TASB ‘Experts Series’ Offers High-Demand Training

When attending TASB’s flagship training events, such as Summer Leadership Institute, board members have a wide variety of sessions to choose from, including those that offer insights into timely issues and challenges boards may be experiencing. 

But attending one session often means missing out on another helpful training. And when it comes to decision making, board members know that helpful tips, best practices, and increased knowledge and awareness on important topics can make a difference in the board room. This is why TASB’s Online Learning Center is now offering five in-demand courses that TASB experts previously were presented at live events.  

The TASB “Experts Series” was designed to give trustees access to timely information and resources in an easy-to-digest format, incorporating videos and interactive checks for understanding. 

Topic areas covered include finance, facilities, staffing, school safety, and legal. 

As always, the courses are available on demand, so board members can take them anytime, anyplace that serves their needs. All of the courses offer continuing education credits. 

Whether trustees attended the session during SLI, Governance Camp, or txEDCON and want a refresher or missed out the first time, these “Expert Series” courses offer access to sessions tied to current trends and challenges that boards and districts may be experiencing. 

The TASB “Experts Series” sessions include: 

Aging Facilities – Save Them or Say Goodbye? 

When facilities are past their prime, a board may be torn about what to do: Renovate or replace? This session explores the process of collaborating with your community to make decisions about the future of facilities, especially when they have sentimental value for community members. Learn how to determine when practicality outweighs sentimentality. Credit: 0.5 hours 

Digital Dilemma – Legal Challenges Related to Student Technology Use 

Examine the critical legal issues surrounding students’ technology use today. From AI tools in education to the influence of social media on student rights and First Amendment concerns, this presentation provides insights for navigating the complexities of modern tech in schools. Credit: 1 hour 

No Money – Staffing and Compensation Ideas for a Tight Budget 

Boards know there’s never enough money for everything a district wants to accomplish. Meanwhile, budgets are tight and now federal and state funding is reduced. This course offers districts staffing and compensation strategies they can use to stretch their budgets while preparing for the potential of even tighter budgets in years to come. Credit: 1.25 hours 

Securing Success – Navigating Coverage for Safety and Security 

School board decisions and policies play a central role in how a district’s insurance coverage applies. This session explores the complexities of insuring safety and security personnel. Understand how your district’s insurance coverage intersects with the roles of employees, peace officers, security guards, and school guardians/ marshals. Delve into the nuances of workers’ compensation and liability coverage, and learn effective risk management practices to minimize your district’s risk. Credit: 0.75 hours 

Special Education Staff – Why Do We Need So Many? 

Staffing to meet the needs of students in special education can consume a significant amount of your budget and appear a bit excessive. To help you understand these concerns, TASB staff will explain the decision-making requirements for serving students with disabilities, differentiate between caseload and workload approaches to staffing, and discuss the common roles and responsibilities of key special education service providers. Credit: 1 hour 

These courses are available on demand and can be found in the TASB OLC.  Questions? Email onlinelearning@tasb.org.