November/December 2023 Texas School Business

70

YEARS

The News Magazine for Public Education in Texas

Texas School Business

NOV / DEC

2023

Tomball ISD’s Martha SalazarZamora named 2023 Texas Superintendent of the Year

Also in this issue:

2023 Outstanding School Board Corsicana ISD 2023 TSPRA Key Communicator Dr. Brian Woods

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Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

12 Cover Story

16

2023 Superintendent of the Year

Tomball ISD’s Martha Salazar-Zamora focuses on faith

by Dacia Rivers

2023 Outstanding School Board Board of trustees for Corsicana ISD receives highest honor

14 2023 Texas Superintendent of the Year Finalists 18 2023 Honor Boards

19 2023 Key Communicator TSPRA names Dr. Brian Woods 2023 Key Communicator

Departments 9 Who’s News 24 Calendar 29 Ad Index

Columns

5 From the Editor

by Dacia Rivers 7 The Law Dawg— Unleashed

by Jim Walsh 29 The Back Page

by Riney Jordan

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

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

Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

3

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From the editor

T

his time of year is when the “best of ” lists start to pop up in the news, and Texas School Business is no exception. In this issue, we recognize Texas’ Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora, whom I had the pleasure of profiling. I hope you’ll enjoy reading about her career and the philosophy that keeps her going. We’ve also got a feature on this year’s Outstanding Board, Corsicana ISD, which you can find on page 16. This issue boasts a highlight on TSPRA’s Key Communicator, TASA’s own Dr. Brian Woods. I hope reading about all of their achievements will inspire you to reflect on your own.

Soon, you’ll receive our 17th annual Bragging Rights edition, my personal favorite edition of the magazine, where we shine a spotlight on the innovative programs at 12 outstanding Texas school districts. Look for that to show up in your inbox the first week of December.

We love to brag on your schools, so if you have an arts educator or an outstanding student who would be interested in writing about their work for us, please have them drop me a line at drivers@texasschoolbusiness.com. We will never tire of highlighting the outstanding work that goes on each and every day in schools across the state. Thank you for all you do for your students and your communities.

Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 Volume LXX, Issue 6 406 East 11th Street Austin, Texas 78701 Phone: 512-477-6361 www.texasschoolbusiness.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Dacia Rivers

Dacia Rivers Editorial Director

DESIGN

Phaedra Strecher COLUMNISTS

Riney Jordan Jim Walsh

ADVERTISING SALES

Jennifer Garrido

TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Kevin Brown

DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

Amy Francisco

Texas School Business (ISSN 0563-2978) is published online bimonthly with a special edition, Bragging Rights, in December, by the Texas Association of School Administrators. © Copyright 2023 Texas Association of School Administrators

Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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THE LAW DAWG – UNLEASHED

Vist TSB online!

How profane is too profane?

by Jim Walsh

T

he education commissioner has concluded that an assistant principal’s use of the term “FML” in a text message gave the school district good cause to terminate the AP’s employment. This requires some context, so let me explain.

When I read this decision I first had to ask my younger colleagues what the heck FML means. I have been able to figure out LOL, LMAO, TBH, TIA, TTYL and even SMH. But FML? I sorta figured that the F must stand for what it usually stands for, and sure enough, that’s correct. The ML is “my life.”

Thus “F… my life.”

A single use of this vulgar expression justifies a termination of employment?

That’s what the commissioner said in Castillo v. Alamo Heights ISD. Here’s the context. Ms. Castillo was the “administrative chaperone” on a cheerleader trip. As such, she was the “ultimate authority” on the trip. One of the parent chaperones reached out to Castillo for help in dealing with an athlete who was experiencing anxiety and depression.

“Petitioner’s [that’s Castillo] three-letter text response stated only, ‘FML.’” Here’s how the commissioner viewed the matter: A person who holds a principal certificate, is an assistant principal, and is the ultimate authority on a school trip should not reply with profanity to a parent chaperone seeking assistance with an athlete in crisis. Petitioner’s use of a profane acronym to respond to a parent chaperone seeking assistance is a failure to perform her duties in the scope of her employment that a person of ordinary prudence would have done under the same or similar

circumstances. It is also a serious failing. While there may be instances when the use of profanity does not rise to the level of good cause, this is not one of them. Petitioner’s use of profanity in this instance constitutes good cause to terminate her contract.

Castillo pointed out that she had never received a directive, written or oral, to refrain from the use of profanity. No matter, the Commissioner said. “This presents a matter of ordinary prudence.”

There is a lot missing from this decision.

It doesn’t tell us what Castillo did after she sent the three-letter text. Did she tend to the needs of the athlete who was distressed?

We don’t know. From a legal standpoint what is interesting and important about this decision is that the termination of employment was not based on neglect of an athlete in crisis. It was based on a vulgar text sent from adult to adult.

This decision prompts me to revisit my view of what it takes to produce “good cause” to terminate a contract. My rule has been that the district has to have solid evidence of job-related behavior that would cause any reasonable employee to offer a resignation.

If the district has evidence of the abuse of a student, theft of school property, pornography on the school computer — that kind of thing would normally prompt a reasonable employee to offer to resign.

But a vulgar text sent to another adult?

I doubt that the “reasonable employee” would offer to resign based on that. But the commissioner holds that FML, standing alone, provides “good cause.”

It’s Castillo v. Alamo Heights ISD, Docket No. 042-R2-06-2023, decided by the commissioner on July 28, 2023.

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

Check us out online at texasschoolbusiness.com for: ► recent issues ► how to submit articles ► Bragging Rights nomination info ► advertising information ► and more!

Texas School Business THE NEWS MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION IN TEXAS

70 Years and Counting

Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

7

Who’s News Abilene ISD Alejandro Chavez has been named head

coach of the Cooper High School girls’ soccer program. He spent the past three years in New Mexico as boys’ head soccer coach at Hobbs High School and previously worked in Abilene ISD as assistant coach at Abilene High School. He is a graduate of McMurry University with a master’s degree from the University of the Southwest.

Newly appointed Ward Elementary School principal Blake Fuller, himself a product of Abilene ISD schools, has spent his 11-year career with the district. Initially a teacher at Abilene High School, he went on to serve as Mann Middle School’s assistant principal and instructional specialist.

Heath Wright is the new principal of Dyess

Elementary School. He was Abilene High School’s assistant principal since 2021 and previously was the school’s intervention specialist. He holds a master’s degree in educational administration from Lamar University.

Superintendent David Young, who has been an educator for 29 years, the past nine in the top position at Abilene ISD, will retire at the end of the 2023-24 school year. Prior to coming to Abilene, the Abilene Cooper High School graduate held administrative positions in Midway, Bryan, Navasota, Grapevine-Colleyville and Pampa ISDs.

Anderson-Shiro CISD

College Station ISD

Superintendent Scott Beene, who led the district for seven years, retired at the end of September. He spent 17 years of his career as a superintendent, previously leading Murchison and Big Sandy ISDs. The Sam Houston State University graduate earned his master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University.

The College Station ISD Board of Trustees has approved the appointment of Austin Dunson as director of communications. He joins the district with eight years of experience in school communications and marketing, having most recently served as media design coordinator for the Berry Center, CypressFairbanks ISD’s multipurpose facility.

Bastrop ISD

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Katie Fehlker has been

promoted from assistant principal of Red Rock Elementary School to principal. She began her career in 2007 in Alief ISD and came to Bastrop in 2018. Currently at work on her doctorate from Concordia University, where she also earned her master’s degree in educational information, she is a graduate of Utah State University.

Tiffany Peirson, now leading

Bastrop Middle School as principal, was Bastrop High School’s associate principal since 2021. She began her career in 2010 in Boles ISD, joining Bastrop ISD in 2016 as a teacher and instructional coach. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and her master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Texas at Tyler.

Superintendent Billy Harlan, who has led Academy ISD since 2019, has announced his plan to retire at the end of December. Prior to his time in Academy, he was Corsicana ISD’s chief administration officer.

The district’s new director of construction and planning is Lee Raspberry, who brings 30 years of experience in construction and operations to his job. Most recently, he was director of maintenance and facilities for Del Valle and Lockhart ISDs and previously served as energy manager for San Antonio’s Judson ISD.

Aldine ISD

Bryan ISD

Academy ISD

Kelvin Chatham has stepped into the role of

Bailey Deramus is Rudder

head football coach at Davis High School, returning to the district where he previously coached after a two-year stint at Houston ISD’s Washington High School.

Anahuac ISD An interim superintendent has been named for Anahuac ISD. Cody Abshier previously worked in the district as a teacher and administrator before serving as superintendent of Devers ISD and Liberty Hill ISD, from which he retired last December.

High School’s new head baseball coach. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University.

Celina CISD Sallye Norris has joined

Celina CISD as principal of Martin Elementary School, the district’s third and newest elementary campus. She has worked as a teacher, instructional coach and assistant principal.

Former Alternative Learning Center East principal Andrea Lagard now leads Watkins Middle School as principal. An educator for 24 years, she initially taught in CypressFairbanks before a move to Dallas ISD and on to Houston ISD. She returned to her first district in 2004 and took her most recent position in 2020. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Prairie View A&M University and her master’s degree in educational administration from Texas Southern University.

Denton ISD Dedra Adams has been

promoted from assistant principal to principal of Adkins Elementary School.

She has been an employee of the district for 23 years, beginning as a teacher and going on to serve as a literacy coach, interventionist and curriculum writer. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the same institution.

East Central ISD (San Antonio) Sinclair Elementary School’s new principal is Anthony Harvey, former assistant principal of Harmony Elementary. Prior to joining East Central, he was a teacher and academic coach in San Antonio’s Judson ISD and in schools in Baton Rouge, La. The new assistant principal of Harmony Elementary School is Charlotte McReynolds, who most recently was a district instructional specialist. Prior to that, she was an administrator in Floresville ISD.

► See Who’s News, page 11 Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

9

Who’s News ◄ Continued from page 9

Edcouch-Elsa ISD

in 2019.

Now serving as superintendent of EdcouchElsa ISD is Alda Benavides, who held the position on an interim basis since January.

She was superintendent of La Joya ISD before retiring

El Paso ISD El Paso ISD’s director of athletics has been named Region 4 director of the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association (THSADA). David Cervantes, who started in his current position in 2022, was previously the district’s assistant director of athletics and prior to that worked in EPISD’s curriculum and instruction department and as a physical education teacher.

Diana Provencio, former principal of Herrera

Elementary School, is now director of El Paso ISD’s extended day learning centers.

She has been an employee of the district for 22 years, working at four elementary campuses as a literacy teacher and reading coach. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Sarah Venegas has been appointed executive

principal for secondary schools, joining the district from El Paso’s Ysleta ISD, where she was principal of Eastwood Middle School since 2017. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Texas at El Paso and is at work on a doctorate from Texas A&M University at Commerce.

In addition, the following principal assignments have been made: • Haydee Duran, MacArthur PK-8 School; • Suzanna Gutierrez, Powell Elementary School; • Marisa Holguin, Duran Elementary School; • Shari Jones, Hill PK-8 School; • Melissa Ortiz, Putnam Elementary School; • Erika Pasieczny, Wiggs Middle School; • Cecilia Perez, El Paso ISD Montessori School; • Angela Reyna, Coronado High School; • Edgar Rincon, Jefferson High School.

Faith Family Academy The new executive director of athletics, CTE (career and technical education) and extracurricular activities is Marcus Canonico, who also serves as Title IX coordinator.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, his Juris Doctor from Texas A&M University School of Law, and his doctorate in education from Abilene Christian University.

Katrina Christopher has been

Christian University, she received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and her master’s degree from Tarleton State University.

In addition, two campus dean appointments are announced: • Rayneta Dotson, Oak Cliff Early Childhood Center; • Andrew Zachry, Oak Cliff Elementary School.

Fort Bend ISD

promoted from dean of Oak Cliff Early Childhood Center to campus principal. She has been an Academy employee since 2021 and is a graduate of Southern Arkansas University with two master’s degrees from Henderson State University.

Lisa Langston has accepted the position of

The Faith Family Academy Waxahachie campus now has Doug Dehn as principal. He joined the Academy in 2022 after spending most of his career with Fort Worth ISD. He is a graduate of Angelo State University with a master’s degree from Sam Houston State University and is at work on his doctorate at Lamar University.

The district’s new assistant superintendent for elementary schools and early childhood programs is Rhonda Mason, who was executive director of schools. She received her master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Texas at Arlington and her doctorate in the same field from Sam Houston State University.

New Oak Cliff Elementary School principal Veronica Fulton, who was previously campus dean, joined the Academy in 2022 from Dallas ISD. She is a graduate of Texas State University with a master’s degree from Lamar University.

Kellye Kirkpatrick has

accepted the position of Oak Cliff Middle School principal after serving as the school’s dean. An educator for over two decades, she received her bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University, her master’s degree from Texas Christian University and her doctorate from the University of Texas.

Omar Ramos has been named assistant

superintendent of school leadership and school wellness after serving as principal of Oak Cliff Elementary School. The 40year educator previously worked as an administrator in Fort Worth ISD. He is a graduate of Texas State University with a master’s degree from Texas A&M University at Kingsville.

Now serving as principal of the new Oak Cliff High School campus is Melissa Rincon, who joins the Academy from Fort Worth ISD, where she was a teacher and campus administrator.

Currently a doctoral candidate at Texas

executive director of student affairs after serving as principal of Malala, Oyster Creek and Goodman elementary schools. She is at work on her doctorate from Abilene Christian University, having earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Old Dominion University.

Coby Wilbanks, who was Fort Bend ISD’s

associate general counsel, is now general counsel. Prior to joining FBISD, he was Nacogdoches ISD’s general counsel. He is a graduate of East Texas Baptist University with a Juris Doctor from Liberty University.

Amber Williams is now executive director

of human resources, joining the district from the private sector, where she was a business and human resources consultant.

She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska and her master’s degree from the University of Houston at Clear Lake.

Fort Worth ISD Rediesha Allen, former principal of Walton

Elementary School, now leads the district’s new Young Women’s Leadership Academy.

Georgetown ISD A new superintendent is in place for Georgetown ISD. Devin Padavil, who most recently led Taylor ISD, previously worked as an area superintendent for Leander ISD, as assistant superintendent of Fort Bend ISD, and as a principal in Frisco and Pflugerville ISDs.

► See Who’s News, page 22 Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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2023 Superintendent of the Year

“I quickly realized my passion is in education overall — the entire system.”

—Martha

Salazar-Zamora

12

Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Tomball ISD’s Martha Salazar-Zamora focuses on faith

by Dacia Rivers

I

n October, the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) named Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora, superintendent of Tomball ISD, as Texas’ 2023 Superintendent of the Year. She will go on to represent the state as TASA’s Texas nominee. With a 36-year career in Texas public education on her resume, SalazarZamora says that her life’s work found her through an unexpected path.

As a child, Salazar-Zamora had a severe, profound hearing loss, and at age 17, she received an ossicular chain implant and spent many years in speech therapy. She became passionate about the field and studied speech pathology in college. While she had offers to work in hospitals and clinics, she instead started her career in a Texas public school and never looked back.

2023 Superintendent of the Year “I quickly realized my passion is in education overall — the entire system,” Salazar-Zamora says.

She began her career as a therapist and also served as an educational diagnostician, a classroom teacher, a director of federal programs and assistant superintendent before becoming superintendent in her native Kingsville. A family move took her onward to Spring, Houston and Round Rock ISDs, where she held several administrative positions before becoming superintendent in Tomball on April Fool’s Day, 2017.

“In Tomball, I found my forever home,” she says. “I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to work with an exceptional school board, a truly talented team of administrators, dedicated and hard-working staff, and, of course, I am very fortunate to work with the students, parents and community in the Tomball area.”

As superintendent, Salazar-Zamora brings a unique perspective, having spent her own public school days both in special education and gifted and talented classrooms.

“I think that gives me a unique lens, and a reminder that no child, no person, should ever be discounted for what is perceived as something they can’t do,” she says. “Students need support. Sometimes they don’t see themselves achieving certain goals, yet with the right support, I think anything is possible.”

In every office Salazar-Zamora has occupied, she hangs a sign that says, “Faith will see us through.” It’s this reminder that keeps her motivated in a job that can be challenging and often requires quick, reasoned responses to serious situations.

“Regardless of what may be happening, I think what keeps me grounded is to remember that no matter what, I am doing the work that I’m blessed to do,” she says. “I believe that faith will always see us through.”

While Salazar-Zamora finds numerous aspects of her job rewarding, she enjoys graduation day most of all. She is inspired by the event’s energy, and loves watching students cross the stage, knowing the district has prepared them for whatever’s ahead. The district has grown by 13,000 students since Salazar-Zamora took the helm, and she still hand signs a note to every single graduate each year.

Her pride in Tomball ISD is immense, and she points to the numerous opportunities for students as the reason for that pride.

From early college programs and P-TECH to CTE, dual language and Advanced Placement classes, Salazar-Zamora says the options for students in the district are endless.

Another aspect of her work that sets SalazarZamora apart is her commitment to being an enterprise leader for the district. Since becoming superintendent in Tomball, she’s seen two bonds passed while the district has maintained a flat or lowered tax rate and been AA+ rated by Standard & Poor’s. Niche. com grades Tomball an A+ and lists it as the top district in Harris County.

At a time when school funding is in peril, Salazar-Zamora works to ensure Tomball ISD has additional revenue coming in wherever possible. Real estate purchases have allowed the district to not only expand, but to rent out space to bring in funding.

Tomball has rented a building to energy company Baker Hughes, generating a significant revenue stream.

The district also built a wastewater treatment plant, which serves a community need and brings in additional revenue.

Bravo TV rented the football stadium for filming, resulting in another large sum for the district. This business-forward mindset is important, as Salazar-Zamora says this year she’s written a deficit budget for the first time in her career.

“I’m not alone,” she says. “If we were in a room filled with superintendents throughout the state, and you asked how many of them wrote a deficit budget, many hands would go up.”

Salazar-Zamora says her hope for Texas public education is that those in charge will do what is right for students with regard to funding.

“I am concerned about the future of public education, and my true hope and prayer is that the decision makers, who have the opportunity to make a difference, do make a difference and do what is right.”

Being named Texas’ Superintendent of the Year, and the first Hispanic woman to receive the honor, was an exciting moment for Salazar-Zamora, who says she believes that all superintendents are worthy of the recognition.

“I am concerned about the future of public education, and my true hope and prayer is that the decision makers, who have the opportunity to make a difference, do make a difference and do what is right.”

“I’m grateful to the people in my life and the blessings I’ve received, and grateful to the committee and to TASB for having this recognition for the last 40 years,” she says. “It’s a challenging job, and I am fortunate to have worked with exceptional superintendents from all sized districts, from my neighbors to those far away.”

Salazar-Zamora has a true passion for the work that she does, and says she can’t imagine herself not doing it every single day. As an educational leader, she has served as a mentor to others, and says she will continue to do so because she knows the importance of the work.

“One day I will retire — not anytime soon — but when I do, I want to make sure that the future generation of superintendents and leaders lead with as much heart as the people who are doing the job right now.”

Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

13

2023 Superintendent of the Year Finalists

Sheri Blankenship Sheri Blankenship has been superintendent in Hereford ISD since 2016. Located in the Panhandle, HISD serves 3,840 students.

Blankenship has worked in the district for 27 years, as a classroom teacher and administrator. In 2018, she helped the district pass its first bond in more than 40 years, resulting in numerous improvements to campuses. Blankenship serves on a number of statewide boards, including TASA’s Executive Committee.

Jim F. Chadwell Since 2010, Jim Chadwell has served as superintendent of Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, a district with more than 23,000 students across 31 campuses. Chadwell has worked in education for nearly 30 years, with time spent in classrooms and administration in Northwest and Grapevine-Colleyville ISDs. As superintendent in Eagle Mountain-Saginaw, he oversaw the development of a CTE school and seven new campuses. Since Chadwell stepped into the main office, he has also helped the district create a police department, expand its education foundation and establish a community road infrastructure safety initiative.

14

Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

2023 Superintendent of the Year Finalists

Jose Rafael Lopez Jose Rafael Lopez has been the superintendent in Kermit ISD since 2019. The West Texas district includes more than 1,200 students on three campuses. Lopez previously served as superintendent of Taft ISD. He began his 23-year education career as a middle school teacher in Alief ISD. Since taking the top office in Kermit, Lopez has seen the district improve academically, and has worked to develop a strategic plan and boost student achievement through career pathway programs and curriculum support.

Wade Stanford Since 2016, Wade Stanford has served as superintendent in Westwood ISD, a district of more than 1,300 students across four campuses. With a career that spans more than 38 years, he previously worked as assistant superintendent in Marble Falls ISD. In 2021, Westwood passed its first bond in more than 40 years under Stanford’s leadership. He has also worked to create the Panther Council: a program that allows space for student voices in district decisions. During Stanford’s time in WISD, the district has created a mentorship program for new teachers and improved its student academic achievement.

Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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▲Left to right: Jamie Roman, trustee; Leah Dill Blackard, vice president; Kamar Chambers, trustee; Dr. Diane Frost, superintendent; Seth Brown, president; Barbara Kelley, secretary; Brad Farmer, trustee; Cathy Branch, trustee.

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Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

2023 Outstanding Board

A

t this fall’s TASA|TASB Convention, Corsicana ISD was named 2023 Outstanding Board, an annual honor recognizing the top school board in the state. With an enrollment of 6,100 students, Corsicana ISD sits about an hour southeast of Dallas.

The board is led by president Seth Brown, who says he is always proud of his district, especially when it comes to the many unique offerings designed to include all students, no matter their interests.

“Our motto is TCC, which stands for Take Care of Corsicana,” he says. “We try very, very hard to live by those principles. We really believe in every Tiger, every day.”

Brown says he was drawn to serve on a school board because both of his parents were educators. As a district manager for CVS, he’s also an employer, and wanted to help the local community by ensuring the best possible graduates come out of the best possible schools.

“I was a public education child, and so, for me, it’s giving back something that gave so much to me.”

Serving on a school board requires time and patience, and for someone who already has a busy career, it’s no small task. For the trustees in Corsicana, Brown says it’s the trust the members have built for each other that helps keep them working together professionally and successfully, even in challenging situations.

“We always ask ourselves, ‘Is this taking care of Corsicana?’” he says. “That’s the litmus test.”

The Corsicana board is made up of

2023 Outstanding Board

Corsicana ISD

seasoned and new trustees alike, and Brown says trust and honesty are the key factors in maintaining a healthy, productive working environment. One of the board’s biggest accomplishments is creating a budget committee back before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The committee was able to find where the district wasn’t using its money wisely, and note where funds could be reinvested for better outcomes. This has allowed the district to tighten its belt and stay forward-thinking.

As a result, CISD was able to place police officers on all campuses before the state mandate came down. The district was able to give its teachers a raise this year and still have a balanced budget. Brown is proud of how the board has managed this, while committed to never taking a dime out of instruction and maintaining as small class sizes as possible.

“It was hard work,” he says. “It was not fun. We made people upset, but this year, school boards all around us are in budget deficits. We’re still in the black.”

Above all, the CISD board is focused on the district’s students and the community as a whole. Brown says he’s not only proud of his fellow trustees, but also feels the Outstanding Board recognition reflects the hardworking, dedicated culture throughout the district.

“Our motto is TCC, which stands for Take Care of Corsicana.

We try very, very hard to live by those principles. We really believe in every Tiger, every day.”

— Seth Brown

“It’s not just this board, it’s all the previous boards that have put in the work,” he says.

“It’s also every single person at CISD, from the janitors to the cooks, to the secretaries to the teachers, to the parents, to the aides. This is their award, too. It takes a village.”

Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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2023 Honor Boards Crowley ISD Left to right: Dr. Mia Hall, second vice president; Kelicia Stevenson, trustee; Dr. La Tonya Woodson-Mayfield, president; Dr. Michael McFarland, superintendent; June W. Davis, trustee; Daryl R. Davis II, trustee; Nedra Robinson, secretary; Gary Grassia, first vice president.

Montgomery ISD Left to right: Nate Robb, vice president; Matt Fuller, trustee; Laurie Turner, president; Dr. Amy Busby, superintendent; Linda Porten, secretary; Trey Kirby, trustee; Shawn Denison, trustee.

Texas City ISD Left to right: Lori Carnes, vice president; Melba Anderson, president; Dr. Melissa Duarte, superintendent; Mable Pratt, trustee; David Moss, trustee; Nakisha Paul, trustee.

Ysleta ISD Left to right: Mike Dwyer, trustee; Cruz A. Ochoa, president; Kathryn R. Lucero, secretary; Dr. Xavier De La Torre, superintendent; Connie Woodruff, trustee; Chris Hernandez, trustee; Carlos Bustillos, vice president.

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Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

2023 KEY Texas School Public COMMUNICATOR Relations Association

TSPRA names Dr. Brian Woods 2023 Key Communicator

T

he Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) recognizes the value of Dr. Brian Woods’ communication efforts and the commitment he has made to public education in Texas, and has named him the 2023 TSPRA Key Communicator.

The award is sponsored by CESO, crafting a vision of creative and comprehensive support for school operations, including communications, technology, finance, and HR support.

Early on in his career as a teacher, Woods’ mentors saw him as an individual who had a steadfast commitment to placing students at the center of every decision. He never set out to be an administrator or ever saw himself in the role of superintendent. He was happy being a classroom teacher. His mentors saw something special and encouraged him to pursue a different path.

Throughout his career, he has consistently advocated for the individual needs and well-being of every student and staff member, and that commitment only grew as his career advanced.

Woods has demonstrated his commitment to promoting the values and importance of public education by consistently and intentionally communicating it with parents, staff and community members.

As the former superintendent of Northside ISD, one of the largest districts in Texas, Woods maximized his influence to educate not only the stakeholders in the NISD community but on a larger scale to include unwavering efforts to prioritize public education in the Texas Legislature. He has been actively engaged in advocating for

policies and funding that benefit students and educators across the state. His ability to navigate the complexities of the legislative process and his courageous advocacy make him an invaluable asset to the future of public education.

“Dr. Woods’ outspokenness on behalf of the students and educators of Texas sets him apart,” shares TSPRA San Antonio Area VicePresident Kim Cathey. “He fearlessly addresses critical issues, challenges the status quo, and champions positive change. His passion for ensuring that every child has access to quality education is evident in his tireless work.”

Woods has served as president of the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) and the Texas School Alliance (TSA). He is well known at the Texas Capitol for his advocacy efforts on behalf of Texas public schools, students, and staff. In fact, he is often called upon by state officials to testify before legislators and the State Board of Education in Austin about the impact laws would have on districts across the state.

His work has been recognized across Texas. Woods was named the Texas Superintendent of the Year in 2018, becoming a finalist for the 2019 National Superintendent of the Year. In 2022 he earned the Golden Deeds for Education Award, a coveted award for distinguished service to education in the state. TASA and the Texas A&M University Department of Educational Administration and ► See Key Communicator, page 20

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teachers, students, and school districts, but now I get to do it statewide!”

Human Resource (EAHR) Development copresent the Golden Deeds Award each year to an individual from any profession who has, through actions and deeds, improved the educational system in Texas to enrich the lives of all Texas public school students.

His commitment to public education and the ability to communicate, motivate, collaborate, advocate, and inspire will reach an even larger audience in his new role.

Woods serves beyond his district and greater community, extending his reach and leadership to the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), TASA, the National Association of Secondary Principals (NASP), and the Texas Association of Secondary Principals (TASP). He has provided dedicated service on the Steering Committee for the Go Public campaign, as a member of the Board of Directors for the P-16 Council of Bexar County, as a member of the Fast Growth Schools Coalition Steering Committee, and as a member of the Great Chamber of Commerce Education and Legislative Committees, among other distinctions. Woods has shared his knowledge and experience with the Holdsworth Center through his membership on the Superintendent’s Advisory Center.

Dr. Kevin Brown, executive director for TASA, shares, “Dr. Woods has been a champion for public education for more than three decades and is one of the most respected leaders in Texas. I have known Dr. Woods for close to 20 years, working alongside him as neighboring superintendents, as members of the Steering Committee for Go Public, and in various capacities with TASA. Through all of those collaborations, I witnessed his leadership and articulate, courageous voice for all schools in San Antonio. I am ecstatic that he now serves as a voice for all Texas public schools in his new role at TASA. Dr. Woods remains the model of professionalism, grace, courage, integrity, and commitment to public education and to our profession as educators. It is my honor to know him, to work with him, and to call him my friend and colleague.”

After serving for 31 years at NISD, he decided to retire and immediately began serving full time with TASA as the deputy executive director of advocacy. In his words, “There are so many stories to tell. I will continue to tell the positive stories of our

TSPRA President Megan Overman presented Woods with the Key Communicator award during the txEDCON23 Convention in Dallas. TSPRA will also honor Woods during their annual conference in February 2024.

“Dr. Woods has been a champion for public education for more than three decades and is one of the most respected leaders in Texas.”

— Dr. Kevin Brown, executive director for TASA

COMING SOON! Look for our 17th annual Bragging Rights issue, coming to your inbox in early December texasschoolbusiness.com 20

Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Photo Feature

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS AND TRUSTEES GATHER IN DALLAS FOR TXEDCON23 This fall, the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) and Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) held their annual joint convention, the largest gathering of public education policymakers in the state.

▲ Convention attendees pause for a selfie.

▲ Students from Frisco ISD perform at the first general session.

▲ The Poteet Pirates band from Mesquite ISD welcomes attendees to txEDCON23.

▲ TASA President LaTonya Goffney addresses attendees of a press conference. ◄ txEDCON offers numerous opportunities for learning and networking. ▲ Aldine ISD students perform during the Saturday general session.

▲ Attendees take a field trip to Mesquite ISD for a continuing education opportunity.

▲ Keynote speaker Ken Williams gives his address, “Start with the CROWN, Not With the Kid.”

▲ Attendees from Bryan ISD pose for a portrait.

Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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Who’s News ◄ Continued from page 11

Granbury ISD Leta Andrews, who spent five

decades as a teacher and girls’ basketball coach at Granbury High School, has been named to the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame. During her tenure at Granbury High School, she amassed an unheard-of 1,328-299 career record, making her the winningest girls’ basketball coach in the country. She is also a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

Hutto ISD Raúl Peña, who was most recently director

of Fort Worth ISD’s talent management department, now leads Hutto ISD as superintendent. He also was Fort Worth’s chief of elementary schools, and was an administrator in Dallas, Irving and Lewisville ISDs. He is a graduate of the University of Texas with a master’s degree in education from Texas Woman’s University.

Ingleside ISD Ingleside ISD superintendent Troy Mircovich has announced his plan to retire in January after leading the district since 2005.

Karnack ISD Karnack ISD announces the appointment of Angela Fitzpatrick as superintendent. She is a 19year educator who previously worked in Marshall ISD.

Kennard ISD Malinda Lindsey, who has served as

district superintendent for eight years, has announced her upcoming retirement, effective the end of December. This will conclude a career in Texas public education that began in 1991.

Kerrville ISD The district’s new assistant superintendent of administration and human resources is Shelby Balser, who served as principal of Tivy High School since 2017.

Prior to that she was a district teacher, softball coach, assistant principal, and girls’ athletics coordinator. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and her master’s degree from the University of Texas at Tyler.

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Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Killeen ISD

Lamar CISD

Now serving as assistant superintendent for human resources is William Baker.

He has over 30 years of experience in education, most recently as executive director of human resources for Southwest ISD in San Antonio. He previously worked as an educational diagnostician and intervention coordinator and as an educational specialist with ESC Region 20. His bachelor’s degree was awarded from the University of Texas and his master’s degree from Texas State University.

A new director of maintenance is in place for Lamar CISD. Keith Williams has 25 years of experience in education, 11 of those as an administrator. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University before earning a master’s degree in administration and supervision from the University of Houston at Victoria.

Cynthia Swain, Killeen ISD’s

new executive director for specialized learning, comes to the district from ESC Region 10, where she was a special education consultant. Prior to that, she spent 10 years as the Texas Education Agency’s manager of special education dispute resolution and regulatory investigations. She received her bachelor’s degree from Texas Woman’s University and her master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Texas.

Five principal appointments have also been finalized. They are:

Laredo ISD Cindy Dominguez has been named the district’s director of guidance and counseling/ at-risk populations. With 20 years of experience, she has served other districts as a science teacher, counselor and college, career and military readiness coordinator. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) and a master’s degree in school counseling from Texas A&M International University.

Leander ISD

• Stephanie Grisham, Timber Ridge Elementary School;

Former Seguin ISD superintendent Matthew Gutierrez is now Leander ISD’s chief of schools. He was with Seguin ISD since 2017, earning the 2023 ESC Region 20 Superintendent of the Year award.

• Phylicia Miner, Cedar Valley Elementary School;

Lockhart ISD

• Yolanda Bailey, Murphy Middle School; • Elizabeth Cunningham, Killeen ISD Career Center;

• Jennifer Warren, Manor Middle School.

La Joya ISD Beto Gonzalez, who had been

serving as superintendent on an interim basis since April, has now been confirmed as superintendent.

Lago Vista ISD Brandi Sharrock has been

hired as assistant principal of Lago Vista Elementary School. Now beginning her 20th year as an educator, she comes to her new job from Leander ISD, where she was a campus instructional coach and classroom teacher. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Lamar University and her master’s degree in elementary education from Texas State University.

The district has named a new director of professional development and innovative academic initiatives. Barry Bacom began his career in Hays CISD in 2001, going on to work as an academy director and principal in Austin ISD and as Manor ISD’s director of career and technical education and innovative programs. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University and his master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Texas.

New human resources director Dana Sidle was most recently the district’s director of strategic planning and initiative grants and previously was associate principal of Lockhart Junior High. The 23-year educator is a product of Lockhart ISD schools and a graduate of Texas State University. She holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Walden University.

Belinda Vasquez, former principal of

Bluebonnet Elementary School, is now director of curriculum and instruction.

Prior to becoming an educator, she was a case manager and supervisor for Bastrop County Juvenile Probation. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas State

University and her master’s degree in educational administration from Concordia University and is a doctoral candidate at the University of Texas.

The following assistant principal assignments at Lockhart High School have been made: • Donye Curry; • Juan Orozco; • Lucia Ramos.

Longview ISD Shameika Allen has been

appointed interim principal of Longview High School. She has two decades of experience and previously served as academic dean at the campus.

Mary Taylor, an employee

of the district for 14 years, is now principal of Foster Middle School. She most recently was assistant principal of Judson Middle School.

Lufkin ISD David Garza, former chief

of police for Diboll ISD, has joined Lufkin ISD in the same capacity. He is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University and Kilgore College’s police academy, and has been a peace officer for 26 years.

McAllen ISD John Ball, former McAllen ISD school board

member, has been named the district’s first staff attorney. He served as a trustee for four years and most recently practiced law in the private sector.

Rosalba De Hoyos is

McAllen ISD’s new interim superintendent. During her 29-year career she has served as assistant superintendent for instructional services and as a teacher, counselor, dean of instruction, principal and director.

Manor ISD Manor ISD has welcomed Maritza Gallaga as executive director of communications.

She comes to her new position with over a decade of experience in school communications, most recently serving as interim chief of public affairs and communications for Round Rock ISD. She is a graduate of the University of Texas Pan-American with a master’s degree

in advertising from the University of Texas.

The Manor ISD Board of Trustees has approved Christopher Harvey as chief academic support officer. Previous assignments in the district include executive director of federal, state and innovative programs, director of academic programs, and coordinator for academic interventions and college and career readiness. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas State University, his master’s degree from Concordia University, and his doctorate from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor.

Midland ISD Jessica Redman has been

named co-executive director of school leadership for elementary campuses. She is a 20-year educator who has worked as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal and principal.

Tricia Teran, co-executive

director of school leadership for elementary campuses, has 11 years of experience in education, seven of those as an administrator. She previously was executive director of Midland ISD’s learning, leading and innovation program.

Shannon Torres, former

principal of Legacy High School, is now executive director of school leadership for secondary campuses. She brings 19 years of experience to her new position, having worked as a teacher, assistant principal and principal.

Midlothian ISD The district’s new superintendent, David Belding, comes to Midlothian with 36 years of experience in Texas public education, most recently leading Aubrey ISD. He began his career as a high school and middle school band director in Fort Worth ISD, going on to serve in Weatherford and Azle ISDs before taking his first superintendent position, for Millsap ISD, in 2012.

Northside ISD (San Antonio) The following administrative appointments have been announced:

• Jean Karst, associate principal, Jay Science and Engineering Academy; • Michael Ramos, assistant principal, Warren High School; • Kelly Rasti, executive director for community outreach and district advocacy; • Catelyn Vasquez, assistant principal, Rudder Elementary School; • Anna Villanueva, principal, Oak Hills Terrace Elementary School; • Shannon Zavala, associate principal, Jordan Middle School.

Paris ISD The new chief of police is Larry Hogan, who joined Paris ISD’s safety and security department in 2022. He holds a degree in criminal justice from Tarleton State University and began his career in 1994 with the Paris Police Department. He then served with the Wichita Falls Police Department and also served as a school resource officer at Wichita Falls High School.

Round Rock ISD Longtime educator Thymai Dong has been named Round Rock ISD’s chief equity officer. She comes to Round Rock from Hutto ISD, where she was director of diversity, equity and inclusion. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas, a master’s degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and a doctorate in adult, professional and community education from Texas State University.

The new assistant superintendent of student support services is Byron Gerard, who was executive director of college and career readiness for the Yakima (Washington) School District since 2021. He is a graduate of Northwest University with a master’s degree in education from City University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Western Washington University.

Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD After four years of service to the district, superintendent Clark Ealy will retire at the end of January. He previously led College Station ISD.

• Ivan Castillo, academic dean, Vale Middle School; • Jill Chudej-Garcia, associate principal, Meadow Village Elementary School; ► See Who’s News, page 28 Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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Calendar Professional development & events D EC E M B E R November 29-December 2 TAHPERD Annual Convention Convention Center, Fort Worth For more info, (512) 459-1299. www.tahperd.org Cost: Pre-registration (until Nov. 1): Professional and associate members, $170; retired members, $45; student members, $35; out-of-state attendee, $170.

After Nov. 1: Professional and associate members, $190; retired members, $55; student members, $45; out-of-state attendee, $190.

December 1 TSPRA Regional Meeting, North Texas area Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, Grapevine For more info, (512) 474-9107. www.tspra.org December 5 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Corpus Christi-area cohort (session 3 of 6) Corpus Christi ISD, Corpus Christi For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org TASA/TASB/TASBO Budget Cohort for Texas District Leaders (session 4 of 9) Webinar For more info, (512) 462-1711 www.tasbo.org TASB Training: Asbestos Designated Person ESC 1, Edinburg For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org TASBO Course: ESSER’s Ending in 2024: What’s Next?

Online event For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $85; nonmembers, $135.

December 6 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Austin-area cohort (session 3 of 6) Round Rock ISD, Round Rock For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

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TASB Course: Integrated Pest Management ESC 1, Edinburg For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org TASBO Course: Activity Fund Accounting ESC 10, Richardson For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $195; nonmembers, $245.

TASPA Personnel Law Conference Kalahari Resort and Conference Center, Round Rock For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org TASSP Region 3 Meeting Zoom meeting For more info, (512) 443-2100. www.tassp.org December 6-7 TASA Future-Ready Superintendents Leadership Network (session 2 of 3) Prosper ISD, Prosper For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org December 6-8 TARSED Annual Legislative Conference Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center, Georgetown For more info, (325) 37i2-5821. www.tarsed.org Cost: TAMS/TARS members, $200; nonmembers, $400.

TASPA Winter Conference Kalahari Resort and Conference Center, Round Rock For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org Cost: Members, $315; nonmembers, $440; retired, $155.

December 7 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, East Texas cohort (session 3 of 6) Tyler ISD, Tyler For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org TASB Best Practices Course: Maintenance and Operations ESC 1, Edinburg For more info, (512) 467-0222 or

Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

(800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org TASBO Webinar Series: Mapping Your Professional Journey, Part 4 Online event For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members and nonmembers, no charge.

December 7-8 ASCD Academy: Assessment for Learning: A Proven Strategy for Closing the Achievement Gap Van ISD, Van For more info, (512) 477-8200 or (800) 717-2723. www.txascd.org December 11 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, virtual cohort (session 3 of 6) Virtual event For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org TSPRA Regional Meeting, Gulf Coast area Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD, Pharr For more info, (512) 474-9107. www.tspra.org December 12 TASA School Transformation Network Event (session 3 of 6) Online event For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost for event series by district size: Fewer than 500 students, $150; 500-1,499 students, $225; 1,500-4,999 students, $300; 5,000-9,999 students, $375; 10,000-49,999 students, $450; 50,000-plus students, $500; regional ESCs, $225.

December 12-13 TASBO Leadership Fundamentals Workshop Mansfield ISD, Mansfield For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $550; nonmembers, $600.

December 13 TASB SHARS Matters Webinar Series: Random Moment Time Study Virtual event For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org

J A N UA RY January 8-9 ASCD Transformative Principal Leadership Academy (session 2 of 3) ESC 7, Kilgore For more info, (512) 477-8200 or (800) 717-2723. www.txascd.org January 9 TASBO Course: Building an Education Foundation: Your Path to Impact Online For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $85; nonmembers, $135.

January 9-10 Curriculum Leadership Academy 42 (session 3 of 3) Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, Bedford For more info, (512) 477-8200 or (800) 717-2723. www.txascd.org January 10 TASBO State and Federal Grants Workshop ESC 10, Richardson For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $285.

January 11 TASB Student Solutions Webinar Series: We’ve Reviewed our Special Education Program – Now What?

Virtual event For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org January 12-14 TAHPERD Annual Leadership Conference Lake Granbury Conference Center, Granbury For more info, (512) 459-1299. www.tahperd.org

January 16 TASB Training: Asbestos Designated Person TASB offices, Austin For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org TASPA Workshop: Understanding Special Education HOUSSE Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, Fort Worth For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org Cost: Members, $125; nonmembers, $160.

January 16-17 TASBO Leadership Fundamentals Workshop ESC 20, San Antonio For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $550; nonmembers, $600.

January 17 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Corpus Christi-area cohort (session 4 of 6) Corpus Christi ISD, Corpus Christi For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org TASB Course: Integrated Pest Management TASB offices, Austin For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org TASB SHARS Matters Webinar Series: SHARS Updates Virtual event For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org TASBO Workshop: Commodity Codes in Purchasing ESC 3, Victoria For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $285.

January 17-18 ASCD Curriculum Leadership Academy 43 (session 1 of 3) Corpus Christi ISD, Corpus Christi For more info, (512) 477-8200 or (800) 717-2723. www.txascd.org TASB Course: Hiring Effective Teachers and Keeping Them Virtual event For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org Cost: $225.

January 18 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Austin-area cohort (session 4 of 6) Round Rock ISD, Round Rock For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org TASA Breakaway Leadership (session 1 of 6) Virtual event For more info (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost for event series: Members, $175; nonmembers, $225.

TASBO Course: Payroll Administration ESC 1, Edinburg For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost for event series: Members, $195; nonmembers, $245.

January 19 TASBO Course: Commodity Codes in Purchasing Hartford Learning Center, Abilene For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $285.

TSPRA Regional Meeting, North Texas area Everman ISD, Everman For more info, (512) 474-9107. www.tspra.org January 23 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, San Antonio-area cohort (session 4 of 6) North East ISD, San Antonio For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Wichita Falls-area cohort (session 4 of 6) Wichita Falls ISD, Wichita Falls For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org TASBO Workshop: Personnel Fundamentals Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center, Frisco For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $285.

January 24 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Dallas-area cohort (session 4 of 6) McKinney ISD, McKinney For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

TASBO Workshop: State Aid Calculations, Part 2 ESC 18, Midland For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $195; nonmembers, $385.

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, North Houston-area cohort (session 4 of 6) Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Cypress For more info, (512) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

TASPA Workshop: Understanding Special Education HOUSSE Goose Creek ISD, Baytown For more info, (512) 474-9353. www.taspa.org Cost: Members, $125; nonmembers, $160.

TASBO Workshop: State Aid Calculations, Part 1 ESC 18, Midland For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $195; nonmembers, $245.

TSPRA Regional Meeting, HoustonBeaumont area Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Cypress For more info, (512) 474-9107. www.tspra.org

January 24-25 TASBO Personnel Academy Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center, Frisco For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $335; nonmembers, $385.

January 25 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, East Texas cohort (session 4 of 6) Tyler ISD, Tyler For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, South Houston-area cohort (session 4 of 6) Clear Creek ISD, Webster For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org Fast Growth Texas Lunch and Learn Virtual event For more info, (512) 536-1206. www.fastgrowthtexas.org TASBO Course: Optimizing Financial Resources for School Lunch Programs Online For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $85; nonmembers, $135.

TASBO ESSER Grant Close-Out Workshop Harris County Department of Education, Houston For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $285.

January 25-26 TASB/Texas Association of Community College Attorneys Conference TASB offices, Austin For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org January 27-28 TCWSE Annual Conference Convention Center, Austin For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tcwse.org Cost: Early Bird registration:, Members, $250; students, retired members, $225; nonmembers, educational entity, $300; nonmembers, non-educational entity, $375. After Dec. 1: Members, $275; students, retired members, $275; nonmembers, educational entity, $350; nonmembers, noneducational entity, $400.

January 28 TASA School Finance Template Boot Camp Convention Center, Austin, during the TASA Midwinter Conference For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: $200; onsite registration $250. (Midwinter registration is also required.)

TASA Superintendent Mentoring Training Convention Center, Austin, during the TASA Midwinter Conference For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: None

► See Calendar, page 26 Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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◄ Continued from page 25 January 28-31 TASA Aspiring Superintendents Academy Convention Center, Austin, in conjunction with the TASA Midwinter Conference For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: $225; onsite registration, $275. (Midwinter registration is also required.)

TASA Midwinter Conference Convention Center, Austin For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasamidwinter.org Cost: Early Bird registration: Members, educational entity, $445; nonmembers, educational entity, $545; members, noneducational entity, $545; nonmembers, non-educational entity, $845; student members, $200. Rates increase Dec. 1.

January 29 TASA/TASB/TASBO Budget Cohort for Texas District Leaders (session 5 of 9) Convention Center, Austin, during the TASA Midwinter Conference For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Registration is closed; Midwinter registration is NOT required.

TASA Small Schools Network Meetup (session 2 of 4) Convention Center, Austin, during the TASA Midwinter Conference For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost for event series: Superintendent only, $500; superintendent plus one, $1,000; superintendent plus two, $1,500.

January 29-30 TASA/N2 Learning Principals’ Institute (session 3 of 6) Convention Center, Austin, in conjunction with the TASA Midwinter Conference For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

F E B R UA RY February 1 TASSP Series: The EQ-uipped Leader (session 5 of 8) Online event For more info, (512) 443-2100. www.tassp.org Cost: Members, no charge; nonmembers, $55; campus (six attendees), $599; district (fifteen attendees), $1,499.

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Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

TEPSA Region 13 Meeting Location and city TBA For more info, (512) 478-5268 or (800) 252-3621. www.tepsa.org February 4-6 TCA Professional School Counselor Conference Gonzalez Conference Center, San Antonio For more info, (512) 472-3403. www.txca.org Cost: Professional members, new professional, student or retired members, $160.

TASSP Assistant/Aspiring Principal Workshop Hilton Airport Hotel, Austin For more info, (512) 443-2100. www.tassp.org Cost: Through Jan. 19: $285; after Jan. 19: $335.

February 5 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, virtual cohort (session 4 of 6) Virtual event For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org February 5-6 ASCD Transformative Principal Leadership Academy (session 3 of 3) ESC Region 7, Kilgore For more info, (512) 477-8200 or (800) 717-2723. www.txascd.org February 5-7 TCASE Great Ideas Annual Convention Marriott Hotel, Austin For more info, (512) 474-4492 or (888) 433-4492. www.tcase.org February 6 TASBO Course: Maximizing State Reporting Allotments: Resource Utilization Online For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $85; nonmembers, $135.

TASBO Workshop: Budget and Financial Planning ESC 10, Richardson For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $195; nonmembers, $245.

February 7 TASBO Workshop: Functions and Duties of School Business Officials Dallas ISD, Dallas For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $195; nonmembers, $245.

TEPSA Region 16 Meeting Location TBA, Amarillo For more info, (512) 478-5268 or (800) 252-3621. www.tepsa.org February 8 TASB Student Solutions Webinar Series: Discipline of Students with Disabilities Virtual event For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org February 8-9 TASB Conference for Administrative Professionals TASB offices, Austin For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org February 12-13 TASB Federal Advocacy Conference Willard InterContinental Hotel, Washington, D.C. For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org February 13 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Corpus Christi-area cohort (session 5 of 6) Corpus Christi ISD, Corpus Christi For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org February 14-15 TASB Training: Implementing Strategic HR Practices Virtual event For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org Cost: $225.

February 15 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Austin-area cohort (session 5 of 6) Round Rock ISD, Round Rock For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org TASA Breakaway Leadership (session 2 of 6) Virtual event For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost for event series: Members, $175; nonmembers, $225.

TASB Course: Integrated Pest Management ESC 20, San Antonio For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org February 19-23 TASBO Engage Annual Conference Brown Convention Center, Houston For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org February 20 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, San Antonio-area cohort (session 5 of 6) North East ISD, San Antonio For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Wichita Falls-area cohort (session 5 of 6) Wichita Falls ISD, Wichita Falls For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org TASA/TASB/TASBO Budget Cohort for Texas District Leaders (session 6 of 9) Brown Convention Center, Houston, during the TASBO Engage Conference For more info, (512) 462-1711 www.tasbo.org TASA School Transformation Network Event (session 4 of 6) Online event For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost for event series by district size: Fewer than 500 students, $150; 500-1,499 students, $225; 1,500-4,999 students, $300; 5,0009,999 students, $375; 10,00049,999 students, $450; 50,000plus students, $500; regional ESCs, $225.

Fast Growth Texas Annual Conference, in Collaboration with TASBO Hilton Hotel, Austin For more info, (512) 536-1206. www.fastgrowthtexas.org Cost: Members, $175; nonmembers, $275.

February 21 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Dallas-area cohort (session 5 of 6) McKinney ISD, McKinney For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, North Houston-area cohort (session 5 of 6) Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Cypress For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

February 28-March 2 TASB Governance Camp: Powered by Student Voices Convention Center, Galveston For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org

February 21-22 TASA First-Time Superintendents Academy (session 4 of 4) Marriott North, Round Rock For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: TASA members, $845 for all four sessions; nonmembers, $945 for all four sessions; individual sessions, $295.

February 28-March 3 TABSE Annual State Conference Omni Hotel, Houston No phone number provided www.tabse.net

February 22 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, East Texas cohort (session 5 of 6) Tyler ISD, Tyler For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, South Houston-area cohort (session 5 of 6) Clear Creek ISD, Webster For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org February 26-29 TSPRA Annual Conference Marriott Sugar Land, Houston For more info, (512) 474-9107. www.tspra.org Cost: Members, $550; nonmembers, $980. (512) 4765355.

MARCH March 1 TASSP Series: The EQ-uipped Leader (session 6 of 8) Online event For more info, (512) 443-2100. www.tassp.org Cost: Members, no charge; nonmembers, $55; campus (six attendees), $599; district (fifteen attendees), $1,499.

March 3-5 TASSP Symposium: Making Middle School Matter Hilton Airport Hotel, Austin For more info, (512) 443-2100. www.tassp.org March 4 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, virtual cohort (session 5 of 6) Virtual event For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

February 28 TASBO Workshop: Applications of Purchasing Law Dallas ISD, Dallas For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $195; nonmembers, $245.

March 5 TASA Small Schools Network (session 3 of 4) Virtual event For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost for event series: Superintendent only, $500; superintendent plus one, $1,000; superintendent plus two, $1,500.

February 28-29 TASA Future-Ready Superintendents Leadership Network Event (session 3 of 3) Liberty Hill ISD, Liberty Hill For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org

TASBO Workshop: Getting Things Done Dallas ISD, Dallas For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $245; nonmembers, $375.

TASA/N2 Learning Executive Leadership Institute (session 3 of 4) Hilton Post Oak, Houston For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

TETL Spring Summit Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Cypress For more info, (855) 458-9286. www.tetl.org

TASA/N2 Learning Principals’ Institute (session 5 of 6) Hilton Post Oak, Houston For more info, (972) 515-2268. www.n2learning.org

March 6 TASBO State and Federal Grants Manual Workshop TASBO offices, Austin For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $285.

March 19 TEPSA Region 20 Meeting Location and city TBA For more info, (512) 478-5268 or (800) 252-3621. www.tepsa.org March 20 TASBO Purchasing Compliance Workshop: Federal Grant Expenditures Frenship ISD, Wolfforth For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $195; nonmembers, $245.

March 21 TASA Breakaway Leadership (session 3 of 6) Virtual event For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost for event series: Members, $175; nonmembers, $225.

TASBO ESSER Grant Close-Out Workshop Frenship ISD, Wolfforth For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $285.

TSPRA Regional Meeting, Houston-Beaumont area La Porte ISD, La Porte For more info, (512) 474-9107. www.tspra.org March 22 TSPRA Regional Meeting, North Texas area Celina ISD, Celina For more info, (512) 474-9107. www.tspra.org March 24-26 TAGT Leadership Conference CityPlace Marriott, Houston For more info, (512) 499-8248. www.txgifted.org March 25-26 TASBO Finance+CTE Joint Academy Marriott North, Round Rock For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members and nonmembers, $335.

March 26 TASA School Transformation Network Event (session 5 of 6) Online event For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost for event series by district size: Fewer than 500 students, $150; 500-1,499 students, $225; 1,500-4,999 students, $300; 5,000-9,999 students, $375; 10,000-49,999 students, $450; 50,000-plus students, $500; regional ESCs, $225.

March 27 TASA/Texas Public Accountability Consortium Meeting (event 2 of 2) Holdsworth Center, Lake Austin Campus, Austin For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org March 27-28 TASB Workshop: Writing Effective Job Descriptions Virtual event For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org Cost: $225.

March 28 TASBO Workshop: Commodity Codes in Purchasing Mansfield ISD, Mansfield For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: Members, $235; nonmembers, $285. ◄

Where did you find that great conference?

I found it in Texas School Business!

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

TexasSchoolBusiness.com Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

27

Who’s News ◄ Continued from page 23

Seguin ISD Veronica Vijil, who was

the district’s deputy superintendent, has agreed to serve as interim superintendent. She previously held the top position in Fabens ISD. A graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso, she earned her master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University and her doctorate from Sam Houston State University.

Sherman ISD Sherman ISD announces the appointment of Carl Williams as head girls’ basketball coach at Sherman High School.

He comes to Sherman from Killeen ISD, where he was Ellison High School’s head freshman girls’ basketball coach and, since 2018, first assistant coach for that school’s girls’ varsity basketball team. He is a

graduate of Texas A&M University-Central Texas with a master’s degree from Louisiana College.

• Veonda Emholtz, Bailey Middle School;

Socorro ISD

• Richard Hoard, the International School at Salyers;

Adam Lares is the new head volleyball coach

• Margaret Harris, Northgate Crossing Elementary School;

at Americas High School.

• Timothy Livingston, Reynolds Elementary School;

Spring ISD

• Trenn Russell, School for International Studies at Bammel;

New Spring ISD chief of police Matthew Rodrigue has over 24 years of experience as a Texas peace officer, the first 14 with the Harris County Precinct 4 constable’s office. In 2012 he was appointed chief deputy of the Montgomery County Precinct 3 constable’s office. He is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville.

Ten principal assignments have been announced. They and their schools are: • Cesar Alvarez, Heritage Elementary School; • Na’Carol Dixon-Hall, Burchett Elementary School; • Lakeisha Dunevant, Bammel Elementary School;

• Julie Smith, Beneke Elementary School; • MaShanda Walker-Shack, Clark Elementary School.

Ysleta ISD (El Paso) Parkland Middle School’s new principal is Jesus Ortiz, former assistant principal of Ysleta High School. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso with a master’s degree in educational administration from Angelo State University.

Steve Zubiate has been promoted from

assistant principal to principal of Eastwood Middle School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at El Paso and his master’s degree in educational administration from Sul Ross State University. ◄

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

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

28

Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

THE BACK PAGE

On being an educator who can be trusted

I

by Riney Jordan

’ve been writing this column for Texas School Business for close to 20 years.

My objective has always been to provide encouragement for teachers and administrators, but at the same time to make a difference in the lives of the students that we all serve.

Although I have been retired from working in the public schools for more than 25 years, my love for the profession has never diminished. I think often about the students I served. Amazingly, I have kept up with many of them for years through Facebook, email, and seeing them at various events.

I realize that many of the methods have changed over the years, but there are certain things that never need to change.

I recently wrote this little quote, and it sums up my feelings on the relationship between a school employee and the students they serve.

It simply says: “Kids need their teacher to be a friend, but they need the teacher to be a role model even more.”

Almost daily, we hear on the news about a teacher who has taken advantage of a youngster in his or her classroom. Of all the injuries that a teacher can subject upon a student, I think this is the one which makes me angrier than anything. The teacher starts out as a friend … and the relationship develops into something that never should have happened.

And it seems to be happening everywhere.

Look at this headline from the Los Angeles Times: “California ‘Teacher of the Year’ faces 14 charges in a child sexual abuse case.” In the Bronx, a former public charter school teacher pleaded guilty in connection with sexual abuse of five former students. It’s here in Texas, too, where a teacher was convicted of having an inappropriate relationship with a former student when he was 13 years of age.

Take another moment to read this shocking statistic: “The U.S. Department of Education estimates that one in 10 children experiences some form of sexual misconduct by school employees.” (from Helping Survivors) When I read this, I wanted to scream. I wanted to stomp my feet. I wanted to cry. It is inexcusable for this to happen in any of our public schools, private schools, parochial schools, and even home-schooling.

Texas School Business Advertiser Index

Gravely........................................................8 gravelylaw.com Schneider Electric..................................4 se.com School Outfitters...................................2 schooloutfitters.com TASA.................................................. 10, 30 tasanet.org TASPA.......................................................... 5 Taspa.org Texas School Business.........7, 20, 27 texasschoolbusiness.com TMEA............................................................6 tmea.org

As I have always said, schools should be one of the safest, most protective places on God’s earth for our children. And from all indications, too many of them just aren’t that any longer.

I know that this is not a very pleasant subject to discuss in my column, which is usually uplifting and encouraging. But there’s a Scripture that’s worth sharing. It simply says, “Not many of you should become teachers … because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1 NIV) Now I realize that this is talking about religious teachers, but it certainly could apply to teachers at all levels who love children, care deeply about them, and do our best to make a positive difference in their lives.

Yes, as I stated earlier in this article, kids do need their teacher to be a friend — but a friend who can be trusted explicitly. Kids today are looking for role models who can make an indelible impression on their lives and make them better people.

Advertise in Texas School Business magazine!

It’s not an easy job. I don’t need to tell you that. But working with children remains the most important job in the world. Why? Because nothing could be more satisfying than to see the fruits of your labor grow up and mature into first class, quality citizens.

For specs and rates, contact jgarrido@tasanet.org or by calling (800) 725-8272

And when that happens, their lives, and your life, has shown its real purpose.

texasschoolbusiness.com

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

Texas School Business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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