Superintendent of the Year state finalists named
Five public school superintendents have been selected as finalists for the annual Superintendent of the Year award: Martha Salazar-Zamora, Tomball ISD, Region 4; Wade Stanford, Westwood ISD, Region 7; Jim F. Chadwell, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, Region 11; Sheri Blankenship, Hereford ISD, Region 16; and Jose Rafael Lopez, Kermit ISD, Region 18. The finalists were selected by a TASB committee made up of school board members who interviewed nominees from 19 regions across the state. The Superintendent of the Year will be named Sept. 29 during txEDCON23. Learn more about each finalist.
Delegate Assembly happening Sept. 30
Don't miss Delegate Assembly, held Sept. 30 during the TASA | TASB Convention in Dallas. During the meeting, your board’s Delegate will participate with school board members from around the state in laying the groundwork for how TASB — your Association — will tackle the tough advocacy issues facing public schools. At Delegate Assembly, board members meet to vote on the Advocacy Agenda, elect TASB's Board of Directors, and earn continuing education credit. Your school board may appoint one delegate and one alternate to serve as your representatives.
TASA | TASB Convention right around the corner
It's not too late to register for txEDCON23, happening Sept. 29-Oct. 1 in Dallas. Board members and school administrators can look forward to three days of learning, inspiration, and action. The event will feature student performances, award presentations, and exhibiting vendors. Attendees can network with fellow school leaders and earn continuing education credit. Check out the schedule of events and register your leadership team now.
Sign up for public ed action alerts
With an expected special legislative session on vouchers just around the corner, make sure you're signed up to receive advocacy action alerts from TASB's Texans for Strong Public Schools. You'll get monthly newsletters delivered to your inbox along with calls to action when important legislative issues related to public education come up. If you're already subscribed, encourage a friend, family member, or colleague to sign up.
Admin Conference registration now open
The TASB Conference for Administrative Professionals is scheduled for Oct. 26-27 in Austin. This event offers intensive training and networking opportunities for administrative support personnel at the district level. Training topics cover legal, policy, human resources, and more. The conference will repeat Feb. 8-9, 2024, so attendees can choose the dates that work best for them. Register now to reserve your spot.
Parent toolkit print copies available
TASB's Toolkit for Effective Parent Conversations: A Guide to Help School Board Members Build Trust and Relationships includes best practices and tips for connecting the work that takes place in the boardroom with what’s happening in your classrooms. The toolkit is available to view online. If you would prefer a printed copy, submit a request by Sept. 22, and we will mail one to you.
Register now for annual HR trainings
TASB HR Services is hosting HR Academy, co-sponsored with the Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators, and Advanced HR Seminar Nov. 6-7 in Georgetown. The HR Academy offers training to new and aspiring HR administrators on the functions and critical issues they will encounter in their jobs. The Advanced HR Seminar is designed for experienced HR professionals, providing the knowledge, methods, and tools to implement processes and strategically navigate new challenges. Learn more and register.
Attend a Fall Legal Seminar
Join TASB Legal Services at one of three locations across the state for informative and fun training on timely legal topics. With the annual Fall Legal Seminars, you’ll get the latest legal updates and five hours of TEA-approved training credit. This year’s sessions include Top Governance Questions, Term Contract Nonrenewal, Student Health and Safety, Safety Planning and Facilities, and Legal and Legislative Update. Seminars will be held Nov. 14 in Tyler, Nov. 15 in Waco, and Nov. 18 on South Padre Island. Register today.
Explore real-life community interactions with new course
Board members know open communication with community members is critical to building strong relationships and trust. To help you hone your communication skills and be better prepared for unexpected conversations, TASB is offering a new course, Outside the Board Room: A Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Game. This engaging learning opportunity challenges the player as they navigate conversations and situations, each leading to different outcomes. The course takes up to 30 minutes to complete and participants will earn .5 continuing education credits. To learn more and register, log in to TASB's Online Learning Center.
School-Based Law Enforcement Summit to be held Nov. 15
The tragic rise in school violence, along with recent legislative mandates, has districts everywhere looking to bolster safety and security. Those who explore school-based law enforcement (SBLE) often uncover a dizzying number of options — and questions. TASB Risk Management Fund members with Workers’ Compensation or School Liability coverage can attend the School-Based Law Enforcement Summit Nov. 15. Attend the no-cost event to get up to date on House Bill 3, the sweeping school security legislation that went into effect this fall, and benefit from the boots-on-the-ground perspective of former and current SBLE leaders.
Salary surveys in progress
TASB HR Services' district personnel/teacher salary survey is open through Oct. 3, and the community college survey is open through Oct. 5. The extra-duty stipend survey opens Oct. 19 and is due Nov. 16. Participation ensures you have access to the data you need to hire and retain the best talent. Have questions? Learn more about salary survey participation or contact TASB HR Services at salary.survey@tasb.org.
Share your voice in TASB's magazine
Texas Lone Star magazine wants to hear from you! The district voices column showcases articles from trustees, administrators, or educators who want to answer a brief Q&A or share a perspective, opinion, or success story about something happening in their district. For submissions or questions, email Managing Editor Laura Tolley at laura.tolley@tasb.org.
New tasb.org coming in 2024
We're revamping our website to provide a first-rate user experience through innovative design and a new, more flexible infrastructure that's built to last and support the ever-changing needs of our members. The new site will launch in early 2024, so stay tuned for more updates on this project.
Texas Teacher of the Year finalists announced
TASA has announced that six outstanding educators from across Texas have been chosen as finalists in the 2024 Texas Teacher of the Year program. The six finalists will be interviewed Oct. 19 by a panel of judges. The panel will select two state-level winners — Elementary Teacher of the Year and Secondary Teacher of the Year — and designate one to represent Texas in the National Teacher of the Year program. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony Oct. 20 in Round Rock.
H-E-B education awards nominations open
H-E-B is now accepting nominations for the 2023-24 Excellence in Education Awards in the categories of school board, school district, teacher, principal, and early childhood facility. The awards honor outstanding public education professionals and thank them for their dedication and commitment. Applications and nominations are open through Oct. 9.