principal of that district’s Oak Grove Elementary School.

JennyLee Taylor has been named director of secondary education. She began her career in Arizona, coming to San Antonio to work as a teacher, instructional dean and assistant principal in Northeast ISD.

Tyler ISD

New executive director of state and federal programs

Cassandra Chapa previously served as a supervisor of school improvement and as an elementary school principal.

The district’s new chief innovation officer, Bobby Markle, spent the past nine years as principal of the Caldwell Arts Academy.

Alfonso Perez is the new director of transportation, a position he previously held in school districts in California.

Johnita Ward is now chief academic officer. She has been an employee of Tyler ISD for more than a decade.

In addition, the following new principal assignments have been announced:

• Brandy Baker, Owens Elementary School;

• Melanie Bush, Austin Elementary School;

• Weldon Davis, Three Lakes Middle School;

• Anais Favela-Jaimes, Peete Elementary School;

• Caitlin Jiral, Jack Elementary School;

• Brett Shelby, Career and Technology Center;

• Kimberly Simmons, Caldwell Arts Academy;

• Angel Thompson, Dixie Elementary School.

United ISD (Laredo)

Justin Meza is the new aquatics program director and head diving coach. A graduate of the district’s Moody High School, he brings almost two decades of experience to his new position. He earned his bachelor’s degree and his master’s degree in educational administration from Texas A&M International University.

► See Who’s

Who’s

◄ Continued from page 27

Now serving as director of elementary education, Gabriela Perez spent the past 10 years as principal of Clark Elementary School. She is a graduate of St. Mary’s University and holds a master’s degree in school counseling from Texas A&M International University. The following campus leadership assignments have been made:

• Wendy Nuñez, principal, Cuellar Elementary School;

• Cesar Oldham, head swimming coach, United South High School;

• Marissa Pinchback, head girls’ track and field coach, Alexander High School;

• Tessie Rodriguez, principal, Clark Elementary School.

Victoria ISD

The district has announced the appointment of Ruenna Valdez as principal of Welder Middle School. She comes to Victoria from El Paso ISD, where she was assistant principal of Austin High. She received her bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University and her master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Victoria ISD has also made the following principal assignments:

• L’Rhonda Boyd, Chandler Elementary School;

• Carl Frisch, STEM Middle School;

• Micah Hernandez, Victoria West High School;

• Sarah Young, Rowland Elementary School.

Waco ISD

The district’s newly appointed executive director of communications, Jill Anderson, is a Waco native who brings two decades of experience to her position. Most recently senior director of the Baylor Center for School Leadership, she previously was director of marketing and communications for Baylor University’s school of engineering and computer science and director of public relations for the City of Robinson.

The new principal of Hines Elementary School is Ebony Cousins, a 20-year education veteran who most recently was assistant principal of Midway ISD’s Castleman Creek Elementary.

Angie Fetsko has been named dean of the Greater Waco Academies. She began her career as a registered nurse, going on to work as a health science teacher for the Greater Waco Advanced Health Care Academy. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Western Governors University.

Troy Volkmann has stepped into the role of principal of West Avenue Elementary School, coming to his new job from Cedar Ridge Elementary, where he was assistant principal since 2022.

Waxahachie ISD

Becca Lockridge, newly appointed director of public relations, was the district’s community outreach coordinator since 2004. A graduate of Waxahachie High School, she received her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Stephen F. Austin University.

A new superintendent is in place for Waxahachie ISD. Rebecca McCutchen has almost three decades of experience, 17 of those as an administrator, and 10 of those as a superintendent. She most recently held the top position in Levelland ISD. She received her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and her master’s degree from Sul Ross State University.

The district’s new director of curriculum, Brandee Morris, comes to Waxahachie from Duncanville ISD, where she worked since 2005. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Texas. Now serving as Waxahachie ISD’s director of accounting is Cindy Wiedemann, who brings more than 20 years of experience in school finance to her new job. Most recently Scurry-Rosser ISD’s assistant superintendent of business and finance, she is a Waxahachie High School graduate who went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Tarleton State University.

Also, three principal assignments have been made. They and their schools are:

• Ben Bridges, Finley Junior High;

• Ashley Gabbard, Marvin Biomedical Academy;

• Aisha Mason, Felty Elementary School.

Wichita Falls ISD

Cody Blair has been named Wichita Falls ISD’s director of secondary schools after working in the district since 2009 as a math teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal, most recently leading Legacy High School. His doctorate in education was awarded from the University of North Texas.

The district’s newly appointed director of school administration, Jeff Hill, is a longtime educator who began his career in Wichita Falls ISD as a teacher and instructional coach. He went on to serve as Fowler Elementary’s assistant principal and principal and has been the district’s director of elementary curriculum since 2022.

In addition, five new principal assignments have been made. They and their schools are:

• Peter Braveboy, Legacy High School;

• Summer Bynum, Hirschi Middle School;

• Alston Calliste, Denver Alternative Learning Center;

• Greg Darden, JJAEP;

• Kyle Davenport, Barwise Middle School.

Wimberley ISD

Now serving as director of human resources is Jennifer Cooper, who comes to her new job from San Antonio’s North East ISD, where she was principal of Nimitz Middle School. Additionally, she is a field supervisor with Lamar University, mentoring new administrators. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and her master’s degree in educational leadership from Lamar University.

Blue Hole Primary School’s new principal is Katie Willard, a 20-year educator who most recently served as assistant principal of Houston ISD’s Copeland Elementary School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and her master’s degree in educational leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Ysleta ISD (El Paso)

Maria Chavira, former assistant principal of Ysleta Elementary, now leads Washington International School. An educator since 2009, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Now leading the Ysleta Pre-K Center is Nadia De La Rosa, who most recently was principal of Washington International School. She began her education career 24 years ago.

Bel Air High School’s new principal, James McIntyre, comes to Bel Air from Loma Terrace Elementary, where he also held the top position. His 21-year career in Ysleta ISD has included assignments as an assistant principal and principal. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Miguel Muñoz has been promoted from assistant principal of North Loop International School to principal. A graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso, he earned his master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Texas Permian Basin.

Sandra Nava has been named interim principal of Loma Terrace Elementary after serving as the school’s assistant principal. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Texas at El Paso.

The new principal of Eastwood Knolls International School is Christopher Puga, former principal of North Loop International School. An educator in Ysleta ISD for almost two decades, he has also worked as an elementary and middle school teacher and assistant principal.

Robert Robledo has accepted the position of principal of Eastwood High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at El Paso and a master’s degree in school administration from Sul Ross State University.

Former Del Valle High School assistant principal Lizette Rocha is now principal of Mission Valley Elementary. She began her career in 2006 and is a graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso with a master’s degree in educational administration from Lamar University. ◄

◄ Continued from page 9

document. The principal can then quickly address the concern with the confidence that they are following the correct procedures. It’s easy to see how legal and local policies, administrative regulations, curriculum or grading guidelines, and hiring, purchasing, or technical procedures could be transformed from disparate files to a single interactive interface.

However, custom AI is not without its own limitations. Even classroom AI tools make use of grounded or retrievalaugmented generation principles. What we know about instruction-enhancing AI tools is that a truly excellent educator will consistently outpace current AI offerings in specific knowledge of the curriculum, student differentiation, and the human element. These nuances are difficult to capture effectively in a customized LLM. The technology performs best when the reference materials are static.

Where we are now suggests where we will be going in the future. The current frontier is a curated and methodical sharing of content, which is then brought to a level of interactivity by AI. Vendors and districts have also envisioned what could be next. There is hope that we will be able to rapidly identify data connections across various systems in ways that would take district administration days, or even weeks, of detailed effort. While glimpses of this future are beginning to surface in the familiar tools, there is still a need for more comprehensive data analysis. The way AI is leveraged now, combined with the data consolidation of multiple tools, points to a future where insights are unlocked, when they could otherwise be overlooked.

What we know about instruction-enhancing AI tools is that a truly excellent educator will consistently outpace current AI offerings in specific knowledge of the curriculum, student differentiation, and the human element.

The optimistic outlook sees the upcoming use of these AI tools to discover the invisible at-risk student, pinpoint the silently struggling burnt-out teacher, and find areas of risk across district operations or instructional practices. For now, districts are starting with what they have. They are letting computers hold the information, letting language models respond to known questions, and letting the people have more time to support each other. ◄

SEPTEMBER

September 3-4

TASA First-Time Superintendents Academy (session 2 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.

TASSP Region 11 Fall Meeting

Worthington Middle School, Haslet

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

September 4

TASPA Workshop: Certification Essentials

Maples Conference Center, San Antonio

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

September 4-5

TASBO Workshop: School Office Fundamentals

Online

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

Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $310.

September 8

TASSP Region 20 Fall Meeting

Brandeis High School, San Antonio

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

September 9

TEPSA Region 17 Meeting

People’s Bank, Lubbock

For more info, (512) 478-5268 or (800) 252-3621. www.tepsa.org

TEPSA Region 18 Meeting

Zoom

For more info, (512) 4778-5268 or (800) 252-3621. www.tepsa.org

September 10

TASSP Region 7 Fall Meeting

Papacita’s Restaurant, Longview

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

September 10-11

TCASE Ignite Academy: Finance 101

Texas Computer Educators

Association offices, Austin

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

Cost: Administrators and associate members, $1,070; nonmembers, $1,195.

September 10-14

Leadership TASB Class of 2026 (session 1 of 5)

Brown Convention Center, during TxEDCON 2025, Houston

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

September 11-14

TASA/TASB txEDCON 2025

Brown Convention Center, Houston

For more info, (512) 467-0222. www.tasa.tasb.org

Cost: Standard registration (Sept. 2-10): TASA and TASB members, $535; leadership team, $435; nonmembers, $635; students, $260; guest badges, $75. On-site registration: TASA and TASB members, $585; leadership team, $485; nonmembers, $685; students, $310; guest badges, $75.

September 16

TASB Workshop: Managing Workplace Accommodations Online

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

TASBO Activity Funds Workshop: Mitigating Fraud Online

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

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

TASBO Student Data Reviews Series: Attendance Online

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

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

September 16-17

TASA/N2 Learning Executive Leadership Institute (session 1 of 4)

Tomball ISD, Tomball

For more info, (927) 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, (927) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

Cost: $6,000 for all six sessions.

September 17

TASBO Project Management Workshop

Mansfield ISD, Mansfield

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

Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $285.

TASBO Series: Navigating a Deficit Budget (session 1 of 4) Online

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

Cost: Members, $200 per session or $750 for all four sessions; nonmembers, $275 per session or $875 for all four sessions.

TASPA Workshop: Qualifying a Special Education Teacher

Ysleta ISD, El Paso For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org

TASSP Region 4 Fall Meeting

Lamar High School, Houston For more info, (512) 443-2100. www.tassp.org

September 18

ED311 Back to School Workshop

ESC 16, Amarillo

For more info, (512) 478-2113. www.ed311.com

Cost: $190; workbook, $25.

TASBO Activity Funds Workshop: Continuous Auditing Online

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

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

TASBO Workshop: Questions to Ask Before Approving the 6-Week Attendance Report Online

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

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

TASSP Region 5 Fall Meeting

ESC 5, Beaumont

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

September 23

TASBO CSRM Workshop: Funding School Risks

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

Cost: Members and nonmembers, $250.

TASBO Workshop: PEIMS Fundamentals

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

Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $310.

TASSP Region 6 Fall Meeting

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

September 23-24

TASBO Internal Audit Academy

TASBO offices, Austin, or online For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org

Cost: Members, $335; nonmembers, $410.

September 24

ED311 Back to School Workshop ESC 10, Richardson

For more info, (512) 478-2113. www.ed311.com

Cost: $190; workbook, $25.

September 24-25

TASB Workshop: Understanding Compensation in Schools Online

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

TASBO PEIMS Academy

Marriott Courtyard, Allen

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

Cost: Members, $335; nonmembers, $410.

September 25

TASBO Series: A Year in the Life of a School Business Official (session 1 of 4)

Online

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

Cost: Members, $200 per session or $750 for all four sessions; nonmembers, $275 per session or $875 for all four sessions

TASPA Workshop: Certification Essentials

Spring ISD, Houston

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

TASPA Workshop: Maintaining Service Records

Spring ISD, Houston

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

September 26

TEPSA Region 10 Meeting

Zoom

For more info, (512) 478-5268. www.tepsa.org

September 27-28

TASSP Fundamental 5 National Summit

Hilton Airport, Austin

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

Cost: Early Bird registration (through Sept. 12): $300; regular registration (after Sept. 12): $350.

September 30

TASA Leading with Courage Virtual Leadership and Coaching Series (session 1 of 4)

Virtual event

For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org

Cost: Package 1 (online sessions and TASA Connect access only): TASA members and nonmembers, $295. Package 2 (online sessions, TASA Connect access, and four group executive coaching sessions): TASA members, $495; nonmembers, $595. Package 3 (online sessions, TASA Connect access, and four individual coaching sessions): TASA members, $995; nonmembers, $1,295.

TASBO Activity Funds Workshop: Procedures and Best Practices

Online

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

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

TASBO Workshop: Overview of the 2025-26 TASBO Master Calendar

Online

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

Cost: No charge.

TASBO Workshop: PEIMS for Principals

Online

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

Cost: Members, $125; nonmembers, $200.

September 30-October 1

TASB Seminar: Maintenance and Operations Foundations

TASB offices, Austin

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

OCTOBER

October 1

ED311 Back to School Workshop

ESC 7, Kilgore

For more info, (512) 478-2113. www.ed311.com

Cost: $190; workbook, $25.

TASBO Workshop: Budget Fundamentals

TASBO offices, Austin, or online For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org

Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $310.

TASSP Region 15 Fall Meeting

Lowake Steak House, Rowena For more info, (512) 443-2100. www.tassp.org

TASSP Region 18 Fall Meeting

Legacy High School, Midland

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

October 1-2

TASA Texas Public Accountability Consortium (session 1 of 2)

Royse City ISD, Royse City For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org

October 1-4

TxETA TheatreFest

Lowe’s Hotel, Arlington

No phone number provided. www.txeta.org

October 2

TASBO Workshop: State Aid Template

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

Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $310.

TASPA Workshop: Qualifying a Special Education Teacher

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

October 5-6

THSADA Fall Forum

Northside ISD, San Antonio For more info, (832) 240-6550. www.thsada.com

October 7

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, North Houston area cohort (session 1 of 6)

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Cypress For more info, (927) 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, (927) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

TASBO Assets Management Workshop: Purchasing and Accounting Online

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

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

October 7-9

TASA/CMSi Level 1 CMAT (Curriculum Management Audit Training) Online

For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org

Cost: TASA members, $800; nonmembers, $900.

October 8

ED 311 Back to School Workshop

Klein ISD, Klein For more info, (512) 478-2113. www.ed311.com

Cost: $190; workbook, $25.

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant

Principal Leadership Academy, San Antonio area cohort (session 1 of 6)

Northside ISD, San Antonio

For more info, (927) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

TASSP Region 16 Fall Meeting

ESC 16, Amarillo

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

TEPSA Region 14 Meeting

Miguel’s Restaurant, Abilene For more info, (512) 478-5268 or (800) 252-3621. www.tepsa.org

TEPSA Region 16 Meeting

ESC 16, Amarillo For more info, (512) 478-5268 or (800) 252-3621. www.tepsa.org

October 8-9

TASBO/TCASE Synergy Conference

Texas Computer Educators Association offices, Austin For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org

Cost: Members and nonmembers, $335.

October 9

TASBO Activity Funds Workshop: Records Retention Online

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

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

October 10

TASBO Series: State Aid Template (session 1 of 4) Online

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

Cost: Members, $200 per session; nonmembers, $275 per session.

TEPSA Region 12 Meeting

Baylor University, Waco For more info, (512) 478-5268 or (800) 252-3621. www.tepsa.org

October 13

ED311 Back to School Workshop Norris Conference Center, San Antonio

For more info, (512) 478-2113. www.ed311.com

Cost: $190; workbook, $25.

October 13-14

TASB HR Academy

TASB offices, Austin

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

October 14

TASBO Assets Management Workshop: Tracking Assets Online

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

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

TASBO Tax Series: Preparing W2s for Calendar Year 2025 Online

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

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

October 15

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, East Texas area cohort (session 1 of 6)

Tyler ISD, Tyler

For more info, (927) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

TASB Series: Leadership Fundamentals (session 1 of 4) Via Zoom

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

Cost: Members, $550 for all four sessions; nonmembers, $625 for all four sessions.

TASSP Region 8 Fall Meeting ESC 8, Pittsburg

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

TEPSA Region 6 Meeting

New Caney ISD, New Caney For more info, (512) 478-5268 or (800) 252-3621. www.tepsa.org

October 15-17

TACS Annual Advocacy Conference

AC Hotel, Waco

For more info, (512) 440-8227. www.tacsnet.org

October 16

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant

Principal Leadership Academy, Austin area cohort (session 1 of 6)

Georgetown ISD, Georgetown For more info, (927) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant

Principal Leadership Academy, Dallas area cohort (session 1 of 6)

Royse City ISD, Royse City

For more info, (927) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, South Houston area cohort (session 1 of 6)

Clear Creek ISD, League City

For more info, (927) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

TASBO Series: Leadership Fundamentals (session 2 of 4)

Via Zoom

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

Cost: Members, $550 for all four sessions; nonmembers, $625 for all four sessions.

TASBO Workshop: FMLA Basics for Supervisors

Online

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

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

TASSP Region 1 Fall Meeting

Online

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

October 20

TAGT Rural and Small District Meet-Up

Via Zoom

For more info, (512) 499-8248. www.txgifted.org

October 21-22

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 21-23

TASA/CMSi Level 1 CMAT (Curriculum Management Audit Training)

TASA HQ, Austin

For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org

Cost: TASA members, $800; nonmembers, $900.

October 22

TASBO Series: Leadership Fundamentals (session 3 of 4)

Via Zoom

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

Cost: Members, $550 for all four sessions; nonmembers, $625 for all four sessions.

TASSP Region 13 Fall Meeting

Vista Ridge High School, Cedar Park

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

TEPSA Region 3 Meeting

Vera Cruz Restaurant, Victoria

For more info, (512) 478-5268 or (800) 252-3621. www.tepsa.org

October 22-23

TASB Workshop: Understanding Wage and Hour Law Online

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

October 22-24

TASB Conference for Administrative Professionals

TASB offices, Austin

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

October 23

TASBO Series: Leadership Fundamentals (session 4 of 4)

Via Zoom

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

Cost: Members, $550 for all four sessions; nonmembers, $625 for all four sessions.

October 28

TASBO FMLA Workshop: Advanced Topics Online

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

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

TASBO Workshop: Construction Auditing and Closeouts Online

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

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

TASBO Workshop: Payroll Fundamentals

Marriott Courtyard, Pflugerville

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

Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $310.

TASBO Workshop: Purchasing Fundamentals

Marriott Courtyard, Pflugerville

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

Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $310.

TEPSA Region 7 Meeting

Parkway Elementary School, Longview For more info, (512) 478-5268 or (800) 252-3621. www.tepsa.org

October 28-30

TASA Future-Ready Superintendents Leadership Network (session 1 of 3)

Wichita Falls ISD, Wichita Falls For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org

October 29

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, virtual cohort (session 1 of 6) Virtual event For more info, (927) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

TASSP Region 9 Fall Meeting ESC 9, Wichita Falls For more info, (512) 443-2100. www.tassp.org

TASSP Region 17 Fall Meeting

Heritage Middle School, Lubbock For more info, (512) 443-2100. www.tassp.org

October 29-30

TASBO Payroll Academy Courtyard Marriott, Pflugerville For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org

Cost: Members, $335; nonmembers, $410.

TASBO Purchasing Academy Courtyard Marriott, Pflugerville For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org

Cost: Members, $335; nonmembers, $410.

October 30

TASBO Tax Series: Preparing 1099s for Calendar Year 2025 Online

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

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

NOVEMBER

November 2-4

TASSP Assistant/Aspiring Principal Workshop

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

Cost: $300.

November 3

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, East Texas area cohort (session 2 of 6)

Tyler ISD, Tyler

For more info, (927) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

TASBO Workshop: Business Manager Fundamentals

Moody Gardens Hotel and Convention Center, Galveston

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

Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $310.

November 4

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, North Houston area cohort (session 2 of 6)

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Cypress

For more info, (927) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

November 4-5

TASBO Accounting and Finance Academy

Moody Gardens Hotel and Convention Center, Galveston

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

Cost: Members, $335; nonmembers, $410.

November 4-6

TASA/CMSi Level 2 CMAT (Curriculum Management Audit Training)

TASA HQ, Austin

For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org

Cost: TASA members, $800; nonmembers, $900.

November 5

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, San Antonio area cohort (session 2 of 6)

Northside ISD, San Antonio

For more info, (927) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

TASSP Region 2 Fall Meeting

Carroll High School, Corpus Christi

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

November 5-6

TASA First-Time Superintendents Academy (session 3 of 4)

Marriott Austin North, Round Rock

For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org

Cost: TASA members, $245; nonmembers, $295.

TASBO School Operations Conference

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

Cost: Members, $350; associate members, $600; associate nonmembers, $750; nonmembers, $425.

November 6

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Austin area cohort (session 2 of 6)

Georgetown ISD, Georgetown For more info, (927) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

November 6-7

TASB Advanced HR Seminar

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

November 10

TASPA Workshop: Documentation Basics Chapel Hill ISD, Tyler For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org

November 11

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant

Principal Leadership Academy, Northwest Dallas area cohort (session 2 of 6)

Northwest ISD, Justin For more info, (927) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, South Houston area cohort (session 2 of 6)

Clear Creek ISD, League City For more info, (927) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

November 11-13

TASA Small Schools Network (session 1 of 4)

Eastland ISD, Eastland For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org

Cost: $250 per event per team member.

TASA/CMSi Curriculum Writing Workshop

TASA offices, Austin

For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org

Cost: TASA members, $800; nonmembers, $900.

TASBO Series: Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue (session 1 of 4)

Online

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

Cost: Members, $550 for all four sessions; nonmembers, $625 for all four sessions.

November 12

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, virtual cohort (session 2 of 6) Virtual event

For more info, (927) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

TASBO Series: Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue (session 2 of 4) Online

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

Cost: Members, $550 for all four sessions; nonmembers, $625 for all four sessions.

TASBO Series: A Year in the Life of a School Business Official (session 2 of 4) Online

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

Cost: Members, $200 per session or $750 for all four sessions; nonmembers, $250 per session or $875 for all four sessions.

TASBO Workshop: Budget Fundamentals for Campus Principals Online

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

Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $310.

TASSP Region 10 Fall Meeting Spring Creek Barbecue, Richardson

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

November 12-13

TASB Workshop: Understanding Compensation in Colleges Online

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

November 12-15

Leadership TASB Class of 2026 (session 2 of 5)

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

November 13

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Dallas area cohort (session 2 of 6) Royse City ISD, Royse City For more info, (927) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

TASPA Workshop: Certification Essentials

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

November 18

TASBO Series: Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue (session 3 of 4) Online

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

Cost: Members, $550 for all four sessions; nonmembers, $625 for all four sessions.

November 18-20

TASA/CMSi Level 2 CMAT (Curriculum Management Audit Training) Online

For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org

Cost: TASA members, $800; nonmembers, $900.

November 19

TASBO Series: Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue (session 4 of 4) Online

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

Cost: Members, $550 for all four sessions; nonmembers, $625 for all four sessions.

TASSP Region 14 Fall Meeting ESC 14, Abilene For more info, (512) 443-2100. www.tassp.org

November 19-20

TASB Workshop: Administering Pay Plans Online

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

► See Calendar, page 38

November 19-21

TXCA Annual Professional Growth Conference

Marriott Marquis, Houston

For more info, (512) 472-3403. www.txca.org

November 20

FGSC Lunch and Learn Via Zoom

For more info, (512) 536-1206. www.fastgrowthtexas.org

DECEMBER

December 2

TASPA Workshop: Documentation Basics

ESC Region 20, San Antonio For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org

December 2-4

TASA Future-Ready Superintendents Leadership Network (session 2 of 3)

Keene ISD, Keene For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org

December 3

TASSP Region 3 Fall Meeting ESC 3, Victoria For more info, (512) 443-2100. www.tassp.org

December 3-4

TASA/N2 Learning Executive Leadership Institute (session 2 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 3 of 6)

Tomball ISD, Tomball For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

Cost: $6,000 for all six sessions.

TASB Workshop: Navigating Educator Certification Online

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

December 3-5

TAGT GiftED 2025 Conference Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, Grapevine

For more info, (512) 499-8248. www.txgifted.org

Cost: Early Bird registration

(by Sept. 26): Members, $399; nonmembers, $499. Regular registration (Sept. 26-Nov. 10): Members, $499; nonmembers, $599. After Nov. 10/onsite: Members, $550; nonmembers, $650.

TARS/TAMS Annual Legislative Conference

Sheraton Hotel, Georgetown

For more info, (512) 705-0477. www.tarsed.org

December 3-6

TAPHERD Annual Convention Convention Center, Fort Worth

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

Cost: Early Bird registration (until Oct. 1): Professional/ associate members and outof-state attendees, $170; retired members, $55; student members, $45. Pre-registration (Oct. 2-Nov. 1): Professional/ associate members and outof-state attendees, $190; retired members, $55; student members, $45. Late registration (Nov. 2-Dec. 3): Professional/ associate members and out-ofstate attendees, $210; retired members, $65; student members, $55.

December 9

TASA Leading with Courage Virtual Leadership and Executive Coaching Series (session 2 of 4)

Virtual event

For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org

Cost: Package 1 (online sessions and TASA Connect access only): TASA members and nonmembers, $295. Package 2 (online sessions, TASA Connect access, and four group executive coaching sessions): TASA members, $495; nonmembers, $595. Package 3 (online sessions, TASA Connect access, and four individual executive coaching sessions): TASA members, $995; nonmembers, $1,295.

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant

Principal Leadership Academy, Austin area cohort (session 3 of 6)

Georgetown ISD, Georgetown For more info, (927) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Northwest Dallas area cohort (session 3 of 6)

Northwest ISD, Justin For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org

Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

December 10

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, San Antonio area cohort (session 3 of 6)

Northside ISD, San Antonio For more info, (927) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

TASPA Personnel Law Conference

Worthington Renaissance Hotel, Fort Worth

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

December 10-12

TASPA Winter Conference

Worthington Renaissance Hotel, Fort Worth

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

December 11

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Dallas area cohort (session 3 of 6)

Royse City ISD, Royse City For more info, (927) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

December 16

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, North Houston area cohort (session 3 of 6)

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Cypress For more info, (927) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, South Houston area cohort (session 3 of 6)

Clear Creek ISD, League City For more info, (927) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

December 16-17

TASBO Workshop: Getting Things Done TASBO offices, Austin, or online For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org

Cost: Members, $375; nonmembers, $450.

December 17

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, East Texas area cohort (session 3 of 6)

Tyler ISD, Tyler For more info, (927) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

TASB Workshop: Administering State, Military and Local Leave Benefits Online

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

Tby Riney Jordan

he floods in Central Texas have been on our minds almost continuously since that tragic event happened. Those of us in this business love kids, and when something happens to one of them, we grieve.

Donna Quarles, a dear friend, immediately drove to Kerrville to help. A few days later she sent a post which described one of the most miraculous events I’ve ever heard.

It seems that a woman and her mother lived in one of the homes that was flooded. The woman woke up and realized that water was rushing through her house. Immediately she rushed to her mother’s room.

Unfortunately, the water was already so strong that she could not open the door. She screamed for her mother to wake up and open the door, but to no avail. Within moments, the water was up to her waist. Assuming her mother was already gone, she crawled out an upstairs window and sat on the roof.

Oh, what thoughts must have been going through her head as she sat there … cold, weeping, and praying. If only she had been able to open that door, she could have saved her mother.

Hours later, as the water began to recede, she climbed down and rushed to her mother’s door. Although the water was still deep, she was able to open it and stared in disbelief. The mattress on which her mother slept was floating! And there, sitting up in the middle of the bed, was her mother with welcome relief on her face.

She had floated within a few inches of the ceiling, but because of the pitch in the room, she had just enough room to lie there and breathe. Authorities would later tell the woman that had she been able to open that door, her mother would have likely been

swept away. Because the door was closed, water simply slowly ran under the door.

How many times do we open doors that probably should remain closed? Have we opened the door to a new curriculum that hasn’t been proven to be effective, yet we introduced it to our students? How often have we put pressure on a child to do a task for which he is not yet ready, simply because the other kids in the room can do it?

I read with a young boy one day per week this past school year, and on my first day, I noted how sad he looked. It was difficult to get him to talk, and he looked down most of the time. He was a soft-spoken, quiet boy, who was often the target of the bullies in school. He had no father in his life, his mother worked tirelessly at a local café, and he was left alone most of the time.

One day, we finished our reading assignment a bit early, and he asked if we could work on math. That week, I purchased a set of flashcards, and he loved doing the drills. We both looked forward to our time together. We laughed together. Sometimes, he would be the teacher, and I would be the student.

On our last day together, I told him how much I had enjoyed spending time with him. I told him how proud I was of him. I gave him my business card and asked him to call me if he ever had a problem.

As I stood up, he looked at me and said, with tears in his eyes, “Mr. Jordan, could you please go to middle school next year and do this and let me be your student?”

It had taken six months for me to open that door, but when the time was right, it opened easily.

Sometimes, making a hasty decision is not the best decision.

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