TASA
TASB
Related
Presenting
TASA
TASB
Related
Presenting
All 100% districts will be acknowledged during our third general session on Sunday. If the superintendent and all board members from your district are in attendance, fill out a 100% attendance card available on the 100% Attendance table in the TASB booth, booth #107, in the Exhibit Hall (Halls D/E). Take a selfie with our photo backdrop! Cards must be completed and dropped in the box on the table by 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
The views expressed in presentations and materials are the views of the presenters only and do not necessarily reflect the views of TASA, TASB, or either of their members, officers, directors, executive committees, employees, agents, or representatives.
TASA Ι TASB does not endorse any third-party exhibitor, event host, speaker, sponsor, participant, or other attendee merely because of their participation or presence at convention activities or on convention premises. This program may provide notice of events hosted by organizations or persons unrelated to the official TASA Ι TASB program; however, TASA | TASB is not responsible for their activities. TASA | TASB convention is a nonpartisan event and neither TASA nor TASB supports or opposes candidates for public office.
Attendees are not permitted to distribute materials or to otherwise market themselves or their businesses in contracted convention space unless such attendees are registered as exhibitors and limit their marketing activities to within the confines of their assigned booth or space.
By registering for or attending this event, attendee consents to the recording of attendee’s likeness, image, and/ or voice in any non-private space and authorizes TASA | TASB to use photographs, video, and audio recordings containing attendee’s likeness, image, and/or voice in any medium for any TASA | TASB purpose.
No taping or recording is allowed other than by TASA | TASB and their designees. TASA | TASB and their designees record, photograph, and/or stream various aspects of this event for archival and promotional purposes.
As a courtesy to others, please remove your hat and silence your cellphone during sessions.
TASA | TASB is committed to providing a welcoming, civil, and safe environment for all participants and guests. TASA | TASB will not tolerate any form of harassment or offensive conduct by any person toward any of our staff, registrants, guests, or other participants or attendees. Anyone deemed to be in violation of this policy will be required to leave the event and no full or partial refund will be issued. If registrant wishes to report conduct that registrant believes violates this policy, please visit the onsite registration desk. Lost
Lower C meeting rooms next to C150
Lobby F, outside Exhibit Hall F, Office 230
Check any Information Booth
Rooms are at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center unless otherwise noted.
Attendees can earn more than 15 hours of training credit during the TASA | TASB Convention.
Most 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. Below is information about what required trainings will be offered at txEDCON23.
Certificate renewal standards adopted by SBEC require all certified educators to complete appropriate continuing education clock hours. The form for record keeping of CPE credit is available at Registration and will contain more information about SBEC certification rules.
Board members and superintendents should report credit using myCEC. Use the camera on your phone to scan the QR code or go to tasb.org/mycec and log in using your TASB 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.
Brought
Friday, Sept. 29, 4–5:30 p.m.
Exhibit Hall F, Level 2
KEYNOTE: Ken Williams, Start with the CROWN, Not With the Kid
PRESIDING OFFICER: TASB President Debbie Gillespie
STUDENT PERFORMANCE: Frisco ISD
AWARD PRESENTATION: Superintendent of the Year
Saturday, Sept. 30, 10:30 a.m.–noon
Exhibit Hall F, Level 2
KEYNOTE: Damon West, How to Be a Coffee Bean
PRESIDING OFFICER: TASA President LaTonya Goffney
STUDENT PERFORMANCE: Aldine ISD
AWARD PRESENTATIONS: Outstanding School Board and TSPRA Key Communicator
brought to you in part by
Sunday, Oct. 1, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
C Ballroom, Level 2
KEYNOTE: Meagan Johnson, Zap the Gap: Transforming Multi-Generational Teams
PRESIDING OFFICER: TASA President-Elect Martha Salazar-Zamora
SOTY candidates are chosen for their dedication to improving educational quality, board-superintendent relations, student achievement, and commitment to public support and involvement in education. Superintendents from any of the state’s 1,026 school districts are eligible for nomination by their local boards of trustees. District nominees are submitted to a regional selection committee, which submits one nominee per region to the state selection committee. The 2023 Superintendent of the Year will be announced Friday, Sept. 29, during the First General Session.
René Gutiérrez Brownsville ISD, Region 1
Judi Whitis
London ISD, Region 2
Larry Gajewskey Nursery ISD, Region 3
Stuart Kieschnick Nederland ISD, Region 5
Scott Sheppard Huntsville ISD, Region 6
Chad Pirtle Pleasant Grove ISD, Region 8
Kevin Worthy Royse City ISD, Region 10
Chris Skinner Teague ISD, Region 12
Darren Webb Lago Vista ISD, Region 13
Greg Decker Rotan ISD, Region 14
Thomas “Todd” White Santa Anna ISD, Region 15
Kathy Rollo Lubbock ISD, Region 17
Xavier De La Torre Ysleta ISD, Region 19
Matthew Gutierrez Seguin ISD, Region 20
Aldine ISD
Enrollment: 60,074
ESC: 04
Alief ISD
Enrollment: 40,329
ESC: 04
Allen ISD
Enrollment: 21,769
ESC: 10
Alvarado ISD
Enrollment: 3,750
ESC: 11
Amarillo ISD
Enrollment: 30,342
ESC: 16
Angleton ISD
Enrollment: 6,925
ESC: 04
Argyle ISD
Enrollment: 4,966
ESC: 11
Aubrey ISD
Enrollment: 3,538
ESC: 11
Austin ISD
Enrollment: 73,384
ESC: 13
Azle ISD
Enrollment: 7,089
ESC: 11
Beeville ISD
Enrollment: 3,097
ESC: 02
Belton ISD
Enrollment: 13,644
ESC: 12
Borger ISD
Enrollment: 2,493
ESC: 16
Buena Vista ISD
Enrollment: 251
ESC: 18
Canadian ISD
Enrollment: 829
ESC: 16
Carrizo Springs
CISD
Enrollment: 1,903
ESC: 20
Clear Creek ISD
Enrollment: 40,693
ESC: 04
Coppell ISD
Enrollment: 13,361
ESC: 10
Copperas Cove ISD
Enrollment: 8,043
ESC: 12
Corpus Christi ISD
Enrollment: 33,387
ESC: 02
Crockett ISD-
Houston County
Enrollment: 1,203
ESC: 06
Crowley ISD
Enrollment: 16,729
ESC: 11
Dripping Springs ISD
Enrollment: 8,375
ESC: 13
Eagle MountainSaginaw ISD
Enrollment: 23,196
ESC: 11
Eanes ISD
Enrollment: 7,733
ESC: 13
Ector County ISD
Enrollment: 33,340
ESC: 18
El Paso ISD
Enrollment: 50,031
ESC: 19
Fort Bend ISD
Enrollment: 79,660
ESC: 04
Fort Worth ISD
Enrollment: 72,783
ESC: 11
Friendswood ISD
Enrollment: 6,213
ESC: 04
Gonzales ISD
Enrollment: 2,605
ESC: 13
Goose Creek CISD
Enrollment: 24,431
ESC: 04
Gorman ISD
Enrollment: 253
ESC: 14
GrapevineColleyville ISD
Enrollment: 13,772
ESC: 11
Gregory-Portland ISD
Enrollment: 4,937
ESC: 02
Humble ISD
Enrollment: 48,758
ESC: 04
Hutto ISD
Enrollment: 9,620
ESC: 13
Irving ISD
Enrollment: 31,767
ESC: 10
Jim Hogg County ISD
Enrollment: 1,072
ESC: 01
Katy ISD
Enrollment: 92,667
ESC: 04
La Feria ISD
Enrollment: 2,926
ESC: 01
Lamar CISD
Enrollment: 42,461
ESC: 04
Lancaster ISD
Enrollment: 7,032
ESC: 10
Liberty Hill ISD
Enrollment: 2,398
ESC: 13
Lockhart ISD
Enrollment: 6,443
ESC: 13
Longview ISD
Enrollment: 8,274
ESC: 07
Lubbock ISD
Enrollment: 25,247
ESC: 17
Lubbock-Cooper ISD
Enrollment: 7,550
ESC: 17
Lumberton ISD
Enrollment: 47,195
ESC: 05
Marlin ISD
Enrollment: 926
ESC: 12
Mathis ISD
Enrollment: 1,485
ESC: 02
Mesquite ISD
Enrollment: 38,356
ESC: 10
Midlothian ISD
Enrollment: 10,990
ESC: 10
Milano ISD
Enrollment: 403
ESC: 06
Montgomery ISD
Enrollment: 9,748
ESC: 06
Navasota ISD
Enrollment: 2,977
ESC: 06
Nixon-Smiley CISD
Enrollment: 1,045
ESC: 13
O'Donnell ISD
Enrollment: 288
ESC: 17
Pasadena ISD
Enrollment: 48,726
ESC: 04
Pflugerville ISD
Enrollment: 25,445
ESC: 13
Plano ISD
Enrollment: 48,921
ESC: 10
Poth ISD
Enrollment: 935
ESC: 20
Prosper ISD
Enrollment: 24,983
ESC: 10
Raymondville ISD
Enrollment: 2,018
ESC: 01
Robstown ISD
Enrollment: 2,543
ESC: 02
Santa Fe ISD
Enrollment: 4,343
ESC: 04
Schertz-CiboloUniversal City ISD
Enrollment: 15,528
ESC: 20
Seguin ISD
Enrollment: 7,239
ESC: 20
Sheldon ISD
Enrollment: 10,990
ESC: 04
Shepherd ISD
Enrollment: 1,958
ESC: 06
Socorro ISD
Enrollment: 47,843
ESC: 19
Somerset ISD
Enrollment: 4,147
ESC: 20
Splendora ISD
Enrollment: 4,866
ESC: 06
Spring Branch ISD
Enrollment: 33,649
ESC: 04
Taylor ISD
Enrollment: 3,138
ESC: 13
Three Rivers ISD
Enrollment: 585
ESC: 02
Tornillo ISD
Enrollment: 829
ESC: 19
United ISD
Enrollment: 41,381
ESC: 01
West Sabine ISD
Enrollment: 608
ESC: 07
Westwood ISD
Enrollment: 1,414
ESC: 07
Wharton ISD
Enrollment: 1,844
ESC: 03
Zapata County ISD
Enrollment: 3,376
ESC: 01
$50 fee is required. If you did not preregister, ask on-site registration staff to check for availability.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 28
The following topic notations have been added at the beginning of each descriptor to provide attendees with a quick glimpse of the session’s focus:
VISION AND GOALS: Shared vision, district goals, strategic planning
SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES: Human resources, professional development, curriculum and instruction, budgeting, bonds, policy, school law, facilities, school safety, and cybersecurity
PROGRESS AND ACCOUNTABILITY: Student learning outcomes, progress monitoring, superintendent evaluation, state and local accountability
ADVOCACY AND ENGAGEMENT: Building partnerships and engaging community, parents, and businesses, legislative advocacy, public school advocacy
SYNERGY AND TEAMWORK: Roles and responsibilities, ethics, teamwork, collaboration among team of eight
2-5 P.M.
EISO/SB
1566 TRAINING
Ballroom D2, Elm Fork •
Focused and engaged school boards make a difference to 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. (Fulfills 3-hour biennial requirement)
Presenters:
TASB Board Development Services
David Koempel, Consultant
Orin Moore, Consultant
Ballroom D3, East Fork •
In today’s educational environment, there is nothing more important than prioritizing and partnering with parents to help advance student outcomes and your district’s overall goals. Yet, there’s often a lot of apprehension about saying the wrong thing at the wrong time or inadvertently causing misunderstandings or deepening divides. Figuring out how to avoid potential pitfalls is essential to authentically connecting and communicating with parents and family members. This extended workshop will help trustees consider new avenues of parent communication and engagement so elected school boards and individual board members can strengthen their relationships with families. Participants will leave with specific tips and strategies to help connect the work that takes place in the boardroom with what’s happening in the classroom and throughout the district’s campuses using practice scenarios and engaging exercises. Those in attendance will also receive a toolkit to take back home with them. Don’t miss this opportunity to hone your skills, build trust, and strengthen your relationships with families through meaningful and effective conversations that are student focused.
Presenters:
TASB Board Development Services
Susan Elliott, Curriculum and Instructional Design Director
Esperanza Orosco, Consultant, and Trustee, Hays CISD
Ballroom D4, West Fork • Developing and adopting the annual budget is a complex process that requires both strong governance and management, representing alignment and collaboration among the team of eight. In this session, participants will learn the importance of adopting annual budgets that support advancement of the board-adopted strategic plan. Attendees will also explore the revenue projection process, including how the 88th Legislative Session impacted school finance. Additionally, a panel of experienced board members will share stories and experiences intended to help participants strengthen their own governance practices to ensure their local district is operating effectively and efficiently. New and experienced trustees alike will benefit from this conversation and leave with a new understanding of how to plan and budget in a way that demonstrates strategic and fiscal alignment from the boardroom to the classroom.
Presenters:
Jason Burdine, TASB Consultant, Former Board President, Fort Bend ISD
Charles Dupre, Member Engagement and Support Deputy Executive Director, TASA
Wendy Eldredge, Superintendent, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD
Cassandra Hatfield, Trustee, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, LTASB Class of 2023
Tracy Ginsburg, Executive Director, TASBO
Bobby Ott, Superintendent, Temple ISD
Dan Posey, Trustee, Temple ISD
This programming required advanced registration. If you did not preregister, check with on-site staff at each function for availability.
7:15 A.M.-12:45 P.M. Field trip experience to Mesquite ISD
(includes lunch)
The Mesquite Promise is an initiative implemented by Mesquite ISD with the aim of removing barriers and providing opportunities for young people to grow up successfully. It is designed to cultivate a supportive environment and nurture the development of students by focusing on four principals and 16 habits.
Participants will earn four hours of continuing education credit hours for this event.
Participants may be required to provide their ID prior to the trip to prepare for campus security.
This programming required advanced registration. If you did not preregister, check with on-site staff at each function for availability.
7:30 A.M.-3:30 P.M.
C142 •
Whether you’re a new board officer or considering taking on a leadership role, Board Officer Institute (BOI) will offer the in-depth training you need to effectively prepare for and facilitate board
meetings, keep meetings focused, and build collaborative boardsuperintendent relationships. Don’t miss this engaging and enlightening learning experience.
Presenter:
Esperanza Orosco, Consultant, TASB Board Development Services, and Trustee, Hays CISD
This programming required advanced registration. If you did not preregister, check with on-site staff at each function for availability.
7:30 A.M.-3:30 P.M.
C140 •
Continue your learning journey during Texas Trustee Institute (TTI). Get specialized training to be a successful and collaborative part of your board and network with other new board members from across the state. Session continues Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m. Preregistration is required to reserve your seat for this training designed just for new trustees.
Presenters:
TASB Board Development Services
TASB Legal Services
TASB Policy Service
This programming required advanced registration. If you did not preregister, check with on-site staff at each function for availability.
7:30-8 A.M.
Registration and Continental Breakfast
C Ballrooms 3/4
8-11:30 A.M.
Program
(includes a 15-minute break)
C Ballrooms 3/4 •
The Small School District Seminar is designed for schools with 999 or fewer students and focuses on
how small systems across the state implement creative solutions to overcome the significant challenges small schools face and leverage the incredible advantages small schools have to offer.
The 2023 Seminar will honor the unique characteristics of the attending small school districts and board members (the smallest, furthest, longest-serving, newest, most unique programs, etc.), before digging into ways to best lead and serve small schools.
The morning will include a board member panel from a variety of small districts discussing effective board leadership, followed by a panel of superintendents exploring some of the best ways create and carry out a vision for the district.
The seminar will conclude with three district spotlights focusing on some of the issues most prevalent in small schools: teacher recruitment and retention, creative strategies for funding, expansion of course offerings, and more.
The 2023 Spotlight Districts are O’Donnell ISD (296 students), Marlin ISD (882 students), and Cumby ISD (435 students).
Session continues Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m.
Presenters:
Amy Jacobs, Executive Superintendent, TASA
Orin Moore, Consultant, TASB Board Development Services
Jill Siler, Deputy Executive Director, Professional Learning, TASA
7:30-8:30 A.M.
Ballroom D1, Clear Fork • School board self-assessment is key to successful group cohesiveness. Presenters will explore information to increase self-awareness through the School Board Self-Assessment instrument that is based with emotional intelligence rooted in the self-assessment. Presenters will provide an overview of the assessment, which is designated to identify specific skill sets that are key variables when looking at an emotional intelligence profile. The specific school board assessment can be administered in 20 minutes. If your district is committed to achieving blue ribbon status, find out how our team can help your team navigate the road to excellence.
Presenters:
Eleazar Cano, Former Board President, Alpine ISD
Jose Cervantes, Superintendent, Carrizo Springs CISD
Albert Sosa, Board President, Carrizo Springs CISD
Ballroom D2, Elm Fork • AI is here, and tools like ChatGPT are already disrupting teaching and learning. Panelists will discuss the current state of AI in education, potential benefits and challenges of using AI in teaching and learning, issues related to ethics, privacy and bias, and how AI is likely to impact education.
Vision and Goals
Systems and Processes
Progress and Accountability
Presenters will offer guidelines and recommendations for addressing the use of AI. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in polls and ask questions, gaining valuable insights and ideas to navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by AI in education.
Presenters:
Dianne Borreson, Executive Director, Texas Education Technology Leaders
Karla Burkholder, Technology Services Director, Schertz-CiboloUniversal City ISD
Charles Cooper, Digital Learning Specialist, ESC 20 Kimberly Lawson, Chief Academic Officer, Fort Bend ISD, and Texas ASCD President-Elect
The Collective: Engaging the Entire School Community to Address Chronic Absenteeism
Ballroom D3, East Fork • Student absences are on the rise in schools across the state. This growing issue cannot effectively be addressed while working in silos. It takes a unified commitment from schools, families, and community stakeholders to co-design actionable, innovative solutions. Through this reflective and engaging session, participants will acquire a variety of tiered attendancepromoting strategies that can be implemented individually or integrated into intervention-based frameworks such as Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS).
Presenters: Plano ISD
Sharon Bradley, Family and Social Services Director
Courtney Gober, Student, Family, and Community Services Assistant Superintendent
Advocacy and Engagement
Synergy and Teamwork
Financial Milestones: What Every Superintendent and Board Member Should Know
Ballroom D4, West Fork •
Examine the five key milestones every board member and superintendent should know to ensure compliance with state fiscal standards each year that contribute to excellence in finance. Participants will leave with a checklist of rolespecific tasks that align with fiscal reporting standards set by TEA.
Presenter:
Kyle Johnson, Finance and Operations Assistant Superintendent, Westwood ISD
Building a Better Construction Contract
C Ballroom 1 •
The TASB Council of School Attorneys (CSA) Construction Contract Committee prepares school-specific amendments to commonly used American Institute of Architects (AIA) contract forms. Hear this group of experienced attorneys discuss recommended contract amendments, relevant legal developments, and recent legislative updates affecting school facility construction.
Presenters:
Ann Greenberg, Shareholder, Walsh Gallegos Treviño Kyle & Robinson, P.C.
John Hopkins, Partner, Spalding
Nichols Lamp Langlois
Sarah W. Langlois, Partner, Spalding Nichols Lamp Langlois
Tom Myers, Attorney and CSA
Construction Contract Committee Chair, Brackett & Ellis PC
Lynn Rossi Scott, Partner, Brackett & Ellis PC
Recapping the 88th Legislative Session
C Ballroom 2 •
The 88th Legislative Session is behind us, and the decisions made under the dome are moving into implementation, ready to impact teachers, students, campuses, and districts. This session will explain the impact of the session, giving attendees a better understanding of policy decisions that will affect their districts and the work still left to be done ahead of the next session.
Presenter:
Bob Popinski, Policy Senior Director, Raise Your Hand Texas
Elevate: An Accelerated 'Grow Your Own' Staffing Solution Cost Neutral!
D161 •
Participants will learn about an innovative and financially selfsustaining “grow-your-own” model for building a teacher pipeline. The session will cover the importance of education partnerships and opportunities for non-degreed instructional assistants to immediately accelerate their college degrees and certification to become teachers. Elevate is an innovative program that is providing solutions for Texas districts facing staffing and retention challenges.
Presenters:
Jim Christensen, Executive Director, TeachWorthy
Jennifer Hiser, Professional Learning Coordinator, Mesquite ISD
Cybersecurity: A Panel Discussion with District Leaders from Small, Medium, and Large Districts
D162/164 •
Join us for a unique panel discussion on cybersecurity in Texas school districts. Led by a former state cybersecurity leader and cybersecurity company executive strategist, this session will feature technology leaders from various sized districts across Texas. Gain insights on protecting student data and preventing ransomware attacks through real-world examples and strategies for addressing
cybersecurity challenges. Learn about the latest trends and tools for improving cybersecurity posture in schools, and take away practical advice for implementing effective cybersecurity programs in your district. Don't miss this opportunity to network and stay ahead of evolving threats.
Presenters:
John Emerich, Superintendent, Crockett ISD
Dustin Hardin, Chief Technology Officer, Clear Creek ISD
Shad McGaha, Chief Technology Officer, Belton ISD
Matt Singleton, Executive Strategist, Crowdstrike
Puff, Puff, We'll Pass: Disciplining Vape Pen and Opioid Use
D163 •
Texas is dealing with an influx of illegal substances making their way to students. From tobacco to marijuana to fentanyl, it's vital that districts know how their policies read, how and when they can discipline students in possession, and what the newly passed laws allow districts to do to combat these substances. This session will discuss district policies, student codes of conduct, the laws that address these substances, and best practice tips from the point of view of school law attorneys and superintendents who have dealt with this issue first hand.
Presenters:
Elisabeth Avila Luevanos, Superintendent, Milano ISD Emma Darling, Senior Associate, Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Munoz PC
Staff Wellness Is CRITICAL: Invest in It!
D165 •
It's easy to talk about the importance of self-care, but to really make a difference, there must be action. Irving ISD designated funds to build a wellness center for its employees to provide access to counselors, training, health classes, massages, and an outdoor trail to connect with nature. Students deserve the very best, and this district is making sure
its teachers and staff have resources needed to be their best selves.
Presenters:
Magda Hernandez, Superintendent, Irving ISD
Mike Holmberg, Partner, WRA Architects
Randy Randale, Trustee, Irving ISD
911 When to Contact Legal!
Superintendent, Board Member, and Attorney: Building Relationships Within the Delicate Trifecta
D167 •
This session will focus on building a team-focused approach to the governance structure of the school district while maintaining the ethical and professional relationships between the board, superintendent, and their legal counsel. Board policies, operating procedures, ethical rules/standards, and commissioner decisions will be examined to ensure a proper understanding of the duties, laws, and responsibilities that govern the board, superintendent, and attorney, and how each provide a service of leadership within the framework of the governing structure of a public entity.
Presenters:
Melinda Barajas, Trustee, Mathis ISD, LTASB Class of 2020
Juan Cruz, Legal Counsel, J. Cruz & Associates LLC
Susana Garza, Superintendent, Jim Hogg County ISD
Dare
D168 •
Learn how to develop a community engagement program to prepare parents, students, and community members to become informed leaders and advocates for your district. Receive a framework for an ongoing community engagement and advocacy program and how to create a similar program for students. From interactive presentations, building tours, community service, and more, a leadership and advocacy program can ignite the community, parents, senior citizens,
staff, and students to become engaged advocates for your district and public education.
Presenters:
Coppell ISD
Angela Brown, Chief Communications Officer
Brad Hunt, Superintendent
Leigh Walker, Trustee, LTASB Class of 2019
Launching the Conversation: Creative Ways to Engage Your Community
D170/D172 •
Board members spend a great deal of time talking with the community about what’s going on in their district, but it's not always centered around all the good things that are happening. Learn how Beeville ISD took community engagement to the next level with creative, engaging community conversations. You'll be ready to power the agenda and steer the conversation!
Presenters:
Theresa Arthur, Trustee, Beeville ISD, LTASB Class of 2020
Todd Harris, Trustee, Borger ISD, LTASB Class of 2012
Blanca Trout, Trustee, Canutillo ISD, LTASB Class of 2019
Texas OnCourse and My Texas Future: Transforming College and Career Planning for All Learners
D171/D173 •
My Texas Future is a new digital tool that enables students to explore careers, identify in-demand occupations in their region, and connect directly with institutions of higher education for advising. THECB will highlight changes to ApplyTexas and introduce Map My Path, a coursework transfer tool. My Texas Future is a comprehensive platform that will serve as an innovative, post-secondary resource for K-12 learners and beyond. This session will also cover free online professional development for educators using the Texas OnCourse Academy.
Presenters:
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Lauren Discher, Professional Learning Coordinator
Farcett Partick, Program Manager
Women in Leadership: Navigating the Leadership Journey
D174 •
More women are achieving higher leadership roles, running for office, or campaigning for leadership positions. While women are achieving high levels of success, research indicates some women still lack confidence and hesitate to speak up. Hear strategies to increase confidence and inspire young women in your sphere of influence. Topics will include work-life blend, creating the climate for female leadership, finding/using voice, and effective campaigning.
Presenters:
Barbara Burns, Trustee, Denton ISD, LTASB Class of 2015
Creslond Fannin, Executive Director, Austin ISD
Corinne French, Higher Ed Professional and Doctoral Student, Southern Methodist University, LTASB Class of 2015
Partnering with Gifted and Talented to Leverage Growth for Every Student
D175 •
This session will explore how integrating the work of advanced learning teams helps all students experience more successful outcomes. Working collaboratively with gifted and talented and advanced learning to implement evidence-based strategies unlocks benefits not only in the classroom but also in improvements to performance data such as accountability ratings and CCMR domains. Participants will discuss examples of successful collaboration opportunities including using PLCs, unpacking the state plan for the gifted and talented, strengthening improvement plans, and leveraging data to help everyone succeed.
Texas Association of Gifted and Talented
Monica Simonds, Advanced Learning Director, Richardson ISD
8:45-9:45 A.M.
Facilities, Maintenance, and Resources: Ignorance Is Bliss, but Reality Bites
Ballroom D1, Clear Fork • Unfortunately, when it comes to school buildings, you most likely don't know what you need to know. What is the true cost of constructing, maintaining, and renovating facilities? How do recent economic concerns and pressures affect your district's facility-related expenditures? Are you effectively planning for your district facilities future? Learn to ask the hard questions and explore the many challenges your district faces in providing an educational environment that will help your students succeed.
Presenters:
Jeff Clemmons, Director, TASB Facility Services
Klip Weaver, President, E3
Sparking Career Conversations with Students
Ballroom D2, Elm Fork •
This presentation is a deep dive into Pasadena ISD's approach to providing college- and careerreadiness solutions to their 6-12th grade students over the last 15 years. Discussion will highlight effective strategies used by district counselors and administrators to encourage early career exploration among students, successfully support transitions to the district's CTE high school based on accurate student interest assessments, and meet Texas HB 5 graduation requirements.
Presenters:
Presenters: Kristin Graham, Professional Learning and Partnerships Director,
Pasadena ISD
Robin Harold, Counselor
5 Stages to Build a Pro-Public Education Community Coalition
Ballroom D3, East Fork •
Organizing pro-public education voices across the community has become a key strategy to build support for public schools, to counter negative rhetoric, to elect strong trustees, and to pass bonds. Our experiences have led to a five-stage model to assist any group wanting to create and sustain local support for public schools. The panel will detail the journey, including identifying passionate, credible champions; crafting messages that resonate; and demonstrating effective governance that sustains trust. Come learn best practices for building powerful community coalitions from a current and former trustee, a former superintendent, and a grassroots, statewide advocacy champion.
Presenters:
Lynn Boswell, Trustee, Austin ISD
Laura DuPont, Co-Chair, Association of Former Board Trustees, Clear Creek ISD Chapter, LTASB Class of 2018
Greg Smith, Executive Director, Fast Growth Schools Coalition
Laura Yeager, Director, Just Fund It TX
Ballroom D4, West Fork •
Wondering which policy-related bills were actually passed by the Legislature? There was a lot of activity during this legislative session, and TASB Policy Service is working on the necessary policy revisions. Join policy consultants who will share relevant issues impacting district policies and discuss the changes administrators and board members will need to consider.
Presenters: TASB Policy Service
Kristy Birch, Policy Consultant
Brooke Stroud, Policy Consultant
Beyond the Alarm: Youth Mental Health Solutions
C Ballroom 1 •
The U.S. Surgeon General has deemed the current state of youth mental health a national crisis. Together administration, parents, schools, and practitioners can remove barriers to care in rural and low-income areas and reduce stigma to improve the mental health of all students. Participants will gain an understanding of the importance of parents as a protective factor in youth mental health, learn how to take the pressure off mental health systems available in schools by engaging parents in conversations of support for children, and discover ways to reduce barriers to care in rural or low-income communities.
Presenters:
Michelle Bartsch, Vice President of Education, Cook Center for Human Connection
Gloria Casas, Trustee, La Feria ISD Lindsey Collins, School and Community Advocacy Manager for Texas, Cook Center for Human Connection
Staff Over Stuff: Prioritizing Student Need, Staff Retention, and Innovation Through Collaborative Budgeting Strategies
D161 •
Federal funding comes at the cost of compliance, but when used strategically can support your district's mission, vision, and goals for student success. Join this session to learn how to use coordinated and integrated funding strategies to align federal spending with the district’s strategic plan, provide staffing stability, and implement innovative initiatives to support students and staff. Learn how Gonzales ISD allocated resources to avoid a post COVID RIF, implemented a mental health department, and funded an enrichment and intervention academy. Leave the session with guidance regarding collaboration between departments to prioritize investing in staff and students over stuff.
Presenters: Amanda Fullilove, Federal Programs Director, Gonzales ISD
Sharrah Pharr, Educational Consultant, State and Federal Education Services
Amanda Smith, Chief Finance Officer, Gonzales ISD
The Tangled Web: Social Media and Your Schools
D162/164 •
Social media is ubiquitous across all industries, including education. But what happens when these information-sharing platforms and PR-generating tools pose challenges for school administrators and boards? Join experienced school lawyers to untangle the intricacies between social media and free speech as they relate to students, employees, and the community. Leave this session with a better understanding of how to evaluate and, if possible, address online misconduct that impacts school operations.
Presenters: Spalding Nichols Lamp Langlois Morgan Beam, Attorney Cory Rush, Attorney
Creating a Culture of Preparedness with Safety and Security
D163 •
Lancaster ISD will share its comprehensive approach to ensuring the safety and security of their students and staff. Explore how the district implemented a clear bag policy, trained staff to identify and respond to suspicious activity, and fostered a culture of trust and transparency to encourage students to report potential threats. In addition, learn about their effective communication strategies that have helped parents feel confident and comfortable sending their children to school. Leave this session with practical tools and insights to enhance your district's safety and security measures and create a safe learning environment for all.
Presenters: Lancaster ISD
Katrise Perera, Superintendent
Kimberly Simpson, Communications Chief
Clifford Wherley, Police ChiefBuilding Capacity to Improve Equity and Access to Quality School Mental Health Services
Across Texas
D165 •
The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute influences systemic change across Texas at the state, regional, and local levels to prioritize strong mental health policy implementation; develop statewide, fully funded evidencebased interventions; build capacity of school districts to design innovative school-based systems of care through regional learning communities; and remove barriers to care by bringing direct services and education to local districts through community partnerships. Examine how this work is helping Texas districts better support student and educator mental health and wellbeing and school safety.
Presenters:
Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
Melissa True, Mobile Mental Wellness Collaborative Director
Linda Webb, Education Initiatives
Senior Vice President
We've Reviewed Our Special Education Program: Now What?
D167 •
Central office and special education administrators from a large and a small district will share how they used results from a special education program review to create action plans that continue to produce positive results. Panelists will answer questions concerning communication with their board; implementation; collaboration; and program, staff, and student level results.
Presenters:
Denise Carter, Manager, TASB Student Solutions
Igor Gusyakov, Curriculum and Learning Assistant Superintendent, Lumberton ISD
Susan Jackson, C&I Deputy Superintendent, Goose Creek CISD
Holli Pharis, Special Programs Senior Director, Goose Creek CISD
The Superintendent Search Process
D168 •
TASB Executive Search Services staff will present the elements of the search process, what to expect if doing the search internally, advantages of using an external consultant, board members' perspectives about the process, and how to manage expectations.
Presenters:
TASB Executive Search Services
Butch Felkner, Director
Marian Strauss, Senior Consultant
Connecting with Your SpanishSpeaking Families
D170/D172 •
This session will help attendees understand the Spanish-speaking population and learn how to connect with them. Discover how Longview ISD is closing the gap and improving communication with its largest and fastest-growing population
Presenters: Longview ISD
Ted Beard, Trustee, and Immediate Past President, TASB, LTASB Class of 2012
Francisco Rojas, Public Information Officer
James Wilcox, Superintendent
Executive Coaching: Leadership Development to Grow Your Organization
D171/D173 •
Executive coaching has long been used as a “corporate” strategy to support leadership effectiveness; and now research shows coaching is a strategy that helps both novice and tenured superintendents grow and thrive in the role. Coaching is not mentoring, nor is it only for leaders who are “struggling”. It is a unique relationship in which the coach partners with the client to help them achieve their full leadership potential. In education, this can
mean improved student outcomes, a more healthy district culture, and effective, efficient performance from the boardroom to the classroom. Leadership does matter, and executive coaching will help your superintendent and board take your district to the next level.
Presenter:
Charles Dupre, Deputy Executive Director, Member Services TASA
Building a Winning School Culture in 90 Days: The Power of Effective School Governance
D174 •
Is your district struggling to move forward due to past practices and attitudes? Are you uncertain about the role of school governance in shaping district culture? The success of your district hinges on strong and engaged governance leadership. In this dynamic session, you'll learn how to create a positive and results-driven culture in your district quickly and effectively. Discover the transformative power of effective school governance and take the first step toward a brighter future for your district.
Presenters: Robstown ISD
Larry Cantu, Trustee
Lori Garza, Trustee
Cezar Martinez, Trustee
Marc Puig, Superintendent
The Light Bulb Moment: Triangulating Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment to Support Student Achievement
D175 •
Constant initiatives and a neverending to-do list can leave teachers and administrators in the dark. Learn how Socorro ISD has sparked new learning through the Light Bulb Moment with its teachers and campus leadership. District leaders will share how triangulating formative assessment data, curriculum resources, and lesson plans lead to more effective instructional practices. By using the TEKS Resource System, data reports, and Eduphoria Forethought, SISD is creating the Light Bulb Moment
for strong instructional practices. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to streamline and connect resources and initiatives to make a meaningful impact on student achievement.
Presenters: Socorro ISD
Lucia Borrego, Chief Academic Officer
Nate Carman, Superintendent
Carmen Crosse, School Improvement Officer
Jina Eksaengsri, School Improvement Officer
9:45-10:15 A.M.
Holly Ferguson, Superintendent, Prosper ISD
JoLisa Hoover, Teacher Specialist, Raise Your Hand Texas
Hjamil Martinez-Vazquez, Teacher, Crowley ISD
Ballroom D2, Elm Fork •
In 2019, Lubbock ISD set a goal of increasing the percentage of students in A- and B-rated schools from 42% to 80% by 2026. By 2022, that number had increased from 42% to 75%, and the district is poised to achieve its goal three years early. Presenters will discuss the strategies used by instructional leaders at every level to fuel educator growth and student achievement. Three main strategic areas will be highlighted: (1) Data practices for informed decisionmaking, (2) Deimplementation and implementation: what the district stopped doing to focus on what matters most, (3) Personalizing professional learning.
Presenters:
C Ballroom 1 •
TASB is developing a new track of advocacy trainings designed to get trustees ready to advocate for your students and schools. If you're just starting out on your advocacy journey, join TASB Governmental Relations staff for an overview of the educational ecosystem in Texas, our state's legislative process, and how trustees can most effectively advocate in Austin and back home. After this session, trustees will have a better understanding of how legislation is created and how to communicate their needs to legislators and their communities.
Presenters:
TASB Governmental Relations
Whitney Broughton, Assistant Director
Raif Calvert, Assistant Director
Dax González, Director
Ruben Longoria, Assistant Director
TASB Legal Services Game Show: Legal Jeopardy!
C Ballroom 2 •
Unlocking the Power of Advocacy: Advocates in the Capitol
Ballroom D1, Clear Fork •
During the 88th session, Raise Your Hand Texas hosted more than 200 superintendents, principals, trustees, teachers, and students from around the state to come to Austin to speak directly to lawmakers about education policy. As those who are closest to our state's current education challenges, these stakeholders have an important perspective that is critical to good policy-making. In this session, attendees will discover the impact advocates had during the legislative session, why it's important to begin planning for the next session now, and new tools for their advocacy toolboxes to use in their own communities.
Presenters:
Giovanni Escobedo, Senior Regional Advocacy Director, Raise Your Hand Texas
Lynsey Heffner, Client Success Team Manager, KickUp
Misty Rieber, Chief Academic Officer, Lubbock ISD
Ballroom D4, West Fork • Everyone wants to know how to stop violent events on our campuses, but very few people know the questions to ask. This panel of school security experts will share questions you need to be asking, as well as the right and wrong answers. Time will be allocated for audience questions.
Presenters:
Jeff Broaddus, President, Broaddus Defense
Ashley Chohlis, Superintendent, Poth ISD
Jane Dwyer, Deputy Superintendent, Nixon-Smiley ISD
Cathy Lauer, Field Services, ESC 13
Question: What is fun, informative, and full of the latest school law news? Answer: The TASB Legal Services annual Convention extravaganza! This session uses a Jeopardy! game show format to update you on recent legislation, court cases, and other legal mischief. Guaranteed to be the most painless hour you have ever spent in a room full of lawyers.
Presenter:
Leslie Story, Director and Attorney, TASB Legal Services
to Develop an Impactful Bond Package
D161 •
From strategic planning to data collection to navigating difficult issues, targeted strategies are essential for developing bond packages that impact student outcomes, address infrastructure needs, and provide good value for taxpayers. This session is for board members, superintendents, and
administrators who anticipate calling a bond election in the next two years. Following the session, participants will be able to game-plan the process, lead development of a bond package, identify strategies to navigate politics encountered during bond planning, and develop a bond package that advances the district's strategic priorities.
Presenters:
Angela Brown, Chief Communications Officer, Coppell ISD
Brad Hunt, Superintendent, Coppell ISD
Cindy Powell, Consultant, Cooperative Strategies
Chris Trotter, Chief Operations Officer, Coppell ISD
Leading the Way: A Trustee's Charge in Charting a Successful Bond Election!
D162/164 •
Expanding student enrollment, aging facilities, debt, taxes, restrictions on advocacy, limitations, and confusing legal disclaimers accompanying election measures, possible sanctions: How does a trustee — an elected representative — chart a course to help inform the community of the board's decision and reasons for placing a bond measure to a vote before the community? In this session, an experienced trustee, superintendent, and school/co-bond attorney will offer practical legal tips on how each trustee, in concerted effort with the board and administration, can effectively inform and serve their communities during bond elections using examples from real life experience.
Presenters:
Mary Jane Hetrick, Trustee, Dripping Springs ISD, SecretaryTreasurer, TASB, LTASB Class of 2017
Holly Morris-Kuentz, Superintendent, Dripping Springs ISD
Stefani Reinold, Trustee, Dripping Springs ISD
Tony Resendez, Attorney, Walsh Gallegos Treviño Kyle & Robinson, P. C.
D163 •
Although physical barriers are essential to protecting schools, mental health is often overlooked. To ensure a safe and supportive school environment, school leaders need to prioritize school-based mental health (SBMH) services that foster effective coping skills, destigmatizes mental health, and educates staff on recognizing when students exhibit emotional or behavioral signs of distress. Participants will learn about Texas legislative mandates, evidenced-based practices for implementing SBMH services, and risk and protective factors. Additionally, administrators will learn the association between addressing mental health in schools and the correlation to student achievement.
Presenters: United ISD
Linda Garza, School Psychologist
Ileana Moreno, School Psychologist
D165 •
In response to the Uvalde tragedy, Seguin ISD assembled a safety task force to review its own safety and security measures. The 30 community-member task force was charged with identifying improvement ideas across four safety areas. This session will examine Seguin's response strategy, the four safety areas, and how ThoughtExchange was used to include all community voices in the conversation to find common ground and a way forward to ensure the protection of the community's children.
Presenters:
Matthew Gutierrez, Superintendent, Seguin ISD
Kevin Skelcher, Account Executive, ThoughtExchange
D167 •
Learn what academic return on investment (ROI) is and how to implement it in your district. This process will help your district prioritize spending plans and bring together crossfunctional teams to best meet student needs with limited resources.
Presenters:
Michele Trongaard, Associate Superintendent for Business and Finance, Mansfield ISD
Travis Zander, Senior Analytics Advisor, Frontline Education
TSPRA: Connect4Safety — Using Communications and Community Engagement to Create Positive Change
D168 •
When tragedy strikes a school district and student lives are lost, how should school leaders respond? Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD chose to put its passion for kids and advocacy for safe passageways to work by partnering with CESO Communications to launch Connect4Safety. This session will show how EMS ISD and CESO strategists used research, planning, implementation, and evaluation to bring the four pillars of the district community together — schools, community organizations, neighborhoods, and cities — in a united effort to support safe passageways. With four calls to action and some avid storytelling, Connect4Safety is designed to unite key stakeholders.
Presenters:
Jim F. Chadwell, Superintendent, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD
Megan Overman, Communications Executive Director, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD
Julie Thannum, Senior Strategist, CESO Communications
D170/D172 •
Join us in unraveling the secret behind Liberty Hill ISD's success in overcoming political turbulence and restoring public trust in education. Discover their innovative, year-long campaign that changed community engagement and led to a $471.1 million bond approval. Delve into the power of strategic communication, data-driven insights, and effective use of voter analysis to empower school districts and foster stronger bonds that drive positive change. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and triumph together.
Presenters:
Kristin Coulter, Strategic Planning and Partnerships Director, Liberty Hill ISD
Cody Cunningham, Communications and Community Engagement Director, Pfluger Architects
Steve Snell, Superintendent, Liberty Hill ISD
D171/D173 •
Students thrive when they have access to real-world learning experiences that prepare them for their careers. CTE offers that opportunity. At Mesquite ISD Vanguard High School, there are four schools (technology, engineering, construction science and health science) within the campus offering 16 different programs under one roof. Presenters will share how Vanguard creates engaging learning opportunities for students while connecting with the community and business partners. These partnerships are crucial for ensuring programs are preparing students to succeed after graduation. Explore how community, business partners, and the various programs at Vanguard collaborate to create a successful student experience.
Presenters:
Diego Barrera, Design and
Educational Planning Director, WRA Architects
Graham Baumann, Partner, WRA Architects
Angel Rivera, Superintendent, Mesquite ISD
D174 •
This session draws on a theory that dysfunctional organizations, campuses, teams, and school boards are dysfunctional for the same reason — they lack leadership. What is often heard from board members is that they do not have authority over one another to impact change. This session will address the idea that, though board members cannot leverage authority over one another, effective board leaders do not need, or use, authority to lead and influence others. Presenters will use teachings from proven thought leaders, and board presidents, on how they use influence to improve board effectiveness and teamwork.
Presenter:
Robert Duron, Member Support
Executive Leader, TASB Member Services
A Cut Above the Rest: How Gorman ISD Built a Cosmetology CTE Program from Scratch
D175 •
Gorman ISD — a small class A district — established a successful cosmetology program that had its first two fully licensed cosmetologists graduate high school in May 2023. Learn how the program was established, how it was funded, its partnership with Ranger College, and how the program works in a small school setting.
Presenters:
Gorman ISD
Shawndelle Harrington, Cosmetology Instructor
Scott Wells, High School Principal
Jenny Winter, Counselor
Mike Winter, Superintendent
Out of the Frying Pan: The Supreme Court and Special Ed Litigation
Ballroom D1, Clear Fork • Learn from two veteran special education attorneys and trustees why partnerships with parents of children with disabilities is more important than ever. A 2023 Supreme Court decision will significantly change your district's litigation risks involving students with disabilities. This session will focus on developments in case law, including the ability to seek money damages for student disability claims, and measures your district can take to increase parent satisfaction with services for students.
Presenters:
Amy Foster, Senior Associate, Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz PC
Francesca Romans, Trustee, Leander ISD
Anna Smith, Trustee, Leander ISD
Holly Wardell, Shareholder, Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz PC
Youth Suicide School-Based Prevention: A Collaborative Call to Action
Ballroom D2, Elm Fork • In this panel discussion, presenters from S.T.O.P., CIS, and Wharton and Sheldon ISDs will share innovative collaborative approaches in school-based suicide prevention they are implementing, with a focus on peer-to-peer sessions with students, staff education on Mental Health First Aid, community involvement that includes parents in school assemblies addressing suicide prevention measures with students, and follow-up and referral for additional services for highrisk youth. In addition, presenters will discuss preliminary research efforts and challenges, and ways
to overcome common barriers to implementing suicide prevention in schools, including data collection and evaluation.
Presenters:
Brenda Dearmon, Federal Programs and Grants Executive Director, Sheldon ISD
Brenda George, Co-Founder, S.T.O.P (Stop.Talk.Overcome.Pain) Suicide Prevention Program S.T.O.P
Donna Montes, Crisis Intervention Specialist, Community in Schools
Aretha Williams, Restorative Discipline and PBIS Coordinator, Wharton ISD
Promoting Your School Programs in Today's Climate of School Choice
Ballroom D3, East Fork • Discuss how the Texas climate is continuing to change and how to proactively promote your schools and programs. In today's school choice climate, marketing and recruitment strategies have become essential skills for school leaders to maintain or increase student enrollment. Evaluate your current strategies and engage in discussions with colleagues to enhance your marketing and student recruitment strategies while considering the climate in your community. Leave the session with an action plan for next steps to up your game.
Presenters:
UT Austin School District
Beth Cooper, Superintendent
Tamara Porras, Associate Principal
Managing Pay Increases for Teachers and Other District Staff
Ballroom D4, West Fork • School boards work each year to adopt pay plans and pay increases that improve pay for educators and other district staff. Competitive pay structures and pay increases are necessary to support district recruitment and retention efforts. However, adopting competitive plans and increases has become more difficult as finances become tighter and state requirements for pay increases may limit flexibility. This session will provide guidance to
attendees on how to manage annual pay increases when budgets are tight and legislative requirements may override district strategies.
Presenter:
Amy Campbell, Director, TASB HR Services
Looking Forward to 2024 Accountability
C Ballroom 1 •
It's late September. 2023 A-F Accountability Ratings and final data may have already been received by districts. So now what? What lessons can we learn? What are our next steps? What does an instructional model focusing on growth and then performance look and sound like?
Presenters:
lead4ward llc
John Fessenden, Consultant
LeAnn Fisher, Consultant
2023-24 TRS-Active Care Benefits
C Ballroom 2 • TRS-Health works to find ways to develop the best healthcare benefit offerings for Texas’ public school employees. It offers districts education and training programs so they in turn can explain confusing healthcare terminology and processes to their employees. Working with BCBSTX, the program helps to improve the patient experience and health outcomes by enlisting technology to support both districts and plan participants, and searching for new ways to ensure the healthcare employees receive is transformative and supportive. Presenters will provide examples of how the program succeeds in these efforts.
Presenter: Sarah Farley, Senior Health Engagement Strategist, Teacher Retirement System of Texas
SBOE Panel Discussion
C Ballroom 3/4 •
The State Board of Education (SBOE) plays a significant role in developing policies and standards for Texas public schools. Join SBOE members for a discussion moderated by TASB’s Legislative
Committee chair as they reflect on their significant responsibilities in the implementation of HB 1605 as passed by the 88th Texas Legislature.
Moderator:
Dan Micciche, Trustee, Dallas ISD, Legislative Chair TASB
SBOE Panelists:
Rebecca Bell-Metereau, Member, SBOE
Staci Childs, Member, SBOE
Keven Ellis, Member, SBOE
Will Hickman, Member, SBOE
Audrey Young, Member, SBOE
Texas School Safety Legislation
Changes and How to Implement on Your Projects
D161 •
Alyssa's Law is critical legislation addressing law enforcement response time during a lifethreatening emergency. The law passed in Texas requires sweeping changes to schools' entries, digital surveillance, visitor monitoring and logging, and armed personnel laws. This session summarizes upcoming legislation, advancements in safety and security, and how Texas schools are successfully implementing them. At the conclusion, attendees will understand highlights of the new legislation impacting school campuses; take away best practices for equitably implementing the new required strategies; learn the importance of following new state and national security standards; and understand how electronic systems metrics improve security space management, operational efficiency, and learning environments.
Presenters:
Tom Sorrell, Principal, CMTA
Bob Atkins, Maintenance, Operations, and Construction Executive Director, Santa Fe ISD
Teacher's Perspective: Our Ability to Respond to an Active Shooter
D162/164 •
A Plano ISD administrator’s doctoral research is based on the gap of time: the clock starts as an active shooter invades a school and continues until police end the event. During
that time, the major protector of children are teachers. However, there was very little research on what teachers thought about their ability to respond. After reviewing surveys and group interviews of only Texas teachers, she has structured staff development opportunities based on empowering educators to fill the gap of time based on their perspective. Parents, officers, and administrators aware of teachers' perspectives are able to support district morale by responding to staff needs.
Presenter:
Mandi Murphy, Emergency Management and Safe Schools Director, Plano ISD
Leadership Prep: Educators Need Differentiation, Too
D163 •
When it comes to learning, research has shown what works for human brains. Educators are using this to design relevant, engaging learning for students. But when it comes to their own development, educators often receive content that's the same no matter their level of experience, strengths or needs. Learn how relevant, timely and hands-on training can help leaders navigate the radical shifts in mindset and day-to-day duties as they move up the career ladder. If we truly want to improve education, it's time to rethink how we invest in developing today's educators to become tomorrow's leaders.
Presenter:
Lindsay Whorton, President, The Holdsworth Center
Cellular Connectivity: Our Schools' Safety Depends On It
D165 •
We depend on mobile devices and connectivity in just about everything we do today. We'll explore the importance of good cellular connectivity in the classroom and on school grounds. Both complex and fascinating, this session will dive into how the cellular network and market works and options for your district to improve cellular coverage
to increase the safety and security of your students, staff, and community.
Presenter:
Jeff Clemmons, Director, TASB Facility ServicesTeacher Residency: Lighting the Way for New Teacher Preparation
D166 •
Socorro ISD is leading the pack and lighting a path for teacher preparation. Through a one-year long paid teacher residency, aspiring educators get on-the-job experience as part of their teacher preparation to ensure they are day-one ready for the demands of being a teacher. By partnering with a local university, SISD has created a robust and nationally recognized pipeline for its schools. The result: well-prepared teachers and reignited mentors who stay in the teaching profession. Participants will walk away with an understanding of how underutilized district funds can support current district needs (staffing shortages).
Presenters:
Socorro ISD
Lucia Borrego, Chief Academic Officer
Nate Carman, Superintendent
Carmen Crosse, School Improvement Officer
Jina Eksaengsri, School Improvement Officer
Redefining the Culture of Our District/Community with ESC Region 6 Board of the Year
D167 •
Navasota ISD, led by its school board, has trusted and worked the process of redefining the expectations for improvement throughout the district and our community, which is made up of several municipalities and communities that span the 364 square miles. From improving academic performance expectations over 31 points from an “F” to a “B” in the State Academic Accountability System, to leading the district through a $61 million bond project that upgraded and expanded existing campus facilities and established multiple programs of
choice for students, the Navasota ISD board has led the charge.
Presenters:
Navasota ISD
Amy Jarvis, Trustee
Greg Mock, Trustee
Stu Musick, Superintendent
Jennifer Ramirez, Trustee
Raising the Rural Voice Through Collaborative Partnerships, Leadership Initiatives
D168 •
This session will focus on how rural regions across Texas are building collaborative partnerships and leadership capacity aimed at reinventing how rural schools provide high-quality opportunities for students and how these initiatives have influenced legislation/policy in the Texas Legislature. Participants will learn about how the RSIZ model has influenced legislation that will provide incentives for rural innovation as well as the LeadRural Fellowship, which has brought together rural leaders and created opportunities to elevate the rural voice. This session will be beneficial for rural community leaders, districts, superintendents, and IHEs.
Presenters:
Michael Gonzalez, Executive Director, Rural Schools Innovation Zone
Mason Kyle, Superintendent, Buena Vista ISD
Lawana Pulliam, Innovative Solutions Assistant Director, Region 16
Hannah Sharfman, Manager, Empower Schools
D170/D172 •
Aldine ISD flipped the script on the Superintendent's Ambassadors program. Ambassadors are doing more than just sitting in a room talking. The diverse cross-section of students is active in AISD's planning process, from changing the direction of the district's newcomer high school model to helping reduce phone texting on campuses and more. The superintendent and
district leaders use the opportunity — meetings, phone calls, or texts — for student engagement, feedback, and a chance to elevate the student experience. This session is ideal for anyone looking to get students fired up to take action while capturing their voice and building trust.
Presenters:
Aldine ISD
LaTonya Goffney, Superintendent Sheleah Reed, Chief of Staff
D174 •
Working with your superintendent and asking the right questions can be challenging. This session will address those challenges and how trustees across Texas' largest and fastest growing districts tackled the challenges and partnered with their superintendent to ask the necessary questions to hold district leadership accountable. Join trustees from two districts to learn how they partner with district leaders and what questions they ask to be effective and transparent for the community. Also learn how to work closely with district administration to move your district forward.
Presenters:
Judy Dae, Board President, Fort Bend ISD
Rick Garcia, Trustee, Fort Bend ISD David Hamilton, Trustee, Fort Bend ISD
Jon Welch, Trustee, Lamar CISD
D171/D173 •
Are you struggling to promote your school? Is your approach falling short in a crowded education market? Join us for a session on innovative marketing strategies that helped Raymondville ISD stand out and attract students in today's competitive landscape. Explore showcase examples of outside-thebox marketing campaigns, from clever commercials to engaging social media content. Attendees will
leave with actionable tips to improve their school's marketing efforts and connect with prospective families. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the district’s successes and stand out in a crowded education market.
Presenter: Benjamin Clinton, Deputy Superintendent, Raymondville ISD
D175 •
A strategic plan is a critical element in guiding school systems to excellence. Learn from Ector County ISD's senior leadership team and members of Chiefs for Change how to execute a strategic plan with fidelity using the Project Management Oversight (PMO) process. Focus areas include aligning the strategic plan throughout the system, managing the plan with PMO (project charters, deliverables, tactics, risk assessment), incorporating an effective change management process, and creating a culture of organizational accountability.
Presenters:
Mandy Hinajos, Blended Learning Coordinator, Ector County ISD
Scott Muri, Superintendent, Ector County
Dale Schmidt, Consultant, Chiefs for Change
Alicia Syverson, Associate Superintendent, Ector County ISD 2:15-3:15 P.M.
basic requirements, history, compliance issues, and common concerns boards may face surrounding special education. Board members will gain valuable information and considerations of ways they can support their districts in this highly contested legal arena.
Presenters:
Denise Carter, Manager, TASB Student Solutions
Kelly Janes, Shareholder/Attorney, Walsh Gallegos Treviño Kyle & Robinson P. C.
Ballroom D2, Elm Fork • Evaluating a superintendent is one of the most important roles of the board. Effective evaluations do more than produce meaningful performance rating for superintendents. They also act as a planning tool designed to improve district performance in critical areas. What are the legal requirements and governance considerations for conducting effective evaluations? How do these requirements look in reality? Join this session for perspective on these questions and more.
Presenters:
Orin Moore, Consultant, TASB Board Development Services
George Kazanas, Director, TASB Field Services
Peter Rusek, Board President, Midway ISD
Leslie Story, Director, TASB Legal Services
Classroom to the Capitol: Belton ISD Trustees, Administrators
Special Education 101: What Board Members Need to Know Ballroom D1, Clear Fork • Special education can quickly become a costly and stressful component of district governance. Presenters will provide insider information about the world of special education. Topics include
Establishing an Advocacy Voice Ballroom D3, East Fork • Belton ISD's team of eight worked to establish an advocacy voice for recent legislative session. Join this discussion on the district's process for developing legislative priorities and actions it took to engage legislators in meaningful advocacy for its community. Participants will hear the trustee and superintendent perspectives on their success and areas to improve. Attendees
will be encouraged to share their experiences and ideas regarding their own advocacy efforts.
Presenters:
Belton ISD
Erin Bass, Trustee
Chris Flor, Trustee
Jeff Norwood, Trustee
Matt Smith, Superintendent
Texas School Safety Center: Navigating New School Safety Requirements
Ballroom D4, West Fork •
The Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) is an official, universitylevel research center at Texas State University, tasked by the Texas Education Code and the Governor's Homeland Security Strategic Plan with key school safety initiatives and mandates. TxSSC serves as a clearinghouse for the dissemination of safety and security information through research, training, and technical assistance for K-12 schools and junior colleges throughout the state. This session will review safety mandates and updates for all public school and charter districts and discuss current and upcoming compliance safety measures.
Presenters:
Kerri Brady, Educational Practice Vice President, Huckabee
Kathy Martinez-Prather, Director, Texas School Safety Center
C Ballroom 1 •
There is no perfect blueprint for passing a bond in today's economy and political climate. Find out how two districts with different demographics and varying rates of growth passed bonds with multiple propositions that included both academic and athletic facilities. Similar plans with different strategies made for two very successful elections.
Presenters:
Tommy Brown, Chief Communications Officer, Alvarado ISD
Julie Zwahr, Chief Communications Officer, Denton ISD
CSA Spotlight Session: Instructional Resources, Library Books, and the First Amendment
C Ballroom 2 • LGBT novels, “CRT,” and sex in library books have become flash points that have dominated board meetings and divided communities. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects speech, but also the ability to receive information without government restrictions. Many boards have used terms neither defined in statute nor case law to remove books and may run the risk of litigation. This presentation will review policy, standards for review, court decisions, and recently passed laws to facilitate community responsiveness, while keeping your school district out of court.
Moderator:
Jasmine Wightman, Attorney, TASB Legal Services
Panelists:
Sarah Flournoy, Attorney, Brackett & Ellis, P.C.
Hans Graff, Senior Attorney, Leon Alcala, PLLC
Amber King, Counsel, Thompson & Horton LLP
Catching up with the Texas Legislature
C Ballroom 3/4 • Learn how recent legislation will impact public schools and students and engage in discussions on what that legislation will mean at the local, regional, and state levels. Presenters will cover major legislation with a focus on the issues that have the greatest significance to school districts. (Fulfills 1-hour biennial requirement for the update to the Texas Education Code)
Presenters:
TASB Governmental Relations
Whitney Broughton, Assistant Director
Raif Calvert, Assistant Director
Dax Gonzalez, Director
Ruben Longoria, Assistant Director
Title IX changed significantly in 2023 — again. It may feel like torture, but it's more important now than ever for schools to comply with the law. The benefits to students of doing so are well documented, and it can also protect against an Office of Civil Rights complaint or lawsuit. No need to fear: It's easier to reach Title IX triumph than you think. Join two nationally recognized Title IX attorneys for a step-by-step guide for effectively implementing new requirements for sexual harassment and discrimination investigations, gender identity and athletics, athletics equity between male and female teams, and pregnancy and parenting requirements in your district.
Presenters:
Thompson & Horton, LLP
Jacqueline Gharapour Wernz, Partner
Holly McIntush, Partner
Title IX Investigations: Am I Doing This Right?
D163 •
An experienced Title IX attorney will share information regarding proper conduct of Title IX investigations. Participants will receive a refresher on the roles of stakeholders and procedural requirements for conducting these types of investigations, including updates from the U.S. Department of Education as to the scope of Title IX. The presenter will also share common missteps in the investigation process and how missteps can lead to potential exposure OCR complaints and legal claims.
Presenter:
Allen Keller, Attorney, Schulman, Lopez, Hoffer & Adelstein, LLP
Igniting a Culture of Advocacy
D167 •
What do you do when a small handful of negative voices seem to be drowning out all the positive things happening in your district? You ignite a culture of advocacy! In this transparent and entertaining session, you will hear about the lessons Prosper ISD has learned in balancing how to partner with parents on legitimate concerns and empower its educators and community to tell the story of the incredible things students and educators actually do everyday.
Presenters:
Prosper ISD
Jeff Crownover, Administrative Services Chief
Holly Ferguson, Superintendent
Rachel Trotter, Chief Communications Officer
Combating the Teacher Shortage: An Innovative Grow-Your-Own Program
D170/D172 •
The education field has faced unparalleled shortages that have impacted students across the country. Learn how our district's grow-your-own program provides students with highly qualified teachers, through a self-sustained (no cost to the district), direct, teacher pipeline. Copperas Cove ISD's RISE program assists existing support staff in pursuing their college degree, while providing them with embedded learning, structured support, and financial assistance. Through the creation of four pathways to degree and teacher certification, the district has been able to place more than 30 highly trained teacher interns on its campuses this year, and the positive impact on students is invaluable.
Presenters:
Copperas Cove ISD
Lori Hensley, Extended Learning Director
Amanda Rolfe, Instructional Coach
School-Based Mental Health: Strategies for Student, Parent, and Staff Engagement
D171/D173 •
School-based mental health education is a growing need across the nation. Participants will learn about examples of mental health literacy content and engagement strategies being implemented in Texas districts. Explore strategies for engaging with students, parents, and staff that incorporate evidence-based best practices and supports. Attendees will learn about cost-effective virtual and in-person strategies for gaining and implementing mental health education supports with communities that increase engagement.
Presenter:
Jeff Carr, Education and Outreach Services Senior Program Director, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Department of Psychiatry
Beyond the RAGE: Stabilizing a Culture of Success After Years of Turmoil
D175 •
Where are we now? Superintendents will lead an encore presentation through the transformation cycle of a district from vision to victory. Leaders will experience first-hand testimonies about districts that have experienced the ruin through the culture shift to rebuild. The effects of purposeful leadership on transformation; student, teacher, administrator efficacy; student achievement; cultural capacity; and district credibility will also be highlighted.
Presenters: Carnelius Gilder, Superintendent, West Sabine ISD Darryl Henson, Superintendent, Marlin ISD
3:15-4 P.M.
Grab a snack and beverage before going into our first general session! Join us at the Networking and Break area just outside of the entrance to the Exhibit Hall at booth 148.
Brought to you in part by:
4-5:30 P.M.
KEN WILLIAMS
Exhibit Hall F, Level 2
Start With the CROWN, Not With the Student
Ken Williams is a nationally recognized trainer, speaker, coach, and consultant in leadership, instructional equity, and school culture.
Presiding: Debbie Gillespie, President, TASB
Invocation: LaTonya Goffney, President, TASA, Superintendent, Aldine ISD
Student Performance: Frisco ISD
Award Presentation: Superintendent of the Year
Your Association. Your Voice.
Delegate Assembly is your opportunity to have a voice on key Association business. This year, Delegates will vote on:
• Proposed changes to the 2022-24 TASB Advocacy Agenda
• Proposed changes to TASB Bylaws
• TASB’s leadership for 2023–24
There is still time to register!
Onsite Delegate registration opens on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 11:30 a.m. in the Dallas Ballroom (Level 3) and near the escalators on Level 2.
Already registered?
If you have your Delegate/Alternate ribbon, then head directly to your regional caucus meeting at 12:30 p.m.
Schedule
12:30–1:30 p.m.
Lunch and Regional Caucuses, Regions 1-10 on Level 3 and Regions 11-20 on Level 2
Your Delegate/Alternate ribbon will grant you access to the free lunch and caucus.
2–4:30 p.m.
Delegate Assembly, Dallas Ballroom, Level 3
Earn continuing education credit for participating in the Assembly and caucus lunch!
Attend for a chance to win!
All Delegates in attendance at the Assembly will be entered into a drawing for one of ten $1,000 student scholarships.
Thanks to our sponsors:
7:30-8:30 A.M.
Texas Trustee Institute
Preregistration is required.
C140 •
New board members: Continue your learning journey during Texas Trustee Institute (TTI). Get specialized training to be a successful and collaborative part of your board and network with other new board members from across the state.
Presenters:
TASB Board Development Services
TASB Legal Services
TASB Policy Services
A Priority for the Governance Team: Improving District Culture
Ballroom D1, Clear Fork • Navigating decision-making in a school district can be daunting for the governance and leadership team. Learn 10 strategies of how the governance team impacts district culture and student outcomes with a deliberate approach to communicating district priority with focus and integrity, and ultimately becoming the culture warriors every school district needs.
Presenters:
Shepherd ISD
Jason Hewitt, Superintendent
Yvonne Johnson, Trustee
Vision and Goals Systems and Processes
Progress and Accountability
Good Governance Starts and Ends with an Effective Board President
Ballroom D3, East Fork •
As president, it's imperative to understand how your leadership can make or break the team. Using the eight principles outlined in Harvard Business Review, panelists will discuss how to implement best practices to effectively chair the board. Come prepared to see and hear what it takes to lead your board and leave with proven methods to put into action with your team to better support your district.
Presenters:
Billie Logiudice, Trustee, Hutto ISD, LTASB Class of 2022
Esperanza Orosco, Consultant, TASB Board Development Services, and Trustee, Hays CISD
Robert Westbrook, Trustee, SchertzCibolo-Universal City ISD, LTASB Class of 2013
Innovative Staffing in Schools
Ballroom D4, West Fork • Approaching staffing strategically can ensure the appropriate allocation of full-time, part-time, and substitute employees necessary to meet student needs. Educational entities should develop models that provide equitable distribution of resources and an efficient process for making current and future adjustments. Learn some of the innovative approaches being used across the state to fill teaching vacancies.
Presenter:
Karen Dooley, Assistant Director, TASB HR Services
Advocacy and Engagement
Synergy and Teamwork
District Cybersecurity: Emerging Threats and Preemptive Action
C Ballroom 1 •
Even as districts improve their cyber defenses, the cybercriminal threat evolves deploying new methods of attack. Maintaining awareness of these developments and ensuring your staff is informed is critical in your district's cybersecurity success. This presentation will provide case studies of recent attacks against the K-12 sector and recommendations for preemptive mitigation to avoid attacks.
Presenter:
Lucas Anderson, Privacy and Cyber Risk Consultant, TASB Risk Management Services
Mentoring Matters: How Educators Can Impact the Teacher Shortage in 30 Minutes a Month
C Ballroom 2 •
The Charles Butt Foundation supports the Charles Butt Scholars, who are all aspiring teachers, by connecting them for mentorship with highly trained principals who have been through the Raise Your Hand Texas Harvard Leadership Institute. Come listen and learn how the Foundation's mentoring model works and be inspired to work locally to ensure the success of the teaching profession into the future. We're the answer. Grassroots efforts work. Let's take control and turn this teacher shortage around, together.
Presenters:
Ashley Chohlis, Superintendent, Poth ISD
Christina Dunigan, Aspiring Teachers Program Director, Charles Butt Foundation
Elena Regalado, Doss Elementary Teacher, Austin ISD
The World of Texas Public School Finance: Remember You Are Here Forever!
C Ballroom 3/4
•
The 88th Texas Legislature dealt with a wide variety of school finance issues. This session will discuss different actions, reactions, and the resulting impact of the Legislature's actions (or lack thereof) on school districts across Texas.
Presenters:
The Equity Center
Ray Freeman, Executive Director
Josh Sanderson, Deputy Executive Director
D161 •
Hate crimes and other racial and religious harassment have increased since 2016. Office of Civil Rights guidance and court rulings on civil rights issues affect how schools must respond to such incidents. Join us for an interactive review of recent litigation and regulatory trends, covering the whole gambit of students' civil rights. Through case law and hypotheticals, attendees will learn practical strategies and best practices for responding to complaints of student discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. We will analyze the scope of the district's responsibility to ensure all students' right to a safe and affirming school.
Presenters:
Thompson & Horton, LLP
Rebecca Bailey, Partner
Holly McIntush, Partner
D162/164 •
The expanding presence of artificial intelligence (AI) is sure to disrupt schools as we know them. Along with that disruption will come a host of new legal, technical, and instructional issues. This session will offer an enlightening discussion and real-time examples everyone needs to know about the cutting-edge confluence of technology, education,
and the law. Presenters will discuss the challenges, opportunities, and potential consequences of AI in education and highlight both the brilliant prospects and potential hiccups educators face in this rapidly evolving landscape. Learn about the key issues you need to know about ChatGPT, Dall-E, Midjourney, and beyond.
Presenters:
Kelley Kalchthaler, Attorney, Walsh Gallegos Treviño Kyle & Robinson PC
Victor Valdez, Chief Operating Officer, Pflugerville ISD
Building Confidence in Security Decision-Makers
D163 •
This presentation is based on a study of recent active shooter attacks at K-12 schools: Covenant Presbyterian School, St. Louis High School, Newport News ES, Sandy Hook, Parkland, Santa Fe, and Uvalde. From the evidence gathered, presenters will help guide board members, superintendents, and facility managers in the decisionmaking process for safety and security products and services to help protect school districts and reduce the decision-maker's liability. This session will show administrators how to help prevent, safeguard, slow down, shield, and protect against potential active shooters.
Presenter:
Tom Czyz, Chair, National Safety Security Protection Association
Drug and Alcohol Trends in Texas: How Schools Can Use Their Data to Inform Prevention
D166 •
This presentation will discuss the Texas School Survey of Drug and Alcohol Use (TSS) including trends in teen tobacco, alcohol, and drug use as well as emerging areas of concern. Researchers from Texas A&M will discuss how schools and districts can use the TSS to gather data specific to their population and how to use this data to inform prevention strategies. The Dallas Recovery Resource Council will present on
how they can use the data to work with schools and districts to deliver training and prevention. Attendees will receive a list of prevention resource centers throughout Texas that deliver similar services.
Presenters:
June Deibel, Community Engagement Director, Recovery Resource Council
Shannon Peairson, Senior Research Associate, Texas A&M University
8 Mistakes Leaders Make in the Workplace
D167 •
Not everyone is a born leader, but every leader has potential to become a better one. While the world of work continues to develop, honing leadership skills is more important. Inspired by a post from Jaime Faulkner of TTI Success Insights (used with permission), this session will explore eight essential leadership skills needed in today's workplace. Not your standard lecture, the presenter will employ stories and videos, and use an engagement platform that encourages participation. In exploring these eight skills, participants will assess their areas of strength, identify growth areas, and discover resources to elevate their skills in these areas of competence.
Presenter:
Jason W. Meek, Chief Learning Officer, TASBOD168 •
Whether you're a large urban or a remote rural district, involvement of community, students, and business partners can assist your district leaders in addressing growth, aging facilities, staff retention, hostile relations with your community, overcrowding, and poor graduation rates. Presenters will share case studies on community engagement from public school districts across the state. Participants will leave with an understanding of the tools available and their applications,
importance of selecting a cross section of your community, and community capacity and knowledge building, using processes to manage opinions and personalities.
Presenters:
Mark Estrada, Superintendent, Lockhart ISD
Ken Hutchens, Chief Creative Officer, VLK Architects
Lizzy Johnson, CEO, TransCend4
Daniel Pitcock, Chief Experience Officer, VLK Architects
Rewriting the Narrative: Improving District Morale and Stakeholder Relationships Starts With Leadership
D170/D172 •
It's no secret student and staff morale is in steady decline, between increased pressure from accountability, student test scores, state and federal mandates, and burnout leading to the teacher shortage. Join this session to learn about three initiatives you can implement right now to recognize students and staff and rewrite the narrative of your school district to improve morale and culture. Learn how to keep “the main thing the main thing” by highlighting students as individuals beyond a test score, recognize a legacy of staff retention and community contribution, and appreciate all staff through a monthly initiative involving community partnerships.
Presenters:
Gonzales ISD
Amanda Fullilove, Federal Programs Director
Veronica Johannsen, Chief of Administration, Communications, and Security
D171/D173 •
Hear examples of how Texas board members and district administrators have successfully engaged their communities and rallied support for bond propositions. Join this moderated panel to learn how they positively faced the challenges of today's political climate, hear how
board members played a significant role in their elections, and see how their boots-on-the-ground approach helped rally their communities. Their positive approach helped pass their props, and it could work for you, too.
Presenters:
Justin Marino, Staff and Communications Chief, Montgomery ISD
Jim Milacek, Trustee, Aubrey ISD Matt Smith, Superintendent, Belton ISD
Theresa Williams, Superintendent, Plano ISD
D174 •
From publicly accessible AI programs like ChatGPT to other cutting-edge innovations, we'll explore how these technological developments will shape the educational landscape the next few years. Presenters will share how Goose Creek CISD is future-proofing their facilities to prepare students for success. Be inspired by the Stuart Career Tech High School, where students are equipped with tools they can carry with them in the face of technological advancements. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve.
Presenters:
Brenda Garcia, Facilities Planning and Construction Director, Goose Creek CISD
Raleigh Sullivan, Principal, Pfluger Architects
From Compliance to Commitment: Creating a Culture of Change
D175 •
Zapata County ISD committed to leveling up communication between the district's stakeholders to improve organizational effectiveness. Learn how to strategically cultivate the relationships needed to move your district forward by elevating the district's culture to ensure alignment between the district and the community. The superintendent, key leadership, and board members will share how they packed the house
with vested parents, students, staff, and community members during a communitywide event. Attendees will receive actionable tools and resources to unite stakeholders in developing a shared belief and call to action to ensure all students soar to their highest potential.
Presenters:
Rogelio Gonzalez, Human Resources and Leadership Development Executive Director, Zapata County ISD
Kammi Green, Chief of Partner Success, Engage2Learn
Ana Martinez, Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment and Accountability Executive Director, Zapata County ISD
Bobbie Trevino, Superintendent, Zapata County ISD 8:45-9:45 A.M.
Ballroom D1, Clear Fork • Learn how the Prosper ISD board has instituted instructional walks to provide feedback to improve the goals and objectives aligned to the PISD Strategic Plan and superintendent-board goals. In addition, the board can speak truth into the community through authentic experiences performing instructional walks at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and can speak to misinformation shared on social media while also assisting in providing valuable feedback to create systemic change in the district.
Presenters:
Prosper ISD
Bill Beavers, Trustee
Jorden Dial, Trustee
Dena Dixon, Trustee
Holly Ferguson, Superintendent
One Pill Can Kill: Guidance from the Dallas DEA
Ballroom D2, Elm Fork •
This seminar will dive into the new “f” word: fentanyl. Illicit fentanyl pills are becoming more available in schools across the United States, and Texas schools are no exception. School administrators have had to confront the dangers of fentanyl with students overdosing on campus while others face criminal charges for its distribution, and not to mention the community concerns of its presence on school grounds. A DEA special agent in charge will provide a crash-course on fentanyl: what it is, its dangers, dispel myths, and provide clear, no-nonsense facts on how to keep students and school staff informed and safe.
Presenter:
Eduardo Chávez, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration — Dallas Field Division
A Circle of Support: Community Partnerships and Public Schools
Supporting Students Dealing with Trauma
Ballroom D3, East Fork •
Have you ever considered who your foster students are and what struggles and challenges they go through in the educational system?
There are about 17,000 school-aged students in Texas schools who are in foster care. Students involved with the foster care system have experienced trauma and may show signs of depression, anxiety, or antisocial behavior that can lead to disruptive behaviors in school. This presentation provides an overview of foster care and highlights how public schools, higher education, and child advocacy groups can partner to lessen the impact trauma has on children in the foster care system.
Presenters:
Selenda Cumby, Instructor, Texas Tech University
Cathy Palmer, Superintendent, O'Donnell ISD
Dusty Palmer, Assistant Professor, Texas Tech University
McKennah Shelton, Advocacy Coordinator, Casa of the South Plains
Ballroom D4, West Fork • Media coverage of schools isn't new, but often school board members and administrators are hesitant to respond to an interview request, fearing inadvertent blunders or a violation of student confidentiality. Your school is doing great things you can publicize via a media partnership. In crisis, you also need to be prepared for hard questions. What should you say? What can you say? Presenters will discuss their top 10 rules of thumb for partnering with the media, allowing you to put your best face forward and successfully and legally champion your district.
Presenters:
Walsh Gallegos Treviño Kyle & Robinson PC
Paula Roalson, Shareholder-Attorney
Jim Walsh, Shareholder-Attorney
From Your District to the Capitol: Trustees and Superintendents' Legislative Impact
C Ballroom 1 •
Trustees provide education oversight and governance to ensure public schools meet community expectations. The perspective these leaders — and their constituents — bring is important to state policymakers. Raise Your Hand Texas' Trustee Advocates program gives Texas school boards and superintendents the tools needed to find, use, and amplify their voices and the voices of communities to influence state education policy. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of their direct impact on the legislative process.
Presenters:
Missy Bender, Trustee in Residence and Regional Advocacy Director, Raise Your Hand Texas
Marlene Bullard, Trustee, Tornillo ISD, LTASB Class of 2017
Michelle Cavazos, Superintendent, Gregory-Portland ISD
Nancy Humphrey, Trustee, Plano ISD, LTASB Class of 2015
Lance Redmon, Trustee, Katy ISD
The A-F Refresh: Reflections from the Field
C Ballroom 2 •
As the new A-F Accountability Refresh is rolling out, these panelists will reflect on the changed accountability framework, how they are helping their communities understand the changes, and their initial thoughts on how their systems will adjust to the higher expectations under the refresh.
Presenters:
Elmer Avellaneda, Superintendent, Gonzales ISD
Trish Bode, Trustee, Leander ISD
Ashley Chohlis, Superintendent, Poth ISD
Susan Elliott, Curriculum and Instructional Design Director, TASB Board Development Services
Clint Garza, Trustee, Poth ISD
Bruce Gearing, Superintendent, Leander ISD
Josie Smith-Wright, Trustee, Gonzales ISD, LTASB Class of 2007
TASA Legislative Update: 88th Legislative and Special Sessions
C Ballroom 3/4 •
This session will provide updates on the various bills passed during the regular and two special legislative sessions. Presenters will also focus on the upcoming special session on school vouchers and finance, among other topics of interest to administrators and trustees.
Presenters:
Amy Beneski, Governmental Relations Deputy Executive Director, TASA
Casey McCreary, Associate Executive Director, TASA
Colby Nichols, Consultant, Ancira Strategies
Taking Care of Our Crew: Retention Is Recruitment
D161 •
The best way to recruit is to retain. How are you taking care of your people so they can take care of your people? Need ideas and tips that have minimal impact on budget but big impact on retention? Join this session and let's learn together.
Presenter:
Jessica Hanson, Recruitment, Retention, and Compensation Coordinator, Azle ISDUnder the Microscope: Protecting Yourself and Your District from Pitfalls in Ethics and Conflicts of Interest
D162/164 •
School districts, trustees, and school personnel have become a political football. This brings an increased level of scrutiny, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Presenters will review relevant business-related laws regarding conflicts of interest, illegal gifts, and other ethicsrelated issues that can often result in negative attention to a district or school official. This session will be a refresher on these important subjects, with some practical discussion, so that you can repay your community's trust by ensuring these issues do not disrupt your district's educational mission.
Presenter:
Eric Munoz, Shareholder, Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C.
Recognizing Risk and Providing Mental Health Resources to Rural Communities
D166 • Participants will learn how parents, practitioners, and educators can work together to improve youth mental health and prevent suicide in rural communities. Detailed statistics and the latest research regarding mental health access for high-risk, Hispanic, and native populations in rural areas will be provided. Attendees will learn about no-cost, accessible solutions to help rural parents support their child with common problems including bullying, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Presenters will share tools that have increased mental health access in rural communities like La Feria ISD.
Presenters:
Michelle Bartsch, Vice President of Education, Cook Center for Human Connection
Lindsey Collins, School and Community Advocacy Manager for Texas, Cook Center for Human Connection
Rebounders: How Superintendents Pivot from Setback to Success
D167 •
Life is never a straightforward journey; it's full of curves, turns, stumbles, and rebounds. In the world of superintendents, setbacks and failures are inevitable. However, with the right mindset and tools, you can turn adversity into growth and success. Join this session to discover how to cultivate grit and resilience, and thrive as a superintendent despite the myriad challenges facing today's educational landscape.
Presenters:
Marc Puig, Superintendent, Robstown ISD
Abe Saavedra, Professor (Retired Superintendent), Texas A&M University
DAMAS: Daughters and Mothers
Achieving Success
D168 •
The Daughters and Mothers
Achieving Success (DAMAS) Conference in Carrizo Springs CISD invited young ladies in grades 6-12 and their mothers, grandmothers, or female guardian or role model to an event celebrating female success and ultimately encouraging them to fulfill their fullest potential. This session will cover the steps the district took to put this leadership conference together. With breakout sessions and the keynote speakers all being females, it was a day of women helping women achieve success.
Presenters:
Carrizo Springs CISD
Jose A. Cervantes, Superintendent Luis Gomez, Finance Executive Director
Marco Mendez, Technology and Maintenance and Transportation Executive Director
Maria Villarreal, Curriculum Executive Director
D171/D173 •
It all starts at home! As a school trustee, you have first-hand knowledge of all the great things that are happening in your district. Not sure how to take the good news from the board table to a topic of conversation around the table? Join Go Public and the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) as they share tips on how trustees can amplify the good news by marketing your district at home. Presenters will do a deeper dive, sharing how districts across Texas are amplifying their voice using Go Public! Need marketing support? We've got training and experts available.
Presenters:
Lisa Losasso-Jackson, Executive Director, Go Public
Patti Pawlik-Perales, Executive Director, TSPRA
Innovative Leadership that Leads to Sustainable Systemic Success
D174 •
Attendees will be able to learn how innovative leadership can improve academic and social-emotional outcomes for all learners. Attendees will also learn how competitive grants are viable funding sources to support innovative programs. School board trustees and district leaders will share specific strategies on how Crowley ISD ensured every elementary and high school student had a seat at an A or B campus.
Presenters:
Crowley ISD
Ruby Batiste, Deputy Chief of Staff Board of Trustees
Michael D. McFarland, Superintendent
Crystel Polk, Grants and Transformation Executive Director
Building for the Future: A Strategic Planning Approach for Texas School Districts
D175 •
Three Rivers ISD deployed a strategic planning approach that includes diversifying funding
streams, maximizing taxpayer fund stewardship, and viewing needs comprehensively on a multiyear basis. This approach is designed to help districts in Texas produce positive outcomes for students and staff in the learning environment. The education landscape is rapidly changing, and districts across the state are facing attrition, budget constraints, and aging infrastructure. Attendees will learn how TRISD built constituent trust, boosted campus safety, and prepared the district to use incoming federal funding like the Inflation Reduction Act.
Presenters: Three Rivers ISD
Gabriela Fierro, Account Leader Leslie Dragon, Superintendent
9:45-10:15 A.M.
Grab a snack and coffee before going into our second general session! Join us at the Networking and Break area just outside of the entrance to the Exhibit Hall at booth 148.
Invocation: Debbie Gillespie, President, TASB
Student Performance: Aldine ISD
Award Presentation: Outstanding School Board and TSPRA Key Communicator Award
Brought to you in part by 1-2 P.M.
Partnerships State Coordinator, Texas Workforce Commission
Amy Jurica, Outreach Manager, School of Education and Human Development Texas A&M University
Josh West, Academic Affairs Director, Texas A&M University
Kendra Wuest, Academic Affairs Executive Director, Texas A&M University
Reassignments, RIFs, and Resignations: Reorganization as a Financial Strategy
The Call to Advocacy: How TASA Can Help You Build Advocacy Efforts In Your District
Ballroom D2, Elm Fork • What state policy changes do you need to help your staff and students be successful? Learn how grassroots advocacy can take hold in your district and region in ways that avoid partisan politics.
Presenter: Brian Woods, Deputy Executive Director for Advocacy, TASA
Ballroom D4, West Fork • What state policy changes do you need to help your staff and students be successful? Learn how grassroots advocacy can take hold in your district and region in ways that avoid partisan politics.
Presenters:
Erik Nichols, Attorney, Spalding Nichols Lamp Langlois
Anthony Mays, Superintendent, Alief ISD
Achieving Excellence: The District Efforts That Make a Difference
C Ballroom 1 •
Empowering Collaborations: Are You Ready to Partner?
Brought to you in part by: 10:30
Exhibit Hall F, Level 2 How to Be a Coffee
Bean
Damon West is a criminal justice professor, philanthropist, internationally recognized keynote speaker, and the best-selling author of The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change
Presiding: LaTonya Goffney, President, TASA, Aldine ISD
Ballroom D3, East Fork • Research from across the U.S. and in Texas shows that effective Pre-K programs help students start kindergarten with the skills necessary to succeed. Highquality partnerships boost early literacy and long-term academic achievement. Early intervention plays a crucial role in the appropriate identification of special education services. Find out how these presenters formed partnerships with Head Start grantees and private childcare providers across Texas. With the support of the Texas A&M University System, Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Workforce Commission, they helped formulate multiple models, helping to expand access for a truly universal early childhood program.
Presenters:
Stephanie Bonnet-Kramer, PreK
How did Angleton ISD develop systems that transformed prepandemic “C” and “D” schools to “A” and “B” rated campuses and an “A” rated district? By focusing on student outcomes! School districts face various challenges with student outcomes. Learn strategies to combat learning loss from the pandemic and shrinking teacher workforce that is less and less prepared to affect student outcomes. Angleton ISD met these challenges by identifying good governance policies and specific goals, aligning those goals with coaching, and providing effective collaboration.
Presenters:
Angleton ISD
Phil Edwards, Superintendent
Bridgette Percle, Instructional Programs Director
Alicia Press, Administrative Services Director
Adam Stephens, Curriculum and Instruction Assisstant Superintendent
The Charles Butt Foundation 2023 Texas Teacher Poll: Listening to the Educator Experience
C Ballroom 2 •
Presenters will share findings from the fourth annual Charles Butt Foundation's Texas Teacher Poll. Both quantitative and qualitative findings from a random survey of Texas teachers represent teacher opinions and attitudes towards support, work culture, and environment; retention and career aspirations; school and campus priorities; sense of belonging; and preparation. These findings build on three years of public opinion research and can inform current and future work to support Texas public school educators. Conclusions and implications of this body of research can assist in the understanding and representation of the multiple dimensions and roles of educators.
Presenters:
Charles Butt Foundation
Audrey Boklage, Learning and Impact Vice President
Kurt Lockhart, Data Insight Senior Program Director
Ending Child Sexual Abuse: What School Leaders Need to Know
C Ballroom 3/4 •
In 2021, one in six high school students in Texas reported having experienced sexual abuse in their lifetime. The negative consequences of this trauma can be severe and long term. While the problem of child sexual abuse can feel inevitable and insurmountable, research indicates that prevention is possible. Schools are already the number one reporters of child abuse in Texas, and they are uniquely situated to help stop abuse before it occurs. This presentation will provide an overview of statutory requirements for districts and key considerations for implementing effective child sexual abuse prevention strategies. (Fulfills 1-hour biennial requirement)
Presenter:
Todd Latiolais, Prevention Education Strategy Director, Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas
D162/164 •
This session will explore how to craft and implement effective board procedures and policies for public comment that comply with state law and the First Amendment while encouraging public engagement with the district and its board.
Presenters: Benjamin Castillo, Shareholder, O'Hanlon, Demerath & Castillo PC Kristi Godden, Partner, O'Hanlon, Demerath & Castillo PC Tobi Jackson, Trustee, Fort Worth ISD
What Does SB 1444 Mean for Your District's Healthcare Plan?
D163 •
Passed during the 2021 legislative session, Senate Bill (SB) 1444 allows school districts to enter or leave the state's health insurance program TRS (Teacher Retirement System of Texas) ActiveCare. So, how does SB 1444 influence the choice Texas districts have for healthcare plans? Learn the basics of this important legislation, what districts need to consider before joining or leaving TRS, and review fully insured and self-insured plans.
Presenter: Adrian Farias, Insurance Operations Vice President, First Public
Connecting for Success: Fostering Collaboration and Engagement Among District Leaders and Boards
D167 •
Presenters will discuss how district leaders, in collaboration with their boards, can grow as a team, develop and retain talent, and foster a relationship-driven culture. Participants will walk away with skills to better connect and engage with others, a proven approach to building high-performing groups (from a board meeting to the classroom), and tools to bring out the best in your team.
Presenter: Kristin Booth, Leadership
Development Strategist, Capturing Kids' Hearts
Jeff Burke, Superintendent, Splendora ISD
Leading with Vision: A New Superintendent's Journey to Transform El Paso ISD
D168 •
Diana Sayavedra had a mission: to rebuild the trust between El Paso ISD and its community. Join this session to uncover the formula for how to turn “problems” into “possibilities” while gaining both internal and external support. Learn how Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs can be applied to community groups and how to effectively host inclusive conversations. Finally, walk away with tangible solutions for how to build a strategic blueprint that truly represents your community, and then most importantly how to allow your community to keep the district accountable to the plan.
Presenters:
Diana Sayavedra, Superintendent, El Paso ISD
Kevin Skelcher, Account Executive, ThoughtExchange
Transformation Through Synergistic Relationships: Building Innovative Industry Partnerships for Student and Community Success
D170/D172 •
Synergistic relationships between visionary educators and industry leaders yield innovative facilities that embody a future-ready approach to education, respond to local industry trends, and build impactful pathways for student and community success. These engaging and inspiring nextgeneration learning environments facilitate deep learning and integrate students into an authentic community of practice, preparing them to transition into in-demand careers and contribute to the local economy. Amarillo ISD's awardwinning AmTech Career Academy showcases the ground-breaking impact of inclusive, communitydriven visioning, strategic partnerships, and future-forward
programming. Presented through stories of impact, this session will illustrate the transformative power of strategic partnerships in education.
Presenters:
Doug Loomis, Superintendent, Amarillo ISD
Lance Melton, Senior Project Manager and Vice President, Corgan
The Curriculum Management Audit: An Organizational Analysis Examining all Factors of Teaching and Learning
D171/D173 •
Looking for valuable feedback to improve learning for all students? Learn how curriculum management audit services can equip your leadership team with the tools necessary to objectively evaluate not only your curriculum, but all facets of the organization that impact student learning, and determine critical next steps in promoting student achievement. Hear from a district how curriculum management audit and related trainings can provide a structured approach to evaluating such areas as curriculum, assessment, and program design; instructional delivery; equality and equity issues; and policy direction, planning for change, and goal prioritization.
Presenters:
Opal Core, Director, Texas Curriculum Management Audit Center
Shannon Fuller, Chief Instructional Officer, East Central ISD
D174 •
There are multiple ways to increase the safety of your students, staff, and buildings. From school resource officers to security guards or even establishing a police department, the options can overwhelm districts. This session breaks down considerations for the various options and considerations on how best to decide which one is right for your district through examination of use of force policies, financial impact,
training, and more.
Presenters:
Janina Flores, Risk Solutions Director, TASB Risk Management Services
Craig Miller, Retired Police Chief, Craig Miller Group
Leigh Wall, Retired Superintendnt, Educational Consulting 2-3 P.M.
Gather at the TASB Member Services Booth #107 for a chance to win prizes at the closing event.
3-4 P.M.
Ballroom D1, Clear Fork • Successful strategic planning requires precious resources: time, manpower, and the right tools. However, even the strongest strategic plan and leadership team will fail to succeed without community support. Join this session to learn how Gonzales ISD developed a five-year strategic plan with a new mission and vision based solely on stakeholder input. Learn about the process and the tools used to develop the plan and how to ensure accountability and use of the plan after adoption. This presentation will help you take your plan from a compliance-driven document to one of accountability, action, and progress.
Presenters:
Gonzales ISD
Elmer Avellaneda, Superintendent
Brandi Bell, Recruitment, Leadership, and Professional Development Executive Director
D'Anna Robinson, Trustee
Justin Schwausch, Trustee
Teachers Advocating for Teachers: Moving Beyond the Teacher Survey
Ballroom D2, Elm Fork • Is your district looking for a way to capture genuine teacher input on initiatives and programs?
Lubbock-Cooper ISD developed the leadership skills of teacher fellows to conduct teacher focus groups and present their findings to district leadership on the Teacher Incentive Allotment and Professional Learning Communities. This session will focus on how to leverage your teacher leaders and move beyond the typical teacher survey. Presenters will share how to set up a system to engage teacher fellows to advocate on current and proposed programs on behalf of their colleagues.
Presenters:
Kristina Carssow, Senior Specialist, National Institute for Excellence in Teaching
Brooke Garth, Social Studies Teacher, Lubbock-Cooper ISD
Meg Kattwinkel, Social Studies and Professional Learning Director, Lubbock-Cooper ISD
Inspiring Advocacy in Our Community
Ballroom D3, East Fork • We believe our board is made up of strategic, collaborative leaders who model good governance and empower and inspire others to serve our Gregory-Portland community. As recent alumni of the Raise Your Hand Texas Trustee Advocates Program, our team of eight has inspired employees and students to advocate. Learn how their example and efforts are cascaded through the Superintendent's Teacher Advisory and the Superintendent's Student Ambassador Council to consider how your team might inspire those in your community to make their voices heard through advocacy.
Presenters:
Gregory-Portland ISD
Michelle Cavazos, Superintendent
Carrie Gregory, Trustee, LTASB Class of 2019
Nicole Nolen, Trustee
Zach Simmons, Trustee
Updating the Playbook: Board Operating Procedures for the Modern Age
Ballroom D4, West Fork • Board operating procedures aren't just for show. While broader rules are set by board policy, your board operating procedures are the perfect place for your team of eight to outline expectations for individuals and the team as a whole. Learn how to make your board operating procedures a living, breathing document that serves your board's ever-changing needs. Leave this session with processes and examples to help modernize and refresh your guiding document and avoid common pitfalls facing today's school leaders.
Presenters:
Spalding Nichols Lamp Langlois
Morgan Beam, Attorney
Cory Rush, Attorney
From 18% to 1% Vacancy Rate: Innovative Human Capital Designs
C Ballroom 1 •
The most important factor influencing student success is the teacher. We will share different strategic staffing and compensation methodologies that reduce teacher vacancies and cultivate effective teachers. These investments include paid teacher residencies, teacher registered apprenticeships, opportunity culture, Teacher Incentive Allotment, and national board certification. Additional content will include the creation of talent pipelines and the design of personalized professional learning plans for each employee. Join this session to learn of those gamechanging strategies that most effectively create and grow the talent of your organization.
Presenters:
Ector County ISD
Jaime Miller, Talent Executive Director
Scott Muri, Superintendent
Anthony Sorola, Associate Superintendent
Matthew Spivy, Human Resources Executive Director
CSA Spotlight Session: First Amendment Issues Related to Trustees and Social Media Posts
C Ballroom 2 •
The U.S. Supreme Court is reexamining public officials' and public employees' social media activities, including their ability to block comments or individuals. Dive into the emerging legal issues associated with the online activities of public employees and public officials with a panel of experienced school attorneys and First Amendment experts.
Moderator:
Mark Tilley, Lead Attorney, TASB Legal Services
Panelists:
Chris Gilbert, Partner, Thompson & Horton LLP
Richard Morris, Special Counsel, Rogers, Morris & Grover LLP
Possible Consequences and Liability Exposure of a Poor BoardSuperintendent Governance Relationship
C Ballroom 3/4 •
A healthy relationship between the board and superintendent can create an environment of collaboration, trust, and commitment to focusing on student needs. In the alternative, chaos amongst governance leaders of the school district can create a school system full of mistrust and disruption. Further, the consequences of a poorly run school district can lead to intervention from TEA or exposure to claims in federal or state court. Presenters will discuss the best practices to avoid a bad court ruling and an investigation or sanctions by TEA.
Presenters:
Juan J. Cruz, Attorney, J. Cruz & Associates, LLC
Steve Lecholop, Governance Deputy Commissioner, TEA
D161 • School Behavioral Threat Assessment (SBTA) is a legally mandated school safety process in which multiple personnel roles uniquely contribute to implementation effectiveness. This session will inform district administrators, campus leaders, and school staff on how motivational and emotional experiences in the workplace may help or hinder the implementation of SBTA, based on personnel role. Presenters will discuss these factors and how to address them with evidence-based solutions. Participants will be able to reflect on the impacts their roles can have on improving the SBTA process in their district.
Presenters:
Elizabeth Ekren, Postdoctoral Scholar, Translational Health Research Center
Marcy May, Research Specialist, Texas School Safety Center
D162/164 •
The attrition rate for teachers in Texas rose last year to 13.4% — a historic high, according to a recent TEA report. To combat this, districts are seeking creative solutions to recruit and retain teachers like reducing additional assignments or providing stipends. For Crowley, Mesquite, and Spring Branch ISDs, getting creative has meant leveraging the professional learning offerings provided by OnRamps, a dual enrollment initiative of The University of Texas at Austin. Learn how these districts are building their professional learning culture, what opportunities they found, and how they impacted their teacher retention rates and student success.
Presenters:
Robert Gillies, Advanced Academics, Gifted/Talented, and AVID Executive Director, Crowley ISD
Jennifer Porter, OnRamps Managing Director, The University of Texas at Austin
D163 •
Challenges to teaching divisive concepts in schools have evolved significantly since critical race theory (CRT) first became a buzz word in 2020. Texas schools must understand how the focus has changed in the two years since SB 3 became law. The newest generation of challenges attack more generally diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and other allegedly ”woke“ initiatives. This session will include an overview of the most recent developments at both the state and federal level, including any DEI-related bills adopted in the 2023 legislative session, highlights of recent and notable challenges to SB 3, and lessons learned since SB 3's passage.
Presenters:
Thompson & Horton, LLP
Oleg Nudelman, Attorney
Ashley White, Attorney
D166 •
Explore a new approach to working collaboratively with your community to equip high school students with essential life skills. Learn about a unique partnership that brings realworld entrepreneurs and business experts from your local community into the classroom. By engaging community members as coaches and mentors, students can gain hands-on experience in developing and launching their own business ideas. Discover how this innovative model can elevate students' learning experiences and inspire your community to join in preparing students for success beyond the classroom.
Presenters:
Eanes ISD
Jeff Arnett, Superintendent James Spradley, Trustee, LTASB Class
of 2023D167 •
Superintendents and board members should attend this engaging session that will add 10 tools to your toolkit to enhance school district governance. Veteran and new school board members and superintendents will experience collaborative practices between the Westwood ISD executive team and school board members who ensure effective school board meetings, cooperation, and the support of students in the district.
Presenters: Westwood ISD
Kyle Johnson, Finance and Operations Assistant Superintendent Tracie Robinson, Assistant Superintendent Wade Stanford, Superintendent
D168 •
Research shows Hispanic teens are the second most likely out of all racial/ethnic groups to experience poor mental health, yet there is a lack of Spanish-language mental health resources. Additionally, language barriers, legal status, stigma, and a lack of culturally competent providers prevent Hispanic families from receiving care. Learn how to use free mental health resources for Spanish speakers including the “Vale la Pena Vivir” (My Life is Worth Living) mental wellness animated series. Also learn about Spanish-language online courses that help Hispanic parents address common concerns including bullying, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
Presenters:
Michelle Bartsch, Vice President, Education, Cook Center for Human
Lindsey Collins, School and Community Advocacy Manager for Texas, Cook Center for Human Connection
Jennifer Rojas, Impact Manager, Cook Center for Human Connection
Bridging the Gap: Effective Community Engagement Strategies for Education Leaders
D170/D172 •
Join us for an insightful panel discussion with experienced administrators and education leaders. In this session, we will explore how community outreach has influenced strategic decisionmaking and share successful approaches and lessons learned. Engaging with the community is more than just public relations; it involves tailored strategies that vary depending on your population. We'll discuss the importance of understanding community needs and using effective communication methods to build relationships and garner input. Take advantage of the opportunity to hear from our expert panel and enhance your community engagement skills!
Presenters:
Sean Connor, Managing Principal, Corpus Christi, Pfluger Architects
Robert Duron, Executive Leader for Member Support, TASB
Gloria Gonzalez-Dholakia, Board President, Leander ISD
Roland Hernandez, Superintendent, Corpus Christi ISD
D171/D173 •
Experience how Pasadena ISD designed a new teacher mentor program. With mounting retention challenges and 80% of new teachers coming in uncertified, district leaders needed to develop a strong mentoring program. As is the case in other districts, limited financial incentives can make it difficult to recruit and retain mentors. Learn how this district uses lead mentors to strengthen relationships and support new-to-the-classroom
educators by spending more time on the people part of the work and less time on compliance.
Presenters:
Javier Grullon, Senior Client Success Manager, KickUp
Annette Stubbs, RISE Mentoring Coordinator, Pasadena ISD
D175 •
Come learn what eight KPIs districts are tracking to ensure they have a financially well-run ship and how to automate that tracking.
Presenters:
Derick Sibley, Chief Financial Officer, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD
Travis Zander, Senior Analytics Advisor, Frontline Education
C Ballroom 3/4
Commissioner
Morath will celebrate a continued focus on high quality education for Texas students leading to strong outcomes and preparation for college, career, and the military. He will highlight the path forward for programs that support and retain educators and administrators and provide updates on implementation of education bills from the 88th Legislature.
Presenter:
Mike Morath, Texas Commissioner of Education
7:30-8:30 A.M.
Continental Breakfast
D Ballroom Lobby, Level 3
Join your colleagues for breakfast before sessions begin at 8 a.m.
8-9 A.M.
Bean to Brew: Coffee Talk with the Coffee Bean
Ballroom D2, Elm Fork • Dive into keynote speaker Damon West’s incredible journey with more stories and lessons about how to be a coffee bean. In this hour, he will answer questions and give you tactical advice on how to spread the coffee bean message throughout your district.
Presenter:
Damon West, author of The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change
A Conversation with the 2023 Superintendent of the Year
Ballroom D3, East Fork •
Our 2023 Superintendent of the Year (SOTY) winner will take the stage for a conversation with TASB Executive Director Dan Troxell. Learn how to improve boardsuperintendent relations, strengthen student achievement, and increase community support and involvement in education.
Moderator:
Dan Troxell, Executive Director, TASB
Vision and Goals
Systems and Processes
Progress and Accountability
9:15–10:15 A.M.
The Leadership Journey: Improving Governance from the Female Perspective
Ballroom D2, Elm Fork • Join us as we hear governance and leadership insights from women leaders who serve in various roles.
Moderator:
Ted Beard, Trustee, Longview ISD, and Immediate Past President, TASB
Panelists:
Darlene Breaux, Trustee, Alief ISD
Cecilia Chavez, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director, TASB
Isabel Corsino, Managing Principal, Pfluger
Corinne French, Higher Ed Professional and Doctoral Student, Southern Methodist University
Debbie Gillespie, President, TASB
LaTonya Goffney, Superintendent, Aldine ISD, and President, TASA
Jill Siler, Deputy Executive Director, Professional Learning, TASA
Martha Salazar-Zamora, Superintendent, Tomball ISD, and TASA President-Elect
There’s No ‘I’ in TEAM. Learn from the 2023 Outstanding Honor Board
Ballroom D3, East Fork • Ever wonder what it takes to be an Outstanding School Board?
Hear from the winning 2023 TASA Outstanding School Board as members share their strategies for becoming an effective governance team. You’ll have the opportunity to
Advocacy and Engagement
Synergy and Teamwork
ask questions and learn from their experiences.
Moderators:
Charles Dupre, Deputy Executive Director, Member Engagement and Support, TASA
Marina Quilantan-Rivera, Trustee, Lyford CISD (2022 Outstanding School Board)
TEA Department of Grant Compliance Administration New Season of Risk Assessment and Non-Compliance Resolution
Ballroom D4, West Fork • During this session, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the Department of Grant Compliance and Administration (GCA) New 2023-24 Risk Assessment and Non-Compliance Resolution Process. Participants will learn about redesigned Risk Assessment indicators and comprehensive risk assessment process used to determine risk status designations for school districts, charter schools, and education service centers for the 2023-24 school year. We will also discuss our single-audit review and non-compliance resolution process. Participants will have the opportunity for questions, input, and feedback to assist with future technical assistance and training.
Presenter:
Texas Education Agency
Nick Davis, Chief of Staff, Department of Grant Compliance and Administration
Carol Lopez, Federal Compliance Officer, Department of Grant Compliance and Administration
C Ballroom, Level 3 Zap the Gap: Transforming MultiGenerational Teams
Meagan Johnson speaks to audiences all over the world on how they can motivate and manage different generations in the workforce.
Presiding: Armando Rodriguez, President-Elect, TASB, Trustee, Canutillo ISD
Invocation: Martha Salazar-Zamora, President-Elect, TASA, Superintendent, Tomball ISD
100% Attendance Presentation
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES SHOWCASE
Explore more than 300 education-related displays showcasing products and services to benefit your district. Leave with tools to take back to your district to help cut costs and increase efficiency.
Community Service Project
Join your colleagues and help assemble Hunger and Hygiene Kits for students in the local area. TASA and TASB will provide the supplies, you provide the labor, and the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas will distribute the kits. BOOTH #232
Exhibit of School Architecture
The TASA | TASB Exhibit of School Architecture in collaboration with the A4LE- Southern Region Foundation showcases new and renovated Texas schools and celebrates excellence in planning and design of the learning environment. BOOTH #921
Burleson ISD Student Innovation Challenge
The Game Development Design School of Burleson ISD will be partnering with Pfluger Architects this year to show off our state-of-the-art facility. Stop by and compete against our students in Esports competition and explore our innovative approach to education. Additional demonstrations include graphic design, video game coding, state and national Technology Student Association competition accolades, and experience blended learning through the Modern Classroom Project Model. BOOTH #118
Student Art
Discover innovative and inspirational art from Texas schoolchildren as we partner with the Texas Art Education Association to showcase student talent. BOOTH #1929
TASA Member Engagement Center and TASB Member Services
Get the latest information and resources from your associations. TASA BOOTH #704, TASB BOOTH #107
FRIDAY, SEPT. 29: 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 30: 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Closing Event in TASB Member Services booth #107. Win Prizes! 2–3 p.m.
TSPRA Resource Center
Scan to view interactive map or visit bit.ly/exhibits
Dedicated to improving public education by promoting effective public relations practices, providing professional development, and improving communications between Texans and their public schools, the TSPRA Resource Center provides member-developed collateral for sharing, replicating, and inspiring Texas school districts. All resources are free for the taking. BOOTH #1921
Area School Board Association Pavilion
Join colleagues from your area association in the Exhibit Hall Friday, 8:30–10 a.m., and Saturday, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Hosted by: Bexar County School Boards Coalition (Region 20), Central Texas School Board Association (Region 13), Gulf Coast Area Association of School Boards (Region 4), and North Texas Area Association of School Boards (Regions 10 and 11). BOOTH #1900
Professional Headshot Photos
Stop by the headshot photo booth for a professional photo. Brought to you by Visit San Antonio. BOOTH #1300
Interactive Station
Step into a world where YOUR experience takes center stage! We're thrilled to unveil our brand-new interactive station at this year's exhibit hall. Get ready to share, express, and capture your journey like never before. BOOTH #1300
TASA | TASB is committed to incorporating a community give-back component that allows our event to leave a positive footprint in the community where the convention is held. The project focuses on helping teachers and students by providing much-needed items to help them have a more positive and productive school year.
The United Way of Metropolitan Dallas will distribute the kits we assemble to local school districts at the end of the event.
The TASA | TASB Exhibit of School Architecture, in collaboration with the A4LE- Southern Region Foundation, showcases new and renovated Texas schools and celebrates excellence in planning and design of the learning environment. All nominated projects are displayed at the annual TASA | TASB Convention. The projects receiving Stars of Distinction are displayed at the TASA Midwinter Conference in January, when the Caudill Class winners are announced.
Argyle ISD Argyle South Elementary School
ISD West Plains High School
Celina ISD
and Linda Moore Middle School
Clear Creek ISD Ed White Elementary School
Community ISD Roderick Elementary School
Crandall ISD Crandall Middle School
CypressFairbanks ISD Sue McMichael McGown Elementary School
Dallas ISD Bryan Adams High School
Dallas ISD North Dallas High School
Dallas ISD South Oak Cliff High
Architects
Architects
Denton ISD Sandbrock Elementary
Forney ISD Tony Jackson Middle School and Tim Rhodes Intermediate School
Worth ISD Polytechnic High School
Frisco ISD Buddy and Joni Minett Elementary School
Frisco ISD Panther Creek High School
Georgetown ISD Wolf Ranch Elementary School
Lone Star College and Aldine ISD
Star College System East Aldine Center and Rose M. Avalos P-TECH Early College High School
Luling ISD Leonard Shanklin Elementary
Caney ISD Keefer Crossing Middle School
Royse City ISD Ruth Cherry Elementary School
Waller ISD Waller High School
Weatherford College
& Emerging Technologies Building
ALL
IN. ALL STUDENTS. ALWAYS.
THURSDAY
FIRST AND SECOND GENERAL SEESSIONS
GENERAL SESSIONS
EXHIBITS
SMALL SCHOOL DISTRICT SEMINAR
THIRD GENERAL SESSION
REGISTRATION AND SPEAKER READY ROOM
EXHIBIT HALL AND GENERAL SESSIONS ENTRANCE
INFORMATION
DELEGATE ASSEMBLY (OMNI HOTEL)
LOST AND FOUND