TASA's 19th Annual First-time Superintendents' Academy starts this month
Leading a school district is a crucially important and exceedingly challenging job, and for those new to the position the magnitude of responsibility can be overwhelming.
That's why TASA’s First-time Superintendents' Academy continues to be one of the organization's most popular programs year after year. Geared for first- and second-year superintendents, the academy aims to familiarize new district chiefs with relationships, practices and priorities that are important for early and continued success.
It also provides a chance for new superintendents to discuss issues and challenges with a peer group going through the same transition, and learn from experienced superintendents and other educators who give insight into situations ranging from legal issues to school board relations.
This is the 19th year TASA has offered the academy. The first session is scheduled for Sept. 15-16 at the Austin Marriott North in Round Rock. More sessions will follow in November, February and April.
The upcoming September session will include an overview of online resources for new superintendents, information about superintendent contracts from TASA general counsel Neal Adams, as well as an update from Mark Cousins, director of policy for the University Interscholastic League.
Paul Whitton Jr., TASA's associate executive director for administrative services who oversees the academy, said the objective of the academy is to give new superintendents information they can take back to their district and put into practice immediately.
"We've all been to workshops where, when it's all said and done, you're left wondering what you learned," Whitton said. "That's not what the academy is about. We provide relevant, useful information to help guide new superintendents in their day-to-day work."
The keynote speaker for the first session is Todd Whitthorne, president and CEO of Cooper Concepts, Inc., a division of Cooper Aerobics Center in Dallas. Whitthorne will talk about healthy living and how it links to personal and professional success.
Dr. Kenneth Cooper founded the Cooper Aerobics Center. Now 79, Dr. Cooper is world-famous for introducing a new word and a new concept when he published his bestselling book Aerobics in 1968. He's recognized as the leader of the international physical fitness movement and credited with motivating more people to exercise in pursuit of good health than any other person.
Dr. Cooper has also become passionately involved in the fight against childhood obesity both locally and globally. He created the Our Kids' Health initiative led by The Cooper Institute to reverse the growing obesity epidemic in Texas and across the country. Dr. Cooper was instrumental in getting physical education back in Texas schools through the passage of Senate Bill 530 that requires enhanced P.E. activity levels and annual physical fitness testing, which was awarded to The Cooper Institute's FITNESSGRAM.
Whitthorne will talk about personal health, as well as the importance of focusing on health throughout your organization – from the superintendent, to school employees and students. Whitthorne said doctors at Cooper Aerobics Center see corporate leaders whose companies are counting on them to be healthy and at their best.
"What we know is that you’re not going to be able to lead an organization effectively if you’re not hitting on all cylinders," Whitthorne said.
Whitthorne stressed the link between health and performance, something that is good for superintendents to note for themselves, but also keep in mind for children in their districts.
"We've got all this FITNESSGRAM data now and it is a slam dunk to show that students who are the most fit do the best academically, get in trouble less often and have better attendance," Whitthorne said.
Besides Whitthorne's focus on healthy lifestyles, new superintendents at the September session will also get a tutorial on school finance basics, a session on working with your school board, and a presentation on law and policy regarding Honoraria, outside employment and ethical reporting.
Whitton said he'll spend time at the end of each session asking superintendents what they'd like to see next.
"We want to know specifically where they need help," Whitton said. "All they have to do is let us know and we'll put it in the next session. Our goal is to provide information that is immediately useful for our superintendents."
Jenny LaCoste-Caputo Director, Communications and Media Relations
TASA adds veteran education writer to its staff: Jenny LaCoste-Caputo is the new director of communications and media relations
I'm proud to be the newest member of TASA’s staff in the newly created position of director, communications and media relations. After 14 years in journalism and a decade covering the education beat, I’m excited about the opportunity to put my skills to work for an organization like TASA, advocating for something I believe in passionately – public education.
I’ve spent six years covering education in Texas for the San Antonio Express-News, both as a senior education writer and education editor, and prior to that spent four years cutting my teeth on the education beat at the Pensacola News Journal in Florida.
Now, I hope to be an asset to TASA by providing our members with timely information on education issues. Expect to see more news items, both breaking information and longer, analysis pieces on our Web site. I also hope to launch a blog that keeps our members informed about opportunities for professional development at TASA, happenings at the Capitol, and innovative programs going on in districts around the state.
As a longtime member of the media, I can also help you with media relations questions, offering tips on building relationships with reporters in your area and pitching story ideas or dealing with the media in times of crisis.
Feel free to contact me directly with questions or suggestions about what you’d like to see me writing about.
I’m looking forward to this new challenge and am proud to be your voice in Austin.
Jenny LaCoste-Caputo 512-477-6361 ext. 2127
TASA Announces 2010 Regional Honor School Boards
Eleven Texas school district boards of trustees have been selected as Regional Honor School Boards in the Texas Association of School Administrator's 2010 School Board Awards Program. The 11 boards, each listed with its superintendent, are:
TASA's School Board Awards Committee will review all 11 boards and select five (5) to be named as 2010 Honor Boards. The five selected boards will be interviewed at the TASA/TASB Convention in Houston and spotlighted during the Second General Session (Saturday, September 25, 10:30 a.m.-noon). At the ceremony, one of the boards will be named 2010 Outstanding School Board. [Read More]
TASB Announces 2010 SOTY Nominees
Superintendents from 18 public school districts have been nominated for the annual Superintendent of the Year (SOTY) award sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). The SOTY program has recognized exemplary superintendents for excellence and achievement in educational leadership since 1984. Candidates are chosen for their strong leadership skills, dedication to improving educational quality, ability to build effective employee relations, student performance, and commitment to public involvement in education. The state committee will interview regional winners in August in Austin and select five state finalists. The Superintendent of the Year will be announced September 26 at the TASA/TASB Convention in Houston.
Learn More
Registration and Housing Open July 1 for AASA Members
The 2011 National Conference on Education will be held on February 17-19, 2011, in Denver, Colorado. Online registration and housing will open for AASA Members only on July 1, 2010. AASA Members will be able to secure early-bird registration rates and top-choice hotels during this time. General registration will be available beginning July 16, 2010.
Please be advised that a dedicated room block is available for our Texas AASA members at the Hyatt Regency Denver Hotel & Convention Center. Room rates are $212 per night. These rooms will be available from July 1-October 31, 2010.
Important Note for the 2011 Conference: Between July 1 and October 31, 2010, you will not be required to register for the conference in order to secure your housing arrangements. However, if you have booked your housing and have not registered for the conference by October 31, 2010, your housing reservations will be canceled and your room(s) will be released back into the general housing block. Be sure to register by October 31, 2010, to retain your housing arrangements.
TASA Grassroots 2011: Building Meaningful Dialogue
The 82nd Legislative Session is quickly approaching and now more than ever superintendents and other school leaders need to be talking with legislators about public education. The state's estimated budget shortfall has risen to $18 billion. The governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house have already directed cuts to state agencies totaling $1.25 billion. In addition, changes to the accountability system from 2009 and the upcoming transition to end-of-course exams require increased commitments from students, parents, educators, and elected officials.
It is important for administrators to talk with parents, teachers, community leaders, and locally elected officials on education issues that impact Texas public schools. To help facilitate local discussions and partnerships, TASA has developed materials with statewide information regarding school finance, accountability, and state budget matters, among other topics. The materials are easy to understand and can be shared with all interested stakeholders in your community.
Our goal is to ensure every legislator is contacted by TASA members on relevant education issues prior to the next legislative session.
To view the materials, visit the TASA Grassroots 2011 Web page.
TASA/TASB Convention Registration & Housing Now Open!
Registration and Housing for the TASA/TASB Convention are now open! This year's event (September 24-26, 2010, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston) boasts hundreds of breakout sessions on timely issues, nationally known speakers, and valuable networking opportunities.
Registration. You may want to review the registration directions (pdf) before you get started. Please be sure district registration (and housing) is coordinated through the central office. All registration is done online; pre-registration is available through Friday, September 10, 2010. Questions about registration should be directed to Mark Pyeatt at mpyeatt@tasanet.org or 800.725.8272
Housing. Reservation requests may be completed and submitted on line or printed and faxed to 408.918.4250. Questions about hotel reservations should be directed to Convention Housing Management (CHM) at 800.340.1905. Requests will be time and date-stamped by CHM, the centralized reservation service, and will be processed strictly in the order in which they are received. One night's advance deposit in the form of a check, money order, or credit card will be required to guarantee a reservation. The advance deposit shall consist of one night's room rate plus applicable taxes. Deposits for reservations made are due no later than August 27, 2010. If a deposit is not received by the due date, CHM may cancel the reservation after notifying the requestor. To avoid penalty, cancellations must be made seven days prior to scheduled date of arrival.
J.D. Kennedy Elected to AASA Governing Board
J.D. Kennedy, Superintendent, McKinney ISD, has been elected to the AASA Governing Board. In balloting conducted among AASA members in Texas he was elected to a three-year term beginning July 1, 2010. In the election, he prevailed over Guy Sconzo, Superintendent, Humble ISD.
AASA policy is set by its 135-member Governing Board, drawn from seven distinct U.S. geographic regions. Governing Board members have dual responsibilities. They represent their home state on the Governing Board and they report the work of the Governing Board to their home state affiliate. Through the Governing Board elected representatives, members have a voice in AASA decision making. The Governing Board meets twice each year. Texas has 4 positions on the AASA Governing Board. Other current members include: Alton Frailey, Superintendent, Katy ISD; Kay Waggoner, Superintendent, Richardson ISD; and James Wilcox, Superintendent, Longview ISD. Kennedy replaces Paul Vranish, Superintendent, Tornillo ISD, who was not eligible for re-election.
Todd Williams Elected to TASA Executive Committee
Todd Williams, Superintendent, Kaufman ISD, has been elected by TASA members in Region 10 to fill the vacancy on the TASA Executive Committee created when the committee members elected Jeff Turner, Superintendent, Coppell ISD, as vice president.
In recent balloting, Williams received a majority of the votes cast. Other candidates included: Alfred Ray, Superintendent, Duncanville ISD; Don Jefferies, Superintendent, Greenville ISD; and Kevin Noack, Superintendent, Palmer ISD. Williams has been superintendent at Kaufman ISD since January 2007. Previously he served as superintendent of Martins Mill ISD.
New AASA Survey Finds 275,000 Education Jobs in Peril
School administrators across the nation are faced with the possible reality of eliminating an unprecedented number of teaching jobs for the 2010-11 school year, according to a new snapshot survey of school superintendents released today by the American Association of School Administrators. School districts face a one-two punch of a tight economic environment at the state and local levels and the end of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars, which were instrumental in saving jobs in 2009. AASA administered the new study, Projection of National Education Job Cuts for the 2010-11 School Year, to document state by state the prospect of personnel cuts for the coming 2010-11 school year. The new survey was in part triggered by AASA's most recent economic impact survey, Cliff Hanger: How America's Public Schools Continue to Feel the Impact of the Economic Downturn.
H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards
North East, Lovejoy are District Winners
During the ninth annual Excellence in Education Awards program last night in Houston, H-E-B Chairman and CEO Charles Butt presented the Large District Award to North East ISD (Richard Middleton, Superintendent) and the Small District Award to Lovejoy ISD (Ted Moore, Superintendent). North East received a grant of $100,000 and Lovejoy received a $50,000 grant. Other district finalists included Alief, Aransas County, Mesquite, and Pharr-San Juan-Alamo in the large district category and Kipp San Antonio and Splendora in the small district category.
Cash awards and matching grants, totaling $380,000 were presented to the winning districts, teachers and principals during the ceremony. Since the programâ„¢s inception in 2002, H-E-B has awarded more than $4 million in cash awards and grants to educators, schools and districts across the state.
This is the largest monetary awards program for educators in Texas and one of the largest in the nation. Elementary and secondary teacher winners were recognized in Rising Star, Leadership, and Lifetime Achievement categories. Awards were also presented to state winners in elementary and secondary principal categories. TASA was a founding partner of this program when it was launched in 2002 and continues to work closely with H-E-B in promoting this program. Individual award winners will be recognized in Tuesdayâ„¢s TASA Daily.
Flores, Guerra, and Rue Appointed to At-large Positions
TASA 2010-11 President H. John Fuller, superintendent, Wylie ISD, appointed Steve Flores, superintendent, Harlingen CISD; and Adelaida Guerra, assistant superintendent, Human Resources, San Marcos CISD, to serve as at-large members of the Executive Committee for terms that run from June 1, 2010, to May 31, 2012. Karen Rue, superintendent, Northwest ISD, was appointed to complete the remaining term of retiring superintendent Sylvester Perez, Midland ISD, effective June 1, 2010, through May 31, 2011, along with current at-large member Charles Dupre, superintendent, Pflugerville ISD.
Turner to Become 2010-11 Vice-President
The TASA Executive Committee at its April 8 meeting elected Jeffrey N. Turner, superintendent, Coppell ISD (Region 10), to serve as association vice-president for 2010-11. A member of the association for 16 years, Turner has represented Region 10 on the TASA Executive Committee since 2007. He has more than 30 years of experience in public education, 19 years as a superintendent. Dr. Turner started his career as a middle school science teacher in Clear Creek ISD prior to entering into an administrative leadership capacity in 1984 in Van ISD. He began his eighth year as superintendent at Coppell ISD on July 1, 2009, and previously served as superintendent at Burleson, Jacksonville, and Van ISDs. Originally from Deer Park, Texas, Turner earned his bachelor's and doctoral degrees from Baylor University. He received his master's degree in educational administration from the University of Houston, CLC. He has served as a mentor superintendent for TASA as well as TASA study group chair (2005-06), Communications & Technology Committee chair (2008), and Leadership Development Committee chair (2009). Among his many accomplishments and honors, he received the Region 11 nomination for the Texas Association of School Boards "Superintendent of the Year" award (2002); and served as president of the Texas Association of SubUrban/MidUrban Schools (2003), and chairman for the Texas Center for Educational Research (2004). In 2006, he began his service on the design team of the Visioning Institute, a cadre of some 30 superintendents representing diverse public school systems from across the state, whose focus is on the development of a new model for public education centered on 21st century learning. His one-year term as vice-president begins on June 1, along with H. John Fuller as president, Rod Townsend as president-elect, and John M. Folks as past president.
2010-11 Executive Committee Members:
At Large:
Sebelius Awards $1 Million to Texas Leadership Center to Find, Enroll Kids Eligible for CHIP, Medicaid
U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that the Texas Leadership Center will receive $1 million in federal funding to find and enroll children who are uninsured but eligible for either Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The funds will be used to conduct targeted school-based outreach that results in increased enrollment and retention.
Recognizing that millions of uninsured children are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA) set aside $100 million for fiscal years 2009-2013 expressly to help find and enroll eligible children. In Texas alone, more than 750,000 children are eligible for, but not enrolled in, Medicaid or CHIP.
As called for in CHIPRA, grants were awarded to applicants whose outreach, enrollment and retention efforts will target geographic areas with high rates of eligible but uninsured children, particularly those with racial and ethnic minority groups who are uninsured at higher-than-average rates. The TLC/TASA proposal subcontracts with the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) of Texas to strengthen and expand CDF's 100% Campaign in the following school districts: Houston, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Valley View, McAllen, Hidalgo, and Pharr-San Juan-Alamo. For the past three years, the 100% Campaign has worked to systematically identify uninsured children through school enrollment forms and link them with affordable health coverage. The campaign has reduced the number of uninsured children by 50 percent in certain regions, and has received national recognition as a best practice by the American Association of School Administrators and America's Promise Alliance.
"Access to health care is inextricably linked to school attendance and school performance. The Children's Defense Fund's 100% Campaign is a proven effective model in reducing those barriers to enrollment, and TASA is eager to play a key role for the benefit of Texas schools and schoolchildren," said TASA Executive Director Johnny L. Veselka.
[Full Press Release]
TASA/TASB Convention Report
The 2009 TASA/TASB Convention wrapped up Sunday, October 4, after a successful three days at the Houston Convention Center. Highlights of the convention included announcement of:
Weatherford ISD (Deborah Cron, superintendent), 2009 Outstanding School Board of Texas The selection committee noted that Weatherford ISD exemplifies excellence with a strong focus on student achievement and an accompanying system of recognizing outstanding academic performance. The board is also vested in instructional technology, partnerships with other public and private entities, financial support for facilities, and developing policies for effective board interaction and governance. Dr. Deborah Cron said, "Our Board has always focused on a 'What's Best for the Kids' approach. Also, I am very proud of the many accomplishments each member has made for the sake of not only our district, but also our community." Dr. Cron said the district is planning an official celebration in the near future. TASA plans on making a formal presentation of the state's Outstanding School Board honor at a future WISD Board meeting.
Oscar Rodriguez, Jr., Mission CISD, 2009 Superintendent of the Year Serving more than 15,000 students, Rodriguez has led Mission CISD for four years and has 30 years of experience in education administration. The selection committee noted the district's emphasis on success for every student and a partnership with South Texas College and the University of Texas-Pan American to create Operation College Bound, where seniors are assisted in completing college and financial-aid applications. Under his leadership Mission CISD was one of six districts in Texas recognized for use of the high school allotment in building a college-going culture; the district has experienced an increase in the number of graduates proceeding to college while also increasing the number of students taking the ACT.
Johnny Veselka, TASA Executive Director, TSPRA's 2009 Key Communicator The Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) Professional Awards Committee honored TASA Executive Director Johnny Veselka as the association's 2009 Key Communicator. The Key Communicator Award recognizes Dr. Veselka's outstanding contributions to public education through effective communications, citing that he has worked diligently for Texas public schools since he joined the staff of TASA in 1974. When TSPRA officers began the "Key Communicator" Award in 1982, the selection committee noted that Dr. Veselka helped make the "Key Communicator" Award an even more prestigious honor by announcing the recipient during the TASA/TASB Annual Convention. Twenty-seven years later, it remains a major component of the Convention, thanks in part to his support.
100% Attendance-Forty-four districts had 100 percent attendance at Convention (the superintendent and all board members registered for and were present), and Alice ISD (Salvador Cavazos, superintendent) was randomly selected from this group to receive free registration for the superintendent and board at the 2010 Convention (September 24-26, Houston, George R. Brown Convention Center).
TASA Announces 2009 Honor School Boards
Five Texas school district boards of trustees have been selected as 2009 Honor School Boards in TASA's School Board Awards Program. The five boards, each listed with their superintendent as well as the School Board Awards Committee's reasons for selecting the board, are:
These five boards will be interviewed by TASA's School Board Awards Committee at the TASA/TASB Convention in Houston and spotlighted during the First General Session (Friday, October 2, 4-5:30 p.m.). At the ceremony, one of the boards will be named 2009 Outstanding School Board. The 2009 Regional Honor School Boards also will be recognized at the First General Session (Region 01-Valley View ISD; Region 03-Goliad ISD; Region 06*-Anderson-Shiro CISD; Region 07-Rusk ISD; and Region 16-Childress ISD). *Regions have the option of naming two regional honor boards, one with under 1,000 students and one with 1,000 or more students.
2009-10 Membership Renewal Time!
It's time to renew your TASA membership for 2009-10!
We're inviting every TASA member to make the commitment to "engage in leadership" during 2009-10. Renew your involvement in TASA's proactive leadership community and assist us in our ongoing efforts to ensure 21st century learning opportunities for all Texas children.
Your TASA membership in 2009-10 includes analysis and interpretation of the significant legislation enacted by the 81st Legislature and corresponding state policies, as well as outstanding publications like the acclaimed TASA Daily and our quarterly journal, INSIGHT; professional learning opportunities for you and your leadership team; and access to TASA's online school leadership community.
The TASA membership renewal process is entirely online this year. AS a 2008-09 TASA member, you were recently e-mailed a renewal invitation that included your TASAnet login. To renew your current memberships and subscriptions and to take advantage of other membership and subscription opportunities, simply log onto tasanet.org and click the Membership and Subscriptions link under "Your TASAnet Account."
If you have any questions about the renewal process or your membership, please contact Brettany Zirkle, manager, membership and data services, 512.477.6361 or 800.725.TASA (8272).
Thank you for your continuing support of TASA.
If you have already renewed your dues for 2009-10, thank you!!
2009 Regional Honor Boards Named
Ten school boards, listed below with their superintendents, have been named as Regional Honor Boards in TASA's 2009 School Board Awards Program. These boards, chosen to represent their regions at the state-level competition, will be screened later this month and five of them will be chosen as 2009 Honor Boards. The five Honor Boards will be spotlighted during the Third General Session (Sunday, October 4, 9-10:30 a.m.) at the TASA/TASB Convention in Houston. At the ceremony, one of the boards will be named 2009 Outstanding School Board. Congratulations to our regional winners!!
Region 1 - Valley View ISD (Leonel Galaviz) Region 3 - Goliad ISD (Sam Atwood) Region 4 - Lamar CISD (Thomas E. Randle) Region 6* - Anderson-Shiro CISD (Fred Brent) Region 6* - Splendora ISD (Thomas Price) Region 7 - Rusk ISD (James Michael Largent) Region 11 - Weatherford ISD (Deborah Cron) Region 13 - Seguin ISD (Irene Garza) Region 16 - Childress ISD (John C. Wilson) Region 20 - Floresville ISD (David Lowell Vinson)
*Regions have the option of naming two regional honor boards, one with under 1,000 students and one with 1,000 or more students.
Midwinter Conference 2010 Concurrent Session Application
Has your district got a great program that you'd like to share? TASA's annual Midwinter Conference has become the conference of choice for district leadership teams . . . here's your opportunity to share best practices from your district with key education leaders from around the state, January 24-27 at the Austin Convention Center! Deadline for submitting application online: Friday, October 16, 2009.
AASA National Conference Registration & Housing
The 2010 National Conference on Education, Build a Stronger Future, will be held February 11-13 in Phoenix, Arizona. Please be advised that a dedicated room block is available for our members at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel. These rooms will be available through September 28. A valid user name and password are required to make any reservation in the state block. [ Full Details ]
Dr. Johnny Veselka Named TSPRA's Key Communicator
The Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) Professional Awards Committee has chosen Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) Executive Director, Dr. Johnny Veselka, as the association's 2009 Key Communicator. The Key Communicator Awards recognizes Dr. Veselka's outstanding contributions to public education through effective communications. He has worked diligently for Texas public schools since he joined the staff of TASA in 1974.
When TSPRA officers began the "Key Communicator" Award in 1982, the selection committee noted that Dr. Veselka helped make the "Key Communicator" Award an even more prestigious honor by announcing the recipient during the TASA-TASB state conference. Twenty-seven years later, it remains a major component of the TASA-TASB Convention, thanks in part to his support.
[Read More]
Folks Begins Term as 2009-10 TASA President
John Folks, superintendent, Northside ISD (Region 20), took the helm as TASA's 2009-10 president on June 1. Folks, a member of the association for the past 12 years, has represented Region 20 on the TASA Executive Committee since 2004. He has more than 39 years in public education, 25 years in administration. He has been superintendent at Northside ISD since July 2002. Prior to that, he served as superintendent in Spring ISD for five years (1997-2002); dean of the School of Education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (1994-1997); superintendent of the Midwest City-Del City Public Schools, a district of 15,000 students in suburban Oklahoma City (1988-1994); and state superintendent of public instruction for Oklahoma (1984-1988). A native of Oklahoma, Folks earned his bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees from the University of Oklahoma. He began his teaching career in the Port Arthur (TX) schools in 1970.
Other 2009-10 officers are President-Elect H. John Fuller, superintendent, Wylie ISD; Vice-President Rod Townsend, superintendent, Hico ISD; and past-president Rick Howard.
H-E-B Excellence in Education Award Ceremony Rescheduled
Due to the concerns surrounding the H1N1 Swine Influenza outbreak, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards ceremony has been rescheduled for Sunday, June 14, 2009, at the Barton Creek Resort & Spa. The Statewide Judging has also been rescheduled for Friday, June 12, and Saturday, June 13. Additional details will be provided later this month.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jill Reynolds. Thank you for your understanding.
Urgent: AASA and CDC Swine Flu Call to Action
Fuller to Become President-Elect
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