September/October 2021

Featured Event

txEDCON21

TASA | TASB CONVENTION

SEPTEMBER 24-26 DALLAS

SEPTEMBER

August 31-September 3 • State Board of Education Meetings, Austin

2 • TASB HR Services District Personnel Salary Survey Opens

9-12 • Mexican American School Boards Association Conference, San Antonio

10 • txEDCON21 TASA | TASB Convention Early Bird Registration Deadline

13 • “Stories from the 2021 Honor Boards” Virtual Event

16-18 • National School

TASB Officers 2020-21

Jim Rice, Fort Bend ISD, President

Ted Beard, Longview ISD, President-Elect

Debbie Gillespie, Frisco ISD, First Vice-President

Bob Covey, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Second Vice-President

Armando Rodriguez, Canutillo ISD, Secretary-Treasurer

Lee Lentz-Edwards, Kermit ISD, Immediate Past President

TASB Board of Directors 2020-21

Moises Alfaro, Mathis ISD, Region 2

Kay Alley, Crosbyton CISD, Region 17

Jesus Amaya, Los Fresnos CISD, Region 1A

Rose Avalos, Aldine ISD, Region 4H

Kamlesh Bhikha, ESC 2, ESC Representative

Steve Brown, Ector County ISD, Region 18

Kevin A. Carbo, Mesquite ISD, Region 10D

Dawn Champagne, Katy ISD, Region 4E

Justin Chapa, Arlington ISD, Region 11C

Thomas Darden, Cooper ISD, Region 8

Jason Dohnalik, Cameron ISD, Region 6

Karen Freeman, Northside ISD, Region 20B

Corinne French, Valley View ISD, Region 11D

Demetrio D. Garcia, Kenedy ISD, Region 3

Sylvia Sanchez Garza, South Texas ISD, Region 1B

Linda Gooch, Sunnyvale ISD, Region 10B

Mary Jane Hetrick, Dripping Springs ISD, Region 13B

Tony Hopkins, Friendswood ISD, Region 4C

Sandy Hughey, North East ISD, Region 20E

Mark Lukert, Wichita Falls ISD, Region 9

Raymond P. Meza, San Felipe Del Rio CISD, Region 15

Dan Micciche, Dallas ISD, Region 10C

Vernagene Mott, Pflugerville ISD, Region 13C

Nicholas Phillips, Nederland ISD, Region 5

Jacinto Ramos Jr., Fort Worth ISD, Region 11B

Tony Raymond, Sabine ISD, Region 7

Georgan Reitmeier, Klein ISD, Region 4A

Rolinda Schmidt, Kerrville ISD, Region 20A

Cindy Spanel, Highland Park ISD, Region 16

Becky St. John, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, Region 11A

Anne Sung, Houston ISD, Region 4D

Yasmin Wagner, Austin ISD, Region 13A

Mildred Watkins, La Vega ISD, Region 12

Greg Welch, Clyde CISD, Region 14

Robert Westbrook, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD, Region 20D

For more information about these events or deadlines, visit the TASB website at tasb.org or call TASB at 512.467.0222 or 800.580.8272 toll-free.

Texas Lone Star • Volume 39, Number 8

Texas Association of School Boards P.O. Box 400 • Austin, Texas • 78767-0400 512.467.0222 • 800.580.8272

Roger White • Managing Editor Theresa Gage-Dieringer, Assistant Editor Shu-in Powell • Graphic Designer Virginia Hernandez • Photographer Jackie Johnson • Advertising Coordinator 360 Press Solutions • Printer

Texas Lone Star (ISSN 0749-9310) is published 10 times a year by the Texas Association of School Boards. Copyright© 2021 by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). All rights reserved. Reproduction, adaptation, distribution, and exhibition in whole or in part are prohibited under penalty of law without the written license or permission of TASB. Copies of Texas Lone Star are mailed to trustees of TASB member school boards and their superintendents as part of their membership. Subscriptions are available to nonmembers for $36 (1 year), $69 (2 years), and $99 (3 years). Single copies are $5.

Address changes should be sent to Michael Pennant, TASB, P.O. Box 400, Austin, Texas 78767-0400.

Articles in Texas Lone Star are expressions of the author or interviewee and do not represent the views or policies of TASB. Permission to reprint should be emailed to communications@tasb.org or addressed to the Managing Editor, P.O. Box 400, Austin, Texas 78767-0400.

Texas Lone Star does not guarantee publication of unsolicited manuscripts.

Postmaster: Send address changes to TASB, P.O. Box 400, Austin, Texas 78767-0400.

Looking in the Mirror

We Must Move Forward and Model Behavior That We Wish to Impart to Our Children

by Jim Rice

“Time it was, and what a time it was...” “Bookends,” Simon & Garfunkel

Growing up, I learned one may not speak of politics and religion at family gatherings or social events if one wished to maintain peace and to pass a good time. It seems that adage is still true, with perhaps a topical wrinkle—which, simply stated, is not to discuss masks in school

All agree that our children need to be educated and that they need to be kept safe. Agreeing on how best to accomplish this is the problem.

The desegregation of schools in the 1960s and the challenges school board trustees must have faced at that time were surely monumental. We have made much progress since then, though arguably there is much more to make. Our challenge is made more difficult as we are living in a time of great change—demographic change, political change, economic change, not to mention pandemics the likes of which we have not seen in our lifetime.

This change has filled each of us with angst, putting us at such loggerheads with one another that it seems no middle ground for civil discourse—and solutions—may be found.

An Institution at Risk

The politicization of school boards, removal of local control, and the corresponding and unrelenting media assault on our senses and normal life have caused anxiety, mistrust, and fear, placing our uniquely American institution of public education at risk. This is

an institution that, though admittedly imperfect, has propelled our whole nation of mostly poor immigrants into becoming the greatest nation on earth. The United States remains a country that people of all lands flee to every day, seeking sanctuary, acceptance, freedom, and understanding.

Disparate prayers on all sides for resolution of our travails, and for the peace and unanimity for which we yearn, cannot be fully answered by the Almighty. Instead, we are left to find the answers within ourselves. We are left to look in the mirror to ask and decide how we will find a way to move forward, how we will model the behavior we wish to impart to our children and to each other.

These issues of such import challenge us all in our convictions, in our sense of right and wrong, and we will not come through such trials without being forever changed.

Seek ‘the Better Angels’

Let us embrace the words and live our lives as so eloquently written long ago by writer, teacher, and activist Anna Julia Cooper: “The cause of freedom is not the cause of a race or a sect, a party or a class. It is the cause of humankind, the very birthright of humanity.”

Like a great ship being cast about in stormy seas, our system of public education—and the very bedrock of our great democracy—is in peril. I pray each of us finds a way to subscribe to “the better angels of our nature,” to lift our hearts and minds with renewed dedication to finding and bringing our ship to safe harbor.

Jim Rice

The future of public education and indeed our democratic republic hangs in the balance. So I say, with apologies to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “Sail on, O Ship of State! Sail on, O Union strong and great! Humanity with all its fears, with all the hopes for future years, is hanging breathless on thy fate!”H

Jim Rice, a Fort Bend ISD trustee, is 2020-21 president of TASB.

Disparate prayers on all sides for resolution of our travails, and for the peace and unanimity for which we yearn, cannot be fully answered by the Almighty. Instead, we are left to find the answers within ourselves. We are left to look in the mirror to ask and decide how we will find a way to move forward, how we will model the behavior we wish to impart to our children and to each other.

Education Cybersecurity Summit 2021

Fortify your school’s digital defenses

Recent cyberattacks have robbed millions from school budgets, knocked networks out of commission, exposed sensitive data, and chipped away at public trust. However, the TASB Risk Management Fund is here to support education leaders like you.

Join your peers for expert-led sessions and panel discussions at this event.

Wednesday, November 10

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Virtual Event

Registration is available to Fund members with Data Privacy and Information Security coverage at no cost. Learn more and register at tasbrmf.org/cybersummit21.

Dash of Big D Trivia—Redux

Test Your Knowledge of Convention 2021’s Host City

by Roger White

Back in 2019—and, yes, it seems so very long ago, doesn’t it—we tested your knowledge of Big D, the host city for the TASA | TASB Convention. As we gear up for the 2021 Convention, set for the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas September 24-26, I thought I might get you primed for our return to the Metroplex with another trivia quiz concerning all things Dallas.

See how well you do on this 2021 version of the Big D Trivia Exam. You’ll find answers to the questions at the end of this column. Good luck!

1. The integrated computer chip (which later became the microchip) was invented in Dallas in what year?

A. 1962

B. 1965

C. 1958

2. Lamar Hunt, one of the founders of the American Football League and owner of the then-Dallas Texans and later Kansas City Chiefs, coined what football term?

A. The Blitz

B. The Super Bowl

C. The Shotgun Formation

3. Rapper and actor Vanilla Ice was born in South Dallas and raised in Florida. What’s Vanilla Ice’s real name?

A. Robert Matthew Van Winkle

B. Robert Perriwinkle

C. Timothy Tidwell

4. Which Dallas Cowboys football

player holds the distinction of being the only Super Bowl Most Valuable Player to be selected from the losing team?

A. Mel Renfro

B. Roger Staubach

C. Chuck Howley

5. What was the name of the band formed by Dallas St. Mark’s students Boz Scaggs and Steve Miller?

A. Barney and the Birds

B. The Marksmen

C. The West End Flyers

6. Monkees guitarist/songwriter

Mike Nesmith’s mother invented what unique office product?

A. Liquid Paper

B. The Staple Remover

C. Carbon Paper

7. True or False: The Hollywood Video rental store chain originated in Dallas.

A. True

B. False

8. The original Campisi’s Egyptian Restaurant on Mockingbird Lane is renowned for what?

A. Great pizza

B. Ties to the Mafia

C. The famous “Cairo Martini”

9. The first musical act to appear at Dallas’s Reunion Arena, on May 9, 1980, was:

A. The Cars

B. Merle Haggard

C. Parliament-Funkadelic

10. This Dallas Cowboys receiver was once known as “The World’s Fastest Human.” Who is he?

A. Tony Dorsett

B. Bob Hayes

C. Deion Sanders

Hey, Elle! D'ya hear about this groovy 'Learning Lounge' they'll have in the Exhibit Hall this year? Should be a gas, man!

Not that kind of lounge, Ed!

(See Trivia, page 33.)

ON THE ROAD TO

September 24–26, 2021

Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center

Dallas, Texas

The most comprehensive

learning experience for public education leaders in Texas!

Set for September 24-26 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, this year’s TASA | TASB Convention—the state’s most comprehensive learning experience for Texas public education leaders—features many new and exciting opportunities, as well as the time-honored lineup of General Sessions, exhibits, and displays that has made Convention a can’t-miss event year in and year out. With an agenda packed with something for everyone, you’ll be sure to find something of value for every member of your school district leadership team.

Kick things off right at Thursday’s Opening Reception

Celebrate your arrival to Dallas on Thursday at the Opening Reception, 5-6:30 p.m., at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Lobby F on Level 2.

The high-energy band Party Machine will be in the house! They are a unique dance band that will keep you moving with nonstop music, lights, and motion from the moment they hit the stage, covering tunes from the ’50s through today’s hits!

Training Credit

Attendees can earn more than 15 hours of training credit during the TASA | TASB Convention.

Continuing Education Credit (CEC) for School Board Members

Credit offered during Convention qualifies as Additional Continuing Education. New school board members are required to earn at least 10 hours their first year. Experienced board members must complete a minimum of five hours each year.

Special Required Training

(fulfills 3-hour biennial requirement)

Governance for Improved Student Learning: EISO/SB1566 Training is offered as a preconference session on Thursday from 2-5 p.m.

Experienced board members who need to meet their biennial requirement for the update to the Texas Education Code should attend Catching Up with the Texas Legislature presented by TASB Governmental Relations staff on Friday 2:15 p.m. or TASA Legislative Update presented by TASA staff on Friday at 8:45 a.m.

New school board members attending the New Board Member Launch on Thursday will have online access to bonus content, including required trainings on the Texas Open Meetings Act and Sexual Abuse, Human Trafficking, and Other Maltreatment of Children.

Reporting Credit

Board members and superintendents should report credit using myCEC. Point your camera phone to scan the QR code or go to cecm.tasb.org and log in using your myTASB credentials:

• Enter credit numbers immediately or up to 24 hours after the event concludes.

• Credits show up immediately.

• View your full credit history at any time.

Need assistance? Check with TASB staff in the Credit Reporting area located just outside the Exhibit Hall in upper D Lobby near Exhibitor Registration. TASB staff in the Information Booths can help, as well.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) for Superintendents and Administrators

Certificate renewal standards adopted by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) require all certified educators to complete appropriate continuing professional education clock hours. The form for recordkeeping of CPE credit is available at Registration and will contain more information about SBEC certification rules.

Preconference Sessions

Preregistration and an additional $50 fee are required.

Thursday, 1–5 p.m.

Beyond the Buzz: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fundamentals

Diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, justice, belonging, bias—all of these buzzwords are heard in the news and across social media. Let’s dive deeper and learn through a four-hour experiential session about the fundamentals behind it.

A foundational model will be presented, followed by a deeper dive into the “Anatomy of Bias.” We will discuss how fragile the human spirit is and how exclusion can impact a person, a group, and/or a nation in profound ways.

The world, including our school districts, is becoming more diverse. This session will equip you with practices that, when applied, will transform your relationships, your district, and ultimately student outcomes across the state.

Thursday, 2–5 p.m.

Board Officers Academy: The “You Decide” Seminar

This seminar is created specifically for board officers and will be designed with your help. Attendees who preregister for this seminar will be sent an e-mail and given an opportunity to vote on the topic they prefer from the following list. The top two sessions selected by the group will be presented at the Board Officers

Academy Seminar:

• Important Tools for Meeting Preparation

• Successfully Working with Challenging Individuals

• Effectively Engaging Your Community

• A Legal and Governance Perspective on Meetings

• A Board Officers Open Dialogue

Thursday, 2–5 p.m.

Governance for Improved Student

Success: EISO/SB 1566 Training

(fulfills 3-hour biennial requirement)

Focused and engaged school boards make a difference in student learning. This research-informed session highlights practices and tools to help boards understand the current state of student learning, cast a compelling vision with meaningful goals, and oversee the improvement efforts in their districts.

Thursday, 2–5 p.m.

New School Board Member Launch

Welcome to school board service! Joining a board in progress requires new trustees to learn a lot in a short time. This extended session provides foundational information and perspective to help newly elected trustees get their bearings quickly.

Registration for the session includes online access to bonus content, including required trainings on the Texas Open Meetings Act; and Sexual Abuse, Human Trafficking, and Other Maltreatment of Children.

Small School District Seminar

Friday, 7:30–11:30 a.m.

This seminar, designed for schools with 750 or fewer students, focuses on the advantages small schools have

to offer. By making the most of the relationships and close-knit feel of a small community, these districts are uniquely poised to employ innovative thinking, which has a substantial impact on student achievement.

General Sessions

First General Session

Friday, 4 p.m.

Keynote: Sylvia Baffour

Professional speaker, trainer, executive coach

Among the most sought-after speakers and professional development trainers, Sylvia Baffour has assisted such organizations as Whirlpool, Capital One, Doctors without Borders, the World Bank, the US Department of Transportation, and the US Department of Defense.

HubSpot recently named Baffour among the top 15 female motivational speakers, alongside the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Mel Robbins. She has lived in several countries around the world and speaks five languages. Baffour is author of I Dare You to Care, a book about using emotional intelligence skills to inspire, influence, and achieve remarkable growth, and she is host of the “I Dare You to Care” podcast.

Performance by Fort Bend ISD

Award presentations: Superintendent of the Year Award

Second General Session

Saturday, 10:30 a.m.

Keynote: Shayla Rivera

Aerospace engineer, former NASA rocket scientist

Director of the ENGR[x] program and professor of Practice for the College of Engineering at Texas A&M University, Shayla Rivera has delivered keynote

addresses on subjects that span inspiration, motivation, leadership, inclusion and diversity, STEM and STEAM education, stress management, and self-growth.

Rivera has spoken to clients around the world, including corporations, organizations, and schools from middle school to college. She hosted the Lifetime Real Women Network series “You’re Not the Man I Married,” performed in an HBO Max stand-up comedy special, and has appeared on numerous television programs and networks, including Comedy Central and HBO Latino, as well as entertaining US troops in Iraq and around the world.

Performance by Sunnyvale ISD

Award presentations: TSPRA Key Communicator; Outstanding School Board Award

Third General Session

Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

Keynote: Jessica Rector

Leading expert on burnout, mind wellness, and positive action

A leading expert on burnout and mind wellness, Jessica Rector is an authority on understanding one’s inner communication and turning it into outer success and positive action. Rector uses her roles as a former talk show host and award-winning sales performer at a Fortune 100 company to consult with companies and train teams to “fire up” their thinking.

A best-selling author of 10 books, she has shared the stage with former First Lady Michelle Obama and worked with clients such as NBCUniversal and the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. In her spare time, Rector enjoys learning about the world of Transformers with her 8-year-old son, Blaise (who is also a best-selling author and one of the country’s youngest published authors).

Panel Discussion

State Board of Education Panel Discussion

Friday, 1-2 p.m.

Join State Board of Education members Keven Ellis, Pam Little, Marisa Perez-Diaz, Georgina Perez, and Audrey Young for a discussion moderated by TASB President Jim Rice of Fort Bend ISD.

TEA’s Response to COVID-19

Saturday, 4:15-5 p.m.

Mike Morath

Texas Education Commissioner

Appointed by Governor Greg Abbott, Mike Morath began serving as Texas Commissioner of Education January 4, 2016. As commissioner, Morath heads the

Texas Education Agency (TEA), which oversees prekindergarten-through-high school education for more than 5 million students enrolled in both traditional public schools and charter schools.

Morath will address TEA’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its unprecedented disruption of education across the state. The pandemic has impacted each of the 1,200 public school districts across the state in various ways, requiring TEA to provide increasing levels of support. Morath will discuss how the agency continues to support Texas school districts.

Learning Lounge

Friday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m

Saturday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Get credit for attending these 20-to-30-minute informal presentations. The presentations will focus on research and best practices about how the board can positively affect student achievement from its leadership role.

Presentations will provide learning data and positive examples about how school districts are dealing with loss of learning caused by the pandemic. The Learning Lounge is located in the Exhibit Hall near the entrance to the General Sessions.

Scan the QR code at right for session details.

CSA Spotlight Sessions

The Council of School Attorneys (CSA) will meet in conjunction with txEDCON21 TASA | TASB Convention again this year.

In addition to Thursday’s activities, two sessions will be featured during Convention. These CSA Spotlight Sessions will be open to all registered attendees, including CSA members. State-Bar approved Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit will be offered.

Friday, 8:45-9:45 a.m.

CSA Spotlight Session: Student Speech

Online and Off Campus: Can They Really Say That?

Jim Walsh, Shareholder, Walsh, Gallegos, Trevino, Kyle & Robinson, PC, Host Chris Gilbert, Partner, Thompson & Horton, LLP Kelli Karczewski, Partner, Karczewski l Bradshaw l Spalding

Valerie Carrillo, Attorney, Escamilla & Poneck, LLC

Earlier this year, the US Supreme Court opined for the first time on off-campus student speech, use of social media, and you guessed it cheerleading. The case, Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L., has implications for your district’s jurisdiction to discipline for social media posts and other student speech, efforts to stop bullying, and enforcement of extracurricular codes of

conduct. Join host Jim Walsh and an all-star panel of Texas school attorneys to evaluate the Court’s decision and its practical impact on local decisions.

Saturday, 3-4 p.m.

CSA Spotlight Session: Uncivil Discourse: Managing Disruptive Comments and Complaints in a Time of Unrest

Jim Whitton, Shareholder, Brackett & Ellis, PC, Host Janet Bubert, Shareholder, The Underwood Law Firm, PC

Daniel Stockton, Executive Director of Government & Legal Affairs, Frisco ISD

Joy Baskin, Director of Legal Services, TASB

School districts across the nation and here in Texas are suddenly facing questions, concerns, and even protests about current social and political issues from mask requirements to social studies curriculum and beyond. School boards need to be prepared to manage public comments, including comments generated by interest groups outside the district, and rowdy attendees. Districts also need to respond appropriately to parents’ demands for more transparency and access to district decision making. What’s the line between parent involvement and disruption of school campuses and public meetings?

Join a panel of experienced school attorneys for best advice on how to navigate these heated situations.

Exhibit Hall

Need a brain break? Visit the Exhibit Hall!

As always, the Exhibit Hall will be the epicenter of Convention, buzzing with activity. Visit with experts about the latest school technologies and services; participate in a community service project; network with new and old friends; grab a cup of hot coffee; take a lunch break; and visit hundreds of education-related experts.

Among the many Exhibit Hall activities this year:

Airing the Truth About Indoor Air Quality Pavilion (New This Year!)

With indoor air quality (IAQ) improvement projects included in the list of eligible Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) grant funds, you’ve no doubt been flooded with product offerings and varying opinions.

The Airing the Truth on Indoor Air Quality Pavilion pulls together US Centers for Disease Control, Environmental Protection Agency, and American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers recommendations and presents the information and

Keeping You Safe

We are monitoring COVID-19 conditions closely and will recommend that staff and attendees follow all local health authority recommendations and requirements in place at the time of the event.

considerations in a simple way. You’ll learn more about the three main IAQ impactors:

• Ventilation

• Filtration

• Air-cleaning technologies

Learn about vetted technologies and see case studies from school districts that have successfully implemented IAQ strategies. Engineers and industry professionals will be on hand to answer questions and help you filter through the options.

Brought to you by E3

Community Service Center

This is your opportunity to pitch in, creating 2,000 essentials kits to be delivered to local charities. Attendees will fill bags with products such as soap, shampoo, granola bars, pretzels, crackers, and school supplies to be donated to a local charity serving students in need.

Brought to you by Buyboard, E3, Direct Energy, and TASB Facility Services

Exhibit of School Architecture

Check out the school architecture digital resource, showcasing the latest in facility design for optimized student learning. The Stars of Distinction and Caudill Finalists will be announced Saturday morning.

Headshot Photo Booth

Stop by the Headshot Photo Booth, located just inside the Exhibit Hall, for a professional photo.

Brought to you in part by TASBO

Networking Coffee Bar

Located around the corner from Booth 733, the Networking Coffee Bar is perfect for a short visit to grab a beverage and a snack and network with your peers.

Brought to you in part by Stantec

Products and Services Showcase

More than 200 exhibits and the newest education-related products and services will be on display.

Student Art

Hundreds of innovative and inspirational works of art will be on display from schoolchildren across the state.

Brought to you by the Texas Art Education Association

Exhibit Hall Hours

Thanks to TASB's Affiliated Entities

Convention Information

Housing

Housing is handled exclusively by Convention Housing Management (CHM). Questions or comments about your accommodations? Call CHM at 800.340.1905.

Complimentary Shuttle Service

Thursday Noon–7 p.m. (15-20-minute intervals)

Friday

Sunday 7 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (15-20-minute intervals)

Convention shuttles are provided complimentary between official TASA | TASB Convention hotels and the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on Thursday afternoon, all day Friday and Saturday, and Sunday morning.

The Omni Dallas and Aloft are considered “walkable” properties to the Convention Center. All other official TASA | TASB Convention hotels will have shuttle service.

If you require a wheelchair-assisted service pickup, call 214.738.8542 at least 30 minutes before your desired departure time to be sure we can adequately accommodate your needs.

Registration

Onsite registration (after September 10):

• $525 for TASA/TASB members (including CSA members)

• $625 for nonmembers

Special Needs

If you would like to rent a motorized scooter or wheelchair at the Convention Center, contact AABCO-Ready Rental Sales and Repair at 972.412.3500. For other special needs, e-mail taylor.thompson@tasb.org.

See the full Convention schedule by visiting tasa.tasb. org/program/schedule.aspx.

•

•

• September 26-28, 2025, Dallas

• September 25-27, 2026, Dallas

Platinum

Diamond

Titanium

Gold Silver

Bronze

‘Why’ Focus on the

New TASB Executive Director Determined to Shed a Strong Light on Education Advocacy

by Roger White

Tough times call for tough leaders.

It’s a time-tested axiom that has proven true time and again through history. In these difficult and divisive days for public education—and for our society as a whole—the mettle and determination of those called on to lead the way have been severely tested.

Into this challenging cauldron, TASB has called on a lifelong educator to guide the Association and its more than 1,200 member districts into the future.

And Dan Troxell is one tough cookie.

With more than three decades of experience as a public school decision maker and leader, Troxell—the 2008 Texas Superintendent of the Year (SOTY)—has just about seen it all. From social studies teacher to assistant principal to principal to administrator to superintendent, Troxell’s career has honed the leadership toolkit that will ensure TASB’s continued standing as a leading advocate for public school success.

Troxell was announced as TASB’s executive director at the Association’s annual summer board meeting July 31. Troxell, who received a unanimous vote of approval by the TASB Board of Directors, assumed the helm September 1, when the Association’s long-standing executive director, James B. Crow, retired after decades of service.

Hitting the Ground Running

“Texas public schools and the nearly 5.4 million students they serve are facing unique challenges because of the pandemic,” Troxell said. “I’m committed to helping ensure that districts have the resources and support needed so they can focus their time on what’s important—student learning and growth. That will be our priority at TASB this year. There is nothing more important to me and the entire TASB team. When we support our members, they can, in turn, support students and staff.”

“Dan was selected from an exceptional pool of candidates after a six-month national search process,” said TASB 2020-21 President Jim Rice. “TASB’s entire executive committee took this search process very seriously—spending countless hours reviewing candidate profiles and participating in several rounds of interviews. We knew it was important to get this right. The role TASB plays in Texas public education is critical to the future of Texas schoolchildren and our state.”

Crow also expressed his endorsement of Troxell. “Dan is the perfect choice for this role,” Crow said. “As TASB’s deputy executive director since August 2019 and a member of the TASB Risk Management Fund Board for more than a decade, Dan understands the work of the Association and its diverse

programs and services. Having also served as a school leader and superintendent across several geographic regions here in Texas, Dan fully grasps the challenges and opportunities facing school boards and school districts right now.”

Troxell hit the ground running immediately after his selection, noting that a keen focus on the Association’s Strategic Plan is key.

“The new TASB Strategic Plan has five goals that I will promote: Legislative advocacy, in which we will extend and sustain outreach and advance TASB’s Advocacy Agenda; public advocacy, specifically, driving communication/ marketing strategy to promote public schools and support advocacy efforts; member engagement, in which we will work to expand membership engagement through outreach, training, and relationship-building; service innovation, keyed to develop innovative ways to deliver member value in an everchanging environment; and visionary leadership, focused on promoting and supporting diversity, equity, and cultural awareness,” Troxell stated.

Career Milestones

Troxell’s career in public education began in 1987 as a middle school social studies teacher at Round Rock ISD. He quickly moved on to administrative roles, serving as assistant principal at Round Rock ISD, principal at Allen ISD, principal and assistant superintendent at Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, and superintendent at Kerrville ISD and Leander ISD.

Most recently, Troxell served as TASB deputy executive director, where he played an instrumental role in the development of the Association’s new Strategic Plan and led data

governance efforts that have enabled TASB to better serve its members.

A Round Rock High School graduate, Troxell earned his bachelor’s degree in government from The University of Texas (UT) at Austin, master’s in education administration from Texas State University, and doctorate in education administration from UT-Austin. Troxell has taught universitylevel courses as an adjunct professor and has authored several journal articles, addressing such topics as multicultural competencies and board president-superintendent collaboration.

Aside from his SOTY award in 2008, Troxell’s accolades include Texas Association of Gifted and Talented Region 20 Advocate of the Gifted in 2006, the Dallas Morning News reader-selected Best Principal Award in 1997, and recognition by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development for the Outstanding Supervision Dissertation in 1995.

Troxell’s community and civic involvement through the years has included membership on the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce Board in 2016-19, the Alamo Colleges Greater Kerrville Center Advisory Board in 2008-16, service as chair of the University Interscholastic League Council in 2013-14, and member of the Texas Association of School Administrators Future-Ready Superintendents Leadership Institute in 2012-13.

Looking Ahead

Facing some of the most contentious and divisive times the country has seen in decades, education leaders now need to stop paying so much attention to political rhetoric and start focusing on the “why” of their service, Troxell noted.

New TASB Executive Director Dan Troxell

TASB File Photo

“I’m committed to helping ensure that districts have the resources and support needed so they can focus their time on what’s important—student learning and growth.”

“Focus on ‘why,’ as educators and board members,” he said. “Everyone who works in education needs to remember the ‘why.’ Why are we doing what we’re doing? It’s to ensure the success of our children. As long as we’re focusing on the ‘why,’ we can move out of this mire.”

Regarding the most challenging issues facing public education in the near future and beyond, Troxell listed five areas that local, state, and national education leaders and supporters need to keep their eye on:

• Academic growth for all children during the pandemic

• Erosion of authority of democratically elected school boards

• Politicization of local public school boards

• Ability to attract and to retain district leadership and staff

• School funding

“Being a school board member is an unpaid and often thankless role; however, being a board member is the purest

From social studies teacher to assistant principal to principal to administrator to superintendent, Dan Troxell’s career has honed the leadership toolkit that will ensure TASB’s continued standing as a leading advocate for public school success.

Photos by TASB Media Services

“Focus on ‘why,’ as educators and board members. Everyone who works in education needs to remember the ‘why.’ Why are we doing what we’re doing? It’s to ensure the success of our children. As long as we’re focusing on the ‘why,’ we can move out of this mire.”

form of representative democracy,” he noted. “Our system of government requires some to serve selflessly, often under intense scrutiny. TASB’s mission—to support their work so that educational excellence for Texas schoolchildren occurs—is absolutely essential.”

And highly focused leadership will be vital to that mission—leadership that those who know Troxell within TASB and without are confident he will provide.

Robert Duron, TASB’s associate executive director of Governance Services, said Troxell’s impressive credentials and reputation of tenacity preceded him at TASB.

“I knew of his reputation as a very talented administrator and superintendent,” Duron said. “Dan’s leadership at TASB over the last two years has been very impressive. He brings to TASB a passion for public education and a situational awareness of the challenges facing school leaders. Most importantly, he models servant leadership for all of us here at TASB. I am excited about his leadership, and I look forward to assisting him in fulfilling our mission.”

Leander ISD Board President Trish Bode, who worked alongside Troxell at Leander, agreed.

“Dr. Troxell finds himself stepping up to lead TASB at a time where there is so much intensity and emotion pouring out in our board meetings across Texas,” Bode said. “As trustees try to navigate this delicate environment for our students we need a leader at TASB who will stand up for trustees, who wants the very best for our public education students—and I believe Dan Troxell will meet that challenge.”

Bode, who also serves as president of the Central Texas School Boards Association, added that in her time working with Troxell, his vision and work ethic impressed her greatly.

“As a fast-growth school district, we needed systems and solutions to scale. Dr. Troxell walked into Leander ISD seeing a need for certain systems to be implemented in our growing district, and he worked on the foundation of some key things we have in place today. For example, this year we had over 30 new hires of students for our video board crew, a program that Dr. Troxell helped usher in with the board while he was at the district,” Bode said.

‘Believe in People’

In their downtime, Troxell and his wife, Shelley (a Texas A&M University graduate), spend time with their sons, Michael and David, both of whom graduated from

Southern Methodist University, and enjoy biking and following the Texas Longhorns, Texas A&M Aggies, and New York Yankees.

Following in their parents’ footsteps, both sons highly prized their higher education opportunities—Michael is now a data scientist for The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas; David is pursuing his master’s degree in data science at Stanford University.

Asked what advice he would give to his 11-year-old self if he could go back in time, Troxell didn’t hesitate.

“One, I would tell myself that people are good. You need to believe in people and in the goodness of human beings,” Troxell said. “And two, relationships are some of the most important things in life. At work, in the community—relationships make all the difference. And finally, give back. No matter where you are. There is incredible joy in giving back.”H

Roger White is managing editor of Texas Lone Star

With more than 30 years of experience as a public school decision maker and leader, Troxell was unanimously approved as TASB executive director by the Association’s Board of Directors at its summer meeting July 31.

Staying Safe Online

A Q&A on Texas Requirements for School Cybersecurity

by Julie Allen

This article, also published online on TASB’s School Law eSource site (tasb.org/services/legal-services/tasb-school-law-esource. aspx) reviews Texas law concerning school districts and cybersecurity.

Q: Must Texas districts adopt a cybersecurity plan?

A: Yes. TASB Legal Services interprets the requirement in Section 11.175 of the Texas Education Code for school districts to adopt a cybersecurity “policy” as a requirement to have an administrative plan or procedures to address cybersecurity. TASB Model Policy CQB(LOCAL) directs districts to adopt a cybersecurity plan, which typically addresses steps a district may take to prevent, mitigate, resolve, or recover from cybersecurity incidents.

A district’s cybersecurity plans may not conflict with the Department of Information Resource’s (DIR) adopted informa-

tion security standards outlined in Chapter 202 of the Texas Administrative Code.1

Q: Must the board approve the cybersecurity plan?

A: The law does not answer this question directly. Many districts embed their cybersecurity plans in other districtwide plans, such as their emergency operations plans, that school boards review and approve on a regular basis. Districts should work with their technology directors and school attorneys to identify and organize their cybersecurity protocols into a clear planning document that focuses on increasing cybersecurity and reducing vulnerability to unauthorized access to district data.

Q: How might a district go about completing a cybersecurity plan?

A: In developing or identifying the district’s cybersecurity plan, districts

may find helpful the Texas Cybersecurity Framework (www.texasgateway.org/ resource/cybersecurity-tips-and-tools) available on the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) Texas Gateway Website. This framework contains the DIR security assessment standards. The framework is not a legal requirement for local governments or school districts. It is, however,

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a comprehensive checklist that can help districts identify potential sources of vulnerability, determine what additional steps are needed to increase security, discuss how to respond to and recover from a breach incident, and organize helpful training for all computer users.

A district may choose to mirror the state requirements in its plan but

is not required to duplicate it. Districts may also find helpful DIR’s guidance on information security to state agencies on how to create and implement their cybersecurity plans (https://dir.texas.gov/ View-About-DIR/Information-Security/ Pages/Content.aspx?id=5). Some districts may choose to work with private vendors, TASB Risk Management Services, DIR, or other providers who offer cybersecurity assessment services.

Q: Does TASB provide a sample or model cybersecurity plan to districts?

A: No. Districts across Texas face different cybersecurity threats and have varying staff, student enrollment, access points, online content, types of technology support services, network infrastructure, devices and information systems, external agreements, and other technical arrangements. A one-size-fits-all model will not work for every district.

However, TASB Policy Service has created a basic starting point in its Regulation Resource Manual at CQB (REGULATION). More specific protocols should be developed in consultation with the district’s technology director and school attorney.

Q: What are cybersecurity coordinators?

A: Every Texas school district superintendent is required to designate a cybersecurity coordinator to serve as a liaison between the district and TEA in cybersecurity matters. TEA has asked districts to submit the name and contact

information of the designated coordinator via the AskTED system. The cybersecurity coordinator must notify the parents or guardians of students whose information was involved in a cyberattack or incident.2

Q: Are Texas districts required to provide cybersecurity training?

A: Yes. All local governments, including school districts, must annually identify employees and trustees who have access to district computer systems or databases and who use a computer to perform at least 25 percent of required duties. Identified trustees must complete an annual cybersecurity training program certified by DIR and selected by the board.3 The only identified district employee required to complete annual cybersecurity training is the district’s cybersecurity coordinator. Any other district employee identified for required cybersecurity training shall complete the training as determined by the district, in consultation with the district’s cybersecurity coordinator.4

Q: Must school boards report cybersecurity training and require periodic audits?

A: Yes. A school board must verify and report to DIR the completion of a cybersecurity training program by its employees using DIR’s online Cybersecurity Training Certification for State and Local Governments form (https://dircommunity.force.com/SecurityTraining-

(See Staying Safe, page 28.)

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Discussions Lively Under the Dome

TASB Calls for Flexibility in COVID-19 Protocols

by Dax Gonzalez

The Texas Legislature recently returned to a semblance of business as usual as enough

Texas House Democrats came back to the state after leaving to prevent lawmakers from taking up election reform bills. The first called special session came and went with little action, but legislators have already held several hearings in both chambers of the Legislature.

Most notably for public education stakeholders, committees in both the House and Senate have passed legislation providing funding for students in virtual instruction programs just like students who attend school on campus. Other legislation addressing critical race theory, transgender students participating in athletics, and dating violence instruction had passed the Senate but were still in committee as of August 31.

Request for Local Flexibility

In August, TASB delivered letters to Governor Greg Abbott and Education Commissioner Mike Morath, asking for flexibility for local school districts as students prepare to return to school and COVID-19 cases rise across the state.

The letter to Abbott asks for his help in providing schools the ability to require masks in district facilities in response to local health conditions and the ability to provide a funded virtual school option for families who want their students to participate in online learning until health conditions improve. The letter to Morath asks the commissioner to use his authority to adjust how student attendance is counted for students attending school

virtually as he did during the previous school year to hold district funding based on attendance level.

The SBAN Connection

With so much going on in and around the Legislature, it’s almost impossible for most board members to keep up with all of the information being reported

in newspapers, television news, blogs, political magazines, and the like.

The TASB School Board Advocacy Network (SBAN) is a free service designed to keep trustees informed and up-to-date on legislative and education news.

In addition to a weekly newsletter, SBAN members receive action alerts regarding important education legislation working through the legislative process. These alerts contain information needed to effect change regarding issues most important to local school districts and students.

Strong SBAN participation has the potential to influence key policymakers by quickly mobilizing hundreds of school leaders to communicate positions and information on critical bills and issues. SBAN alerts include detailed background information, suggested steps for taking action, and resources for contacting legislators and other policymakers.

Join the hundreds of other school board leaders who already take advantage of SBAN to advocate on behalf of Texas’s schoolchildren and the public education system. Sign up or learn more by visiting

the TASB Member Center SBAN page at tasb.org/members/advocate-district/ sban.aspx.

For more information, contact Dax Gonzalez at 800.580.4885 or dax.gonzalez@tasb.org H

Dax Gonzalez is TASB Governmental Relations division director.

NSBA Advocacy Institute Set for January 23-25

Join fellow school trustees from across the nation to support public education at the federal level during the National School Boards Association (NSBA) 2022 Advocacy Institute January 23-25, 2022, in Washington, DC.

The NSBA Advocacy Institute is specifically designed for school board members to influence federal education policy through meetings with US senators and representatives during one coordinated event. The conference will also feature influential keynote speakers and breakout sessions designed to inform trustees about the latest developments in federal education policy.

Registration opens September 25. Learn more at nsba.org/ Events/2022-AdvocacyInstitute

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High Expectations at Work

Local School Boards Are Putting Proven Practice into Action all Across the State

by Orin Moore

Editor’s note: This three-part series addresses evidence-based governance. Part One, which appeared in the August 2021 edition, highlighted three core governance areas and governance studies. Part Two features examples of Texas school boards putting practices into action. Part Three, which will appear in the November 2021 edition, invites boards to take a deeper look at additional core governance areas and assess governance practices against an evidence-based standard.

Part One of this series explored the evidence-based impact of three governance areas. When district leaders demonstrate high expectations through policies and communications, hold the system accountable for clear and measurable goals, and engage the community thoughtfully, they practice three essential governance behaviors related to student achievement. For examples of these governance practices in action, contributions were sought from two Texas school districts.

A Model for High Expectations

When the Boerne ISD Board members discussed mutual expectations with their newly hired superintendent in 2017, the team agreed that “high expectations all around” would describe the tenor of the entire system.

In line with the landmark Lighthouse studies, Boerne ISD demonstrates that leaders of moving school systems sound quite different from leaders of “stuck” systems. Leaders in stuck systems tend to cite variables beyond their control as reasons for low student achievement.

Meanwhile, leaders of moving systems with similar demographics and challenges tend to focus on the policies, goals, and efforts that will have the greatest impact on student achievement.

Boerne ISD leaders used elevating statements when speaking of their system during that 2017 meeting, and they still do today. Instead of viewing a rapidly growing community and student population as a pass for low or mediocre performance, Boerne uses the variables in its control to create a system that sets high expectations and creates conditions to help employees and students meet those expectations. The result is an award-winning district that consistently earns high accountability ratings.

Boerne ISD’s high expectations for student learning and system performance

four performance indicators that each have baselines and targets. Additionally, the board makes these indicators available to the public for anyone to monitor.

Another example of high expectations that can be observed on the district’s scorecard is a student success goal that stretches the system but is also realistic. Like the employee performance goal, Boerne’s student success goal has clear, measurable performance indicators that can easily be monitored by the board and the community.

are reflected in a set of goals that go beyond state-mandated goals. The district created a way to assess what it values and published a scorecard containing clear, measurable goals with baselines and targets in four areas.

One objective on Boerne’s scorecard is to “provide a quality work environment so every employee can perform at the highest levels.” To support this high expectation, the board actively monitors

Holding the System Accountable

By monitoring goal progress and sharing performance results with the community, the Boerne ISD Board models the essential governance practice of holding the system accountable. Publishing performance metrics and targets is a scary thing for some systems because it is easy to see when a target is missed. While fuzzy, undefined targets may help systems avoid the criticism of missing a goal, a sys-

While fuzzy, undefined targets may help systems avoid the criticism of missing a goal, a system that wants to experience meaningful outcomes must accept the risk of publicly missing a target.

What did you say you needed?

tem that wants to experience meaningful outcomes must accept the risk of publicly missing a target.

The opportunity to create substantive change and growth is lost if the fear of missing targets causes a system to lower its standards or to be non-transparent. That is the opposite of accountability, and the outcome can be more harmful than missing a clear target. Boerne ISD’s commitment to transparency and accountability has resulted in a level of trust that turns would-be criticism into helpful conversations focused on solutions.

When circumstances of the last year and a half caused the district to miss, and consequently, adjust some highly anticipated targets, the district was met with understanding and support by the community. Expectations for future successes were not lowered. Community values had not changed. However, the board’s reputation of honesty and high standards assured the community that the district had given its all and that becoming complacent was not on the district’s radar.

Leaders who expect great things from their systems must be willing to hold themselves accountable for leading well. Using a custom board self-assessment, the Boerne ISD Board annually evaluates its own performance and appropriately adjusts the assessment to address new learning, failures, and successes.

Find out about:

l Continuing education credit

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l Upcoming training/events

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l And lots more

Open to trustees, superintendents, and district staff!

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Through this process of learning and continuously improving, Boerne ISD leaders model the expectations they have for the system. This is what the team members meant when they declared “high expectations all around” nearly five years ago.

Engage the Community

Increasing community engagement is an often-cited challenge for school leaders. Board members and school employees make great efforts to communicate the countless wonderful things happening in the system, and it can be a bit discouraging when community members do not share the same level of enthusiasm.

There is no guaranteed formula for creating effective community partnerships, but trustees should understand the advantage their roles provide in tackling the challenge of community engagement. In The Governance Core, authors Davis Campbell and Michael Fullan emphasize that highly effective trustees understand their obligation to educating and informing the community regarding the work of the district.

A Model for Community Engagement

Hurst-Euless-Bedford (HEB) ISD is an inspirational example of how trustees can leverage their positions to create meaningful community engagement. Through its Board Ambassador Academy, HEB ISD has created a culture of learning and school support that extends deep into the community.

The Board Ambassador Academy uses a year-long curriculum to educate cohorts of community members on the work of the school district. To leaders at the helm of a continuous improvement district, the opportunity to prepare the next generation of HEB ISD trustees makes perfect sense. Remarkably, the Board Ambassador Academy accomplishes much more than preparing citizens to become trustees. The program has produced informed citizens who might never serve on the board but are faithful advocates for the district in their various social circles.

School systems are complex. Trustees often report feeling overwhelmed in the beginning of their service. It is also common for trustees to wrestle with the disparity between their expectations and the reality of being a board member. Citizens who get elected to the board after

graduating from the Board Ambassador Academy have already been introduced to the district’s continuous improvement process and to school finance. New trustees hit the ground running, allowing the board to maintain its high performance.

Since launching the Board Ambassador Academy, every trustee elected to the HEB ISD Board has been a graduate of the Academy. This is a testament to the community’s demand for an informed trustee.

In addition to school finance and a full briefing of the district’s continuous improvement process, participants in the program become familiar with issues in public education, the district’s academic programs, and current and future facility needs. This level of information sharing sends the message to the community that the board is committed to being approachable and transparent. In return for its openness, the HEB ISD Board has witnessed critics transform into advocates.

The work of the board is much easier when community expectations and the work of the district are aligned. Advocates who understand the work of the district see the bigger picture and can take a more balanced approach to expressing grievances to the board or in the community.

An informed community that understands the bigger picture is particularly invaluable when the district must call on the community to fund new infrastructure or capital improvements. For HEB ISD, this translated into overwhelming support when it opened its new career tech center.

Each year, the HEB ISD Board leads up to 30 participants through the Board Ambassador Academy. Relationships between current and future board members and district personnel are built and strengthened around a commitment to continuous improvement and exceptional service to the families and students of the district.

When HEB ISD trustees envisioned a stronger, sustainable system over a decade ago, they recognized that deep engagement with the community was a necessity. The board’s thoughtful approach to community leadership has resulted in a mutually beneficial relationship that will continue to serve students immeasurably.

High expectations, holding the system accountable, and engaging the community must take on many forms to meet the different needs of the state’s approximately 1,029 independent school districts. Regardless of the size or makeup

of your system, a well-reasoned approach to these governance practices is a great start to improving student performance.

To help boards evaluate the extent to which key governance practices are at work on their leadership team, the final part of this series explores the importance of relying on an evidence-based board assessment. Effective governance does not have to be a mystery! You can know and practice the governance habits that improve education for students.H

Orin Moore is a TASB Board Development consultant.

Staying Safe (from page 23)

Verification/s/CybersecurityTrainingCertification).

The board may delegate the task of completing the online training verification and reporting to a district employee. A board must also require periodic audits of the district to ensure compliance with the law.5

For more information about training deadlines and reporting procedures, see DIR’s cybersecurity awareness training and certification website or email DIR at TXTrainingCert@dir.texas.gov. For additional guidance, visit TASB Legal Services at legal.tasb.org or call 800.580.5345.H

1Tex. Educ. Code §§ 11.175(b), (c), 2054.133.

2Tex. Educ. Code § 11.175(d)-(f).

3Tex. Gov’t Code § 2054.5191(a-1), (b); see also Tex. Gov’t Code § 2054.003(9) (including school district under the definition of local government).

4Tex. Educ. Code § 11.175(g).

5Tex. Gov’t Code § 2054.5191(b).

This article is provided for educational purposes only and contains information to facilitate a general understanding of the law. It is not an exhaustive treatment of the law on this subject nor is it intended to substitute for the advice of an attorney. Consult with your own attorneys to apply these legal principles to specific-fact situations.

Julie Allen is a TASB Legal Services senior attorney.

Texas’s Top Teams

Honor School Board Awards Winners Named for 2021

his nomination of the Hays CISD Board. “The education of students, the safety of families and staff, and the preparations for the future endured. The board stood steadfast at the helm, offered help and direction, and guided the district through the most unusual year on record. Unprecedented times called for extraordinary leadership, and the board met the challenge.”

Five school boards from across Texas have been selected as Honor School Boards as part of the 2021 Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) School Board Awards program. Each year, the program recognizes outstanding Texas school boards for commitment and service that has made a positive impact on Texas public school students.

The five school boards selected as 2021 Texas Honor School Boards are:

• Aledo ISD Board, Region 11

“One of the best things about [the members of the Aledo ISD Board] is that they model for all of the rest of us in our district and community that they are never great enough for kids and how to work every day to be better than you were the day before,” Aledo ISD Superintendent Susan Bohn wrote in her nomination of the board. “In Aledo, we call this ‘growing greatness.’”

That growth mindset was one factor that made the Aledo ISD Board stand out for the TASA School Board Awards Committee, along with the board’s focused policymaking process, level of community engagement, and well-established instructional focus and assessment framework.

• Duncanville ISD Board, Region 10

“In addition to their unity and respect for one another, what has impressed me [about the Duncanville ISD Board] during the time we have worked together is how responsive and receptive the trustees are to feedback from our stakeholders,” Duncanville ISD Superintendent Marc Smith wrote in his nomination. “They want to hear from our parents, teachers, and community members to determine how best to meet the needs of our students.”

The judging committee was similarly impressed by the Duncanville ISD Board’s

outreach to students and the community, noting that board members visited students at home last school year when COVID kept them from their classrooms. The committee also noted the board’s well-articulated strategic plan, wellrounded curriculum plan, kinder readiness plan, and their intentional monitoring of student growth.

• Hays CISD Board, Region 13

“With increased challenges—the pandemic, reconciling the past, the bond, and even a winter storm like no other— the work of the district continued,” wrote Hays CISD Superintendent Eric Wright in

What stood out to the judging committee was the Hays CISD Board’s steadfastness in “reconciling the past” with their unanimous decision to change the district’s mascot. The committee was also impressed by the board’s efforts to seek feedback from the community, noting the district’s “Hey Hays?!” central feedback portal through which community members may ask questions or simply share ideas.

• Mission CISD Board, Region 1

“Working with such an outstanding, conscientious board for the last three years has been the highlight of my career,” wrote Mission CISD Superintendent Carol Perez in her nomination, in which she detailed the many areas of focus for the board from salary increases and the wellness of staff to service delivery for students. “… Mission CISD’s Board of Trustees has been supportive and instrumental in working to continually change the world for our students, staff, and community!”

What stood out to the judging committee about the Mission CISD Board was the board’s work on a curriculum audit for the district, increasing the district’s fund balance, and improving the district culture.

• Tomball ISD Board, Region 4

“In 2020, the Tomball ISD Board of Trustees never lost focus,” wrote Tomball ISD Superintendent Martha Salazar-Zamora in her nomination. “In a year of uncertainty, they never let obstacles be the excuse to not serve students and families. In a year of change, they never faltered in their leadership. Tomball ISD Board of Trustees’ vision, commitment, and harmonious working relationship for our students, staff, and families never relinquished, and the district is the stronger for their efforts.”

The judging committee commented that the Tomball ISD Board, through stability and strategic planning, has helped

the district excel in the integration of curriculum and technology and student performance. They noted that the board is very involved, agendadriven, and that they “walk the talk.”

Award Criteria

The five boards are now finalists for the program’s highest honor: 2021 Outstanding School Board. They will be interviewed at txEDCON, the TASA | TASB Convention, in Dallas, where one board will be named Outstanding School Board on September 25.

The five Honor Boards were selected by a committee of Texas school superintendents, chaired by Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD Superintendent Steve Chapman, whose school board was named the Outstanding School Board for 2020. The selection committee’s decisions were based on criteria that include support for educational performance, support for educational improvement projects, commitment to a code of ethics, and maintenance of harmonious and supportive relationships among board members.

The other Honor Boards, as well as

the regional winners, will also be recognized at Convention. The 10 boards to be recognized as 2021 Regional Honor Boards are:

• San Diego ISD Board, Region 2

• Newton ISD Board, Region 5

• Splendora ISD Board, Region 6

• Longview ISD Board, Region 7 (large district category)

• Fruitvale ISD Board, Region 7 (small district category)

• San Felipe Del Rio CISD Board, Region 15

• Gruver ISD Board, Region 16

• Ector County ISD Board, Region 18

• Clint ISD Board, Region 19

• Somerset ISD Board, Region 20

For More Info

Since 1971, the TASA School Board Awards program has honored Texas school district boards of trustees that have demonstrated dedication to student achievement and that put students first. The 2021-22 program is sponsored by TASA Corporate Partners Google for Education and Huckabee. For more information, visit https://tasanet.org/awards/ school-board-awards/ H

TASB’s Executive Search Services is currently accepting applications for the positions listed below:

Caldwell ISD. Superintendent.

Application deadline: September 28.

Hawkins ISD. Superintendent.

Application deadline: September 29.

Stephenville ISD Superintendent.

Application deadline: October 6.

For more information about vacancies or services provided by TASB’s Executive Search Services, call 800.580.8272, email executive.search@tasb.org, or visit ess.tasb.org

You set high expectations for your students; do the same with your board by participating in eXceptional Governance (XG) Board Development.

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Classroom Kudos

Teacher of the Year Finalists Named

Six outstanding educators from across Texas have been chosen as finalists in the 2022 Texas Teacher of the Year Program, the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) recently announced. Three finalists in the Elementary Teacher category and three finalists in the Secondary Teacher category will now vie for statewide teacher of the year honors in their respective categories.

Texas Elementary Teacher Finalists

• Jennifer Han, Juan Seguin Elementary School, McAllen ISD

Han offers bilingual and gifted and talented education in all subjects to fourth graders at Juan Seguin Elementary School. She has led initiatives for community empowerment and involvement through the district’s Community Youth Development program, recognizing parents and students who have been named as outstanding parents and youth by the US Department of Family Protective Services.

As grade level chair of her school’s Minitropolis Program, she has led in the creation of a post office, a store front, a bank, and a photography shop. In this unique program that infuses business into the educational setting, students learn real life leadership, career, and finance skills.

• Ashley Phelps, Andy Woods Elementary School, Tyler ISD

Phelps, an elementary physical education teacher at Andy Woods Elementary School, says she knew from a young age that she wanted to be a teacher or a coach, having been very involved in athletics as a child and through high school. These experiences led her to majoring in exercise sports science at Texas Tech University.

Phelps says she loves the children’s enthusiasm for learning and, each day as their faces light up when they walk into the gym, she is encouraged to reach every one of their learning needs. Phelps says her greatest contributions and accomplishments in education are most apparent when she successfully instills the joy of doing physical activities in her students.

• Bonnie Anderson, Miller’s Point Elementary School, Judson ISD Anderson, a pre-K-Grade 5 music specialist at Miller’s Point Elementary, has been positively impacting the lives of her students for 29 years. She founded a nonprofit organization that provides music instruction/performance opportunities for community Zimbabwean marimba groups, two of which performed at Carnegie Hall. Anderson has brought in well over $100,000 in grants and donations to her school and community collectives.

H-E-B has given her a total of $52,000 for her music programs, and she says that Charles Butt was so moved by her award acceptance speech that the Charles Butt Foundation added an additional $10,000. She has also secured grants from the Judson Education Foundation, Office Max, Donors Choose, the Grammy Foundation and others. With the support of her colleagues, Judson ISD now has seven elementary schools with Zimbabwean marimbas. Anderson says that these programs and students combined comprise the totality of what she represents: “the movement of music loved through the eyes of children.”

Texas Secondary Teacher Finalists

• Sanford Jeames, Eastside Early College High School, Austin ISD Jeames, serving as coordinator of health science programs at Eastside Memorial Early College High School, is also an adjunct professor at Huston-Tillotson University. He provides instruction to students in grades 9-12, teaching Principles of Health Sciences, Health Sciences Theory, Medical Terminology, and Health Practicum courses.

Through Jeames’ initiatives, partnerships with Austin Community College have resulted in students earning certificates as pharmacy technicians, emergency medical technicians, and phlebotomists. Jeames coordinated paid internship positions for high school students through Austin Public Health.

• Ramon Benavides, Del Valle High School, Ysleta ISD

Benavides, the son of migrant farmworkers who dropped out of school at young ages only to return to become educators in the Rio Grande Valley, says his parents’ journey was the beginning of his: He’s been passionately sharing the “fascinating world of biology” for the last 12 years at Del Valle High School and El Paso Community College in hopes of producing future leaders from the El Paso border region.

Benavides says he enjoys serving as a role model for youth with socioeconomic backgrounds and educational attainment obstacles similar to those he encountered growing up in South Texas.

• Miguel Mendez, Holmgreen Center, Northside ISD

Mendez teaches high school students at the Holmgreen Center, an alternative school for students who qualify for special educational services. He says that when he was young, he wanted to be a truck driver for his family’s company, but his parents encouraged him to pursue other interests. When he took a job as an instructional assistant in a special education classroom in 2011, Mendez quickly refocused his career aspirations.

Mendez says that the “journey that we undertake each year is a carefully choreographed dance of specialists, counselors, community members, and more, and sometimes that journey means dressing up to play characters, or spending weekends with my students and their families.” Most importantly, Mendez says, his students have taught him that learning never stops—and he is proof of that.

Winners Selected October 14

“More than ever before, it has been reaffirmed that Texas teachers perform miracles every day as they inspire children even in the most challenging of times,” said Kevin Brown, executive director of TASA, which has coordinated the Texas Teacher of the Year program since 2011. “Public school teachers are critical to the success of individual children and our society as a whole. Those who choose to teach are national heroes, and these six finalists are the best among them.”

The six finalists will be interviewed October 14 by a panel of judges composed of representatives of educational leadership associations, community and business leaders, a member of the State Board for Educator Certification, a member of the State Board of Education, and prior Texas Teachers of the Year.

The panel will select two state-level winners — Elementary Teacher of the Year and Secondary Teacher of the Year — and designate one to represent Texas in the National Teacher of the Year program. The winners will be announced at an awards luncheon in Austin October 15.

The Texas Teacher of the Year program has honored excellence in classroom education since 1969. The program annually recognizes and rewards teachers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching. In 2015, Texas Teacher of the Year Shanna Peeples of Amarillo ISD became the second Texas teacher to be named the National Teacher of the Year.

For more information, visit https:// tasanet.org/awards/texas-teacher-ofthe-year/ H

Trivia (from page 7)

Answers:

1. C. 1958.

2. B. The Super Bowl.

3. A. Robert Matthew Van Winkle.

4. C. Chuck Howley.

5. B. The Marksmen.

6. A. Liquid Paper.

7. B: False (Blockbuster Video originated in Dallas.).

8. A. Great pizza.

9. C. Parliament-Funkadelic.

10. B. Bob Hayes.H

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Roger White is managing editor of Texas Lone Star.

Straus Named TSPRA Key Communicator

Each year, the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) honors someone who has contributed significantly to the field of public school communications with the association’s TSPRA Key Communicator Award. This year’s award recipient is fifth-generation Texan Joe Straus, Texas House speaker from 2009 to 2019

The longest-serving Republican Speaker in state history, Straus was a vocal advocate for providing robust funding for public education, and he identified public education as the state’s best economic development tool.

“As a public school graduate himself, Mr. Straus worked tirelessly throughout that time to ensure that supportive public school legislation was at the heart of each legislative session that he chaired,” wrote Alamo Heights ISD Superintendent Dana Bashara in support of Straus’s nomination. “He made himself readily available to his local constituents, which included public school educators, administrators,

and superintendents, as they voiced their needs and concerns—and he dedicated his leadership to responsive legislation as a result. His leadership and support for pro-public school legislation is resolute.”

Some of Straus’s accomplishments include calling on the Legislature to make the state’s public school finance system more efficient; standing against privatization of Texas public education and vouchers; leading the passage of House Bill 5 in 2013, which established the new Foundation High School Program; and calling on the Texas Education Agency to make significant changes in the monitoring system used to determine qualifications for special education services.

“Though Speaker Straus retired from the Legislature in 2019, he has consistently stayed active in education policy by working with and supporting lawmakers who are pro-public education,” Northside ISD Superintendent Brian T. Woods wrote.

Today, Straus is chair of the Texas Forever Forward political action committee and continues his public service endeavors through his dedication to various boards and community and state organizations.H

A conversation about education

Here are three ways to amplify the voices of your students at TASB’s fan-favorite annual Governance Camp* conference: Participate in our student expo featuring a variety of student projects and programs.

Present a student-led session featuring a message or a program you think Texas trustees should hear about.

Apply for our scholarship and continue the conversation by participating in our annual student panel featuring scholarship winners.

Applications and more information about all three opportunities can be found at tasb.org/student-voice

*Your student(s) would need to be available to travel to Galveston and participate in Governance Camp on Friday, March 4, 2022.

Former Texas Speaker Joe Straus

Photo courtesy of Joe Straus

Super CEOS

Superintendent of the Year Finalists Announced

Five public school administrators from across Texas were selected as state finalists for the annual Superintendent of the Year (SOTY) award. Sponsored by TASB, the SOTY program has recognized exemplary superintendents for excellence and achievement in educational leadership since 1984.

The 2021 finalists are:

• Courtney Hudgins, East Bernard ISD, Region 3

• Mark Estrada, Lockhart ISD, Region 13

• H.T. Sanchez, Plainview ISD, Region 17

• Samuel Wyatt, Rankin ISD, Region 18

• Jeanette Ball, Judson ISD, Region 20

The state selection committee, which interviewed regional winners August 27-28, targeted such issues as the board-superintendent relationship, advocacy, the impact of the pandemic on Texas schools, and education innovations.

Courtney Hudgins, East Bernard ISD

Hudgins has been superintendent of East Bernard ISD, located southwest of Houston, for six years. In their selection of Hudgins as a finalist, the committee noted her proactive approach to relationship building as a key differentiator. In this district of approximately 950 students, Hudgins is well known for her work with her board—ensuring all trustees are well-equipped to answer questions from the community.

To do this, she checks in with district staff and students daily to gauge concerns and get ahead of any issues that might arise. Hudgins also stays connected to her community through radio interviews every other week. She has worked to build a team as passionate and energetic as she is through strategic hiring and a perpetual focus on building leaders.

Hudgins established a teacher leader academy in the district to enhance the culture and capacity across grade levels. Hudgins wants her district and students to be the best. As a former CTE director, Hudgins understands why it’s important

to prepare East Bernard students to be college-ready and career-ready. Through trade programs and business partnerships, the district helps students find their unique path.

Mark Estrada, Lockhart ISD

Estrada has served as superintendent of Lockhart ISD for three years and has been an administrator for 13 years. The selection committee noted that Estrada has created a leadership pipeline for his staff, providing opportunities for advancement. Estrada’s advocacy work and district initiatives reflect an understanding that Lockhart ISD is deeply connected to the local communities and to the larger education community.

Through Lockhart ISD’s internet project, the district paid for network towers to help students and community members learn, work, and thrive, while making the district more resilient when faced with the unexpected.

At this fast-growth Central Texas district of more than 6,000 students, a set of values guides the leadership team’s decision making. One of those values, termed Locked on Excellence, yielded the districtwide 1.5 Project. The project set an annual target of one and a half years of reading and math growth for all students. The goal was surpassed last school year.

H.T. Sanchez, Plainview ISD

Sanchez has led Plainview ISD for three years, serving a student population of more than 5,000. An administrator for 19 years, Sanchez works with the board to move beyond compromise to consensus and outcomes that reflect their strength as a team. Believing communication is the key to unity, he makes sure every board member’s voice is heard. From the community to the board, he encourages input by making sure everyone finds an open door when they reach out to him.

College readiness is systemic to Plainview ISD, and the district helps students see themselves as college material starting in the earliest grades. The district provides tutoring and curricula targeted at preparing students for higher education.

Sanchez believes effective district leaders are teachers at heart. Through a partnership with an area university, he offers incentives to the district’s teachers to pursue an administrative role with the district and add their perspective to the leadership team.

Samuel Wyatt, Rankin ISD

Wyatt has 19 years of experience as an administrator and has been at the helm of Rankin ISD for four years. The committee was drawn to Wyatt’s palpable enthusiasm and genuine concern for the individual students in his district, their unique needs, and their overall well-being. In this West Texas district of approximately 300 students, planning starts with students, and programs are molded to fit their needs.

This energetic superintendent lives by the dictum that actions are more powerful than words. He believes his most important work is not done behind his desk but out in the district, modeling positive values for students and staff. Known as an innovator, Wyatt has brought outsidethe-box thinking to hiring and operations, and he used thoughtful investment strategies to turn around the district’s finances.

Jeanette Ball, Judson ISD

Ball has led Judson ISD, northeast of San Antonio, for three years, where she serves almost 24,000 students in seven municipalities. The committee commented on Ball’s open leadership style and effectiveness at sharing the positive things happening in the district.

Ball approaches decision making with humility, an open mind, and an attentive ear. Her inclusive approach to tough decisions includes regular conversations with district staff and students.

An administrator for 23 years, Ball brings her team together behind their

shared love of children and the common goal of helping students succeed. In this environment of caring, the district has implemented robust wraparound services that support the whole child and the district’s families.

Selection Process

SOTY candidates are chosen for their strong leadership skills, dedication to improving educational quality, ability to build effective employee relations, student performance, and commitment to public involvement in education. All Texas superintendents are eligible for nomination by their school boards. Local nominees are submitted to a regional selection committee, which chooses one nominee to send to the state selection committee.

Regional superintendents of the year nominated by regional selection committees are:

• Hafedh Azaiez*, Donna ISD, Region 1

• Conrado Garcia, West Oso ISD, Region 2

• HD Chambers, Alief ISD, Region 4

• Mike Gonzales, Port NechesGroves ISD, Region 5

• Keith Smith, Madisonville CISD, Region 6

• Rickey Albritton, Gilmer ISD, Region 7

• Sidney Harrist, Atlanta ISD, Region 8

• Michelle Cline, Throckmorton Collegiate ISD, Region 9

• Michael Hinojosa, Dallas ISD, Region 10

• Susan Bohn, Aledo ISD, Region 11

• Brandon Hubbard, Chilton ISD, Region 12

• Jason Cochran, Eastland ISD, Region 14

• Dave Lewis, Rochelle ISD, Region 15

• Jimmy Hannon, Highland Park ISD (Potter County), Region 16

• Rosa Vega-Barrio, Tornillo ISD, Region 19

The 2021 Superintendent of the Year will be announced at the TASA | TASB Convention September 24-26 in Dallas. The districts of the winning superintendent and state finalists will receive an award from Balfour, program underwriter.H

*Donna ISD was the nominating district. Azaiez is now serving as superintendent of Round Rock ISD.

Bulletin Board

NSBA Magna Awards Deadline: November 1

Nomination deadline for the National School Boards Association’s (NSBA) Magna Awards contest, which recognizes district programs that focus on equity in education, is November 1.

The national awards program, focusing on district programs that remove barriers to achievement for vulnerable or underserved children, recognizes winners in three enrollment categories. A grand prize and five winners will be awarded in Under 5,000 Enrollment; 5,000-20,000 Enrollment; and Over 20,000 Enrollment.

Three grand prize winners will showcase their winning programs at a special Master Class Session during NSBA’s 2022 Annual Conference and Exposition, set for April 2-4, 2022, in San Diego, California.

All winning districts also will be featured in the April 2022 edition of NSBA’s American School Board Journal

For the 2022 awards, the judges specifically will look for programs that:

• Remove barriers to achievement for vulnerable or underserved children, based on race, ethnicity, gender, special needs, geography, or socioeconomic status

• Support their school board’s equity mission and vision for the district

• Exhibit success over time

• Have longevity and sustainability

• Can be replicated by other school districts with similar conditions and resources

For more information, visit nsba.org/ASBJ/Magna-Awards-2019/MagnaAwards-FAQs

Two Texans Honored by ASBO

The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO International), a professional association dedicated to promoting best practices in school business management, recently announced national honors for two Texas school business professionals.

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Chief Financial Officer Karen Smith was named as one of three 2021 Distinguished Eagle Award recipients. Smith was honored for her efforts as a change agent for students in her district and beyond.

Additionally, Jesus Amezcua, assistant superintendent for Business Services for the Harris County Department of Education, was honored as a Pinnacle of Achievement Award winner for his work to provide original solutions that maximize resources and enhance student achievement.

Smith and Amezcua will be honored at the ASBO International Annual Conference in Milwaukee in October.

Members Give TASB High Marks

Results from the 2021 TASB Member Survey show overall member satisfaction with the services and initiatives offered by the Association, with ratings mirroring the previous year’s responses.

Survey participants rated the Association’s performance on a five-star scale, with 1 star being “poor” and 5 stars being “excellent.” Members gave TASB an overall rating of 4.44, which was the same as last year. In fact, ratings across all performance indicators were similar to the 2020 results.

Survey results included the following:

• Legislative advocacy: 4.43

• Improving perception of public education: 4.20

• Communication with members: 4.54

• Training provided: 4.43

• Responsiveness to member needs: 4.38

• Anticipation of industry trends: 4.24

• Ease of business transactions: 4.35

Members also shared comments regarding anticipated challenges and where TASB should focus future efforts. The top areas identified were:

• Training formats, administration, and topics at conferences and online

• Advocacy to address school finance, accountability system, and employee benefits

• Rural and small district concerns and resources

The TASB Member Survey was sent to Texas school board members, superintendents, education service center (ESC) board members, and ESC executive directors in April. More than 1,000 responses were received, with more than half of responses coming from school trustees. TASB sends its appreciation to all who participated in the survey.

If you have a short news item you would like to submit to Bulletin Board, roger.white@tasb.org.e-mail

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Your presence at a 2021 Updates

Dates and Locations

Friday, November 5 • Austin

Texas Association of School Boards, 12007 Research Blvd., Austin, TX 78759

Tuesday, November 9 • Midland

ESC Region 18, 4845 US Highway 271 N., Pittsburg, TX 75686

Friday, November 12 • Virtual

Tuesday, November 16 • Kilgore

ESC Region 7, 1909 N. Longview St., Kilgore, TX 75662

Saturday, November 20 • South Padre Island

Details online soon.