Exciting Changes Coming to 2026 Delegate Assembly

This year’s Delegate Assembly is being reimagined to offer members a more engaging and valuable experience that will also feature a new schedule and creditable training.

The changes to TASB’s annual member meeting follow intensive work by the TASB Board of Directors on the Association’s strategic plan which includes a focus on increasing member participation, especially in grassroots advocacy.

“This was the perfect timing for these changes,” said Tony Hopkins, TASB President and Friendswood ISD trustee. “Our strategic plan is aptly named ‘TASBnext’ because we are looking at how we can drive the Association forward and strengthen the way we support members and the communities they serve. Delegate Assembly is a big part of how members have a voice in that work, so it is only fitting that we look at ways to improve that interaction.”

Hopkins explained that the TASB Board created a new committee — the Delegate Outreach Committee — to support member engagement efforts, especially at the membership meeting.

TASB Director and committee chair Nicholas Phillips is excited about the changes planned for this year’s Assembly.

“We want this event to be an engaging opportunity for our members,” Phillips said. “The Assembly is where every member board has input on TASB’s governance and the advocacy efforts we will pursue in the next legislative session. It is critical that members participate.”

Three Key Changes Planned

First, this year’s Assembly will be held Friday, Oct. 9, in Houston. “The Assembly will still meet during txEDCON,” said Phillips. “We are just changing the day and time we meet.”

The caucus meetings will start at 10 a.m., followed by the Assembly at 11:30 a.m. Delegates and Alternates will enjoy a complimentary lunch as part of the Assembly.

Second, both Delegates and Alternates will be permitted on the Assembly floor throughout the meeting. Previously, only the Delegate was permitted on the floor with the Alternate taking the floor should the Delegate need to take a break. 

“We heard feedback from many first-time attendees that the Assembly could be a bit intimidating,” Hopkins said. “And some seasoned Delegates mentioned that it would be a great cross-training opportunity for Delegates and Alternates to be on the floor together.”

Phillips also noted that with a board’s Delegate and Alternate on the floor, they will be able to more easily confer before votes are taken on action items. Active member boards will continue to have only one vote each. To promote voting integrity, one keypad will be issued for each active member board present, and it is anticipated that keypads will be used on all votes.

Finally, the agenda for the meeting has been streamlined to provide continuing education credit (CEC) for attendees. Last year, Delegate Assembly and the regional caucus meetings were ineligible for credit due to the State Board of Education’s new board training rules. 

“We heard you loud and clear,” said Phillips. “Training is an important part of why you attend the Assembly. And this year, we are working on training that will focus on how your board can create and elevate local legislative priorities.”

The session will include a panel discussion with trustees and will provide 45 minutes of CEC.

“We also have a new opportunity for Delegates to provide feedback,” Phillips said. “This year’s Assembly will be prioritizing the key professional development and resource needs that TASB should focus on in the coming year.”

Hopkins explained that this idea was part of the strategic planning process.

“The Board identified a need to rethink how we are supporting members,” he said. “This will give members direct input on the Association’s content and training priorities.”

Core Purpose Remains the Same

Phillips said that the changes to the meeting aren’t changing the purpose of the meeting.

“This is still our meeting, where we, as members of TASB, vote on Association business, like officers and director elections, Bylaws changes, and the Advocacy Agenda,” he said. “These remain the foundation, but it’s time to refresh and reenergize the meeting.”

Naming Your Delegate

“Most importantly, local boards need to take action this spring to name their Delegates and Alternates,” said Phillips. “Put it on your agenda now, so you can be ready to register in July.”

For more information on how to register, visit tasb.org/delegate.