TASB President Ready to Serve

"Being a trustee is like jumping on a moving train.” Those wise words are from my friend and fellow public education advocate Ted Beard, who was TASB president a few years ago and still serves on the Longview ISD school board.

He is so right. I can remember my first TASA | TASB Convention after being elected to the Kerrville ISD school board some 28 years ago. I was the only Kerrville ISD trustee to attend the annual event, so navigating the required new trustee training seemed daunting and lonely.

TASB staff must have sensed my nervousness and patiently walked me through the program guide and helped me select applicable presentations to attend. Sessions on the Texas Open Meetings Act, standard board operating procedures, and superintendent evalua­tions were especially useful.

Attending my first general session, I sat in the back of the convention hall mesmerized by the musical performance of the students of Electra ISD. I remember feeling so grateful that Kerrville ISD was a member of this statewide association that cared so deeply for the success of all students. I no longer felt alone.

Proud to Serve as President

Just a few short weeks ago, I felt that same sense of awe at txEDCON24 in San Antonio as students from Canutillo, El Paso, Fabens, Socorro, Ysleta, and Tomball ISDs wowed the audiences with their talents.

I also felt an extreme sense of pride as I became TASB President for 2024-25 at the convention. As I accepted the gavel from Armando Rodriguez, Canutillo ISD board president and now TASB’s Imme­diate Past President, I humbly recognized that I am following a long line of past presidents, all distinguished leaders in Texas public education.

Attending many TASB trainings and other events and serving as a full-time director on the TASB Board since 2016 has helped me grow as a trustee. Most importantly, I’ve learned to view our work through many lenses to ensure all voices are heard and all stakeholders are included. That is my pledge to all TASB members as I serve as president.

It has been a blessing to serve on the TASB Board and to work with such a distinguished group of directors and the most dedicated and professional TASB staff. As a bonus, I have had the opportu­nity to again work with TASB Executive Director Dan Troxell, who I had the privilege of calling my superintendent at Kerrville ISD for 13 years.

TASB has elevated my experience, knowledge, and understanding of board service. I have had the opportunity to learn from some of the best. I am privi­leged to serve alongside my fellow officers, an experienced group of leaders giving of their time and talents so generously. I want to especially thank Debbie Gillespie, a former TASB president and last year’s immediate past president, for her dedica­tion, guidance, and exemplary leadership.

Plans for the Year Ahead

As you all know, the Texas Legislature meets next year and public education is likely to be a primary focus as lawmakers are expected to discuss school funding, school choice, and other issues. Advocat­ing for Texas public schools will be a top priority for me.

In addition, a primary goal is to attend all the regional area associations with the purpose of sharing the services TASB offers trustees and their school districts. With the assistance of TASB di­rectors in those regions, I want to help tell the stories of how TASB services benefit our communities and lessen the burden of government on district operations. Furthermore, I hope to gain insight into the services you, our members, find most beneficial and learn how TASB can better serve you in your vital role as trustees.

I know how hard you work and the sacrifices you and your families make. My family certainly didn’t know how my school board service would affect them: missed dinners, birthdays, and anniver­saries, and having to defend decisions I made in the boardroom. School board service is a family affair! I am so very grateful for the continued support of my husband, Arthur, and our now grown children, Shaun, Amelia, and Hunter — all proud products of public education.

And I am ever grateful to all of you for your service to students, school districts, and your communities.