TASB Talks

Sarah Orman, lead attorney for TASB Legal Services, joins us to discuss the Title IX regulations that went into effect on August 14. With new rules about defining and responding to sexual harassment, it's important for Texas school districts to be aware of the changes and train staff appropriately. For more on the new Title IX regulations, visit TASB Legal eSource: https://bit.ly/3mqCwmz   Joe Bid...

We speak to Dr. Angela Herron, chief teaching and learning officer at Grand Prairie ISD, about her research on school board presidents and their relationships to the rest of the board. She discusses the role of the president as a facilitator between the superintendent and the rest of the board, and the shift in boards to serving the community as a whole. Herron will share her research at the upcom...

Former California School Boards Association Executive Director Davis W. Campbell shares the four characteristics of high-functioning school boards. Boards must be unified in order to provide a high-quality education to all students. He also chats with us about the opportunity gap and how it's been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Campbell will share his expertise at the upcoming XG Summit, a...

Dr. Samuel Bonsu Jr., researcher and assistant principal in Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, shares his knowledge of the board self-assessment survey and the five standards that define the duty of a school board member.  Bonsu will share more of his research at the upcoming XG Summit, a conference that focuses on how school boards can positively affect student achievement through eXceptional Governance....

Dr. Paul Johnson, associate professor at Bowling Green State University and a researcher on how school boards impact student achievement, shares with us his 12 leadership practices of effective school boards. He also discusses the importance of a healthy relationship between boards and superintendents and offers his own experience serving as a trustee. Johnson is a featured speaker at the upcoming...

The Texas Education Agency is now requiring districts to submit special education operating procedures. We speak with Dana Johnson, director of special education at Georgetown ISD; Jessica Witte, senior associate at Thompson and Horton; and Karlyn Keller, TASB's division director of special education about what's included in special education operating procedures, best practices, options for creat...

The Sheldon ISD school board has a passion for engaging the community, supporting teachers, and focusing on students. Latricia Archie, board president, talks about the importance of transparency and the great things happening in Sheldon schools.  The Sheldon ISD board is one of five 2020 Honor Boards named by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA). The five boards are now finalists...

Gary Bingham, board president of Mesquite ISD, discusses how the board demonstrated proactive leadership through the creation of a one-of-a-kind accreditation program for campuses. The district has also teamed up with Google, using artificial intelligence to customize learning for students' different interests, gifts, and passions.    The Mesquite ISD board is one of five 2020 Honor Boards named b...

Temple ISD school board members knew they wanted to create a strong focus on communication and sought a superintendent who could do just that. Dan Posey, board president, shares how his district prioritized districtwide communications, found ways to pull together when a crisis hit, and why the diversity of the school board is a strength. The Temple ISD board is one of five 2020 Honor Boards named...

In Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, the school board focuses on continuous improvement from the board room to the classroom. Board President Julie Cole tells us how this focus has led to more effective and efficient district operations, with the ultimate goal of improving student outcomes. HEB ISD is one of five 2020 Honor Boards named by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA). The five bo...

In the small town of Tornillo, Texas, the school board is the only elected governing body. The board took a leadership role in the community and included the town in the vision for the district. Hear Marlene Bullard, board president of Tornillo ISD, talk about how the school board has taken a leadership role in the community.   Tornillo ISD is one of five 2020 Honor Boards named by the Texas Assoc...

We're joined by Amy Campbell, division director of TASB HR Services, to discuss the challenges of district staff returning to school during the COVID-19 pandemic. She answers common district questions, like: Do teachers have a choice in returning to the classroom? If a staff member is exposed to COVID-19, what are the next steps? How will daily screenings work? Should schools be preparing contact...

Hear from Joy Baskin, division director of TASB Legal Services, about the legal challenges and implications as public schools prepare for the new year in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Joy gives us an expert legal interpretation of the Texas Education Association's guidelines on in-person and virtual learning, extracurricular activities, and the processes for managing outbreaks as the...

We are joined by Dax Gonzalez, TASB's division director of Governmental Relations, who updates us on the TASB Advocacy Agenda, public school funding, and shares the latest news relating to the reopening of schools next month. ©2020 Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Hear from Teresa Flores, longtime Ingleside ISD trustee and former TASB President, about how school boards can stay flexible and lead their districts under constantly changing circumstances when a crisis hits. View TASB's COVID-19 resources for school districts: https://bit.ly/2IYBtbx ©2020 Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

In this episode, we hear from Dr. Viola M. Garcia, longtime Aldine ISD trustee, former TASB President, and president-elect of the National School Boards Association, about the importance of bridging the digital divide for students who lack resources to engage in online learning. We discuss why trustees should have a seat at the table when it comes to the complex conversation about school funding d...

In this episode of TASB Talks: Leadership during COVID-19 , Charles Stafford, Denton ISD trustee and former TASB President, discusses the long-term effects of the coronavirus pandemic on Texas students. He stresses the importance of dedicating resources toward bridging the digital divide in districts and the implications of the economic downturn on school funding. View TASB's COVID-19 resources fo...

In Texas, 1 in 4 children are food insecure. No Kid Hungry is a nonprofit committed to ending childhood hunger. We spoke with Director of No Kid Hungry Texas Kathy Green about how the organization supports school districts through grants and increasing access to federal nutrition programs. Find out more about No Kid Hungry Texas: https://state.nokidhungry.org/texas/   ©2020 Texas Association of Sc...

Hear from Faye Beaulieu, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD trustee and former TASB President, about the need to set priorities during a crisis and how leaders can inspire those around us to rise to the challenge during emergencies, regardless of their role in the district. View TASB's COVID-19 resources for school districts: https://bit.ly/2IYBtbx ©2020 Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All Rights R...

In this episode, hear from Bret Begert, Fort Elliott CISD trustee and former TASB President, about what it means to adopt a people-first approach to crisis management. Bret discusses his own experience supporting the needs of families in Fort Elliott CISD, and shares wisdom about how to practice self-care during difficult times. View TASB's COVID-19 resources for school districts: https://bit.ly/2...

Robert Seward is a longtime Mesquite ISD trustee and past TASB President who joins us to talk about the need for districts to have responsive, reliable communications systems in place when a crisis occurs. He discusses what's important for the community to know during a crisis and how the district is getting feedback from parents right now. View TASB's COVID-19 resources for school districts: http...

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Troy Simmons, Longview ISD trustee and former TASB President, as he gives his thoughts on unifying a board to take action during a crisis. Dr. Simmons shares his experience on the intentional steps that boards can take to create solidarity and cooperation prior to any emergency and ways to come to a consensus quickly during a crisis like the current pandemic. Vi...

Our new podcast miniseries brings you short, information-packed interviews (10 minutes or less!) with Texas trustees about how they are leading during these unprecedented times. Our first conversation is with TASB President Lee Lentz-Edwards of Kermit ISD. Lee shares inspirational words and practical advice about how to pull together and work through a crisis. View TASB's COVID-19 resources for sc...

This episode features a panel discussion that was recorded at TASB headquarters during Black History Month when three Texas Caucus of Black School Board Members spoke to TASB staff to discuss challenges and experiences in leading their districts through the years. The panel features Ted Beard (Longview ISD), Anthony Hill (Coppell ISD), and Larry "Doc" Hawthorne (Hubbard ISD) and includes a special...

In this episode of TASB Talks: Lege Update, Dax and Q talk about the impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has had so far on Texas school districts and the state budget, and discuss implications for next year's legislative session. View TASB's COVID-19 resources for school districts: https://bit.ly/2IYBtbx View the Texas Education Agency's (TEA) COVID-19 resources: https://bit.ly/3e8uNWJ   ©2020 Texas Ass...