The Texas FFA Association Board of Directors and How It Operates

BY: TAMMY CHRISTIAN CHAIRMAN OF THE TEXAS FFA ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND PENELOPE HIGH SCHOOL AGRICULTURE SCIENCE TEACHER

THE TEXAS FFA ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND HOW IT OPERATES

This year has certainly been a challenge for everyone. The Texas FFA Association Board of Directors is no exception, and has had to make some challenging and, at times, unpopular the Texas FFA Board of Directors. The agriculture/agribusiness industry representatives include one teacher educator, one at large teacher position, decisions. Knowing this, we felt it important and one school administrator. Those to help everyone better understand how individuals serve 3 year terms and do not the board operates. serve more than two consecutive terms. Every year the Texas FFA Board of Directors Director of ATAT and the Executive Director works to review recommendations of the Texas FFA Foundation. In addition, and proposals by the Board of Student there are three Ex-Officio- By- Position Officers (the state FFA officer team) and seats filled by the Executive Director of programmatic advisory committee. The Texas FFA, the President of the Texas FFA board makes decisions and updates Alumni Association, and the Statewide CTE policies to support our organization and Coordinator of the Texas Education Agency. follow our constitution/bylaws. As with A full list of the current board members most organizations, amendments to the can be found on the Texas FFA website: Constitution and Bylaws may be submitted www.texasffa.org > About > Organization by Area Associations as well as the Board of > Board of Directors. Student Officers or the Board of Directors. Those must be submitted in writing 60 days The Texas FFA Association board meets prior to the next FFA Convention for review. quarterly. Three of those meetings are Those proposed amendments must be typically held in Austin at the Texas FFA submitted to local chapters 30 days prior to Ford Leadership building. The fourth the FFA Convention by the State Executive meeting is typically held during the Friday Director for consideration by the delegates of the State Advanced Degree and Award at the convention. Should anyone have check at that location. This year has, of items they want the board to address, they course, been an exception, and to date all should submit those to Executive Director of our meetings have been held via Zoom. Austin Large. The board welcomes visitors Minutes of past meetings are available on to attend our board meetings, and guests the Texas FFA website, following the same are allowed an opportunity to address the navigation path as stated above. board on items of concern. The board has 19 members consisting FFA members and agricultural science of agricultural educators, agriculture/ teachers across the state. We appreciate agribusiness industry representatives, your patience and understanding as the school administrators, and permanent board works to provide opportunities directorships. Five of the agriculture in accordance with the restrictions and educators are the officers of the ATAT. Those guidelines in place for our students.. Should positions are one year terms and may be you have questions or concerns about re-elected each year. They serve no more board operations, please don’t hesitate to than 5 terms. The past-past-President of reach out. ATAT serves for one year as the Chair of The permanent directors are the Executive We know these are challenging times for 19 19

Teach Ag Tips

RULES AND PROCEDURES IN YOUR AG DEPARTMENT PART TWO: SAE/LIVESTOCK BY: RYAN PIENIAZEK, KRUM AND RAY PIENIAZEK, ATAT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

1. Barn Rules: Having detailed rules on usage of your district barn or animal facilities is important so that expectations are met by students.

2. Animal Welfare Agreements: Animal welfare agreements help you to enforce feeding and care of animals. Agreements also provide you the opportunity to remove animals if students are not complying with the rules outlined for care of their animals.

3. Trailer or Equipment Use: Some districts allow members and parents to use the school trailers. They need to make sure to have permission and follow the rules in its use. You may need a policy if FFA members are going to use blowers, clippers, chutes, etc. to make sure they are used and returned properly.

4. Purchasing Projects: Have a clear policy on how animals will be purchased and how much the student and parent will be involved. Receipts from the purchase of the animals as well as when the student purchases the animals are important for students records and school records.

5. Use of School Vehicles: Be sure to know what the policies are for you using the district vehicles. Do the rules allow you to take the vehicle home and can you have your children ride in them are two questions you need to ask.

A Poem

Peace, Hope and Love

Ryan Pieniazek, Krum High School Agriculture Science Teacher and President of the Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas

‘Twas the week before Christmas at the high school Ag Teachers were engaging students... using every tool. With the COVID-19 virus out in the air, They had conquered several challenges with positivity and great flair.

Accomplishments were realized and lifted with cheer; State and National Conventions were virtual this year. It was harder to get that senior motivated When classes were cancelled, and activities that were slated.

The LDE teams had new rules to follow For veteran teachers, it was a tough pill to swallow. Between quarantine and non-stable internet, The challenges kept coming; and there was no time to fret.

“Learning to do” had a brand new interpretation As we focused on preparing future leaders of this great nation. One day we will look upon 2020 with pride As we weathered the storm and handled everything in stride.

With Christmas on the horizon and drawing near The time is coming to share with those most dear. As we remember our friends and the days gone bye We send a prayer of thanks to the One Most High.

As we create a great vision for 2021, There are students to inspire and contests to be won. As your ATAT President, I have one wish for you, Peace, hope, and love all the year through.