Vouchers give private schools — not parents — the right to choose
As state lawmakers convene in Austin, education savings accounts (aka vouchers) continue to be a hot topic. Vouchers would send taxpayer dollars to private schools that are not accountable to taxpayers while picking and choosing the students they admit. In states that have voucher programs, the majority of students who received a voucher were already enrolled in private school. Now's the time to act to protect your schools. Take a moment to send a message to your lawmakers, letting them know that vouchers are bad for Texas.
Call for Advocacy Resolutions now open
School boards are invited to submit new Advocacy Resolutions that will help form TASB’s response to issues before the Legislature and other governmental entities. Advocacy Resolutions are one part of the Advocacy Agenda, TASB's legislative action plan. The Advocacy Agenda is adopted by the TASB Delegate Assembly each fall. Resolutions will be accepted through June 15.
SOTY nominations due April 21
Nominations are open for Texas school boards to submit their superintendent for the 2023 Superintendent of the Year (SOTY) award. Presented annually since 1984, the SOTY award spotlights outstanding district administrators. Finalists are chosen for exemplifying strong leadership skills, dedication to strengthening public education, and commitment to community engagement. Nomination submissions are due to Education Service Centers by April 21. The winning superintendent will be announced Sept. 29 at the TASA | TASB Convention.
This week in the Texas Legislature
Stay informed on bills and proposals that have the potential to affect public education during this legislative session by subscribing to the TASB Talks podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Each week, you’ll hear about the latest developments with a new Lege Update episode. We're also posting short updates in the TASB Member Center each week.
Spring Workshops kick off this month
TASB's Spring Workshops bring high-quality professional development to your region each year. Get your required continuing education credit and network with area trustees. Session topics are selected by local school board members and vary from region to region. Spring Workshops begin March 20 in Lubbock and run through May. Find the training closest to you or one that fits your schedule.
Mark your calendar for Summer Leadership Institute
Don't miss this year's Summer Leadership Institute, scheduled for June 14-17 in San Antonio and June 21-24 in Fort Worth. The two events are nearly identical in schedule, session offerings, and general session speakers, so you can choose the location or dates that are most convenient. Speakers include Actor and TV Host Chris Bashinelli, Co-founder of Safe and Sound Schools Michelle Gay, and three-time wrestling All-American and Author Anthony Robles. Attendees will also get an update on new laws affecting public education with a recap of the 88th Texas Legislature. Registration and housing open April 18.
Submit your good news!
Submit your district's success stories for the July "good news" issue of Texas Lone Star magazine. Each year, we highlight the achievements, triumphs, and innovations of public schools and their students across the state. Email laura.tolley@tasb.org to be considered for this year's issue.
Present at txEDCON23
The 2023 TASA | TASB Convention will take place Sept. 29-Oct. 1 in Dallas, and session submissions open soon. Session Selector is the tool potential presenters use to submit applications to present at the event. It also provides a way for board members and administrators to review the applications submitted and share their feedback. Session Selector for txEDCON23 will be open April 1-May 1.
Registration open for SHARS Conference 2023
TASB Special Education Solutions is hosting its annual SHARS Conference May 4-5 in Austin, with both in-person and online attendance options. Discuss School Health and Related Services (SHARS)/Medicaid billing updates and best practices, learn from experts, and earn continuing education credit. The conference is free for Texas school district and education service center staff. Learn more and register.
TASA School Board Awards open April 3
The Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) School Board Awards recognize boards whose dedication and ethical service have made a positive impact on the schoolchildren of Texas. Superintendents can submit nominations to their regional Education Service Center starting April 3. After regional winners are determined, a TASA committee selects up to five boards to be recognized as Honor Boards. One of those will go on to be named the 2023 Outstanding School Board in the fall.
You've been challenged! Participate in Million Mile Month.
With spring’s arrival, it gets a little easier to meet those health-related New Year’s resolutions. TASB is joining the Texas Association of School Administrators and the Texas Association of School Business Officials in encouraging districts to support the well-being of their staff and students by participating in Million Mile Month. And as a board member, you can join in on the fun as well. The goal of Million Mile Month is for people from across the globe to come together and complete one million miles of physical activity in April. Read more.