March/April 2024 Texas School Business

71

YEARS

The News Magazine for Public Education in Texas

Texas School Business

MAR/APR

2024

Teacher keepers Texas school districts innovate to drive teacher recruitment Also in this issue: TSPRA President Arianna Vazquez-Hernandez | TASBO President Elaine Cogburn

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Texas School Business MARCH/APRIL 2024

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Texas school districts innovate to drive teacher recruitment

TSPRA President Profile Arianna Vazquez-Hernandez gives back to TSPRA through leadership

by Dacia Rivers

by Dacia Rivers

18 TASBO President Profile Elaine Cogburn brings a wealth of experience to TASBO leadership

by Dacia Rivers

Departments 9 Who’s News 25 Calendar 30 Ad Index

Photo Features 14 TASA Midwinter Conference 22 TASPA Winter Conference 24 TCWSE holds annual conference in Austin

Columns

5 From the Editor

by Dacia Rivers 7 The Law Dawg— Unleashed

by Jim Walsh 20 Regional View by by Cristina McCrary 30 The Back Page

by Riney Jordan

The views expressed by columnists and contributing writers do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or Texas School Business advertisers.

The publisher also makes no endorsement of the advertisers or advertisements in this publication.

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From the editor

I

have spoken to numerous school administrators over the past several years, and one thing I hear often is that one of the beautiful things about working in public schools is that we are all in this together. In the corporate world, sharing ideas, tips, and insider secrets is a huge no-no, but in schools, it’s how administrators thrive.

To that end, we’ve got a feature in this issue of Texas School Business featuring some of those very ideas, offering a look at how some Texas school districts are tackling the ongoing teacher shortage that affects schools of all sizes, from urban to rural and everything in between. You’ll find that starting on page 10.

The whole point of this magazine is to inspire you and to help you share the techniques and programs that are working for you in your district. If you’ve made successful changes in your district, I’d love to hear from you so that we can highlight your work and share your ideas with your colleagues.

Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out to me at drivers@texasschoolbusiness.com with your stories, your ideas and your feedback. I always appreciate your input.

Texas School Business

MARCH/APRIL 2024 Volume LXXI, Issue 2 406 East 11th Street Austin, Texas 78701 Phone: 512-477-6361 www.texasschoolbusiness.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Dacia Rivers Editorial Director

Dacia Rivers DESIGN

Phaedra Strecher COLUMNISTS

Riney Jordan Cristina McCrary Jim Walsh ADVERTISING SALES

Jennifer Garrido

TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Kevin Brown

DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

Amy Francisco

Texas School Business (ISSN 0563-2978) is published online bimonthly with a special edition, Bragging Rights, in December, by the Texas Association of School Administrators. © Copyright 2024 Texas Association of School Administrators

Texas School Business MARCH/APRIL 2024

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With Earth Day approaching, now is the time to engage with your students. Our programs help schools provide handson learning and introduce STEAM career opportunities.

Earth Day Activities

Next-Level STEAM Education

Girls in STEAM Program

About Schneider Electric Schneider Electric has successfully implemented 170 K-12 projects in more than 140 Texas school districts. Scan the QR code to learn more about Schneider Electric’s student engagement programs and activities. www.perspectives.se.com/engage-students

THE LAW DAWG – UNLEASHED

Problems at the board meeting

by Jim Walsh

I

’m sure many of you remember the flap that ensued when the National School Boards Association (NSBA) wrote to the Biden administration seeking help to address disruptions at school board meetings.

The letter said that “acts of malice, violence, and threats against public school officials” were on the rise and represented “a form of domestic terrorism.” The attorney general responded to this with an internal Department of Justice (DOJ) memo that called for fact-finding, increased awareness and further communication.

But the term “domestic terrorism” turned out to be a particularly poor choice of words. Fox News exploded with indignation, Moms for Liberty sprouted chapters all over the country, and the Republican candidate for governor of Virginia rode the wave of “parents’ rights” to victory. Numerous state school board associations, including TASB, pulled out of NSBA. And then a group calling itself the Saline Parents filed suit against the Attorney General, claiming that the government was seeking to silence those parents who were opposed to progressive curriculum and policies in our public schools. The federal district court dismissed the suit, and now the District of Columbia Circuit has affirmed that ruling.

The court noted that nobody has done anything to silence or intimidate the Saline Parents. That NSBA letter prompted a response from the Attorney General that called for further fact-finding. That was about it. The court summed it up: These initial plans to investigate a matter of potential concern and to strategize internally are routine functions of the Government.

Routine functions of government?

The plaintiffs in this case would call it “weaponizing” the Justice Department to target particular individuals. The Saline Parents claimed that the government was damaging their reputations by labeling them as “domestic terrorists.” But the court had the good sense to note the distinction between NSBA, a private organization, and the government: And there is nothing in the contested DOJ documents that even refer to a “domestic terrorism” threat. Rather, this term comes from a letter sent to the White House by a private organization, the NSBA. [The Saline Parents] claim the letter was drafted in collusion with the Biden administration, and that it served as the sole basis for [the AG’s] memorandum. Nothing supports these conclusory statements of collusion.

The court held that the plaintiffs lacked “standing” and the dispute was not “ripe” for judicial review. In other words: You haven’t been hurt. Come back and let us know if you are. It’s Saline Parents v.

Garland, decided by the D.C. Circuit on Dec. 15, 2023. It’s located at 2023 WL 8656490.

Meanwhile a similar group of unhappy parents had more success. The Mama Bears of Forsyth County, Georgia, reached a settlement of their dispute with the school district over how public comment at board meetings was handled. This all started when a parent read an excerpt from a library book. When she got to the part that gave instructions on how to perform fellatio, the gavel came down. Litigation ensued, alleging that the district’s policy about “public comment” infringed on free speech.

“Speakers can be disrespectful, profane, uncivil, and abusive and direct those disrespectful, profane and uncivil remarks to a specific person.”

In the settlement, the district agreed to a Consent Judgment and Injunction that bars the district from stopping people from “reading or quoting verbatim from the text of any book or written works” that are available in classrooms or school libraries.

This would include sexually explicit passages.

It also bars the district from “enforcing the respectfulness requirement, the restriction on personally addressing Board members, including the Superintendent, or any restriction on profane, uncivil or abusive remarks.” So speakers can be disrespectful, profane, uncivil, and abusive and direct those disrespectful, profane and uncivil remarks to a specific person.

The plaintiff got all of $17.91 in damages, and the lawyers got an award of court costs and attorneys’ fees, which the parties were directed to agree on. Subsequent news reports tell us that the figure was $107,500.

These are just two of many recent cases involving how we handle public comment.

Superintendents and board presidents would be wise to consult with school attorneys about the kind of protocols and procedures that will pass muster in court.

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 Twitter: @jwalshtxlawdawg.

Texas School Business MARCH/APRIL 2024

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The Principals’ Institute (PI) is a year-long professional development series that provides a unique opportunity for principals to understand why transformation of public education is necessary. PI is designed to help principals develop the knowledge and skills required to be transformational leaders and to help build the capacity it takes to sustain transformation over time. The PI experience includes exposure to influential superintendents and speakers, such as Eric Sheninger, Rob Evans, George Couros, Dwight Carter, John Tanner, Thomas C. Murray, Jimmy Casas, and Joe Sanfelippo.

Logistics: • Registration Fee: $6,000.00 per participant (excluding travel expenses) • Six, 2-day sessions alternating between Austin, Dallas, and Houston

The Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) is designed to build the capacity of district executive leaders for system-wide improvements in teaching and learning. Sessions will include opportunities for leaders to cultivate strategic approaches and actions in order to support district transformational efforts. The ELI experience includes exposure to influential superintendents and speakers, such as Eric Sheninger, Rob Evans, George Couros, Dwight Carter, Jimmy Casas, Thomas C. Murray, and Joe Sanfelippo. In addition to the scheduled sessions, each participant will receive the support of an Executive Coach throughout the year.

The Assistant Principal Leadership Academy (APL) provides learning opportunities to develop, challenge, and inspire assistant principals to be transformative leaders. APL participants will engage in processes which support the development of skills specific to transformational leadership and building a learning organization while preparing them for the role of principal.

Logistics: • Registration Fee: in-person sessions - $1,000 per participant (excluding travel expenses); virtual sessions - $1,000 per participant • Six, 4-hour sessions throughout the year

The Teacher Leadership Institute (TLI) is a boundarybreaking institute for classroom teachers. Throughout the 6 sessions, committed teachers are empowered to revitalize learning cultures while leaning N2 an inspired future. Centered on teacher voice and grounded in a foundation of collaboration, the Teacher Leadership Institute challenges teachers to move beyond accountability standards and toward innovative learning that ignites student engagement.

Logistics: • Customized for individual districts or regional consortiums of districts • Six full day sessions

Logistics: • Registration Fee: $4,500.00 per participant (excluding travel expenses) • Four, 2-day sessions alternating between Austin and Houston Find out more about our partner initiatives with TASA at www.N2learning.org

Who’s News Abilene ISD The Abilene ISD board of trustees has announced the appointment of James Largent as interim superintendent. He comes to the district from the private sector, where he worked to support schools in executive searches and superintendent mentorship. He received his doctorate in education from Sam Houston State University.

Academy ISD Darla Nolen, a 29-year education veteran and former Academy ISD assistant superintendent, is now superintendent.

Aldine ISD The district’s new assistant superintendent of elementary schools is Scott Dubberke, who began his career in Aldine ISD in 1999 as an elementary teacher. He took his first administrative position in 2006 and was most recently the district’s human resources director. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and a master’s degree from Sam Houston State University.

Superintendent

LaTonya Goffney was

sworn in as president of the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) at its annual conference in November. She has led Aldine ISD since 2018.

Alvin ISD Iowa Colony Junior High, a new Alvin ISD campus, will open in August with Kami Day as principal. Most recently principal of Wilder Elementary in Pearland ISD, she previously worked in Alvin ISD for 18 years as a teacher and principal. She is a graduate of Harding University with a master’s degree from the University of West Florida.

Monique Gadson is slated to be principal of Bennett Elementary School, one of Alvin ISD’s new campuses, when it opens its doors in August. The Louisiana native completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Houston. She began her career in Pasadena ISD and has been with Alvin ISD for 18 years.

Anderson-Shiro ISD New superintendent Sarah Borowicz has nearly two decades of experience in education, previously working as a teacher at all levels, assistant principal, principal and director. She was most recently assistant superintendent of teaching and learning for Elgin ISD. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University, a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Lamar University.

Arlington ISD Former Belton ISD superintendent Matt Smith now leads Arlington ISD. A Texas public schools administrator for two decades, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Wesleyan College, his master’s degree from Arizona State University, and his doctorate in school leadership from Concordia University.

Austin ISD Austin ISD’s new superintendent is Matias Segura, who has served in the position on an interim basis for the past year.

A product of AISD schools, he holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and a master’s degree from the University of Texas. He joined the district in 2018 as operations officer.

Belton ISD Belton ISD has named Malinda Golden as lone finalist for superintendent. An educator with more than three decades of experience, she previously was assistant superintendent of Georgetown ISD, deputy superintendent of Leander ISD and, most recently, Belton ISD’s deputy superintendent.

Bonham ISD Superintendent Kelly Trompler has announced her upcoming retirement, effective the end of this academic year. She has led the district for five years.

Canutillo ISD (El Paso) Veteran educator Maggie Castillo is now principal of Damian Elementary School.

Previously a teacher in Gadsden ISD, she was most recently assistant principal of Reyes Elementary.

College Station ISD Chris Southard, former

principal of Spring Creek Elementary, is now principal of College View High School. He has been an educator for 27 years, seven of those as an administrator.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Lamar University.

Coppell ISD Coppell ISD has announced the hiring of a new executive director of technology.

Dwight Goodman previously worked in Wylie, Hurst-Euless-Bedford, Birdville, Cedar Hill, Denton and Arlington ISDs and most recently was executive director of technology for Grapevine-Colleyville ISD. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University and his master’s degree from the University of North Texas.

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Former Cypress Woods High School football coach Tyrone Carter has accepted the position of head coach and athletic coordinator for Cypress Lakes High School.

Prior to joining the district in 2021, he coached in Huntsville, Medina Valley, Groesbeck, Hutto, Del Valle and Fort Worth ISDs. His bachelor’s and master’s degrees are from the University of North Texas.

Dirk Heath, former associate

principal of Cypress Woods High School, is now principal of Aragon Middle School.

An educator for almost three decades, he began his career in Aldine ISD and took his first administrative position when he moved to Cypress-Fairbanks ISD 12 years later. ► See Who’s News, page 15 Texas School Business MARCH/APRIL 2024

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▲ Convocation in Cleveland ISD welcomes new and returning teachers to the district.

Teacher keepers 10

Texas School Business MARCH/APRIL 2024

Texas school districts innovate to drive teacher recruitment

by Dacia Rivers

I

t’s not news to anyone that teachers are in short supply these days.

Administrators don’t need to see the statistics to understand the depth of the problem. It’s something that affects every campus, as schools struggle to find subs to fill gaps, request class size exceptions, or otherwise contort classrooms and educators alike to make the best of a lackluster situation.

Instead of detailing the situation with numbers designed to stun, here is something hopefully more helpful: a deep dive into some of the ideas and strategies other school districts have used, successfully, to increase teacher recruitment and retention.

Apprentice teachers Administrators in Cleveland ISD, northeast of Houston, found themselves in a tight staffing solution in the summer of 2022.

Enrollment numbers were up enough that the district expanded by three schools that year, but getting teachers to choose Cleveland over the multiple surrounding districts was a battle. That summer, the district had more than 300 teacher vacancies and fewer than 50 substitute teachers in its pool. Superintendent Stephen McCanless knew that the district needed a plan, fast.

What administrators came up with that summer was the Interim Assignment Teacher (IAT) program. The program created an entirely new employee group, the IATs, divided into three tiers.

IATs in the top tier, tier three, started at a salary of $59,000 (first-year salary for certified teachers in the district is $61,000).

These tier three employees had to have a bachelor’s degree and be enrolled in an alternative certification or be enrolled in an educator preparation program. Tier two IATs started at a salary of $50,000, and had to have a bachelor’s degree. For tier three IATs, the salary was $45,000, and employees were required to have an associate degree.

For that first year, recruitment was done solely via word of mouth. Many district paraprofessionals had associate degrees and moved into the tier one positions.

Many folks who were already working as teachers in the district recruited their family members to become IATs. Being a district of innovation, Cleveland has flexibility with its certification requirements, and the district was able to create an employment agreement in place of a contract to create the IAT role. IATs are atwill employees, whose salary is annualized over 12 months and who have access to employment benefits.

School began three weeks after the district rolled out the IAT program, and on the first day of school, Cleveland ISD had hired 277 IATs to fill most of the 300 teacher vacancies.

“Our principals said, ‘You have given us Christmas in July,’ because they were all pulling out their hair not knowing what they were going to do,” said Dr. Rebecca Sanford, assistant superintendent in CISD, at a TASA Midwinter Conference presentation on the IAT program.

Those 277 IATs made a huge difference for administrators in the district. Cleveland ISD was able to put degreed professionals in front of students, rather than scrambling for substitute teachers, asking veteran teachers to combine two classrooms at once, or sending students to the cafeteria or gymnasium so they could be supervised.

The IAT program didn’t come without some criticism. Skeptics accused the district of “hiring anybody off the street.” But those criticisms were short-lived, and the district has worked overtime to assure that IATs receive an immense amount of personalized support.

Cleveland ISD was able to put degreed professionals in front of students, rather than scrambling for substitute teachers, asking veteran teachers to combine two classrooms at once, or sending students to the cafeteria or gymnasium so they could be supervised.

Administrators in Cleveland ISD quickly realized that these interim teachers needed a different kind of training than other brand-new teachers. Instructional coaches developed tiered levels of support, with a special tier of training for IATs. Content specialists and instructional coaches work in the classroom to train the IATs, modeling lessons and teaching content in real-time.

The district has tapped administrators and coaches to serve as mentors for the interim teachers as well.

“You would be surprised to walk into an IAT’s classroom while they were presenting a lesson,” said Robyn Thornton, executive director of curriculum and instruction in the district. “You wouldn’t have known some of them were IATs. You would’ve expected that they had several years of classroom experience and were certified.”

The district also restructured an existing position into an IAT liaison role, a districtlevel contact outside of HR who goes into IAT’s classrooms, observes their instruction and meets with them to see what support they might need. The liaison also holds monthly group meetings for IATs, where they can ask questions and get clarification on things that they might be hesitant to bring up in all-staff meetings with more experienced teachers.

Cleveland ISD finished the 2022-23 school year with 226 IATs. Of the original 277 ► See Teacher, page 12 Texas School Business MARCH/APRIL 2024

11

▲ Cleveland ISD visits science and tech job fairs to recruit new teachers.

◄ Continued from page 11

hired, 36 had become certified teachers, and just 15 had their teacher agreements revoked, many mutually. At the end of the school year, IATs were required to resign so that the district could hire new, certified teachers over the summer to fill empty spaces first. Then, the field was opened to IATs to reapply for the new school year.

The goal for the district is to get to a place where 100% of teachers are certified, and administrators are confident the IAT program is going to help them get there.

In the 2023-24 school year, Cleveland has made some tweaks to the program. For one, they created a new category, the teacher SOE (Statement of Eligibility), for teachers who have passed at least one certification exam. These SOE teachers are able to receive first-year teacher pay, an incentive for IATs to work toward certification.

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Texas School Business MARCH/APRIL 2024

The district also kicked off a partnership with Grand Canyon University for tier one IATs to receive 25% off tuition when earning their bachelor's degrees. The district also contributes to their tuition.

A new director of talent for the district has expanded recruitment for the program beyond word of mouth, going to job fairs outside of the education field, including engineering and other science fields, to bring new graduates into the program to build job experience, pay down their student loans and maybe even find a love for teaching while they’re there.

The district has renamed the IATs, now calling them apprentice teachers, with a nod toward the long-term goal of 100% certification. Cleveland has reduced the amount of time tier three apprentice teachers have to complete their certification, fast-tracking to a deadline of one year post enrollment, down from the original two years.

The apprenticeship program has helped the district navigate its own shortage. From an original shortfall of more than 300 teachers, the district began the 2023-24 school year with just 22 vacancies. Currently 180 tier three apprentices are working in the district, which is more than double the number of tier one and two apprentices. So far this year, 19 of these apprentice teachers have become certified, and administrators hope that number will exceed last year’s total when school winds up in May.

Strategic staffing and compensation In Ector County ISD, administrators took on the teacher shortage by developing an opportunity culture framework, which offers a way for teachers in the district to increase their salaries by up to $18,000 per year. The district compensates these teachers with a stipend for serving as mentors, instructional coaches or

Some school districts have found it’s best to look within when searching for new teachers.

Apprentice teachers in Cleveland ISD receive specialized training and mentorship.

instructional specialists. When combined with the Teacher Allotment Incentive, administrators in ECISD say some teachers in the district earn more than $100,000 per year.

ECISD also offers paid teacher residencies and pipeline programs, helping aspiring teachers pursue careers in education while helping offset the costs of their efforts. A Principal Incentive Allotment is in place to reward and retain those at the administrator level, along with several opportunities for leadership development through partnerships with Texas Tech University, the University of Texas Permian Basin, and the district’s own principal academy.

These incentive programs have made a difference when it comes to staffing in the district. At the beginning of the 2019 school year, ECISD had more than 350 vacancies.

A year later, after kicking off the strategic staffing and compensation initiative, the

district began the 2020 school year with just 42 vacancies.

Future teacher signing day Some school districts have found it’s best to look within when searching for new teachers. In Pasadena ISD, the district hosts a future teacher signing day, inspiring students in the district to pursue careers in education.

The signing day is available to high school students graduating from the district’s education and training program. These students are able to graduate with their paraprofessional and educational aide certifications and are therefore eligible to work in the district while attending college.

This not only gives them a salary to help offset college costs, but offers a boost in work experience and training.

The district invites any PISD students who will be pursuing education degrees and

are enrolled in the education and training program to attend the future teacher signing day, hosted by the CTE department. The event comes with the guarantee that any of these students, upon completing their degrees, will receive an interview for a teaching position in the district.

The effort has been successful, a win-win for both students and the district. In the first two years since the signing day was created, more than 100 graduates have pledged to return to the district after completing their degrees. More than 20 PISD graduates now work as paraprofessionals in the district, while attending college to earn their degrees.

In the future, the district hopes to expand the program to include PISD employees who are earning their degrees.

DACIA RIVERS is editorial director of Texas School Business.

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Photo Feature

TASA’S MIDWINTER CONFERENCE BRINGS SCHOOL LEADERS TO AUSTIN In January, school leaders from across Texas gathered at the Austin Convention Center for the annual Midwinter Conference held by the Texas Association of School Administrators. Photos by Marco De La Cueva.

▲TASA members arrive at the Midwinter Conference.

▲ Rapper Doug E. Fresh presents a session on delivering health messages to underrepresented communities.

▲ Students from Roma ISD’s Symphonic Winds orchestra perform for attendees.

▲ TASA President-Elect Martha Salazar-Zamora poses with Texas Teacher of the Year Taniece Thompson-Smith.

▲ TASA President LaTonya Goffney welcomes conference attendees to the first general session.

▲ The exhibit hall provides the perfect place for TASA members to meet up between sessions.

◄ The Midwinter Conference offers numerous opportunities for networking.

▼ A giant TASA logo welcomes attendees to the conference and provides the perfect photo opportunity.

▲ Eric Thomas, the Hip Hop Preacher, inspires the crowd with his presentation on igniting your power.

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Who’s News ◄ Continued from page 9

He earned his bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University and his master’s degree in education from Prairie View A&M University.

Dallas ISD A new police chief is in place for the district.

Al Martinez was formerly a member of the Dallas Police Department.

Denton ISD Caleb Leath has accepted

the position of director of bilingual/ESL programs.

Most recently principal of Ginnings Elementary School, he came to Denton in 2006 as a middle school teacher. He received his bachelor’s degree from Tarleton State University and his master’s degree in education from Texas Woman’s University.

Now serving as director of special programs is Lindsay Luján, who was principal of Alexander Elementary School since 2019. She has 13 years of experience as an educator the past 10 as an administrator, including an assignment in Lewisville ISD. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Concordia University.

Brett Moore has been promoted from assistant principal of Strickland Middle School to principal of McMath Middle School. He has spent his 17-year career in Denton ISD, also working as a teacher and math department head.

His bachelor’s and master’s degrees were awarded from the University of North Texas.

The district’s new interim assistant superintendent of human resources is Jason Rainey, who served as executive director of human resources since 2016. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and his master’s degree from Lamar University.

Ginnings Elementary School’s new principal, Marlen Velásquez, previously spent 19 years in Denton ISD, and was for the past two years a principal in Ponder ISD. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Texas.

Duncanville ISD

Fairfield ISD

Former Duncanville ISD chief of staff Andrea Fields is now serving as the district’s interim superintendent.

She came to Duncanville in 2016 following 37 years with Longview ISD. She is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a master’s degree in educational leadership from Stephen F. Austin University.

Joe Craig, newly appointed district superintendent, served most recently as superintendent of Rogers ISD. Prior to that, he worked in Academy ISD as an assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent and as a teacher and coach in Victoria ISD. He is a graduate of Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) with a master’s degree from the University of Alaska at Anchorage.

El Paso ISD Ana Aranda has been named principal of Herrera Elementary School, coming to her new position from El Paso’s Canutillo ISD, where she led Damian Elementary.

She previously worked in El Paso ISD as an assistant principal. She is a graduate of the University of Phoenix with a master’s degree from the University of Texas at El Paso and a doctorate in education policy, leadership and management from Walden University.

The district has introduced Lisa Estrada-Batson as its new assistant superintendent for student and parent services.

She previously was a principal and assistant superintendent of middle schools in El Paso’s Socorro ISD. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix and her master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of New Mexico.

Now serving as executive director of procurement and school resources is Haydee Pena, who previously was director of purchasing and contracts for Midland ISD. She holds a master’s degree in business analytics.

Fort Bend ISD Marc Smith has been selected

to serve as Fort Bend ISD superintendent. Most recently superintendent of Duncanville ISD, he previously was an executive principal and assistant superintendent in Fort Bend ISD and superintendent of Marshall ISD. He is a graduate of Texas Southern University with a master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University and a doctorate in administration and supervision from the University of Houston.

Georgetown ISD The district’s newest elementary campus, San Gabriel Elementary School, will open this fall with Rebecca Lambert as principal.

An educator for 12 years, she is currently principal of Village Elementary. She holds a bachelor’s degree from East Central University and a master’s degree from Lamar University.

S.B. Pierson has accepted the position of El Paso ISD’s chief operations officer. Most recently executive director of ancillary services and school operations for Cleveland ISD, he previously held administrative positions in Wharton ISD and Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD.

The board of trustees has named Leslie Talamantes director of human resources.

She comes to her new job with more than 20 years of experience, having served as a teacher, bilingual/ESL coordinator and campus administrator, most recently in Marble Falls ISD. She is a graduate of Wayland Baptist University with a master’s degree in educational administration from Texas Tech University.

East Central ISD (San Antonio)

Granbury ISD

Honor Elementary School, the district’s newest campus, will open its doors in August with Stephanie Orsak as principal. She has been an employee of the district for 15 years, the last seven in the lead position at Harmony Elementary.

Bobby Allison has been named head football coach and boys’ athletics coordinator for Granbury High School. He spent the past 10 years in coaching positions at Northwest High in Northwest ISD (Fort Worth), with ► See Who’s News, page 23 Texas School Business MARCH/APRIL 2024

15

PRESIDENT PROFILE

Texas School Public Relations Association

Arianna VazquezHernandez gives back to TSPRA through leadership

by Dacia Rivers

“Partnerships are really something dear to my heart. I truly believe nobody can do it alone.”

I

n 2004, Arianna Vazquez-Hernandez graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from University of Texas-Pan American, and began working as a cub reporter for the Rio Grande Valley edition of Rumbo, a Texas-based, Spanish-language newspaper. With a minor in political science, Vazquez-Hernandez hoped to move her career into the political realm when a different opportunity fell into her lap.

While covering a story at her former high school, Hidalgo High, Vazquez-Hernandez was approached by the district superintendent, who told her he was looking for a public relations officer. VazquezHernandez wasn’t initially interested in the job, but she eventually made the leap, opening the first PR office in Hidalgo ISD. When Hidalgo’s then-superintendent, Dr. Daniel King, made the move to nearby Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD, Vazquez-Hernandez also moved along with him. In PSJA ISD, she found herself in a more challenging position. For starters, the district served about 32,000 students as opposed to Hidalgo’s 3,500. In addition, nobody had held the PR position in five years, meaning Vazquez-Hernandez had to rebuild the office from the ground up. She spent 15 years in PSJA ISD, taking the PR department from a one-person shop to a 14-member team with videographers, graphic designers and communications and media specialists.

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“I was very happy to see the growth not only of the department, but of the district,” she says. “My daughter was a Girl Scout, and we have a saying that you should leave a place better than you found it. I feel I did that during my tenure in PSJA.” While working in the district, Vazquez-Hernandez also invested her efforts in her own education. She received her Certified Public Communicator certification from Texas Christian University, then went on to receive her Accreditation in Public Relations. With those under her belt, she figured she would go for her master’s degree, which she earned in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University.

Combining her journalism background, her time in PR, her two accreditations and her master’s in marketing, Vazquez-Hernandez changed positions about a year and a half ago, and now serves as executive administrator for partnerships, marketing and communication in the Region One Education Service Center.

“It’s really the culmination of what I’ve been doing for the last several years,” she says. “Partnerships are really something dear to my heart.

I truly believe nobody can do it alone.”

Partnership is also something Vazquez-Hernandez says she’s gained through her involvement with the Texas School Public Relations

Association (TSPRA). She first joined when she started working in Hidalgo, and has been a regular attendee of TSPRA conventions ever since, even bringing her two children along with her when they were young. She’s been increasingly involved with the association, stepping into the president’s role this year.

now we are videographers, webmasters, graphic designers. We are community outreach foundation specialists. We have so many individuals wearing so many different hats.”

“I have always been very grateful to the networking, the colleagues, and mostly the friends I gained through that network,” she says. “Because of them, I survived my first year in PR.”

“Anybody can pick up the phone, text, email a fellow TSPRAN to get help, to get advice, and to get guidance on an issue. We all share because we’ve all been there. It’s a continuous giving-back circle.”

Vazquez-Hernandez says she’s wanted to give back to TSPRA and become involved at a higher level ever since she joined the group. She was nominated to serve on a committee early in her TSPRA journey and also served as vice president of the Gulf Coast region and as vice president at-large. After serving on the executive board committee for eight years, VazquezHernandez was nominated as association president and says she’s honored by the opportunity to lead.

“TSPRA is not the organization I went into.

It has completely evolved with the times,” she says. “We’re so diverse now, not just in the areas of the state that we represent, but in the roles we play. We were all PR folks,

For Vazquez-Hernandez, the greatest benefit TSPRA offers its members is the opportunity to network.

During her time as TSPRA president, Vazquez-Hernandez says she wants to help members continue their educations and achieve certifications and higher credentials in their fields. But rather than just tossing out reminders, she wants to send the message in a more intentional way, outlining a pathway to help members know when and how they should pursue these added credentials.

“Ultimately, all those credentials and all that knowledge is going to translate back to the districts and the communities that they serve.”

Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) Mission: The Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) is a professional organization whose members are dedicated to improving public education in Texas by: Promoting effective public relations practices Providing professional development for its members Improving communication between Texans and their public schools.

Membership: TSPRA members include public school personnel, foundation staff and boards, education associations, and businesses that serve schools and foundations.

Year Founded: 1962 Website: tspra.org

DACIA RIVERS is editorial director of Texas School Business.

Strengthening education for all students.

LEARN MORE Texas School Business MARCH/APRIL 2024

17

PRESIDENT PROFILE

Texas Association of School Business Officials

Elaine Cogburn brings a wealth of experience to TASBO leadership

by Dacia Rivers

“Just looking at where we’ve come as an organization has been super exciting, to see that transformation.”

W

hen Elaine Cogburn graduated from Texas Tech University with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting, she was sure she was destined to work as a CPA. But when she started her career in public accounting, she soon discovered it might not be the place for her.

“I was working from 8 a.m. to midnight every day, seven days a week, for months and thought, ‘Wow, this is not what I wanted to do with my life,’” she says.

Looking for a new opportunity where she could use her skills, Cogburn found an open position for a grant accountant in Lubbock ISD and jumped on it.

“My first thought was, ‘Oh, the school district. They probably have low turnover and great benefits.’”

It might have been a practical career move, but in public school accounting Cogburn found herself at home. Since then, she has held numerous varied accounting positions in districts across the state.

After four years in Lubbock, she moved to Frenship ISD, and was hired in the finance department. Shortly afterwards, Frenship’s chief financial officer left and the district offered Cogburn the job.

After Frenship, Cogburn was hired by Dallas ISD, which she says was a significant change, moving from a small, rural district to a large urban one. While she was in Dallas, Cogburn received several other job offers and wound up moving to work in Grapevine-

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Colleyville ISD. She was then recruited to Mansfield ISD, and later Dripping Springs ISD. She spent five years there before deciding to make another move, this time to Plano ISD. When her former superintendent from DSISD moved to Leander ISD, Cogburn decided to come back to the Austin area and worked in LISD for three years.

In the time after Cogburn had left Dripping Springs, the district went through multiple CFOs and interim CFOs. The district was struggling in the finance office, and so administration created the position Cogburn now holds, deputy superintendent for finance and operations in DSISD. And this time, she says, she’s staying put.

“I’ve been in eight different districts, in nine different positions, but I love it because I’ve seen large, small, rich, poor, growing and stagnant districts. I feel like it’s been a great career because I’ve seen everything. I have colleagues who have been in the same district for 20 years, and I just can’t imagine what that feels like.”

A somewhat nomadic lifestyle isn’t new to Cogburn. As a K-12 student, she attended 11 different schools and says change is just part of her DNA. Above all, what keeps her going from zip code to zip code is that she is a firm believer in the importance of education, and she seems especially equipped to handle the constant change working in public school districts can bring about.

“Education is dynamic and changing all the time,” she says. “You

never know what you’re walking into on any given day, and I guess I thrive on that change.”

Something else Cogburn appreciates about the work is the way districts are all on the same team, at least when it comes to sharing knowledge and information.

“Our neighboring district might be a football competitor, but we’re not competing as far as the business office goes.”

That knowledge sharing is a big part of why Cogburn joined the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) when she took her first job in Lubbock. The first TASBO conference she attended marked the association’s 50th anniversary; the group recently celebrated their 75th.

Cogburn, who now leads TASBO as president, says she’s made wonderful connections through the group, both professionally and personally. At her first TASBO conference, she looked at the officers on the stage and knew she wanted to be one of them someday.

In her time as president, Cogburn hopes to grow the organization to reach 10,000 members, while also focusing on how new technologies, including artificial intelligence, can benefit schools, especially in the face of

LOVE WHERE YOU LEARN

staffing shortages. Cogburn has an idea for a fully automated school cafeteria, something she thinks she’ll see in her lifetime, if not in her career.

“We’ve still got to provide the services to students that we’ve always provided, but how do we do that without the staff that we’ve normally seen?” she asks.

TASBO has been an important part of Cogburn’s career, helping her find her footing when she first entered the world of school accounting, and she is happy to give back to new members. She is proud to share the many opportunities the group offers, from training and networking to a monthly mentoring program for new school business employees.

As a TASBO director and officer, Cogburn has helped usher the association through some big changes, including a branding and logo overhaul, and says she looks forward to whatever is next on the horizon.

“Just looking at where we’ve come as an organization has been super exciting, to see that transformation. I have no idea where we’re going. I feel like we’re at the top, but there’s always room for improvement.”

Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) Membership: TASBO supports Texas school district employees in all areas of business and operations, including accounting and finance, operations and student services, personnel, purchasing and inventory management, technology and student data, and safety and risk management.

Mission: TASBO maintains a high standard for ethical conduct while continuing to evaluate the direction of the organization and the profession. Using its core values and purpose as a guide, TASBO seeks a bright future for schools and its members.

Year founded: 1946 Number of members: 7,000 Website: tasbo.org

DACIA RIVERS is editorial director of Texas School Business.

ARCHITECTURE ▪ INTERIOR DESIGN

Texas School Business MARCH/APRIL 2024

19

REGIONAL VIEW

Region 9 ESC’s mental health initiative

by Cristina McCrary

M

ental health support for students and educators has become increasingly recognized as a critical component of overall well-being, gaining heightened attention in recent years. While urban areas typically benefit from more accessible mental health services, rural communities face unique challenges in meeting these needs. When a local private foundation, renowned for its philanthropic initiatives, approached

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Education service center programs & practices

the Region 9 Education Service Center in Wichita Falls with the idea to develop a mental health program, Wes Pierce, Region 9’s executive director, recognized the unique opportunity.

“This project evolved from an organic conversation with the foundation’s president regarding the lack of mental health resources and counseling services in our rural schools,” Pierce stated. “The foundation’s leader saw a great opportunity to make a tremendous impact in our local communities and encouraged Region 9 to submit a grant proposal to address these needs.”

The foundation, aware of Region 9’s commitment to supporting schools in the greater Wichita Falls area, saw the education organization as the ideal vehicle for such a grant project, and the project focused on providing on-site mental health support in the area’s rural school districts was born.

▲ The mental health team in the Region 9 ESC works to support students and educators.

Mental health disparities between urban and rural areas have been extensively documented, with rural populations often contending with limited access to care, mental health stigma, and a shortage of professionals. The question lingered: What impact could one small program have on the challenges the whole nation is facing? With a “build it and they will come” mentality, Pierce and the committee tasked with developing the program persevered, giving life to Region 9’s Mental Health Initiative.

The focus was straightforward: Make mental healthcare accessible, raise awareness, and provide a quality service to our rural communities.

More than half of the districts in Region 9 lack a school counselor, let alone a professional counselor dedicated to mental health. To address this significant gap in care, the Region 9 ESC is utilizing the private grant funding to hire nine licensed mental health professionals.

The scarcity of qualified mental health professionals in North Texas, a challenge faced by the entire state, was anticipated by Pierce, who did not expect the surge of well qualified counselors eager to contribute.

“We originally created a multiyear scale-up plan, expecting challenges in identifying enough mental health professionals to complete our team; however, we far exceeded our hiring goals within the first year of the project. We have been extremely blessed to have so many highly qualified and dedicated specialists join this mission to serve.”

After the development of memorandums of understanding, privacy policies and procedures, intake forms, extensive training for counselors, and visits with schools, the project was ready to launch. Each counselor was assigned three to four small and rural campuses, providing individual and group counseling to students and staff, whole classroom social skills, emotional learning supports, crisis support, and ongoing consultation for parents and administrators.

In the first year of implementation, the Mental Health Initiative received referrals from 364 students and staff members at 28 campuses. Anxiety, depression, suicidality and trauma have all been common reports by students and educators served by the mental health initiative. Counselors provided 2,558 individual counseling sessions, reached 6,204 students through classroom guidance lessons, presented professional development for 970 educators, and provided mental health crisis support 159 times.

The inaugural year of the initiative was not without barriers. Cristina McCrary, the coordinator hired to lead the Region 9 Mental Health Initiative, says it was clear that schools were still struggling with finding the tools to address classroom behavior.

“It’s no secret that teachers have experienced more struggles with classroom behavior than ever in recent years. Empathy fuels education, and we knew we could find a way to empower educators to build better classrooms.”

Building capacity on campuses to address general classroom behavior strategies was identified as a need early on. As a result, the initiative added two classroom behavior specialists in the second year of the grant to provide technical assistance and coaching to classroom teachers. The early benefit

of this component is that educators feel more supported in meeting the social and emotional needs of all students.

Success stories underscore the impactful work accomplished within the first year and beyond. The initiative not only addresses immediate mental health concerns but also contributes to the long-term wellbeing of the rural communities it serves.

The success lies in making connections within communities, creating a harmonious partnership between a philanthropic organization with a desire to make a difference and an education service center with a reputation for having a servant’s heart.

Looking ahead, the initiative aims to expand its reach to additional campuses and enhance outreach efforts. Continuous evaluation and adaptation of the program are imperative to meet the educational needs of the communities it serves. As the Mental Health Initiative progresses, it stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative impact that collaborative efforts between philanthropy and education can achieve in addressing mental health challenges in rural areas.

CRISTINA MCCRARY, MA, LPC, is the Coordinator of the Mental Health Initiative for the Region 9 Education Service Center.

SAVE THE DATE! Ideas. Insights. Inspiration.

Shaping Public Education Together

Sept. 27–29, 2024 San Antonio Texas School Business MARCH/APRIL 2024

21

Photo Feature

TASPA HOSTS WINTER CONFERENCE IN ROUND ROCK The Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators held its annual winter conference in December, featuring three general sessions with great speakers and topic sessions on TEA, SBEC, TRS and legislative updates, timely legal issues and district best practices.

▲ TASPA President Al Rodriguez poses at the conference.

▲ Chandelle Crane, TASPA executive director, opens the 2023 Personal Law Conference.

▲ Crane poses with Dr. Robert Stewart, recipient of the 2023 TASPA Honorary Member Award.

▲ Dr. Tyrone Sylvester receives the 2023 TASPA Distinguished Service Member Award from Crane.

▲ 2024 TASPA President Kimberly Rich gives her remarks virtually. ▲ TASPA’s 2023 award winners: Brian Kroger, Dr. Robert Stewart and Dr. Tyrone Sylvester.

▲ TASPA staff members on-site include (l to r): Kathy Cervantez, director of communications and professional development; Chandelle Crane, executive director; and Jeannie Tomasek, director of programs and membership.

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▲ Brian Kroger receives the Dr. Mary Hopkins Personnel Administrator of the Year Award.

▲ Catherine Porfirio of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor accepts the 2023 Barry Nettles Scholarship.

▲ Aminadab Arras of Southwestern University (left) receives the Pete Chernick Memorial Scholarship.

Rebecca Ramirez of Southwestern University receives the North Central TASPA Scholarship.

Who’s News ◄ Continued from page 15

previous stops in Odessa, Sharpstown, Levelland and San Angelo ISDs. In addition, he spent two seasons as special teams coordinator at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Grand Prairie ISD

Keller ISD’s new superintendent is Tracy Johnson, the district’s first female superintendent in its 112-year history.

Most recently KISD’s chief human resources officer, she previously was a teacher and administrator in Northwest, Denton and GrapevineColleyville ISDs. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas Woman’s University and master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of North Texas.

Superintendent Linda Ellis, who has led Grand Prairie ISD for five years, has announced that she will retire the end of June. This will bring to a close a 31-year career in the district that included stints as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, curriculum director, and deputy superintendent of teaching and learning.

Johjania Nájera has been promoted from executive director of human resources to chief human resources officer. She has been with the district since 2010.

Michelle Somerhalder is

now the district’s executive director of human resources, having previously served as director of human resources.

Katy ISD Morton Ranch High School’s new head football coach is Nicholas Cavallo, who most recently served as head football coach and campus athletics coordinator at George Ranch High in Lamar CISD. In addition, he previously coached at Campbell, Purdue and Rutgers universities.

Thomas Daniels has been named principal of Bethke Elementary School, coming to his new job from Beckendorff Junior High, where he was assistant principal. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Lamar University.

Freeman High School now has its first head football coach. Eric Robinson comes to his new position from Tompkins High, where he was defensive coordinator and assistant head coach.

Prior to that assignment, he was athletic director and head football coach at Royal High School in Royal ISD. He is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Keller ISD John Allison, who was Keller ISD’s interim superintendent since last summer, is now chief operations officer.

Previously a superintendent in Kansas and Pennsylvania, he came to Keller in 2021 as associate superintendent of education.

Kerrville ISD Rick Sralla has returned to Kerrville ISD, where he previously spent 20 years as a teacher, coach and administrator, from Ingram ISD, where he was a middle school principal. He now leads Tivy High School as principal. He holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Texas at Tyler.

Killeen ISD The new director of the Killeen Education Foundation is Leslie Gilmore, who was the district’s communications coordinator from 2008 to 2013 and most recently was a teacher at Killeen High School.

Joyce Hodson, who led the Killeen Education Foundation for 11 years, has retired.

Leander ISD Michelle Jackson, former director of student support services in Lago Vista ISD, now leads Whitestone Elementary School as principal. Previously a teacher in Leander ISD, she holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas State University.

Vista Ridge High School’s new principal, Keith Morgan, has been with the district for 20 years, most recently as principal of Cedar Park Middle School. He has a bachelor’s degree from St. Edward’s University, a master’s degree from Texas State University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor.

Alexandra Peoples is now principal of Grandview Hills Elementary School, where she had been serving in the top position on an interim basis.

She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas State University and is a doctoral candidate at Lamar University.

Emily Ulatoski, an employee of the district since 2008, is now principal of Plain Elementary School. Most recently an assistant principal at Wiley Middle School, she is a graduate of the University of Texas with a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD Mike Hennigan has been selected to serve as the district’s first police chief. Most recently director of safety and security, he previously worked for the Orange County constable’s office and spent five years with the Orange County sheriff ’s office.

Lumberton ISD

Lake Travis ISD Sebastian Espinoza, former assistant principal of Lake Travis High School, is now principal of Lake Travis Elementary. The 20-year educator previously worked in the Lockhart, Dallas, Hays and Austin school districts. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and his master’s degree in educational administration from Concordia University.

of innovation.

Superintendent Tony Tipton has announced his upcoming retirement, effective the end of this academic year. He came to Lumberton in 2020 from Little Elm ISD, where he was executive director

► See Who’s News, page 29 Texas School Business MARCH/APRIL 2024

23

Photo Feature

TCWSE HOLDS ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN AUSTIN The Texas Council of Women School Executives hosted its annual conference in Austin in January. With a theme of “Grits, Grace, and Pearls!” TCWSE members came together for two days of networking and professional learning.

▲ The annual TCWSE Conference offers many opportunities for networking among members.

▲ Dr. Sharon D. Deloach, director of student services, accountability and compliance in Marlin ISD, presents her focus session, “What She Said … Can You Hear Me Now?”

▲ Conference attendees meet up for two days of professional learning opportunities.

▲ Dr. Tiffany Spicer, superintendent of Buna ISD, shares her insight on practicing self-care while serving as a leader.

▲ TCWSE officers include (l to r): Jeannie Meza-Chavez, San Elizario ISD; Martha Salazar-Zamora, Tomball ISD; and Sonja Brown, Lancaster ISD.

▲ Conference attendees came away with their own “pearls of wisdom.”

▲ Conference attendees take the stage for a photo op.

▲ Conference attendees pose in their Grits, Grace, and Pearls! T-shirts.

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▲ Jeni Neatherlin, superintendent of Granger ISD, gives her keynote speech.

Calendar Professional development & events APRIL April 2 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, San Antonio area cohort (session 6 of 6) North East ISD, San Antonio For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org Registration is closed for 2023-24.

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Wichita Falls area cohort (session 6 of 6) Wichita Falls ISD, Wichita Falls For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org Registration is closed for 2023-24.

TASBO Workshop: Holding a VATRE: Legal Insights and More Online For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $85; nonmembers, $135.

TASBO Workshop: Managing Special Revenue and State Programs ESC 1, Edinburg For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $195; nonmembers, $245.

April 2-4 TASBO Construction Academy Online For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $335; nonmembers, $385.

April 3 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Dallas area cohort (session 6 of 6) McKinney ISD, McKinney For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org Registration is closed for 2023-24.

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, North Houston cohort (session 6 of 6) Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Cypress For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org Registration is closed for 2023-24.

TASBO Workshop: Financial Essentials Dallas ISD, Dallas For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $195; nonmembers, $245.

TCASE/ED311 Special Education Law Conference Convention Center, Hurst For more info, (512) 474-4492 or (888) 433-4492. www.tcase.org Cost: $255; $200 per person for groups of five or more; $190 per person for groups of ten or more.

Digital workbook is included in registration; printed workbook may be purchased for $25.

TASSP Region 9 Meeting ESC Region 9, Wichita Falls For more info, (512) 443-2100. www.tassp.org TASSP Region 17 Meeting Frenship ISD, Wolfforth For more info, (512) 443-2100. www.tassp.org April 4 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, East Texas cohort (session 6 of 6) Tyler ISD, Tyler For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org Registration is closed for 2023-24.

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, South Houston cohort (session 6 of 6) Clear Creek ISD, Webster For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org Registration is closed for 2023-24.

TASBO Workshop: Commodity Codes in Purchasing Harris County Department of Education, Houston For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $285.

April 8 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, virtual cohort (session 6 of 6) Online For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org Registration is closed for 2023-24.

TASA Virtual Book Study on “Atomic Habits” (session 4 of 5) Online For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: Free for TASA members.

TASSP Region 16 Meeting ESC Region 16, Amarillo For more info, (512) 443-2100. www.tassp.org TEPSA Region 16 Meeting ESC Region 16, Amarillo For more info, (512) 478-5268 or (800) 252-3621. www.tepsa.org April 10-11 TASB HR Services Training: Employment Relationships Online For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org Cost: $225.

April 9 TASA/TASB/TASBO Budget Cohort for Texas District Leaders (session 7 of 9) Webinar TASBO Texas School Records For more info, (512) 462-1711 Management Academy www.tasbo.org Austin Marriott North, Round Rock Registration is closed for 2023-24. For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org TASBO Workshop: Converting Cost: Members, $335; Paper Records to Digital nonmembers, $385.

Austin Marriott North, Round Rock April 11 For more info, (512) 462-1711.

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant www.tasbo.org Principal Leadership Academy, Cost: Members, $235; Austin cohort (session 6 of 6) nonmembers, $285.

Round Rock ISD, Round Rock For more info, (972) 515-2268.

April 9-11 TASA Curriculum Writing www.n2learning.org Workshop Registration is closed for 2023-24.

TASA offices, Austin For more info, (512) 477-6361.

TASB Student Solutions Series: www.tasanet.org Defending Districts in Special Education Dispute Resolution Cost: Members, $600; Webinar nonmembers, $650.

For more info, (512) 467-0222 or April 10 (800) 580-8272.

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant www.tasb.org Principal Leadership Academy, Corpus Christi area cohort TASBO Workshop: (session 6 of 6) ESSER Grant Close-Out Corpus Christi ISD, Corpus Christi ESC Region 7, Kilgore For more info, (972) 515-2268.

For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.n2learning.org www.tasbo.org Registration is closed for 2023-24. Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $285.

TASB Spring Workshop Location TBA, Katy TASBO Workshop: IT Hot Topics For more info, (512) 467-0222 or for K-12 (800) 580-8272.

Online www.tasb.org For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org TASPA Webinar: Assault Leave, Cost: Members, $85; nonmembers, Workers Comp, Responding to $135.

On-the-Job Injuries Online For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org

► See Calendar, page 26

Texas School Business MARCH/APRIL 2024

25

◄ Continued from page 25 TSPRA Regional Meeting, West Central area Corsicana ISD, Corsicana For more info, (512) 474-9107. www.tspra.org April 11-13 Leadership TASB Class of 2024 (session 4 of 5) Fort Cavazos, Killeen For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org April 14-16 TASB Risk Management Fund Conference Kalahari Resort and Convention Center For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org April 15 TASBO Synergy: MOE, Budgeting and Allowable Expenses Online For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members and nonmembers, $100.

April 16 TASB Workshop: Asbestos Designated Person Training ESC Region 16, Amarillo For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org TSPRA Regional Meeting, Gulf Coast area Corpus Christi ISD, Corpus Christi For more info, (512) 474-9107. www.tspra.org April 17 TASB SHARS Matters Series: Telehealth and Telemedicine Services Webinar For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org TASB Workshop: Integrated Pest Management ESC Region 16, Amarillo For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org TASBO Workshop: Accounts Payable Process ESC Region 10, Richardson For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $195; nonmembers, $245.

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TASPA Workshop: Fingerprinting and Do Not Hire Registry Overview Virtual event For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org Cost: Members, $125; nonmembers, $160.

TASBO Workshop: Addressing Teacher Shortages with Foreign Workers Online For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, no charge; nonmembers, $100.

TASSP Region 10 Meeting Spring Creek Barbecue, Richardson For more info, (512) 443-2100. www.tassp.org

TASBO Workshop: ESSER Close-Out ESC Region 10, Richardson For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $285.

TSPRA Regional Meeting, Central area Del Valle ISD, Austin For more info, (512) 474-9107. www.tspra.org April 18 TSPRA Regional Meeting, Houston/Beaumont area Sheldon ISD, Houston For more info, (512) 474-9107. www.tspra.org TASA Breakaway Leadership (session 4 of 6) Online For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: Members, $175; nonmembers, $225.

April 19 TSPRA Regional Meeting, East Texas area Forney ISD, Forney For more info, (512) 474-9107. www.tspra.org April 22 TASA Virtual Book Study on “Atomic Habits” (session 5 of 5) Online For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: Free for TASA members.

April 23 TASA School Transformation Network (session 6 of 6) Online For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost by district size: Fewer than 500 students, $150; 500-1,499 students, $225; 1,500-4,999 students, $300; 5,000-9,999 students, $375; 10,000-49,999 students, $450; 50,000-plus students, $500; regional ESCs, $225.

TASB Workshop: Asbestos Designated Person Training ESC Region 18, Midland For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org

April 24 TASB Workshop: Integrated Pest Management ESC Region 18, Midland For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org TASBO Workshop: Construction Purchasing Law ESC Region 7, Kilgore For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $195; nonmembers, $245.

TASSP Region 7 Meeting Location TBA, Tyler area For more info, (512) 443-2100. www.tassp.org April 25 Fast Growth Texas School Coalition Lunch and Learn Online For more info, (512) 536-1206. www.fastgrowthtexas.org TASB Spring Workshop Gonzales High School, Gonzales For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org TASBO Workshop: CSRM Fundamentals of School Risks TASBO offices, Austin For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members and nonmembers, $250.

TASBO Workshop: Paw Patrol: FLSA, K9s, Budgets and Procedures Online For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, no charge; nonmembers, $60.

April 26 TASBO Workshop: RFQ/P Deep Dive for Owners – Requests for Qualifications Online For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, no charge; nonmembers, $60.

April 29 TASBO Workshop: Construction Purchasing Law ESC Region 1, Edinburg For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $195; nonmembers, $245.

April 30 TASB Spring Workshop Location TBA, Uvalde For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org TASBO Workshop: Facilities, Construction and Business Issues Online For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, no charge; nonmembers, $60.

M AY May 1 TASSP Region 11 Meeting Chisholm Trail High School, Fort Worth For more info, (512) 443-2100. www.tassp.org TASSP Region 14 Meeting Hawley High School, Hawley For more info, (512) 443-2100. www.tassp.org May 1-2 TASB Workshop: Administering Pay Plans Online For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org Cost: $225.

May 6-7 N2 Learning Annual Conference Lakeway Resort and Spa, Austin For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org TASA/N2 Learning Executive Leadership Institute (session 4 of 4) Lakeway Resort and Spa, Austin For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org Registration is closed for 2023-24.

TASA/N2 Learning Principals’ Institute (session 6 of 6) Lakeway Spa and Resort, Austin For more info, (512) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org Registration is closed for 2023-24.

May 7 TASA/TASB/TASBO Budget Cohort for Texas District Leaders (session 8 of 9) Webinar For more info, (512) 462-1711 www.tasbo.org Registration is closed for 2023-24.

TCASE/ED311 Special Education Law Conference Civic and Convention Center, New Braunfels For more info, (512) 474-4492 or (888) 433-4492. www.tcase.org Cost: $225; $200 per person for groups of five or more; $190 per person for groups of ten or more.

Digital workbook is included in registration; printed workbook may be purchased for $25.

May 7-9 TASA Small Schools Network Event (session 4 of 4) Port Aransas ISD, Port Aransas For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: Superintendent only, $300; superintendent plus one additional participant, $600; superintendent plus two additional participants, $900.

May 8 TASBO Workshop: Financial Coding for Texas Schools ESC Region 10, Richardson For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $195; nonmemzbers, $245.

TASBO Workshop: Purchasing for Business Management Dallas ISD, Dallas For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $195; nonmembers, $245.

May 8-9 TASB Workshop: Understanding Wage and Hour Law Online For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org Cost: $225.

May 8-10 Texas ASCD Academy: Maximize Instructional Time/Math and Science Standards Virtual event For more info, (512) 477-8200 or (800) 717-2723. www.txascd.org May 9 TASB Spring Workshop ESC Region 14, Abilene For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org TASB Spring Workshop ESC Region 6, Huntsville For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org TASB Student Solutions Series: Wrapping Up 2023-24 Webinar For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org TASBO Workshop: State and Federal Grants Hartford Professional Learning Center, Abilene For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $285.

TASB Spring Workshop West Texas A&M University, Canyon For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org TASBO Workshop: ESSER Grant Close-Out TASBO offices, Austin For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $285.

TASPA Webinar: How is that Public?!

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

JUNE June 2-5 THSADA State Conference Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, Round Rock For more info, (832) 240-6550. www.thsada.com

TSPRA Regional Meeting, Central area Austin ISD, Austin For more info, (512) 474-9107. www.tspra.org

June 5 TSPRA Regional Meeting, Gulf Coast area Harlingen ISD, Harlingen For more info, (512) 474-9107. www.tspra.org

May 16 TASA Breakaway Leadership (session 5 of 6) Online For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: Members, $175; nonmembers, $225.

June 5-6 TASB Workshop: Managing State and Federal Leave Online For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org Cost: $225.

TASBO Workshop: Commodity Codes in Purchasing ESC Region 19, El Paso May 14 For more info, (512) 462-1711.

TASB Spring Workshop www.tasbo.org Texas A&M University, Commerce Cost: Members, $235; For more info, (512) 467-0222 or nonmembers, $285.

(800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org May 17-18 TASB Spring Workshop TASB Spring Workshop Convention Center, South Padre Stephen F. Austin State University, Island Nacogdoches For more info, (512) 467-0222 or For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272.

(800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org www.tasb.org May 20-21 Texas ASCD Curriculum Leadership TASSP Region 8 Meeting Academy 45 ESC Region 8, Pittsburg ESC Region 7, Kilgore For more info, (512) 443-2100.

For more info, (512) 477-8200 or www.tassp.org (800) 717-2723. www.txascd.org May 14-15 TASBO Leadership Fundamentals May 21 Workshop TASB Spring Workshop New Caney ISD, Porter ESC Region 12, Waco For more info, (512) 462-1711.

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

Cost: Members, $550; www.tasb.org nonmembers, $600.

May 15 TASB SHARS Matters Series: End of Year SHARS Reminders Webinar For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org

May 30 TASBO Workshop: Leaves and Absences ESC Region 18, Midland For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $285.

May 23 TASB Spring Workshop ESC Region 19, El Paso For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org

Texas ASCD Curriculum Leadership Academy 44 Corpus Christi ISD, Corpus Christi For more info, (512) 477-8200 or (800) 717-2723. www.txascd.org June 6 TASA Breakaway Leadership (session 6 of 6) Virtual event For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: Members, $175; nonmembers, $225.

June 9-11 TAGT Gifted+Equity Conference AC Hotel, Waco For more info, (512) 499-8248. www.txgifted.org Cost: Early Bird registration (by April 19): Members, $299; nonmembers, $399. After April 19: Members, $359; nonmembers, $459.

June 10 Learning Forward Summer Pre-Conference Conference Center, Hurst For more info, (512) 266-3086. www.learningforwardtexas.org

► See Calendar, page 28 Texas School Business MARCH/APRIL 2024

27

◄ Continued from page 27 June 10-12 TASA txedFest Summer Conference Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, San Antonio For more info, (512) 477-6361. txedfest.org June 11 Education Law for Principals Conference Convention Center, Austin For more info, (512) 478-2113. www.ed311.com Cost: Single registration, $230; group of five or more, $205 each; group of ten or more, $195 each.

Registration includes digital workbook; printed workbooks available for $25 per person.

June 11-12 Learning Forward Summer Conference Conference Center, Hurst For more info, (512) 266-3086. www.learningforwardtexas.org June 12 TASBO Workshop: Board Policies and Administrative Procedures Dallas ISD, Dallas For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $195; nonmembers, $245.

June 12-14 TASSP Summer Workshop Convention Center, Austin For more info, (512) 443-2100. www.tassp.org TEPSA Summer Conference Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, Round Rock For more info, (512) 478-5268 or (800) 252-3621. www.tepsa.org Cost: Early Bird registration (by March 15): Members, $439; nonmembers, $678. After March 15: Members, $489; nonmembers, $728.

TETA SummerFest Angelo State University, San Angelo No phone number provided. www.tetatx.com June 12-15 TASB Summer Leadership Institute Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org

June 14 TSPRA Regional Meeting, Houston/Beaumont area ESC Region 4, Houston For more info, (512) 474-9107. www.tspra.org

Texas ASCD Curriculum Leadership Academy 45 ESC Region 7, Kilgore For more info, (512) 477-8200 or (800) 717-2723. www.txascd.org

June 17 TASBO Workshop: Funding School Risks Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, Round Rock For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members and nonmembers, $250.

June 27-30 TASSP New Principal Academy Hilton Airport, Austin For more info, (512) 443-2100. www.tassp.org

June 17-19 TASBO Summer Solutions Conference Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, Round Rock For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org June 19 TASA/TASB/TASBO Budget Cohort for Texas District Leaders (session 9 of 9) Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, Round Rock For more info, (512) 462-1711 www.tasbo.org Registration is closed for 2023-24.

June 19-22 Leadership TASB Class of 2024 (session 5 of 5) Omni Hotel, Fort Worth For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org TASB Summer Leadership Institute Location TBA, Fort Worth For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org June 20 Fast Growth Texas Lunch and Learn Online For more info, (512) 536-1206 www.fastgrowthtexas.org June 25-27 TETL Summer Conference Hyatt Regency, Dallas 855-458-9286. www.tetl.org

J U LY July 10-13 TGCA Summer Clinic Convention Center, Arlington No phone number provided. www.austintgca.com July 14-16 TAHPERD Annual Summer Conference Embassy Suites, Frisco For more info, (512) 459-1299. www.tahperd.org Cost: Early Bird registration (by May 15): Professional members and out-of-state attendees: $130; retired members, $45; student members, $35. Preregistration (May 15-June 15): Professional members and outof-state attendees, $140; retired members, $45; student members, $35. Late registration (June 16July 18): Professional members and out-of-state attendees: $150; retired members, $55; student members, $45.

July 15-17 TCASE Interactive Conference Location and city TBA For more info, (512) 474-4492 or (888) 433-4492. www.tcase.org July 16 TASB Workshop: Asbestos Designated Person Training TASB offices, Austin For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org

TASBO Workshop: State Aid Template for School Districts Sheraton Hotel, McKinney For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $235; June 26-27 TASB Workshop: Get a Grip on the nonmembers, $285.

Family and Medical Leave Act Online For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org Cost: $225.

July 17 TASB Workshop: Integrated Pest Management TASB offices, Austin For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org TASBO Workshop: Business Manager Fundamentals Sheraton Hotel, McKinney For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $285.

TASPA Summer Law Conference Worthington Renaissance Hotel, Fort Worth For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org July 17-19 TASPA Summer Conference Worthington Renaissance Hotel, Fort Worth For more info, (512) 474-9353. www.taspa.org July 18 TASB Best Practices Workshop: Maintenance and Operations TASB offices, Austin For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org July 21-23 THSCA Annual Coaching School and Convention Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio For more info, (512) 392-3741. www.thsca.com July 23 TASBO Workshop: Business Ethics Convention Center, South Padre Island For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $195; nonmembers, $245.

TASBO Workshop: Managing for Performance Excellence Convention Center, South Padre Island For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $195; nonmembers, $245. ◀

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

TexasSchoolBusiness.com

28

Texas School Business MARCH/APRIL 2024

Who’s News ◄ Continued from page 23

Northside ISD (San Antonio) The district has announced the following administrative appointments:

• Fernando Nieto, assistant principal, Marshall High School;

Paige Meloni has been approved to serve as superintendent of SchertzCibolo-Universal City ISD. Previously a teacher and administrator in the district, she joined ESC Region 20 in 2019 as chief financial officer for client business services, where she remained until becoming Lewisville ISD’s chief financial officer last May. She also was a teacher and administrator in Seguin ISD and San Antonio’s East Central ISD.

• Ileana Perez, principal, Fields Elementary School.

Spring ISD

• Darcia Borel, assistant principal, Jordan Middle School;

Manor ISD Decker Middle School’s new principal, Blake Rhyne, was principal of Paseo Preparatory School with KIPP Texas Public Schools and previously was a teacher and administrator with the Kansas City Public Schools and in North Carolina. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

• Ericka Dillon, director of bilingual and ESL programs; • James Dominguez, principal, Passmore Elementary School; • Rene Esquivel, principal, Tomlinson Elementary School;

Pflugerville ISD

Miami ISD Now serving as district superintendent is Krista Solis, who comes to her new position from Hart ISD, where she also held the top job.

Montgomery ISD Mark Ruffin, who most recently led Normangee ISD, is now Montgomery ISD’s superintendent.

He previously was an administrator and teacher in Humble and Centerville ISDs.

New Braunfels ISD A new athletic director is in place for the district.

Richard Mendoza comes to New Braunfels from Judson ISD in San Antonio, where he was principal of Judson High School. Prior to that, he was the first head football coach at Veterans Memorial High School in the same district.

Jim Streety has retired as

New Braunfels ISD’s athletic director. This brings to a close a 57-year career that began in San Marcos CISD followed by a 17-year tenure as head coach at New Braunfels High School. He then spent 23 years with North East ISD’s Madison High in San Antonio before returning to New Braunfels ISD as athletic director in 2014.

Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD (San Antonio)

The district’s interim superintendent, Steve Flores, previously held the top position in Round Rock ISD and Harlingen CISD. He also served as Pflugerville ISD’s assistant superintendent and was most recently interim superintendent ofTaylor ISD.

Richardson ISD The district’s new director of finance, Allison Davenport, comes to Round Rock from Garland ISD, where she spent the past five years as executive director of finance. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in accounting from Texas A&M University.

Round Rock ISD Round Rock ISD has appointed

Laura Carlin-Gonzalez

executive director of teaching and learning. She was most recently Del Valle ISD’s assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction and prior to that was director of college and career readiness at Pflugerville ISD. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas State University and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy from the University of Texas.

Derrell Oliver has been named Spring

ISD’s director of athletics. With more than 20 years of coaching experience, his background includes serving as Richardson ISD’s athletic director.

Wolfe City ISD New superintendent Donna Pessel was most recently assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in Daingerfield-Lone Star ISD. She holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. ◀

Who’s News Do you have good news to share about your district?

Angelica Negrete has been

named principal of the Wells Branch Elementary Arts Integration Academy.

She brings more than two decades of experience to her new job, most recently as an elementary principal in El Paso ISD. Her bachelor’s degree was awarded from the University of Texas at El Paso and her master’s degree from the University of Phoenix.

Send news items for Who’s News directly to news@texasschoolbusiness.com Texas School Business MARCH/APRIL 2024

29

THE BACK PAGE

Which is more important?

Honesty or winning?

by Riney Jordan

L

ike so many of you, I am concerned that the morality, honesty, and integrity of our nation is not what it used to be.

I constantly think of ways that we can change the tide and redirect our young people toward more honest lives.

of the word from hearing all the whispering going on among the contestants behind her.

She could easily have said that she spelled the word correctly with an “a;” however, her conscience would not allow her to be dishonest.

Almost every news story you hear or read involves dishonesty on the part of someone.

I cannot help but wonder what the youth of our country must be thinking. So often it seems that the individuals involved never admit their guilt or their misdeeds.

Holding her head high, Rosalie Elliott simply said, “Sir, I misspelled the word.”

I remember as a child being taught that telling the truth was a big deal. I recall that we would say things like, “I swear on a stack of Bibles that I am telling the truth.” (I often wondered why one Bible wasn’t enough, but apparently it required a “stack.”) We would also say, when we were questioned about our honesty, “Cross my heart and hope to die.

Stick a needle in my eye.” Wow! That was some pretty serious stuff!

I recall hearing the story of an 11-yearold little girl from South Carolina who was a contestant in the Scripps National Spelling Bee contest that is held annually in Washington, D.C.. I did a little digging and discovered that her name was Rosalie Elliott and she had earned her way to the fourth round of competition.

It seems that she was asked to spell the word avowal. She spelled the word, but the judges could not determine if she spelled the next to last letter with an “a” or an “e.” They discussed it at great lengths among themselves but could not be certain. Then they listened to the audio recording over and over. In spite of all of this, they could not definitely determine whether the young contestant had spelled the word correctly or not.

The chief judge of the competition was John Lloyd and, in desperation, he finally asked the little girl directly what she had said.

By this time, she knew the correct spelling

And with that, she turned and walked off the stage. It was at that moment that the huge crowd began a thunderous applause for her.

Some 50 reporters were also in the audience, and she was the big story of the day. That event occurred in June 1966, and to this day, her name is still in the record books and across the internet as an example of someone who put honesty above everything else.

Don’t you just know that her parents could not possibly have been more proud of her?

What an important life lesson for all of us.

I realize that all the academic courses are important, but in the long run, who’s to say that honesty and integrity don’t deserve just as much attention ... maybe even more.

Do you remember hearing, “Honesty is the best policy?” That quote is attributed to Benjamin Franklin, and it’s just as true today as it was then.

As trustees of the taxpayer’s children and tax dollars, we should all strive to be honest, truthful, transparent, and protect our integrity above everything. Ask yourselves: Is this action going to benefit our students?

Am I setting a good example for them with everything I do?

And, like Rosalie, when we have made an honest mistake, be quick to admit it.

It says so much about you and your character.

I know one thing for certain. You will be able to sleep really well that night.

“When you live your life with honesty and integrity, there is nothing that anyone can ever take away from you.” — Guy Sebastian

RINEY JORDAN is the author of two books and a frequent public speaker. To invite him to speak at your convocation, graduation or awards banquet, visit www.rineyjordan.com.

30

Texas School Business MARCH/APRIL 2024

Texas School Business Advertiser Index

Choice Partners......................................2 choicepartners.org Corgan........................................................19 corgan.com Educate Texas........................................17 edtx.org Marsh McLennan....................................4 marshmma.com N2 Learning...............................................8 n2learning.org Schneider Electric..................................6 se.com TASA............................................21, 31, 32 tasanet.org TASPA.......................................................... 5 Taspa.org Texas School Business.....................30 texasschoolbusiness.com

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Texas has more than 5.4 million public school students and over 1,000 school districts that need your company’s products and services.

Let us help you reach this vast market – advertise in Texas School Business magazine.

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June 10-12 Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa | San Antonio, Texas

Speakers include ...

Justin Richardson

George Couros Plus txedFest Talks by ...

Martha Salazar-Zamora, Tomball ISD Jeni Neatherlin, Granger ISD Tory Hill, Channelview ISD Chris Moran, San Angelo ISD Tiffany Spicer, Buna ISD Thad Roher, Friendswood ISD Registration and housing open April 10!

txedfest.org

A.J. Juliani

Join Us! TASA is the professional association for Texas school leaders. In addition to advocacy and professional learning, we provide networks and services that offer mentorship and inspiration to our members. TASA is working hard to provide the support that Texas school leaders need. We invite you to be part of TASA in 2023-24!

tasanet.org