‘TASB Talks’ at txEDCON: Trustees Talk Advocacy Process as 90th Session Nears
The start of the 90th Texas Legislature is just around the corner, but for trustees, legislative advocacy is a year-round effort. Preparing for the next session begins the moment the previous one ends.
That’s why it’s important to start speaking up early and often, said Karnes City ISD’s Alex Kotara. Connecting with legislators now can help build relationships that matter later as impactful bills are considered in the House and Senate.
“Start building those relationships, because they pay off in the future,” Kotara said. “That representative or senator will remember the good things going on in your schools and that gives them a purpose to work for you.”
Serving All Schoolchildren
Kotara and Brownsville ISD’s Daniella Lopez Valdez stopped by the TASB Talks podcast booth at this year’s txEDCON in Houston, where they both shared practical advocacy tips for listeners, as well as insights into their personal advocacy journeys.
“Serving is in my blood,” said Lopez Valdez, the daughter of two former South Texas ISD board members. “My passion is making sure that all children, regardless of ZIP code or economic status, get the chance at a quality education.”
You can watch the full episode now on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Matt Mitchell
Matt Mitchell serves as senior communications specialist for the Communications, Marketing, and Events team. He contributes to TASB.org and Texas Lone Star magazine, hosts the TABS Talks podcast, and creates and manages content for TASB social media.
Mitchell previously served as a communications specialist at The University of Texas at Austin, where he focused on internal communications and staff-focused content for the web. He also previously worked for KXAN-TV as social media manager, where he managed the station’s daily social media content and long-form marketing campaigns.
Mitchell is a graduate of Oklahoma State University, where he received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
