Five school boards from across Texas have been selected as Honor School Boards as part of the 2024 TASA School Board Awards. Each year, the program recognizes outstanding Texas school boards for their commitment and service that has positively impacted Texas public school students.
The five Honor Boards were selected by a committee of Texas school superintendents. The selection committee’s decisions were based on criteria including support for educational performance, support for educational improvement projects, commitment to a code of ethics, and maintenance of harmonious and supportive relationships among board members.
The five school boards selected as 2024 Texas Honor School Boards are:
Burkburnett ISD Board of Trustees, Region 9, Brad Owen, nominating superintendent
The School Board Awards Committee noted that five out of seven trustees on the Burkburnett ISD board are master trustees, indicating their commitment to governance. The committee also highlighted the board’s high level of engagement with and strong connection to their community. With Burkburnett’s proximity to Sheppard Air Force Base, the district serves many military-connected students and their families, and all six district campuses have been recognized with the Purple Star designation for supporting those students.
Superintendent Brad Owen nominated the board: “The BISD school board is progressive and courageous in their view and belief of true student learning. The board challenges the district to find customizable ways to educate ALL students and to assess that learning through various avenues that reflect a true measure of student knowledge and abilities.”
Corpus Christi ISD Board of Trustees, Region 2, Roland Hernandez, nominating superintendent
The School Board Awards Committee was impressed by the Corpus Christi ISD board’s legislative advocacy on behalf of the district’s students and its annual “Keeping Every Youth in School” (KEYS) walk. Every September, the board launches the walk with community volunteers, elected officials, clergy, and CCISD employees who walk door-to-door to meet families of students who did not enroll in any district by the start of the school year. This initiative allows the district to reconnect with families and dropouts to promote a stay-in-school attitude.
Superintendent Roland Hernandez nominated the board: “Our board is steadfast in its focus on student outcomes. They are intentional in their actions and truly listen to staff, families, and the community to do what is right for our students, district, and our city. We are grateful that our board’s diversity helps us ensure our work includes perspectives from all sectors of our community.”
Donna ISD Board of Trustees, Region 1, Angela Dominguez, nominating superintendent
The School Board Awards Committee was impressed by Donna ISD's early childhood initiatives and sense of urgency regarding educational improvement. The committee noted how fiscally responsible the board is despite limited resources.
Superintendent Angela Dominguez nominated the board: “Donna ISD board members see their role as an act of service and advocacy. We are incredibly fortunate to have seven trustees who are relentless in their efforts to do what is best for students.”
Grand Prairie ISD Board of Trustees, Region 10, Linda Ellis (former superintendent), nominating
The School Board Awards Committee was impressed by Grand Prairie ISD's customer service focus and diversified programming offered to students. The committee also noted focuses on innovation, systems management, and safety.
Former Superintendent Linda Ellis nominated the board: “Regardless of challenges like a global pandemic or deep concerns about school safety... these leaders have never forgotten that their priority is doing what is best for students.”
Klein ISD Board of Trustees, Region 4, Jenny McGown (superintendent), nominating
The School Board Awards Committee was impressed by Klein ISD's focus on student achievement through an open forum process that keeps business moving forward. The committee also noted community engagement efforts.
Superintendent Jenny McGown nominated the board: “By establishing policies dedicated to knowing every student by name... our Klein ISD Board empowers us to ensure every student discovers a mighty purpose for life.”
While this is Donna ISD's first time being selected as a statewide honor board in this award program's history; Burkburnett was an Honor Board in 2010; Corpus Christi was named Outstanding School Board in 1982; Grand Prairie was an Honor Board in 1976; Klein was an Honor Board in 2012 and 1996.
These five boards are now finalists for 2024 Outstanding School Board. They will be interviewed September 27 at txEDCON24 during TASA | TASB Convention in San Antonio where one will be named Outstanding School Board on that day. Other Honor Boards will also be recognized at this event.
Since 1971,the TASA school board awards program has honored Texas school district boards demonstrating dedication to student achievement.
