Vernagene Mott Named 2026 Winner of the James B. Crow Innovation in Governance Award

Austin— Former Pflugerville ISD Trustee Vernagene Mott, a longtime champion of public education, has been named the 2026 recipient of TASB’s James B. Crow Innovation in Governance Award.

The award was established in 2022 in honor of James B. Crow, who retired as TASB executive director in August 2021 after 40 years of service to the Association and its members. Crow was known for his unwavering dedication to improving public education by supporting excellent local school board governance through visionary leadership. Award recipients are those who have significantly influenced effective school district governance practices at the state or local level. 

This year’s winner, Mott, served 21 years on the Pflugerville ISD Board of Trustees before stepping down in May 2025. Nominated by TASB Directors Brian Holubec of Thrall ISD and Lynn Boswell of Austin ISD, Mott was recognized for her work as a board member and as a lifelong educator at Pflugerville ISD, where she spent three decades as a secondary mathematics and science educator.  

During her time on the Pflugerville ISD Board of Trustees, Mott held multiple board officer roles and helped advance strong governance practices, including the development and adoption of board operating procedures, a board code of ethics, a superintendent evaluation instrument, and a board self-evaluation process.

In selecting Mott for the award, the TASB Member Services Committee cited her lifelong commitment to public education and community service as well as her dedication to creating opportunities for students in Pflugerville and beyond. 

Mott’s leadership extended statewide, having served as a TASB Director for 13 years and also participating in the Central Texas School Boards Association, where she prioritized collaboration and mentoring new trustees. The award includes a $10,000 contribution to the district of the recipient’s choice with Mott choosing Pflugerville ISD.

“Vernagene has had a lasting impact on students, educators, and trustees across the state, and represents what it means to be a strong advocate and leader for Texas public schools,” said Fort Worth ISD Trustee Quinton “Q” Phillips, who chairs the TASB Member Services Committee and serves on the TASB Board of Directors. “Her commitment to students, educators, and school board members is an inspiration for all of us who serve as trustees. Committee members were impressed and awed by her lifelong efforts to advance opportunities for Texas public school students.”

In learning about her selection, Mott said she was both humbled and surprised.

“This is truly an unexpected honor,” Mott said. “My time on the TASB Board overlapped with James Crow, and he always set a high bar for excellence. To receive this namesake award is deeply meaningful, and I share it with the trustees, educators, students, and community members who have worked alongside me to strengthen public education. I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I am inspired by all the trustees across the state who show up every day for students and their communities.”

TASB Executive Director Dan Troxell applauded the 2026 recipient of the James B. Crow Award, noting her leadership and service to public education.  

“Vernagene Mott is an outstanding example of the type of servant leader we seek to recognize with this special award,” Troxell said. “Across more than two decades as a trustee and a long career in the classroom prior to running for her local board, she has modeled principled governance, a commitment to continuous improvement, and an unwavering focus on what matters most — expanding opportunities for students.”

The Crow award will be presented at the TASB Summer Leadership Institute in June. Nominations for the 2027 James B. Crow Award Innovation in Governance Award will open at the end of the year.