School Board Workshop Schedule

10:15 - 3:30 (New Board Members Only)

The Texas Trustee Institute (TTI) has adapted its comprehensive program into a concise, 3.5-hour offering, specifically tailored for the spring workshop session. This streamlined version retains the core essence of the original experience, focusing on the fundamentals of good governance for first-year board members. Despite the shortened format, the program continues to provide an in-depth look at policy governance and its crucial role in promoting student success. Expert panelists, including seasoned school board members and superintendents, remain a key feature, offering valuable insights and real-world perspectives. 

The modified Texas Trustee Institute program ensures that even within a limited timeframe, new trustees are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to embark confidently on their governance roles.

Presenters: Robert Long, Division Director, Mauro Tijerina, Board Development Consultant, and Jeffrey Horak, Board Development Consultant, TASB Board Development Services; Joy Baskin, Associate Executive Director, TASB Legal Services

10:30 - 11:30 Breakout Sessions (Choose One)

How do school leaders ensure that today’s big decisions lead to tomorrow’s better outcomes? Join us for an interactive session focused on the Change Matrix—a strategic compass designed for the unique needs of educational governance. Discover how to navigate complex organizational shifts with clarity, transparency, and a relentless focus on purpose. Turn your district’s vision into a reality by mastering the art of the purposeful pivot.

Presenters: Amy Meek, Ed.D., Director of District Systems & Support, Region 16 ESC District Systems and Lawana Pulliam, Chief Academic Officer, Region 16 ESC School Board Training

How much do you know about policy basics? How confident are you about implementing 2025 post-legislative changes? Now is your chance to test yourself with the help of a TASB Policy Service consultant. This session will be a fun, engaging, and interactive examination of policy basics like governance vs. management, reasons for local policies, policy vs. regulation, and the board’s role in the policy development cycle, as well as a refresher on 2025 post-legislative changes.

Presenter: Kristy Birch, Policy Consultant, TASB Policy Services

Every district has a "Field of Dreams"—those new facilities designed to propel students into the future. However, the most important "build" isn't made of steel; it’s the pipeline of educators who will lead those programs. Join us for a deep dive into the "Grow Your Own" movement. This session explores the ROI of investing in homegrown talent. We’ll discuss how to turn your current students and paraprofessionals into your future faculty through residency programs, testing support, and the career-changing power of the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA). Don't just build the school; build the staff.

Presenter: Erin Prickett, Assistant Director of District Strategy and Support, Region 16 ESC District Systems

11:45 - 1:15 Lunch and Let's Talk About It

School districts across the state might face similar challenges, but your regional context can influence how they play out in your particular district. Join the conversation with a panel of trustees from Region 16 to discuss challenges and solutions from a local perspective.

Presenter: David Koempel, Senior Board Consultant, TASB Board Development Services, Lynn Pulliam, Region 16 Senior Director of Operations & Field Services, and Troy Seagler, Region 16 Senior Director of Field Services & ESC Client Relations

1:30 - 2:30 Breakout Sessions (Choose One)

Need a clear, accessible overview of Texas’ A–F system, how D/F ratings accumulate, and why upcoming 2025 guidance matters? We unpack the “three Ds rule,” “three Fs rule,” and when accountability clocks pause or reset. Trustees also learn how intervention stages — from LIPs to Turnaround Plans — connect to the Effective Schools Framework. The session shows how strong governance drives improvement, prevents escalation, and supports long-term student success.

Presenter: David Koempel, Senior Board Development Consultant, TASB Board Development Services

Join as two Education Law attorneys discuss key legal cases and regulatory decisions from the past year that impact school districts and school boards. Participants will gain a brief overview of major legal developments in public education along with practical insights on how these rulings may affect district policies and board decision-making.

Presenter: Fred Stormer, Attorney, and Jarod Russell, Attorney, Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

This session will provide an update on bills related to public education that are on the move and some resources for staying up to speed.

Presenter: Joy Baskin, Associate Executive Director, TASB Legal Services.

2:45 - 3:45 Breakout Sessions (Choose One)

They will share findings from research on phone-free campus implementation, highlighting what supports success, where challenges surface, and what leaders have learned during Year One. The session will include a brief overview of TEA guidance and requirements related to House Bill 1481. Following the research overview, the session will feature a panel of superintendents, campus administrators, and high school students discussing what they have seen in practice across Year One implementation. The session will conclude with a facilitated discussion where participants compare what is working, what is not working, and what questions remain as districts refine policy and practice for the coming year.

Presenter: S. Brigette Whaley, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Ray Barbosa, Ed.D., Associate Professor, Director of Graduate Education, West Texas A&M University College of Education

Join as two Education Law attorneys discuss key legal cases and regulatory decisions from the past year that impact school districts and school boards. Participants will gain a brief overview of major legal developments in public education along with practical insights on how these rulings may affect district policies and board decision-making.

Presenters: Fred Stormer, Attorney, and Jarod Russell, Attorney, Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

State law now requires all school board members and certain district staff to complete a certified training annually. This training is designed specifically for school board members to help you lead your district through the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) while meeting the new training requirements. 

Presenter: Steve Singleton, Field Service Projector Manager and Robert O’Connor, Coordinator of AI Innovation, Region 16 ESC Executive Services

Discover how the NPIZ collaboration breaks down geographic barriers to create robust opportunities for rural students. This session features firsthand accounts from district leaders and a dynamic student panel, showcasing the power of collective vision and the real-world impact of our regional partnership.

Presenters: Jackie Graves, Northwest Panhandle Innovation Zone Coordinator, Region 16 District Systems

4 -5 Closing Session

School districts across the Texas Panhandle—of all sizes—are facing ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers. This session explores practical, adaptable strategies for building a local pipeline of educators through partnerships, intentional talent development, and high-impact models, including teacher residency programs as one approach to strengthening preparation and retention. Participants will hear how districts are approaching this work in different ways and walk away with ideas that can be implemented at any stage.

Presenters: : Erin Prickett, Assistant Director of District Strategy and Support, Region 16 ESC District Systems, Allison Kleman, Residency Program Site Coordinator, West Texas A&M University; Paige Fisk, Principal, Canyon Independent School District; Amy West, Host Teacher, Canyon Independent School; Maggie McIntyre, Resident Teacher, West Texas A&M University