delegate handbook - tasb.org

HandbookDelegate

2021 ■ Delegate Assembly

3

1

2

4

5

6

7

8

9

1014

13

12

20

19

17

16

15

18

MICA

MICB

MICC

MICD

MICE

MICF

STAGE

Credentials and TellerCommittees, Staff, and

Keypad Technicians

Service Awards Recipients Ramp

11

INFORMATION CENTER

REGISTRATIONGuest Seating

Entrance to Assembly/Materials Tables

Entrance to Hall

AMENDMENT TABLE

Floor Plan

1

Welcome to the 2021 Delegate Assembly!

We are extremely grateful to everyone who participated in last year’s first-ever virtual Assembly. While it was a productive meeting, we are certainly excited to be back to an in-person meeting this year.

The last 18 months have been so challenging. Yet, our students, educators, school leaders, parents, and communities have proven they are resilient and ready to face whatever may come. Your leadership has been critical in supporting our schools. Thank you for your commitment to the future of Texas!

During this year’s Assembly, you will elect TASB’s leadership and consider changes to the TASB Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Statement of Beliefs. You also will approve new Advocacy Resolutions for the 2020–22 TASB Advocacy Agenda. These actions will guide the Association’s advocacy work through the coming year. Then in 2022, you will begin work to develop a new agenda for our advocacy efforts for the 88th Texas Legislature.

In this Handbook, you will find details on the 2021 Assembly. Here are some key things to note:

• The meeting agenda, which includes the locations of the regional caucus meetings, is under theAbout Delegate Assembly tab.

• The Action Form is located in the back of the book. This is the form you will use to make amendmentsor pull items for individual consideration. Copies of the form also will be available on site. Pleasenote: Action Forms must be submitted by 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, September 25.

• Be sure to check out the tabs throughout the Handbook. You can read up on benefits you enjoy as aTASB member.

Thank you for your service and for being an advocate for Texas students!

Jim Rice Dan Troxell, Ph.D.TASB President TASB Executive Director

3

Table of Contents

About Delegate Assembly

Agenda ................................................................................5

Overview ..............................................................................6

Frequently Asked Questions ................................................7

2021 Delegate Assembly Rules ..................................................9

2020 Minutes .............................................................................13

Nominations Committee Report (under separate cover)

Proposed Changes to the TASB Articles of Incorporation ........23

Proposed Changes to the TASB Bylaws ...................................39

Proposed Changes to TASB Statement of Beliefs ....................71

2020–22 Advocacy Agenda ......................................................73

Cornerstone Principles (not for action) ..............................75

Advocacy Priorities (not for action) ....................................77

Advocacy Resolutions Recommended for Adoption .......................................................................79

Resolutions NOT Recommended for Adoption ..................93

Duplicate Resolutions (not for action) ................................95

Appendices

A. Mission Statement .............................................................101

B. Statement of Beliefs ..........................................................101

C. Bylaws. ..............................................................................103

D. Committee Reports ...........................................................127

E. Status Report: 2020–22 Advocacy Agenda ......................133

F. Many Voices, a Common Good, a Consistent Message ...........................................................................143

G. Financial Report ................................................................147

H. Action Form .......................................................................149


About Delegate Assembly

Did you know...The Benefits of TASB Membership: Strength in Numbers

For 32 years, 100 percent of Texas school boards have renewed their TASB membership. Together, we are a powerful voice for Texas public education. Thank you for being com-mitted to your Association and our mission!

For more on member benefits, visit tasb.org/membership-benefits.

www.tasb.org/membership-benefits

5

Region • Room/Level Region • Room/Level1 • South Side 1, Level 3 11 • Trinity 8, Level 32 • Fair Park 1, Level 3 12 • Bishop Arts, Level 23 • Trinity 7, Level 3 13 • Cedars, Level 24 • Trinity 6, Level 3 14 • Arts District 3, Level 25 • Trinity 5, Level 3 15 • Arts District 2, Level 26 • Trinity 4, Level 3 16 • Arts District 1, Level 27 • Trinity 3, Level 3 17 • Arts District 4, Level 28 • Trinity 2, Level 3 18 • Arts District 5, Level 29 • Trinity 1, Level 3 19 • Arts District 6, Level 210 • Trinity 8, Level 3 20 • Arts District 7, Level 2

1:45 p.m. Final Call for Delegate Pulls for Individual Consideration, Amendments, or Primary Motions on Items (as allowed by Del-egate Assembly Rules). All must be submitted on the Action Form to the Information Center by 1:45 p.m.,15 minutes prior to the Call to Order.

2 p.m. Delegate Assembly Convenes (Dallas Ballroom, Level 3)

A. Call to Order: Jim Rice, PresidentB. InvocationC. Adoption of Credentials Committee ReportD. Adoption of 2021 Delegate Assembly RulesE. Adoption of Meeting AgendaF. 2020 Delegate Assembly MinutesG. Presentation of Service AwardsH. Report to DelegatesI. Report from Nominations Committee

1. Election of Directors2. Election of Officers

J. Adoption of Proposed Changes to Articles ofIncorporation

K. Adoption of Proposed Changes to BylawsL. Adoption of Proposed Changes to Statement of BeliefsM. Adoption of Recommended Advocacy Agenda

ResolutionsN. Adjournment

TASB Region TASB Director(Active Member Count)

President Jim Rice, Fort Bend ISDPresident-Elect Ted Beard, Longview ISDImmediate Past Lee Lentz-Edwards, Kermit ISDPresident

1 (39) Jesus Amaya, Los Fresnos CISDSylvia Sánchez Garza, South

Texas ISD2 (42) Moises L. Alfaro, Mathis ISD3 (40) Demetrio D. Garcia, Kenedy ISD-

Karnes County4 (50) Rose Avalos, Aldine ISD

Dawn Champagne, Katy ISDBob Covey, Cypress-Fairbanks ISDTony Hopkins, Friendswood ISDGeorgan Reitmeier, Klein ISDAnne Sung, Houston ISDVacantVacant

5 (34) Nicholas Phillips, Nederland ISD6 (58) Jason Dohnalik, Cameron ISD7 (96) Tony Raymond, Sabine ISD8 (47) Thomas Darden, Cooper ISD9 (38) Mark Lukert, Wichita Falls ISD10 (81) Kevin Carbó, Mesquite ISD

Debbie Gillespie, Frisco ISDLinda Gooch, Sunnyvale ISDDan Micciche, Dallas ISD

11 (77) Justin Chapa, Arlington ISDCorinne French, Valley View ISD-

Cooke CountyJacinto Ramos Jr., Fort Worth ISDBecky St. John, Grapevine-

Colleyville ISD12 (77) Mildred Watkins, La Vega ISD13 (55) Mary Jane Hetrick, Dripping

Springs ISDVernagene Mott, Pflugerville ISDYasmin Wagner, Austin ISD

14 (43) Greg Welch, Clyde CISD15 (43) Raymond P. Meza, San Felipe

Del Rio CISD16 (62) Cindy Spanel, Highland Park ISD-

Potter County17 (58) Kay Alley, Crosbyton CISD18 (34) Steve Brown, Ector County ISD19 (13) Armando Rodriguez, Canutillo ISD20 (57) Karen Freeman, Northside ISD-

Bexar CountySandy Hughey, North East ISDRolinda Schmidt, Kerrville ISDRobert Westbrook, Schertz- Cibolo-Universal City ISD

ESC Kamlesh “KB” Bhikha, ESC 2, Represen- voting ex officiotative

Return to Table of Contents

Agenda

2021 Delegate Assembly • September 25, 2021 Dallas Ballroom, Omni Dallas Hotel, Dallas President Jim Rice, presiding

12:30–1:30 p.m. Lunch and Regional Caucuses for Named Delegates and Alternates

6

Delegate AssemblyOverviewDAO

Whether this is your first Delegate Assembly or you are a seasoned Delegate, here are key things you need to know, as well as answers to the most frequently asked questions Delegates have.

When and Where

The 2021 Delegate Assembly is Saturday, September 25, in the Omni Dallas Hotel. The hotel is connected to the convention center, making it easy for you to come from the TASA I TASB Con-vention to the Delegate Assembly.

The TASB Regional Caucuses begin at 12:30 p.m. (See the agenda on page 5 for rooms). A free lunch (for credentialed Delegates/Alternates) is provided. Lunch will be available starting at noon. The Assembly convenes at 2 p.m. in the Dallas Ballroom (Level 3).

What

TASB’s Delegate Assembly is the once-a-year opportunity for Texas school boards to have a voice in the overall direction of the organization. Simply put, it is the annual business meeting for the Association where you will vote on issues critical to TASB, such as:

• TASB’s Advocacy Agenda — the legislative“roadmap” for issues critical to public educa-tion

• TASB’s leadership — the Officers and mem-bers of the TASB Board of Directors

• Association business — such as changesto the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, andStatement of Beliefs to ensure a responsiveand effective association

See the agenda on page 5 to review the action items for the 2021 Assembly.

Who

Each Active Member may select a Delegate and an Alternate to attend the Assembly. Your fellow Dele-gates are members of local school and education service center (ESC) boards. In addition, members of the TASB Board of Directors and the four Legisla-tive Advisory Council members sitting on the TASB Legislative Committee serve as Delegates.

Important Notes

On-site registration for Delegates/Alternates not preregisteredOn-site Delegate/Alternate registration opens at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, September 25, in the Dallas Ballroom (Level 3) and near the escalators on Level 2. This also is where you can pick up your creden-tials (ribbon and numbered button) if you forgotyours at home or if your credentials were incorrectand make last-minute changes in Delegate andAlternate designations. Paper copies of the Hand-book will be available at the caucus meetings andin the Assembly hall.

Delegate nominations for TASB Directors and OfficersThe process for Delegate (or “floor”) nominations for TASB Directors and Officers requires that a state-ment of the candidate’s intent and consent to run for a Director or Officer position from the floor be received in the Association office by September 20, which is five days prior to the Delegate Assembly [TASB Bylaws, Article VI, Section 2D(7), and Article VII, Section 2E]. Only those individuals who com-plied with the submission requirements in Article VI, Section 2D(2) (for Directors), and Article VII, Section 2B (for Officers), shall be eligible for nomination in this manner. Information regarding nominations can be found in the 2021 Nominations Committee Report.


7

What do I need to participate in the Delegate Assembly as a voting Delegate?All you need are your credentials (region button and ribbon)! Preregistered Delegates and Alternates will receive credentials prior to Delegate Assembly. With these materials in hand, you will go first to the TASB Regional Caucuses at 12:30 p.m. and then to Delegate Assembly.

The Delegate Handbook will be posted online prior to Delegate Assembly, and you will be provided the link. Paper copies will be available at the caucuses and in the Assembly hall. (Paper copies of the Handbook were mailed by request.) If you would like to use the electronic version during the Assembly, download and save it to your tablet or laptop prior to arriving at the Assembly.

What if I lost my credentials?No worries! If you forgot or lost your credentials or need to make a change to the designated Delegate or Alternate, consult with the Credentials Commit-tee at the on-site Delegate/Alternate registration. On-site registration opens at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, September 25, in the Dallas Ballroom (Level 3) and near the escalators on Level 2.

Where do I sit at the Assembly? The Delegate seats on the Assembly floor are divided by TASB region (corresponding to current education service center regions). TASB staff mem-bers, holding red clipboards, are assigned to each area to check you in.

Special seating will be available for guests and Delegates and Alternates not participating in the business meeting.

Who can be on the Assembly floor?Each Active Member may have a Delegate OR Alternate on the floor. However, the TASB Board and the four Legislative Advisory Council members on the TASB Legislative Committee also serve as Delegates, giving Active Members with representa-tion on the TASB Board two voices on the Delegate Assembly floor.

What does the TASB Board do?The Delegate Assembly elects and empowers the

Delegate AssemblyFrequently Asked QuestionsFAQ

TASB Board of Directors to actively promote the purposes of the Association, oversee its fiscal affairs, and establish Board policies. The TASB Board consists of 43 Director positions, including six Officers, generally representing TASB’s 20 geographical regions, as well as their own school boards. The ESC boards are represented by one voting ex officio Director.

What if I need to leave the floor?Each board’s Delegate and Alternate may trade off time on the floor. When you enter or leave the floor during the Assembly, check in with the TASB staff member assigned to your region; the staff member will be holding a red clipboard. When you aren’t on duty, you can sit in the guest seating area.

What is the regional caucus?The TASB Regional Caucuses are held prior to the Assembly (12:30–1:30 p.m.). This is your opportu-nity to meet with other representatives from your region, including your TASB Directors, to discuss the issues coming before the Assembly and clarify the Assembly processes. Even better, you get a free lunch! Your Delegate or Alternate credentials will grant you access to the lunch and caucus.

What time should I be in the Assembly hall?The Delegate Assembly starts at 2 p.m. However, Delegates and Alternates should be there by 1:45 p.m. At 1:50 p.m., the TASB President will requestthat only one representative from each school boardremain on the Assembly floor. The CredentialsCommittee, consisting of Delegates appointed bythe President, assisted by TASB staff, will verify andreport on the Delegate count for a quorum.

If you arrive late to the Assembly, proceed to the section of the Delegate Assembly floor reserved for your TASB region, where a TASB staff member holding a red clipboard will check you in.

How can I prepare for Delegate Assembly?1. Review your 2021 Delegate Handbook,

paying special attention to the NominationsCommittee Report (under separate cover),the proposed changes to TASB governanceitems, and the resolutions recommended foradoption. You will be asked to act on each of


8

these items. Both the Handbook and report are posted at delegate.tasb.org.

2. Work with your fellow local trustees to deter-mine how your board stands on these actionitems.

3. Study the Delegate Assembly rules on pages9–11, particularly those explaining the Advo-cacy Agenda adoption process. Familiarize yourself with the Action Form at the back of the Handbook.

4. Attend your regional caucus before the startof the Delegate Assembly.

How do I propose amendments to issues under consideration?Generally speaking, you may use the Action Form at the back of the Handbook to pull items for individual consideration or to propose an amendment to an item. Consult the rules on pages 9–11, or the Infor-mation Center (located near the main entrance to the Assembly floor) for specifics on how to make primary amendments. The deadline for turning in the Action Form is 1:45 p.m. Saturday, September 25.

Secondary amendments may be offered in writing from the floor at the Amendment Table near the stage at the front of the Delegate Assembly hall. Consult the rules on pages 9–11,for specifics on how to make secondary amendments.

How do I vote?Voting is typically handled in several ways:

1. Voting for contested races for TASB Directorand Officer positions is by electronic key-pads.

2. Voting on the proposed changes to theArticles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and State-ment of Beliefs, and the Advocacy AgendaResolutions also is by electronic keypads.

3. All other votes will be by a show of Frisbees™. After scanning raised Frisbees, the Presi-dent will declare whether a particular motioncarries or fails. If the vote appears too closeto call in this fashion, the President will ask forvoting by electronic keypads.

How is anyone heard or seen in such a large group?There are three ways that ensure Delegates are heard:

1. Strategically placed floor microphones2. A video projection system with cameras

focused on each microphone and on thestage

3. The cooperation of every Delegate and Alter-nate in maintaining the tradition of decorumand fairness and in following the DelegateAssembly Rules

If you want to address the Delegate Assembly about an item under consideration, please move quickly to the floor microphone nearest you. When recognized by the Chair (by microphone letter), state your name and school district and deliver your message.

Comments are limited to three minutes. A clock will be posted on the two screens on either side of the stage and will indicate the amount of time you have been speaking; a sound will be played by the time-keeper at the end of the three minutes.

How do I earn continuing education credit?You may earn continuing education credit (CEC) for participating in your regional caucus and the Delegate Assembly. Board member CEC may not be granted for organizational business. CEC num-bers will be provided at the caucus meetings and at the close of the Delegate Assembly. On average, Delegate Assembly provides 1.5 hours of CEC. You can submit your credit hours in the TASB Member Center at tasb.org/members. To access the Mem-ber Center, log in with your myTASB user ID and password.

Looking for more information about the Advocacy Agenda?It’s right at your fingertips in your Handbook! Check the tab for the section on the Advocacy Agenda. If you have any questions, you have two resources at the Assembly:

1. Your TASB Director, who will lead yourregional caucus and be seated near you onthe Assembly floor

2. TASB staff at the Information Center, openfrom noon until the end of the Delegate As-sembly and located near the main entranceto the Assembly floor

Still have questions about Delegate Assembly? TASB staff is here to help! Contact us at 800.580.8272, ext. 3573, or [email protected]. For questions specifically about the Advocacy Agenda, contact Dax González at [email protected] or 800.580.4885.


delegate.tasb.org

tasb.org/members

mailto: [email protected]


Assembly Rules

Did you know...Legal Services provides assistance to school board members by phone and through alerts and advisories. Plus, the School Law eSource is an online library of legal resources for school leaders.

legal.tasb.org


legal.tasb.org

www.tasb.org/membership-benefits

9

As required by the TASB Bylaws, the Delegate Assembly business meeting shall follow the rules in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, which allows the body to adopt standing rules to govern the meeting.

The TASB Bylaws Committee recommends the following standing rules to the Delegate Assembly for adop-tion by a two-thirds vote:

Rule 1 — Credentials Report. The initial credentials report shall establish the presence of a quorum, and thereafter the total number of Delegate votes cast for each vote shall serve as the revised credentials report automatically.

Rule 2 — Recognition. A member of the Delegate Assembly shall indicate his or her request to address the Assembly by using the designated microphone. The Delegate will wait to be recognized by the presid-ing officer. Once recognized, the Delegate will state his or her full name and local board and limit debate on a motion to three minutes.

Rule 3 — Motions and Voting. To the extent possible, and as applicable, voting shall be conducted as follows:

(a) By electronic keypad for the following actions:(1) Director and Officer contested elections (majority vote);(2) Articles of Incorporation proposed changes (two-thirds vote);(3) Bylaws proposed changes (two-thirds vote);(4) Statement of Beliefs proposed changes (two-thirds vote); and(5) Advocacy Agenda Resolutions (majority vote).

(b) By a show of Frisbees™ for all other actions. After scanning raised Frisbees, the presiding officershall declare whether a particular motion carries or fails. If the vote appears too close to call by thismethod, the presiding officer shall take the vote by electronic keypad.

Rule 4 — Amendment and Pull Procedure. (a) A primary amendment to a proposed change to the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Statement of

Beliefs, or 2020–22 Advocacy Agenda Resolutions shall be submitted on the Action Form provided atthe end of the Delegate Handbook by the deadline in Rule 4(e).

(b) A secondary amendment may be offered from the floor as follows:(1) Submit the secondary amendment in writing at the designated Amendment Table on the floor

of the Delegate Assembly hall. The written amendment must identify the Delegates making themotion and second. Delegates are urged to submit their secondary amendments as soon asfeasible to help minimize delay or pauses during the meeting.

(2) Upon recognition by the presiding officer, the maker of the secondary amendment will addressthe Assembly.

(c) A Delegate may request that any proposed change to the Bylaws, Statement of Beliefs, or 2020–22Advocacy Agenda Resolutions be pulled from the consent agenda for individual discussion andaction by submitting an Action Form, provided at the end of the Handbook.

(d) With respect to the Statement of Beliefs only, a motion for leave to consider a late proposed additionor change to the Beliefs must be submitted on the Action Form (by the movant and seconder), bythe deadline in Rule 4(e). If approved for consideration by the Assembly on a two-thirds majority, anyprimary or secondary amendment must follow the floor amendment process in Rule 4(b).

(e) All Action Forms must have been submitted no later than 1:45 p.m., 15 minutes before the beginning(Call to Order) of the Delegate Assembly.

Delegate AssemblyRulesDAR


10

(1) A primary amendment has been submitted in accordance with Rule 4(a);(2) A proposed change has been pulled for individual discussion and action in accordance with Rule

4(c); or(3) With respect to the Statement of Beliefs only, a motion for leave is made pursuant to Rule 4(d).

Rule 6 — Uncontested Elections. In uncontested Director or Officer elections, the presiding officer may declare the individuals are elected by acclamation.

Rule 7 — Contested Elections. (a) In a contested Director or Officer position, each candidate shall have the opportunity to give a

speech, up to three minutes, in support of his or her candidacy. Candidate speeches for eachposition shall occur in alphabetical order by last name; however, the Nominations Committee’srecommended Director candidate and TASB Board’s recommended Officer candidate shall occurlast. Candidate elections are not subject to further discussion from the floor.

(b) The voting order of candidates for each election shall be presented alphabetically by last name;however, the Nominations Committee’s recommended Director candidate and TASB Board’s recom-mended Officer candidate shall be presented first.

Rule 8 — Advocacy Agenda Proposals. Only the proposed 2020–22 Advocacy Agenda Resolutions, as printed in the Handbook, shall be considered by the Delegate Assembly. Active Member submissions that duplicated previously adopted or proposed Cornerstone Principles, Priorities, or Resolutions, as determined by the TASB Board, shall not be considered. Delegates may not propose new Cornerstone Principles, Prior-ities, or Resolutions during the Delegate Assembly.

Rule 9 — Resolutions. (a) Proposed Advocacy Agenda Resolutions recommended for adoption are presented for a vote as a

group via consent agenda (without amendment or discussion). However, Resolutions shall be pulledfrom the consent agenda when:(1) A primary amendment has been submitted in accordance with Rule 4(a) or(2) A Resolution has been pulled for individual discussion and action in accordance with Rule 4(c).

(b) If a Resolution NOT recommended for adoption has been changed to recommended for adoptionby the TASB Resolutions Committee following an appeal by the submitting Active Member in accor-dance with the TASB Bylaws, the Resolution will be presented and voted on separately.

(c) If the TASB Board submits an emergency Resolution in accordance with the TASB Bylaws, the Reso-lution will be presented and voted on separately.

(d) Resolutions NOT recommended for adoption by the TASB Board shall not be considered by theDelegate Assembly unless the following occurs:(1) A Delegate makes a motion to adopt the Resolution as printed in the Handbook by submitting

the completed Action Form provided at the end of the Handbook, by the deadline in Rule 4(e).The Action Form must be signed by that Delegate and a seconder.

(2) A primary amendment to a Resolution proposed pursuant to Rule 9(d)(1) is submitted by aDelegate completing the Action Form provided at the end of the Handbook, by the deadline inRule 4(e). The Action Form shall be signed by that Delegate and a seconder. [These individualsmust be a different set of Delegates from those in Rule 9(d)(1).]

(3) Secondary amendments shall be submitted in accordance with Rule 4(b).

Rule 10 — Suspension of Rules. These standing rules may be suspended by a two-thirds vote.

Rule 5 — Consent Agendas. Meeting agenda items that have a minimum of three substantive components or subparts will be presented for a vote as a group via consent agenda. Thus, proposed changes to the (a) Bylaws, (b) Statement of Beliefs, and (c) Resolutions are respectively presented for a vote as a group via consent agenda. No amendment or discussion will be heard on consent agenda items unless:


11

Per Robert’s Rules of Order: • If more than one amendment is proposed for the same item, the presiding officer typically will pres-

ent them in the order they were received. Any amendment that conflicts with an amendment previ-ously adopted during the meeting will be ruled out of order. Similarly, any amendment that conflictswith previously adopted text (e.g., Bylaws, Cornerstone Principles, etc.), which is not proposed forchange, will be ruled out of order.

• A primary amendment must be germane to the proposed item as printed in the Delegate Handbook.A secondary amendment must be germane to the primary amendment. Amendments to secondaryamendments are not allowed.



2020 Minutes

13

2020 Minutes

Texas Association of School Boards Delegate AssemblySaturday, October 3, 2020 Virtual Meeting

Call to Order. TASB President Lee Lentz-Edwards called the 2020 Delegate Assembly to order at 2 p.m. Lentz-Edwards announced that due to COVID-19 pandemic precautions, this year marks the first time the Delegate Assembly would be conducted over the internet in a virtual format. She thanked Delegates and Alternates for attending the Assembly. She also explained how to use the features of the online platform for the meeting.

Lentz-Edwards announced the Delegate Assembly would feature House Public Education Committee Chair Dan Huberty as the keynote speaker. TASB Secretary-Treasurer Bob Covey (Cypress-Fairbanks ISD) gave the invocation. Lentz-Edwards introduced the TASB Directors and Officers who were with her, in person, at the TASB Headquarters command center: Covey, Immediate Past President James de Garavilla, Second Vice-President Debbie Gillespie (Frisco ISD), Resolutions Committee Chair Rose Avalos (Aldine ISD), Resolutions Committee Vice-Chair Jayme Mathias (Austin ISD), Legislative Committee Chair Rolinda Schmidt (Kerrville ISD), and Legislative Committee Vice-Chair Robert Westbrook (Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD). TASB Executive Director James B. Crow and Parliamentarian Kirk Overby also were on-site.

Lentz-Edwards announced that each Delegate should have the 2020 Delegate Handbook, the 2020 Nominations Committee Report, the Delegate Motions Report, and voting credentials for online voting.

Lentz-Edwards also announced that continuing education credit hours would be granted only for the keynote address and Advocacy Agenda portion of Delegate Assembly.

Delegate Assembly Rules Adoption. Lentz-Edwards referred Delegates to pages 11–12 of the Handbook to review the 2020 Delegate Assembly Rules proposed by the Bylaws Committee of the TASB Board, which acts as the Delegate Assembly’s Standing Rules Committee.Lentz-Edwards reported that the 2020 Delegate Assembly Rules had been sent to Delegates for approval during the voting period of September 3–10, 2020. The Rules were adopted as presented by the required two-thirds majority of voting Delegates.

Lentz-Edwards called special attention to some of the Delegate Assembly Rules: • Rule 1 specifies that after receiving the initial credentials report, the total number of votes

cast on an item will serve as the revised credentials report; therefore, as long as the totalnumber of votes is not below the quorum (minimum of 205 Delegates), the Assembly canconduct business.

DocuSign Envelope ID: 2B1342DC-B5E3-49E4-A3B1-13E3C32E6CD2


14

• Rule 2 states that a Delegate may address the Assembly by using the “Raise Your Hand”feature within the online platform to be recognized and that comments are limited to threeminutes.

• Rule 3 states that motions and pulls for individual consideration submitted in advance ofthe Assembly meeting required no seconds and are listed on the Motions Report.

• Rule 4 states that in uncontested races for Director or Officer positions, the President maydeclare the individuals elected by acclamation.

Quorum Report. Lentz-Edwards conducted several test votes culminating with the final vote to establish quorum. Gillespie observed the count and reported that 234 Delegates had voted. Lentz-Edwards declared that a quorum was present. She also noted that more Delegates might join the Assembly as the meeting progressed.

Agenda Adoption. Lentz-Edwards called attention to the agenda of the 2020 Delegate Assemblyon page 5 of the Handbook. With no objection made, the agenda was adopted as presented.

Minutes of the 2019 Delegate Assembly. Lentz-Edwards called the Delegates’ attention to the 2019 Delegate Assembly minutes on pages 13–18 of the Handbook, which were approved by the TASB Board at its December 2019 meeting. No corrections were submitted by Delegates, so theminutes stood approved as presented.

Service Awards. Lentz-Edwards recognized the service of Directors whose service on the TASB Board either ended during the Board year or will end at the close of the Assembly meeting:Charles Cunningham (Humble ISD), 2014–19; de Garavilla, 2009–20; and Rhonda Skillern-Jones (Houston ISD), 2014–19. Lentz-Edwards also recognized the Legislative Advisory Council representatives on the TASB Legislative Committee whose service ended within the year: Logan Hudson (Miami ISD), 2020; Scott Moore (Conroe ISD), 2019–20; Page Rander (Clear Creek ISD), 2018–19; David Stasny (Bryan ISD), 2018–20; and Becky St. John (Grapevine-Colleyville ISD), 2014–19.

Report to Delegates. Lentz-Edwards referred Delegates to the TASB Board’s standing committee reports on pages 85–90 in the Handbook. Lentz-Edwards presented a video on TASB’s service to members over the past year.

Keynote Address. Lentz-Edwards introduced a prerecorded video from Huberty, who shared his insights on the upcoming Texas legislative session in a prerecorded presentation.

Nominations Committee Report. Nominations Committee Chair de Garavilla stated that the Delegate Assembly is responsible for electing TASB Directors and Officers according to TASB Bylaws, Articles VI and VII. De Garavilla explained that a Director candidate receiving endorsements from a majority of the Active Members in the region is automatically elected to that position and will take office at the end of the Assembly. This process includes large district positions because a large district is considered a region under the Bylaws.



15

De Garavilla announced the individuals automatically elected by this process.

• Elected to three-year terms: Anne Sung (Houston ISD, Region 4, Position D), RoseAvalos (Aldine ISD, Region 4, Position H), Jacinto “Cinto” Ramos Jr (Fort Worth ISD,Region 11, Position B), and Karen Freeman (Northside ISD–Bexar County, Region 20,Position B)

De Garavilla reported that members of the Committee interviewed candidates and reviewed nominations for other Director and Officer positions. He presented the Committee’s slate of nominees for consideration by the Delegate Assembly.

• Nominees for Director positions of three-year terms: Rander (Clear Creek ISD, Region 4,Position B), Thomas Darden (Cooper ISD, Region 8), Kevin Carbó (Mesquite ISD,Region 10, Position D), Justin Chapa (Arlington ISD, Region 11, Position C), Mary JaneHetrick (Dripping Springs ISD, Region 13, Position B), Greg Welch (Clyde CISD,Region 14), Raymond P. Meza (San Felipe Del Rio CISD, Region 15), and Schmidt(Kerrville ISD, Region 20, Position A)

Pursuant to Rule 4 of the Rules, Lentz-Edwards declared all the uncontested individuals elected to the TASB Board by acclamation.

Two of the Committee’s nominees drew opponents. In the race for Region 10, Position D, the Assembly heard candidate speeches from Jeff Striplin (Bland ISD) and Carbó. Lentz-Edwards called for a vote in the contested race, and Gillespie reported the results to the Assembly: Carbóreceived 75.8 percent (200 votes), and Striplin received 24.2 percent (64 votes). Lentz-Edwards congratulated Carbó on his election to the TASB Board.

In the race for Region 20, Position A, the Assembly heard candidate speeches from JD Rodriguez III (Dilley ISD) and Schmidt. Lentz-Edwards called for a vote in the contested race, and Gillespie reported the results to the Assembly: Schmidt received 50.6 percent (131 votes) and JD Rodriguez received 49.4 percent (128 votes). Lentz-Edwards congratulated Schmidt onher election to the TASB Board.

De Garavilla stated that at the close of Delegate Assembly, Jim Rice will assume the office of President by virtue of his election to the position of President-Elect at the 2019 Delegate Assembly, and Lentz-Edwards will assume the position of Immediate Past President.

De Garavilla announced the TASB Board nominees for the 2020–21 Officers: Ted Beard(Longview ISD), President-Elect; Gillespie, First Vice-President; Covey, Second Vice-President; and Armando Rodriguez (Canutillo ISD), Secretary-Treasurer. Pursuant to Rule 4 of the Rules, Lentz-Edwards declared the individuals in these uncontested races elected to the Officer positions by acclamation.



16

2020–22 Advocacy Agenda

Lentz-Edwards directed Delegates to page 19 of the Handbook for an overview of the proposed 2020–22 Advocacy Agenda. Referring to pages 99–101 of the Handbook, Lentz-Edwardsrecognized all those who served on the TASB Legislative Advisory Council (LAC), whichformulated the proposed Advocacy Priorities; all Delegates from school boards that proposed resolutions; and all Delegates who spoke up for public schools.

Legislative Committee Report. Lentz-Edwards introduced Legislative Committee Chair Schmidt, who in turn introduced Committee Vice-Chair Westbrook. Together, they presented the Legislative Committee report. Westbrook stated that changes recommended by the TASB Boardto the Cornerstone Principles could be found on page 21 of the Handbook. Lentz-Edwards noted there were proposed amendments to the changes. Schmidt asked that the recommended changes to the Cornerstone Principles be voted upon as a group with the exception of those pulled for amendment, as shown on the Delegate Motions Report.

Lentz Edwards called for a vote on the adoption of the proposed changes to the Cornerstone Principles as presented, except for Lines 12–14 pulled for amendment. She mentioned that changes to the Cornerstone Principles require a two-thirds affirmative vote of the Delegates present and voting. Delegates adopted the changes by a vote of 89.8 percent (Yes-228, No-26).

Schmidt reported that there were two amendments submitted to the Cornerstone Principle change on Lines 12–14. In consultation with the parliamentarian, it was determined the amendments would be addressed in the order submitted. Schmidt referred Delegates to the Delegate Motions Report for the Item A amendment to the proposed Cornerstone Principle on Lines 12–14. Lentz-Edwards mentioned that the amendment was submitted by Jay Nelson (Hallsville ISD) in advance according to the standing rules. The amendment would eliminate “eradication of systemic racism” from the proposed Cornerstone Principle.

After discussion, Lentz-Edwards said that adoption of the Item A amendment required a majority of the Delegates present and voting and called for the vote. The Assembly voted in opposition tothe amendment by a vote of 65.8 percent (Yes-90, No-173).

Lentz-Edwards referred Delegates to the proposed Item B amendment to Lines 12–14. Lentz-Edwards noted that the amendment was submitted by Shameria Davis (Copperas Cove ISD) in advance according to the standing rules. The amendment would insert the word “intentional” in the Cornerstone Principle.

After discussion, Lentz-Edwards said that adoption of the amendment required a majority of the Delegates present and voting and called for the vote. The Assembly voted to approve the amendment by a vote of 59.2 percent (Yes-148, No-102).

Lentz-Edwards called for a vote on the Cornerstone Principle Lines 12–14 as amended:



17

Promotion of equity, intentional eradication of systemic racism, and the recognition of all cultures and races that have contributed to the rich history of Texas and the United States to include support for diversity and cultural awareness initiatives throughout the state

She said that adoption of a Cornerstone Principle requires a two-thirds affirmative vote of the Delegates present and voting. The Assembly voted to adopt the Cornerstone Principle as amended by a vote of 71.9 percent (Yes-184, No-72).

Westbrook then introduced the proposed Advocacy Agenda Priorities that appear on pages 23–24 of the Handbook. Schmidt asked that the Priorities be adopted as presented by consent agenda, except for the following which were pulled for amendment:

• Lines 1–5, regarding school funding• Lines 22–25, regarding diversity• Lines 39–41, regarding vouchers and other transfers of public education funds

Lentz-Edwards called for a vote on adoption of the Advocacy Agenda Priorities, except those pulled from the consent agenda. She said that adoption of Priorities requires a two-thirdsaffirmative vote of the Delegates present and voting. The Assembly voted to adopt the Advocacy Agenda Priorities on the consent agenda by a vote of 96.9 percent (Yes-259, No-8).

Schmidt reported that primary and secondary amendments were made to Lines 1–5 of the Advocacy Agenda Priorities. Schmidt referred Delegates to the Delegate Motions Report for the primary and secondary amendments.

Lentz-Edwards mentioned that the primary motion for the amendment was made by S. Jaime Arredondo (Corpus Christi ISD) and called on him to speak to his motion.

Lentz-Edwards mentioned that the secondary motion for amendment was made by Tracy Fisher (Coppell ISD) and called for discussion.

Lentz-Edwards called for the Assembly to consider the proposed secondary amendment, which proposes to change the wording of the primary amendment to the Priority on Lines 1–5. She instructed the Assembly that a vote in favor of the secondary amendment will change the wording of the primary amendment by shifting the location of the phrase “aggressive commitment” to the first line of the Priority to read “aggressively commit to.” Lentz-Edwards noted that approval of the secondary amendment required a majority of the Delegates present and voting. Lentz-Edwards called for a vote, and the Assembly approved the secondary amendment by a vote of 89.2 percent (Yes-223, No-27).

Lentz-Edwards called for the Assembly to consider the primary amendment to the Priority on Lines 1-5. Lentz-Edwards noted that adoption of the amendment requires a majority of the Delegates present and voting and called for the vote. The Assembly approved the primary



18

amendment as amended by a vote of 83.5 percent (Yes-207, No-41).

Lentz-Edwards called for a vote on the Advocacy Agenda Priority Lines 1–5 as amended:

TASB calls upon the Texas Legislature to aggressively commit to maintain the promises and dedication of funding made in the new school finance system implemented under House Bill 3 (86th Session) and to equitably share the cost of education with local school districts. Further, the state should implement a funding structure that recognizes the flexibility needed by and the additional costs incurred by school districts amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lentz-Edwards said that adoption of the Advocacy Agenda Priority as amended requires a two-thirds majority of the Delegates present and voting. The Assembly approved Advocacy Agenda Priority Lines 1–5 as amended by a vote of 92.8 percent (Yes-233, No-18).

Schmidt reported that two amendments were submitted to the Priority on Lines 22–25. In consultation with the parliamentarian, it was determined that the amendments would be addressed in the order submitted. Schmidt referred Delegates to the Motions Report for the Item A amendment to the proposed Priority on Lines 22–25. Lentz-Edwards mentioned that the amendment was submitted by Nelson in advance according to the standing rules. The Item A amendment would delete “combat systemic racism by supporting” from the proposed Priority.

After discussion, Lentz-Edwards noted that adoption of the amendment required a majority ofthe Delegates present and voting and called for the vote. The Assembly voted in favor of the Item A amendment to the proposed Priority on Lines 22–25 by a vote of 50.2 percent (Yes-124,No-123).

Lentz-Edwards announced that because the Item A amendment was adopted, the Item Bproposed amendment to Lines 22–25 was no longer relevant and would not be addressed.

Lentz-Edwards called for a vote on the proposed Advocacy Agenda Priority Lines 22–24 as amended:

TASB calls upon the Texas Legislature to support diversity and cultural awareness initiatives throughout districts through staff and student education andrestorative teaching and disciplinary practices that treat all students with equality.We also call on the Legislature and State Board of Education to evaluate the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for accurate and complete education as it pertains to all cultures that have contributed to the rich history of Texas and the United States.

Lentz-Edwards said that adoption of a Priority requires a two-thirds majority vote of the Delegates present and voting. The Assembly voted to adopt the Advocacy Agenda Priority Lines 22–25 as amended by a vote of 78.0 percent (Yes-191, No-54).



19

Schmidt reported that two amendments were submitted to the Priority on Lines 39–41. In consultation with the parliamentarian, it was determined that the amendments would be addressed in the order submitted. Schmidt referred Delegates to the Motions Report for the Item A proposed amendment to the Priority on Lines 39–41. Lentz-Edwards noted that the amendment was submitted by Arredondo in advance according to the standing rules. Lentz-Edwards noted that the Item B amendment was made by Fisher and was submitted in advance according to the standing rules.

Lentz-Edwards called on Arredondo and Fisher to speak to their motions, at which point Arredondo withdrew his amendment.

Lentz-Edwards referred Delegates to the proposed Item B amendment to the Priority on Lines 39–41.

After discussion, Lentz-Edwards said that adoption of the amendment required a majority of the Delegates present and voting and called for the vote. The Assembly voted in favor of the Item B amendment to the proposed Priority on Lines 39–41 by a vote of 95.5 percent (Yes-232, No-11).

Lentz-Edwards called for a vote on the proposed Advocacy Agenda Priority Lines 39–41 as amended:

TASB calls upon the Texas Legislature to prevent any transfer of public education funds through the use of vouchers, savings accounts, or tax credits to private or out-of-state entities, including the unfettered expansion of virtual instruction by corporations.

Lentz-Edwards said that adoption of a Priority requires a two-thirds affirmative vote of the Delegates present and voting. The Assembly voted to adopt the Advocacy Agenda Priority Lines 39–41 as amended by a vote of 98.7 percent (Yes-235, No-3).

Schmidt recognized and thanked the TASB Directors and LAC members who served on the Legislative Committee.

Resolutions Committee Report. Lentz-Edwards introduced Resolutions Committee Chair Avalos. Avalos then introduced Committee Vice-Chair Mathias to assist with presenting the Resolutions Committee report. Mathias reported that 29 individual school boards answered the call for resolutions, submitting 108 proposed resolutions. The proposals were considered by the TASB Resolutions Committee and the TASB Board at their July meetings. The TASB Board recommended an additional resolution to be considered by the Delegate Assembly.

Three resolutions were not recommended by the TASB Board. Fifty-two (52) resolutions that duplicated Advocacy Agenda Cornerstone Principles, Priorities, or Resolutions were not considered. This resulted in 54 resolutions to be considered by the Assembly. Mathias directed



20

Delegates to the Handbook, beginning on page 25, for the text of the recommended resolutions and the rationales offered by the submitting school boards and the TASB Board. The threeresolutions not recommended appear on pages 47–48, and the duplicates appear on pages 49–57.

Consent Agenda. Lentz-Edwards noted that Advocacy Agenda Resolutions require approval by a majority of Delegates present and voting. Lentz-Edwards called for a vote on the resolutions recommended for adoption by the TASB Board through consent agenda, except for those pulled from the consent agenda. The Delegate Assembly approved by a vote of 97.9 percent (Yes-232,No-5) all resolutions recommended for adoption, with the exception of Resolutions 7, 33, and 36that were pulled for individual consideration or amendment.

Individual Consideration. Avalos presented recommended resolutions pulled for individual consideration by Delegates:

Resolution 7—ADA Funding Flexibility (Dripping Springs ISD): “TASB advocates for the Texas Education Agency to designate a pilot cohort of high-performing districts to be given expanded flexibility regarding attendance for average daily attendance funding.” The resolution was pulled for individual consideration by Ann Heuberger (Del Valle ISD). After discussion, the Assembly voted in opposition of the resolution by 63.3 percent (Yes-88, No-152).

Resolution 33—Charter School Enrollment (Austin ISD and Northside ISD–Bexar County):“TASB advocates for legislation that requires charter schools to accept all students who wish to enroll, including students with a documented history of discipline problems.” The resolution was pulled for individual consideration by Heuberger. After discussion, the Assembly voted to adopt the resolution as presented by 89.42 percent (Yes-338, No-40).

Mathias presented Resolution 36, which was pulled for amendment. The resolution was pulled for amendment by Freeman. Lentz-Edwards noted that the amendment was submitted in advance according to standing rules and that adoption of the amendment requires approval of a majority the Delegates present and voting. Lentz-Edwards called for a vote. The Assembly voted to approve the amendment to the resolution by a vote of 98.3 percent (Yes-232, No-4).

Lentz-Edwards called for a vote on Advocacy Agenda Resolution 36 as amended:

Resolution 36—Transparency of and Limiting Expansions of Charters (Austin ISD): “TASB advocates for transparency and notice requirements in charter applications and amendment requests, including specific locations of proposed new campuses, sufficient notice and opportunity for analysis and public comment,and a fiscal note including a charter’s cost to the state, impact on local districts, and cost of anticipated enrollment growth over 10 years.”

After discussion, the Assembly voted to adopt the resolution as amended by 98.7 percent (Yes-235, No-3).



21

Mathias reported that a late resolution was submitted for the Assembly’s consideration. In accordance with the TASB Bylaws, the Resolutions Committee and the TASB Board considered the resolution at their October 2 meetings and determined that the resolution was of an emergency nature as it was prompted by deliberation on the Framework for School Board Development at the September 2020 State Board of Education meeting. School boards from Coppell ISD, Eanes ISD, and Northside ISD–Bexar County submitted similar resolutions, which were combined into one. Mathias reported that the TASB Board recommends the late-filed resolution for adoption by the Delegate Assembly. He directed Delegates to the Motions Reportfor the text of the resolution:

Resolution 95—Powers and Duties of Trustees (Coppell ISD, Eanes ISD, and Northside ISD–Bexar County): TASB advocates that trustees of independent school districts maintain all powers and duties to govern their respective school districts if not otherwise outlined in statute and that those rights should be preserved and protected from any state agency or other entity that would substitute its judgment for the lawful execution of those powers and duties by trustees of independent school districts.

After discussion, the Assembly voted to adopt the resolution as presented by 91.7 percent (Yes-210, No-19).

Avalos thanked and recognized the TASB Directors who served on the Resolutions Committee.

Closing. Lentz-Edwards made closing remarks and announced the training credit information.Numerous Delegates expressed appreciation and praise to Lentz-Edwards and TASB for successfully pivoting to a virtual format.

Adjournment. The Assembly adjourned at 6:06 p.m.

APPROVED BY TASB BOA RD:

Jim Rice, President Armando Rodriguez, Secretary-Treasurer

Date Date


December 7, 2020 December 7, 2020


Proposed Articles of Incorporation


23

The TASB Board recommends amendments to the Association’s Articles of Incorporation as presented in the Resolution, adopted by the Board at its July 31, 2021, meeting.

The Resolution that sets out the proposed amendments follows, and the current Articles of Incorporation are on pages 27–38.

Delegate Assembly Proposed Changes to the TASB Articles of IncorporationPA


24


25


26


27


28


29


30


31


32


33


34


35


36


37


38


Proposed Bylaws


Did you know...The School Board Advocacy Network (SBAN) is exclusively for school board mem-bers. SBAN members receive action alerts and background information on legislative issues.

gr.tasb.org/sban


gr.tasb.org/sban

https://www.tasb.org/about-tasb/membership/membership-benefits.aspx

39

Delegate AssemblyProposed Changes to the TASB BylawsPB

Proposed changes to the TASB Bylaws appear in legislative style, beginning on page 41. The proposed changes are organized topically as follows:

Proposal No. Rationale Reference

1 Conforms the “Purposes” section to precisely align with the Articles of Incorporation, thus better honoring the hierarchy of governance statements.

Art. II, §2(Lines 23–26)

2 Substitutes “membership fees” for “dues.” Membership fees better describes the voluntary nature of TASB membership and that mem-ber benefits are in exchange for payment. Dues can be miscon-strued as a grant of funds. Also substitutes “membership year” for “dues year.”

Throughout but primarily Arts. III and IV (Lines 68–146)

3 Rewrites the alternative forms of voting by the Delegate Assembly to better take advantage of flexible voting options allowed under state law, including action outside of a meeting through written consent.

Art. V, §6(Lines 243–261)

4 Revises the late submission requirements for proposed changes to the Statement of Beliefs. Proposed change requires the late submis-sion to be presented at least five days before the Delegate Assem-bly meeting. This five-day standard is also required for emergency proposed resolutions [Art. V, §9C(3)], appeals of rejected resolutions [Art. V, §9C(5)], and candidates running from the floor [Art. VI, §2D and Art. VII, §2E].

Art. V, §8(Lines 276–280)

5 Clarifies that the “one candidate” rule applies to Director elections before the Delegate Assembly and not necessarily interim Director appointments to be considered by the TASB Board, where more than one Director seat may be vacant in an Association region.

Art. VI, §2B(Lines 412–415)

6 Retitles article from “Councils” to “Constituent Groups” and is re-written to describe groups that are under the auspices of the As-sociation [e.g., such groups would include Leadership TASB, the School Board Advocacy Network (SBAN), and the Council of School Attorneys (CSA)]. The new title header is more encompassing of the variety of groups falling into this category.

Art. XII(Lines 1147–1200)

7 Retitles article from “Foundations, Trusts, and Other Entities” to sim-ply “Affiliated Entities.” Affiliated entities are typically those managed by the Association (such as the risk pool and purchasing cooperative interlocal entities) or those in which the Association has an ownership interest (such as First Public, LLC, or the TASB Legal Assistance Fund).

Art. XIII(Lines 1203–1228)


40

8 Deletes “Cooperative Organizations” because the intended covered entities are not entirely clear, and the proposed revision to Art. XIII (Bylaws Proposal 7) is broad enough to capture any such coopera-tive organizations.

Art. XIV(Lines 1230–1235)

9 Adds authority for the Board to adopt rules and procedures modify-ing Robert’s Rules of Order for meetings of the Board and Delegate Assembly (including standing rules).

Art. XVI, §1(Lines 1262–1269)

10 Grants the Board additional authority for responding to impossibility or force majeure conditions in complying with the Bylaws.

Art. XVI, §2B(Lines 1278–1285)

11 Clarifying, updating, and conforming changes, including:

(a) Relocates the definition of “Board year” from Art. VI, §7A, toArt. VI, §5A.

(b) Modifies several references to the “annual Delegate Assembly”to simply “Delegate Assembly,” so that the Association can takeadvantage of other modes of obtaining votes from the DelegateAssembly whenever advisable.

(c) Removes redundant references to the “present and voting”requirement stated throughout the Bylaws in favor of a singlemention for the Delegate Assembly in Art. VI, §6A, and for theBoard in Art. VI, §8B.

(d) Clarifies references to “vote” and “majority” to align with pre-ferred phrasing under Robert’s Rules of Order.

(e) Clarifies awkward language to make clear that the Board (notthe President) has the authority to create special committees inArt. VIII, §4.

(f) Substitutes dissolution clause in Art. XV with language preferredby the Association’s current tax-exempt legal counsel. Changesare non-substantive in nature.

Throughout unless specifi-cally noted.

Bylaws changes require adoption by a two-thirds vote of the Delegate Assembly. If approved by the Delegate Assembly, conforming changes to section references will be made under the authority of Article XVII, Section 2, of the Bylaws.


41

TASB Bylaws (v. 9/29/2018) (07/31/2021 Board Proposed) Page 1 of 29

TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BOARDS, INC. 1 2

BYLAWS 3 (As last amended on September 29, 2018) 4

5 6

ARTICLE I. NAME AND LOCATION 7 8

SECTION 1. NAME. The name of this corporation is the TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF 9 SCHOOL BOARDS, INC. (Association). 10

11 SECTION 2. LOCATION OF OFFICES. The principal office of the Association shall be located 12 in Texas. The Association may have such other offices, either within or without the State of 13 Texas, as the Board of Directors of the Association (Board) may determine or as the affairs of 14 the Association may require. 15

16 ARTICLE II. MISSION AND PURPOSES 17

18 SECTION 1. MISSION. The Association promotes educational excellence for Texas 19 schoolchildren through advocacy, visionary leadership, and high-quality services to school 20 districts. 21

22 SECTION 2. PURPOSES. The purposes of the Association are set forth in the Articles of 23 Incorporation and are restated below:The purposes of the Association shall be as set forth in the 24 Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and other corporate documents and shall include the 25 following: 26

27 A. To work for the adequate and equitable financial support of the Texas public schools.28

29 B. To conduct, independently or in cooperation with others, seminars, conferences,30 conventions, courses, research, and other projects in the various aspects of public education. 31

32 C. To identify and provide those services that governmental units need and desire thereby33 lessening the burden of government. 34

35 D. To bring about a spirit of cooperation among professional groups in providing superior36 educational opportunities for all children in Texas and the United States. 37

38 E. To work for the advancement of public education in Texas and the United States and to39 increase public understanding of the function of school boards and board members in the public 40 educational system. 41

42 F. To encourage efficient and effective management and governance of the public schools and43 to provide a forum within which individual school boards may seek solutions to problems in 44 public education. 45

46


42


G. To provide current information concerning public education, including changes in school 47 law, and developments in educational programs. 48

49 H. To inform school boards about proposed legislation to promote a better working50 relationship between local boards and the federal and state governments. 51

52 I. To encourage and provide services to relieve the burden of government by enhancing53 sound management and fiscal responsibility for the school districts and other governmental units 54 of Texas, as well as school districts and other governmental units of other states in the United 55 States. 56

57 J. To do such other things as the Delegate Assembly or the Board may deem appropriate for58 the accomplishment of these and other purposes to improve public education. 59

60 ARTICLE III. MEMBERS 61

62 SECTION 1. MEMBERS. The Association shall have three classes of members. The designation 63 and qualification of such membership classes are as follows: 64

65 A. ACTIVE MEMBERS.66

67 (1) School boards that pay membership feesannual dues are Active Members. Active Members68 participate in the governance of the Association through thean annual Delegate Assembly, in 69 accordance with Article V. Active Member trustees may hold office in the Association except as 70 provided in Article VI, Section 4. Active Members shall be subject to Board policy and these 71 Bylaws. 72

73 (2) The term “school board” as used in these Bylaws shall include all Texas (a) boards of74 education of independent, common, municipal, or special-purpose school districts, (b) county 75 board(s) of education, and (c) regional education service center (ESC) boards. Where allowed 76 under Board policy, “school board” may further include any other Texas public school entity 77 whose board is elected by the public or appointed by one or more public officials. 78

79 B. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS. Educational cooperatives, public community colleges, and80 central appraisal districts that pay membership feesannual dues are Associate Members. 81 Associate Members and their representatives are not eligible to hold office in the Association or 82 participate in the Delegate Assembly. Associate Members shall be subject to Board policy and 83 these Bylaws. 84

85 C. AFFILIATE MEMBERS. The Board may establish one or more categories of Affiliate86 Members through Board policy, which shall be subject to and consistent with these Bylaws. 87 Affiliate Members and their representatives are not eligible to hold office in the Association 88 or participate in the Delegate Assembly. 89

90 SECTION 2. SUSPENSION. 91


43


A member whose membership fees are 90 days past due shall be suspended. Membership may be 92 reinstated upon payment of the overdue membership fees. Membership of a member whose 93 annual dues are 90 days past due shall be suspended. Memberships suspended for nonpayment of 94 annual dues may be reinstated upon payment of the current year’s dues. 95

96 SECTION 3. TERMINATION. 97

98 A. An Active Member’s membership may be terminated only upon a recommendation adopted99 by a two-thirds vote of the Board and ratified by a majority vote of the Delegate Assembly. An 100 Active Member’s membership may only be terminated upon a recommendation adopted by a 101 two-thirds vote of the Directors present and voting at a Board meeting and ratified by a majority 102 of the Delegates present and voting at the annual Delegate Assembly. 103

104 B. An Associate or Affiliate Member’s membership may be terminated upon a two-thirds vote105 of the Board. An Associate or Affiliate Member’s membership may be terminated upon a two-106 thirds vote of the Directors present and voting at a Board meeting. 107

108 SECTION 4. REINSTATEMENT FROM TERMINATION. 109

110 A. An Active Member’s membership may be reinstated only upon a recommendation adopted111 by a two-thirds vote of the Board and ratified by a majority vote of the Delegate Assembly. An 112 Active Member’s membership may be reinstated only upon a recommendation adopted by a two-113 thirds vote of the Directors present and voting at a Board meeting and ratified by a majority of 114 the Delegates present and voting at the annual Delegate Assembly meeting. 115

116 B. An Associate or Affiliate Member’s membership may be reinstated upon a two-thirds vote117 of the BoardDirectors present and voting at a Board meeting. 118

119 ARTICLE IV. ASSOCIATION FEES ANNUAL DUES AND FEES 120

121 SECTION 1. MEMBERSHIP FEESANNUAL DUES. 122

123 A. The Board will recommend to the Delegate Assembly for action the amount, or formula for124 calculating the amount, of annual membership feesdues for Active Members. Upon adoption by 125 the Delegate Assembly, the dues amount or formula shall continue until such time as it may be 126 changed by the Delegate Assembly. The Board, however, may authorize reductions or 127 suspensions of membership feesdues for any one year. In addition, the Board shall establish the 128 annual membership feesdues for Associate and Affiliate Members. 129

130 B. The membershipdues year of the Association shall be January 1 through December 31.131

132 C. The Association shall invoice members before the first day of the membership year and133 annual membership fees are are due on January 31.The Association shall mail a dues statement 134 to each member on or before the first day of the dues year. Annual dues shall be paid on or 135 before January 31. 136

137


44


D. By providing a petition showing need, an Active Member may request that the Board allow 138 partial payment when billed and the balance to be paid at a specified later date within the 139 membershipdues year. Such a request shall be submitted to the Board in writing no later than the 140 45th day after the beginning of the membershipdues year. The Board shall have the sole 141 discretion to determine whether the extension shall be granted, and the Board, or its designee, 142 shall advise the Active Member of the action taken. 143

144 SECTION 2. OTHER FEES. Each member shall pay such fees for elective meetings, services, 145 activities, and materials as may be determined by the Executive Director, or designee. 146

147 ARTICLE V. DELEGATE ASSEMBLY 148

149 SECTION 1. GOVERNING BODY. The general governing body of the Association is the 150 Delegate Assembly. 151

152 SECTION 2. POWERS OF THE DELEGATE ASSEMBLY. The Delegate Assembly shall: 153

154 A. Elect the Officers and Directors, except as provided by Article VI, Section 2D(5) and155 Section 9. 156

157 B. Approve the termination and reinstatement of an Active Member’s membership, as158 provided in Article III, Sections 3 and 4A. 159

160 C. Approve the annual membership feesdues for Active Members, as provided in Article IV,161 Section 1. 162

163 D. Adopt beliefs pertinent to the mission and purposes of the Association, as provided in164 Article V, Section 8. 165

166 E. Adopt the Association’s Advocacy Agenda consisting of:167

168 (1) Advocacy Agenda Cornerstone Principles derived through the process described in Article169 V, Section 9A. 170

171 (2) Advocacy Agenda Priorities derived through the grassroots process described in Article V,172 Section 9B. 173

174 (3) Advocacy Agenda Resolutions derived through the process described in Article V, Section175 9C. 176

177 F. Amend these Bylaws, as provided in Article XVII.178

179 G. Delegate to the Board any of its powers but the followingexcept:180

181 (1) Election of Officers and Directors, except as provided by Article VI, Section 2D(5) and182 Section 9. 183


45


184 (2) Amendment of these Bylaws.185

186 (3) Termination of an Active Member’s membership.187

188 (4) Adoption of beliefs [Article V, Section 8] and Advocacy Agenda Cornerstone Principles,189 Priorities, and Resolutions derived through the Advocacy Agenda Pprocess [Article V, Section 190 9]. 191

192 SECTION 3. COMPOSITION. “Delegates” of the Delegate Assembly shall include (a) Active 193 Member delegates, or in their absence their alternate delegates;, (b) the members of the Board;, 194 and (c) the Legislative Advisory Council (LAC) members of the Legislative Committee 195 (Delegates). Each Delegate shall be entitled to one vote on any action item coming before the 196 Delegate Assembly. 197

198 SECTION 4. CERTIFICATION OF DELEGATES. The Executive Director, or designee, shall 199 notify Active Members of the date bybefore which certification of Delegates shall be made. The 200 officials of Active Members shall certify to the Association’s office the name of their Delegate 201 and alternate delegate before the designated deadline for such certification. After the deadline, 202 Delegates and alternate delegates shall be certified pursuantsubject to Board policy. 203

204 SECTION 5. MEETINGS. 205

206 A. The Delegate Assembly shall convene at least annually, in conjunction with the annual207 convention of the Association. The Delegate Assembly also may also be convened by the Board 208 at such other times and places within Texas as may be determined and for such purposes thatas 209 warrant the call of special meetings. 210

211 B At least 20 days before the annual convention, the Association shall mail or electronically 212 transmit notice of the date, place, and time of meeting of the annual Delegate Assembly to 213 Active Members. The notice for a special meeting shall be made at least 10ten days before the 214 meeting date. 215

216 C. Copies of tThe agenda and related materials for the meeting shall be published at least 20217 days preceding the annual Delegate Assembly. 218

219 D. If, due to emergency circumstances, it is not feasible to schedule the Delegate Assembly in220 conjunction with the annual convention, the Delegate Assembly shall be scheduled as soon as 221 practical or necessary votes may be taken outside of a meeting by any of the alternative methods 222 permitted by these Bylaws or state law. Notice of the meeting or vote to be taken outside of a 223 meeting will comply with state law. In these circumstances, all actions that ordinarily would 224 become effective at the close of the annual convention under these Bylaws shall become 225 effective at the close of the Delegate Assembly meeting or five days after the Delegate Assembly 226 votes outside of a meeting. If a candidate is elected to a Director position by an Association 227 Region, as provided in these Bylaws, and the Delegate Assembly does not meet in conjunction 228


46


with the annual convention, then such candidate will take office as of the date established by the 229 Board, which shall be no later than November 30. 230

231 SECTION 6. VOTING. 232

233 A. A Delegate shall have the right to vote on each action item coming before the Delegate234 Assembly. Unless required otherwise by law, the Articles of Incorporation, or these Bylaws, a 235 vote required or permitted to be taken shall be based on the “present and voting” parliamentary 236 standard. No proxy votes shall be permitted. 237

238 B. Delegates representing one-fifth of the Active Members shall constitute a meeting quorum.239 A quorum for the transaction of business shall exist when Delegates from one-fifth of the Active 240 Members are present at the meeting. 241

242 C. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Bylaws, the Board may authorize243 Delegates to vote on one or more action items outside of a meeting through written consent. 244 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Bylaws, the Board may authorize Delegates to 245 vote on one or more action items coming before the Delegate Assembly by 246

247 (1) Written consent may be conducted by mail, facsimile, electronically,or electronic message248 or by any combination of these alternative methods. The required majority on any vote shall be 249 determined by the number of votes cast. 250

251 (2) Voting by written consent shall require the following:Voting by any of these alternative252 methods shall require the following: 253

254 (a1) The certification of Delegates by Active Members, as provided by Article V, Section 4. 255 (b2) The Board establishing a deadline for the receipt of votes consistent with state law. 256 (c3) Each vote bearingstating the date of the Delegate’s signature or transmission. 257 (d4) A record of the outcome of the votesDelegates’ votes by alternative methods being 258 included in the Association’s corporate records. 259 (e5) All Active Members being provided with written notice of any action authorized by 260 written consentthe vote within 20 days. 261

262 SECTION 7. OFFICERS OF THE DELEGATE ASSEMBLY. The Officers of the Association 263 shall serve asbe the Officers of the Delegate Assembly. 264

265 SECTION 8. BELIEFS DEVELOPMENT. 266

267 A. Proposals for changes to the beliefs of the Association shall be submitted in writing on or268 before July 1 to the Planning and Development Committee, or its designee. Proposals for 269 changes to the beliefs may be submitted by the Active Members, Delegates to the annual 270 Delegate Assembly, or members of the Board. 271

272 B. The Planning and Development Committee shall study all proposals received on or before273 July 1 and shall prepare a report of its recommendations for the Board. 274


47


275 C. Proposals for additions or changes to the beliefs that are not submitted in accordance with276 this section shall not be considered by the annual Delegate Assembly unless (1) the proposal is 277 submitted to the Association, in writing, at least five days before the Delegate Assembly 278 convenes; and (2) the Delegate Assembly agrees to consider such late proposal by a two-thirds 279 voteof the Delegates present and voting elect to consider such late proposals. 280

281 D. The adoption of additions or changes to the beliefs shall require a two-thirds vote of the282 Delegates Assemblypresent and voting. 283

284 SECTION 9. ADVOCACY AGENDA. 285

286 A. ADVOCACY AGENDA CORNERSTONE PRINCIPLES.287

288 (1) Advocacy Agenda Cornerstone Principles guide the Association’s advocacy efforts,289 including the development of the Advocacy Agenda. The Legislative Committee shall conduct a 290 routine review of the Cornerstone Principles in every even-numbered year. Any proposed 291 amendment or change to the Cornerstone Principles, whether in an even-numbered year or odd-292 numbered year, must be submitted to the Legislative Committee, or its designee, by July 1 before 293 the annual Delegate Assembly. The Legislative Committee shall evaluate proposed amendments 294 or changes received by July 1 and shall formulate a recommendation to the Board. The Board 295 shall have the discretion to affirm, change, or reject the Legislative Committee’s 296 recommendation and to present the resulting proposed amendment or change, if any, to the 297 Delegate Assembly. 298

299 (2) Adoption of Advocacy Agenda Cornerstone Principles, including any changes, shall300 require a two-thirds vote of the Delegates Assemblypresent and voting at the annual Delegate 301 Assembly. 302

303 B. ADVOCACY AGENDA PRIORITIES.304

305 (1) In even-numbered years, grassroots advocacy meetings shall be held for each Association306 Region, in accordance with Board policy, for the purpose of identifying Advocacy Agenda 307 Priorities. Eligible participants are trustees of Active Members. At each regional meeting, 308 participants shall formulate potential Advocacy Agenda Priorities and elect regional 309 representatives to the LAC in accordance with Board policy, which shall include the following: 310

311 (a) The LAC shall submit recommendations for Advocacy Agenda Priorities to the Legislative312 Committee, or its designee, prior to July 1 of each even-numbered year. 313

314 (b) The LAC shall elect four trustees from Active Members to serve as voting ex officio315 members of the Legislative Committee. These ex officio members shall serve for a term, 316 beginning at the close of the LAC meeting at which they are elected until an election for ex 317 officio members is held during the next even-numbered year. The LAC also shall also elect at 318 least one alternate ex officio member to fill any vacancy among these four positions, and after the 319 regional meetings, the President may appoint a trustee from the LAC to fill any vacancy if no 320


48


elected alternate is available to serve. The ex officio members shall be subject to removal based 321 on Board policy. 322

323 (2) After the close of the regular Texas legislative session, the LAC shall reconvene to review324 legislative action on the Association’s Advocacy Agenda and may offer changes (whether an 325 amendment to a previously adopted Priority, the repeal of a previously adopted Priority, or a new 326 Priority) to the Advocacy Agenda Priorities adopted the preceding year by the annual Delegate 327 Assembly. Changes shall be submitted to the Legislative Committee prior to the summer Board 328 meeting. 329

330 (3) The Legislative Committee shall study the LAC recommendations, arising from the331 activities defined in Article V, Section 9B(1) and (2), and formulate Committee 332 recommendations for the Board’s consideration. The Board shall have the right to affirm or 333 change the Legislative Committee’s recommendations. 334

335 (4) The Board shall submit recommendations regarding Advocacy Agenda Priorities to the336 annual Delegate Assembly for approval. Adoption of Advocacy Agenda Priorities shall require a 337 vote of two-thirds voteof the Delegates present and voting. 338

339 (5) Advocacy Agenda Priorities adopted in even-numbered years, subject to changes adopted340 in odd-numbered years, shall remain in effect for two years until the annual Delegate Assembly 341 next convenes in an even-numbered year. Any change in the odd-numbered year shall remain in 342 effect until the annual Delegate Assembly next convenes. 343

344 C. ADVOCACY AGENDA RESOLUTION PROCESS.345

346 (1) Except as provided in this section, new Advocacy Agenda Resolutions or changes to347 previously adopted Advocacy Agenda Resolutions proposed for consideration by the annual 348 Delegate Assembly shall be submitted in writing by June 15 to the Bylaws and Resolutions 349 Committee, or its designee. Only submissions proposed by the Board or Active Members shall 350 be considered by the Bylaws and Resolutions Committee. 351

352 (2) Submissions received by June 15 shall be studied by the Bylaws and Resolutions353 Committee. The Bylaws and Resolutions Committee shall formulate recommendations to the 354 Board. The Board shall have the right to affirm or change Bylaws and Resolutions Committee 355 recommendations and to amend submissions for presentation to the annual Delegate Assembly, 356 provided the amendment does not change the intent of the original submission and the 357 amendment is approved by the submitting Active Member. 358

359 (3) Active Member submissions received after June 15 and five days before the Delegate360 Assembly convenes shall be accompanied by a statement of the nature of the emergency 361 preventing timely submission. They shall not be presented to the annual Delegate Assembly 362 unless the Board affirms that the submission is of an emergency nature. The Bylaws and 363 Resolutions Committee and/or the Board shall have the right to changeamend submissions 364 granted emergency status before their presentation to the annual Delegate Assembly, provided 365 such changes do not alteramendment does not rchange the intent of the original submission. 366


49


AmendmentsChanges approved by the Board shall be communicated to the submitting Active 367 Member, if time permits. 368

369 (4) The Board shall have the right to submit new Advocacy Agenda Resolutions or Advocacy370 Agenda Resolutions proposing changes to previously adopted Advocacy Agenda Resolutions 371 before publication of the meeting materials for Delegates. Advocacy Agenda Resolutions 372 submitted by the Board after this deadline require approval by a vote of two-thirds vote of the 373 Delegate Assemblyof the Delegates of the annual Delegate Assembly present and voting. 374

375 (5) If the Board does not recommend for adoption a resolution that was timely submitted by an376 Active Member, the Active Member may appeal the Board’s decision. Notice of appeal is timely 377 if provided to the Association in writing, and no later than five days before the Delegate 378 Assembly meeting. The Bylaws and Resolutions Committee shall convene before the beginning 379 of the Delegate Assembly to hear the appeal and shall have the authority to sustain the Board’s 380 decision or reverse and render a revised recommendation to the Delegate Assembly. 381

382 (6) The Board shall submit its recommendations regarding Advocacy Agenda Resolutions to383 the annual Delegate Assembly for approval. Adoption of Advocacy Agenda Resolutions shall 384 require a majority vote of Delegates present and voting. 385

386 (7) Advocacy Agenda Resolutions adopted by the annual Delegate Assembly in even-387 numbered years shall remain in effect for two years, subject to changes adopted in odd-numbered 388 years. Any change in the odd-numbered year shall remain in effect until the annual Delegate 389 Assembly next convenes. 390

391 (8) No Advocacy Agenda Resolution may be adopted that is in conflict with any Advocacy392 Agenda Cornerstone Principle or Priority established in accordance with Article V, Section 9A 393 and B. 394

395 ARTICLE VI. BOARD OF DIRECTORS 396

397 SECTION 1. ASSOCIATION REGIONS. 398

399 The Association Regions shall correspond to the ESC region boundaries. 400

401 SECTION 2. QUALIFICATIONS, NOMINATION, ENDORSEMENT, AND ELECTION OF 402 DIRECTORS. 403

404 A. Each voting Director shall be a trustee of the governing board of a school district that is an405 Active Member, except as provided below: 406

407 (1) The President and the Immediate Past President., and408

409 (2) The ESC ex officio Director, in accordance with Article VI, Section 4F.410

411


50


B. No Active Member shall have more than one candidate running for a Director position 412 before the Delegate Assembly, even if more than one Director position is subject to an expiring 413 term or vacancy within the Active Member’s Region. No person shall be a candidate for more 414 than one Director position in an election before the Delegate Assembly. 415

416 C. For purposes of this section, an Active Member school district with an Aaverage Ddaily417 Aattendance (ADA) meeting the requirements of Article VI, Section 4C(1), shall be treated as an 418 Association Region and referred to in these Bylaws as a Large District. 419

420 D. Nominations and endorsements shall be accepted in accordance with the following421 requirements, in chronological order within the timeframes and deadlines set out in Board policy: 422

423 (1) Active Members in any Association Region in which there are expiring terms or vacancies424 in Director positions shall be notified, by the date established through Board policy, that the 425 Active Member may nominate one of its trustees as a candidate for a Director position in which 426 the term is expiring or a vacancy exists within the Active Member’s Region. 427

428 (2) The Nominations Committee’s chair, or designee, shall have received the following in429 writing in the Austin office of the Association by the deadline established through Board policy: 430

431 (a) The Active Member’s nomination, in such form as required by the Association, which shall432 include a verification by the Active Member’s board president or other board officer as to the 433 date of board action.; and 434

435 (b) Candidate information required by the Association, which shall include (i) the candidate’s436 written confirmation of his or her intent to be nominated as a candidate and willingness to serve 437 if elected, (ii) biographical information, and (iii) responses to the questionnaire(s) developed by 438 the Association. 439

440 (3) A listing of all candidates running for Director positions shall be sent to the superintendent441 and board president of each Active Member in each Association Region in which there are any 442 expiring terms or vacancies in Director positions by the date established through Board policy. 443 The candidate listing also shall also be posted on the Association’s Web website. Candidates, 444 Directors, Delegates, and Active Members shall be subject to any campaign protocols or 445 regulations established through Board policy. 446

447 (4) Active Member endorsements of candidates shall be received in the Austin office of the448 Association by the deadline established through Board policy in order for such endorsements to 449 be considered. An Active Member may endorse only one candidate for each open Director 450 position within its Association Region. Only candidates who have complied with the 451 requirements of Article VI, Section 2D(2), may be endorsed. Endorsements adopted by an Active 452 Member before the Association sends the list of candidates pursuant to Article VI, Section 453 2D(3), or endorsements that are not on the endorsement form provided by the Association in a 454 given year shall not be accepted. An Active Member’s nomination of one of its trustees [Article 455 VI, Section 2D(2)] shall be considered the Active Member’s endorsement for that Director 456 position. 457


51


458 (5) If a majority of the Active Members in an Association Region endorses the same candidate,459 that candidate shall be elected to the Director position and shall take office at the completion of 460 the final official session of the annual convention during the year in which the Director was 461 elected. 462

463 (6) If no candidate receives endorsements from a majority of the Active Members in the464 candidate’s Association Region [Article VI, Section 2D(4)], the official annual Delegate 465 Assembly list of nominees shall include the following: 466

467 (a) Candidates nominated by the Nominations Committee [Article VIII, Section 2H]. and468

469 (b) Candidates receiving endorsements from at least 25 percent but less than a majority of the470 Active Members in an Association Region. 471

472 (7) Thereafter nominations may be made by the candidate’s Delegate, provided the following473 conditions are met: 474

475 (a) The candidate’s nomination was submitted in compliance with Article VI, Section 2D(2).476

477 (b) The candidate interviewed with the Nominations Committee, unless the Committee waived478 the need for an interview based on criteria set out in Board policy., and 479

480 (c) The candidate’s intent and consent to run for the position by this alternate means is481 received in the Austin office of the Association five days prior to the annual Delegate Assembly. 482

483 E. Except for a Director position filled in accordance with Article VI, Section 2D(5), the484 official annual Delegate Assembly list of nominees shall be prepared by the Nominations 485 Committee as provided in these Bylaws [Article VIII, Section 2I]. The election shall comply 486 with these Bylaws and any rules and procedures adopted forby the Delegate Assembly at the 487 start of the meeting. Such rules and procedures may allow uncontested nominees to be deemed 488 elected without a vote. 489

490 F. If there is more than one nominee for a Director position, the nominee receiving the491 majority of the votes of the Delegates present and voting shall be elected. If no nominee receives 492 a majority vote of the Delegates, a runoff election shall be conducted between the two nominees 493 receiving the greater numbers of votes, and the election shall be repeated for that position as 494 many times as necessary to obtain a majority. 495

496 SECTION 3. DUTIES. The Board shall supervise, control, and direct affairs of the Association 497 in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, beliefs, and Advocacy Agenda 498 approved by the annual Delegate Assembly. The Board shall: 499

500 A. Actively promote the mission, beliefs, and purposes of the Association.501

502


52


B. Adopt the Association’s budget and have discretion in the disbursement of the 503 Association’s funds. 504

505 C. Receive any devise, bequest, donation, or gift–either for real or personal propery–and hold506 the same in absolute title or in trust; and invest, reinvest, and manage such property consistently 507 with the mission and purposes of the Association. Receive any devise, bequest, donation, or 508 otherwise,either real or personal property, or both, and hold the same absolutely or in trust, and 509 invest, reinvest, and manage the same, and apply said property and the income arising there from 510 to the mission, beliefs, and purposes of the Association. 511

512 D. Establish such Board policies, as it deems appropriate in fulfilling its responsibilities under513 these Bylaws. 514

515 E. Appoint such agents as it may consider necessary.516

517 SECTION 4. COMPOSITION. 518

519 A. The Association’s governing body shall be composed of Directors from Large Districts or520 Association Regions. No Active Member shall have more than one individual serving on the 521 Board. 522

523 B. All Directors shall represent their respective Association Regions, except the President,524 President-Elect, and the Immediate Past President. 525

526 C. By virtue of student enrollment, individual Active Members or Association Regions may527 be eligible for a Director position as follows: 528

529 (1)(a) Not more than 14 Active Members shall be entitled to Large District Director positions. 530 To qualify for a Large District Director position, the Active Member shall have had at least 1.25 531 percent of the total state ADA for two consecutive school years. If more than 14 Active 532 Members qualify for Large District Director positions under this provision, the 14 Active 533 Members with the largest ADA shall qualify. 534

535 (b) If the Active Member’s ADA falls below 1.25 percent of the total state ADA for two536 consecutive school years, or if an Active Member has qualified for a Large District Director 537 position and that Active Member is no longer one of the 14 school districts with the ADA 538 required under Article VI, Section 4C(1)(a), the Active Member’s entitlement to a Large District 539 Director position shall end with the expiration of the current representative’s term. 540

541 (2)(a) An Association Region shall be entitled to Regional Director positions for each 4.25 542 percent or fraction thereof of the total state ADA contained within the Association Region for 543 two consecutive school years, and after the ADA of each Active Member qualifying for a 544 position by virtue of Article VI, Section 4 C(1), has been subtracted. Notwithstanding the 545 foregoing, an Association Region shall be entitled to no more than three Regional Director 546 positions. 547

548


53


(b) If an Association Region becomes entitled to multiple positions by this provision and, then 549 subsequently, for two consecutive years, fails to sustain sufficient ADA for the entitlement over 550 two consecutive school years, a Regional Director position shall be eliminated as follows: 551

552 i. If a vacancy exists in the Regional Director position, that position shall be eliminated., or553 ii. If there is more than one vacancy in the Regional Director positions, the vacant position with554 the first expiring term shall be eliminated., or 555 iii. If there is no vacancy in the Regional Director positions, the existing position with the first556 expiring term within the Region shall be eliminated at the end of that term., or 557 iv. If there is no vacancy and more than one Regional Director position having the first expiring558 term in the same year, the position being held by the individual with the least tenure as a 559 Regional Director shall be eliminated at the end of that term., or 560 v. If there is no vacancy and more than one Regional Director position having the first expiring561 term in the same year and being held by individuals with the same tenure, there shall be a 562 drawing of lots to determine which Regional Director position shall be eliminated at the end of 563 the term. 564

565 D. All calculations under this section shall be based on ADA data furnished by the Texas566 Education Agency available as of April 1 preceding the annual Delegate Assembly. 567

568 E. The Executive Director shall be a nonvoting ex officio Director and shall not be counted in569 the quorum of the Board. 570

571 F. The ESC boards shall be represented by one voting ex officio Director selected by a process572 and for a term prescribed by guidelines established by the ESC boards, but shall not be counted 573 in the quorum of the Board. 574

575 SECTION 5. DURATION OF OFFICE. 576

577 A. Unless stated in these Bylaws otherwise, a Board year or annual period relating to a578 Director or the business of the Board commences at the official close of the annual convention 579 and ends after the same event in the next year. 580

581 B. The term of office of each Director shall be three years and shall begin at the completion of582 the final official session of the annual convention during which the Director was elected by the 583 annual Delegate Assembly. 584

585 CB. Terms of Directors shall be staggered to allow, to the extent possible, for the election of 586 one-third of the Directors each year. New Director positions shall be assigned to terms to retain 587 this balance; however, if this is not possible, the assignment of terms shall be decided by drawing 588 of lots. 589

590 DC. Upon election to a three-year term, a Director may be reelected to no more than three591 additional terms. For purposes of determining a Director term limit, service time attaches to the 592 individual and not the Association Region with which the Director is associated. 593

594


54


ED. Upon election or succession to the office of President-Elect, the Director position 595 previously held shall be declared vacant and a successor elected, except as provided in Article 596 VI, Section 4A. Once elected President-Elect, the term limit that applies to a Director position 597 shall no longer apply and shall not prevent the individual from completing the term of one year 598 as President-Elect, one year as President, and one year as Immediate Past President. 599

600 SECTION 6. RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL. 601

602 A. A Director may resign by submitting a letter of resignation to the President. The603 resignation shall become effective upon receipt by the President. 604

605 B. A Director who is absent from three consecutive regularly scheduled Board meetings or606 from three consecutive regularly scheduled sStanding cCommittee meetings may be removed 607 from the Director position by a majority vote of all of the Directors. A Large District Director 608 removed pursuant to this section shall be ineligible to serve for the remainder of the term to 609 which the Director was elected. 610

611 C. Any Director may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the Board when, in the Board’s612 judgment, the best interests of the Association would be served by removal. 613

614 SECTION 7. MEETINGS. 615

616 A. A Board year or annual period commences at the official close of the annual convention617 and ends after the same event in the next year. The Board shall hold at least four regular 618 meetings that shall be spread throughout the year, with one taking place during the summer and 619 the last meeting taking place during the week of the annual Delegate Assembly. The Executive 620 Committee of the Board shall determine the dates and locations of the meetings for the upcoming 621 Board year and report the meeting schedule to the Board before the Board year commences. The 622 Board also shall be given 30 days’ notice before each regular meeting by electronic means or by 623 any other means accessible to the Directors. 624

625 B. Additional meetings of the Board may be called by the President or by the written request626 of a majority of the Board, provided that a written notice is sent to each Director at least 10 days 627 before the meeting. 628

629 C. A meeting of the Board or a committee may be conducted in person or by alternate means,630 such as teleconference, videoconference, virtualthe Internet, or any other means by which each 631 participant can communicate with all other participants. 632

633 SECTION 8. QUORUM AND VOTING. 634

635 A. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Board.636

637 B. Unless required otherwise by law, the Articles of Incorporation, or these Bylaws, a vote638 required or permitted to be taken shall be based on the “present and voting” parliamentary 639


55


standard. Unless otherwise specifically provided by these Bylaws, a majority vote of those 640 present and voting shall govern. No proxy voting shall be permitted. 641

642 C. Any action required to be taken at a meeting of Directors, or any action which may be643 taken at a meeting of the Directors or any committee, may be taken without a meeting if a 644 consent in writing, setting forth the action to be taken, shall have been signed or executed by the 645 number of Directors or committee members as would be necessary to take that action at a 646 meeting at which all of the Directors or members of the committee were present and voted. The 647 Board, by policy or resolution, may increase the number of votes required for an action taken by 648 written consent. A written consent shall be signed or executed and dated by each Director or 649 committee member, and consent may be provided in multiple counterparts. Directors or 650 committee members may provide written consent by facsimile, email (from the email address of 651 record), or any other form of written actionwriting which comes from the Director or committee 652 member. 653

654 SECTION 9. VACANCIES. By majority vote of those present and voting, tThe Board may fill 655 vacancies that occur in Director positions by electing an individual, by majority vote, to fill the 656 vacancy until the next annual Delegate Assembly, in accordance with Board policy. At that time, 657 a candidate shall be elected by the annual Delegate Assembly to fill the unexpired term in 658 accordance with Article VI, Section 2D. 659

660 ARTICLE VII. OFFICERS 661

662 SECTION 1. TITLES. The Officer positions of the Association shall consist of President, 663 President-Elect, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, and 664 Immediate Past President. 665

666 SECTION 2. QUALIFICATIONS, NOMINATION, AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS. 667

668 A. Each Officer shall be a duly elected Director [Article VI, Section 2A]. The President shall669 be a trustee of an Active Member governing board at the time of succession to the office of 670 President but shall be permitted to succeed to the office of Immediate Past President even if he or 671 she vacates service on such Active Member governing board. 672

673 B. In accordance with Board policy, Officer nominations shall be submitted by Directors to674 the Nominations Committee, and the Committee shall determine which candidates will be 675 interviewed for Officer positions. Candidates, Directors, Delegates, and Active Members shall be 676 subject to any campaign protocols or regulations established through Board policy. 677

678 C. The Nominations Committee shall recommend to the Board at its regular summer meeting679 a candidate for each Officer position to be filled. The Board shall approve candidates from 680 among recommendations of the Nominations Committee or others interviewed in accordance 681 with Article VII, Section 2B, and Board policy. 682

683 D. Candidates approved by the Board shall be presented to the annual Delegate Assembly to684 fill each Officer position in which an expiring term or a vacancy exists. 685


56


686 E. Thereafter, nominations for any Officer position subject to election by the annual Delegate687 Assembly, shall be made by the candidate’s Delegate, provided the following conditions are met: 688

689 (1) The candidate was interviewed for an Officer position by the Nominations Committee in690 the current year’s process in accordance with Article VII, Section 2B., and 691

692 (2) The candidate’s intent and consent to run for the position by this alternate means is693 received in the Austin office of the Association five days prior to the annual Delegate Assembly. 694

695 F. The Nominations Committee shall prepare the official list of Officer nominees as provided696 in these Bylaws [Article VIII, Section 2I]. The election shall comply with these Bylaws and any 697 rules and procedures adopted forby the Delegate Assembly at the start of the meeting. Such rules 698 and procedures may allow uncontested nominees to be deemed elected without a vote. 699

700 G. If there is more than one nominee for an Officer position, the nominee receiving the701 majority vote of the Delegates present and voting shall be elected. If no nominee receives a 702 majority vote of the Delegates, a runoff election shall be conducted between the two nominees 703 receiving the greater numbers of votes, and the election shall be repeated for that position as 704 many times as necessary to obtain a majority. 705

706 SECTION 3. DURATION OF OFFICE. 707

708 A. The Officers shall be elected each year for terms of one year by the annual Delegate709 Assembly except for the President-Elect, who shall be elected to serve for a term of one year as 710 President-Elect, one year as President, and one year as Immediate Past President. 711

712 B. The term of office of each Officer position shall begin at the completion of the final official713 session of the annual convention during which the Officer was elected. Each Officer shall serve 714 until a successor is elected. No Officer shall serve for more than one full elected term in the same 715 office. An Officer’s eligibility to serve a full elected term in an office is unaffected by any time 716 served in that office under the conditions specified in Article VII, Section 5. 717

718 SECTION 4. RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL. 719

720 A. An Officer may resign by submitting a letter of resignation to the Board. The resignation721 shall become effective upon receipt by the Board. 722

723 B. Any Officer of the Association may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the Board724 whenever in its judgment the best interests of the Association would be served. 725

726 SECTION 5. VACANCIES. 727

728 A. If there is a vacancy for any reason in the office of President, the President-Elect shall729 succeed to the office immediately and shall have all the powers and perform all the duties of the 730 office. If, at the annual Delegate Assembly, the office of President-Elect is currently filled by an 731


57


Officer pro tempore, the position of President shall be considered vacant, and the position shall 732 be filled by an election by the annual Delegate Assembly. 733

734 B. If there is a vacancy for any reason in any other Officer position, upon recommendation by735 the Nominations Committee, the Board, upon recommendation by the Nominations Committee, 736 may elect an Officer pro tempore from the Board to perform the duties of the vacated office until 737 the office is filled by an election of the annual Delegate Assembly. 738

739 C. If the vacancy occurs in the office of Secretary-Treasurer, the duties of that office, except740 the right to vote and chair the Budget and Finance Committee, are delegated to the Executive 741 Director until the Board elects a pro tempore or the current term of office expires. 742

743 SECTION 6. PRESIDENT. 744

745 A. The President shall preside at all Delegate Assembly and Board meetings and perform746 duties as provided in these Bylaws and as assigned by the Board. 747

748 B. The President or the President’s representative shall attend the annual convention of the749 National School Boards Association and shall be one of the Association’s voting delegates at the 750 convention. 751

752 C. The President shall be the official representative of the Association at state and national753 meetings. If the President is unable to attend such meetings, then the President’s designee shall 754 represent the Association. 755

756 D. The President shall make all appointments with due consideration given to representation757 by school district size and geographic location. 758

759 E. The President shall annually convene the Executive Committee for the purposes of760 reviewing the Board’s evaluation of the performance of the Executive Director and 761 recommending appropriate compensation for the Executive Director to the Board for 762 consideration. 763

764 F. The President shall serve as a voting ex officio member of all committees, but shall not be765 counted in the quorum of any committee. 766

767 SECTION 7. PRESIDENT-ELECT. 768

769 A. The President-Elect shall serve as chair and voting member of the Planning and770 Development Committee and shall be counted in the quorum of the Planning and Development 771 Committee. 772

773 B. In the event of the President’s absence, the President-Elect shall temporarily perform the774 duties of the President. In the event of the President’s inability or refusal to act, the President-775 Elect may be asked, by unanimous consent of all members of the Executive Committee (other 776 than the President), to temporarily perform the duties of the President until such time as the 777


58


members of the Executive Committee (other than the President) unanimously consent to 778 withdraw the temporary authorization. When thus acting, the President-Elect shall have the 779 powers of and be subject to all restrictions placed upon the President. The President-Elect shall 780 perform other duties as provided in these Bylaws and as assigned by the President or the Board. 781

782 C. Except as provided in Article VII, Section 7A, the President-Elect shall serve as a783 nonvoting ex officio member of all committees and shall not be counted in the quorum of the 784 committee. 785

786 SECTION 8. VICE-PRESIDENTS. The First and Second Vice-Presidents shall perform duties 787 as provided by these Bylaws, Board policy, or other Board action, and as assigned by the 788 President. 789

790 SECTION 9. SECRETARY-TREASURER. 791

792 A. The Secretary-Treasurer shall serve as chair of the Budget and Finance Committee.793

794 B. The Secretary-Treasurer shall make a report to the annual Delegate Assembly and other795 reports as requested by the Board. 796

797 C. The Secretary-Treasurer shall perform duties as provided in these Bylaws and as assigned798 by the President or the Board. 799

800 SECTION 10. IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT. 801

802 A. The Immediate Past President shall serve as a voting Director and Officer and as voting803 member of committees as assigned and shall be counted in the quorums, unless otherwise 804 specified in these Bylaws. 805

806 B. The Immediate Past President shall serve as a member and the chair of the Nominations807 Committee and shall be counted in the quorum. 808

809 C. The Immediate Past President shall perform all other duties as assigned by the President or810 the Board. 811

812 ARTICLE VIII. COMMITTEES 813

814 SECTION 1. STANDING COMMITTEES. Except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, and 815 before the close of the annual convention each year, the Executive Committee shall appoint the 816 chair, vice-chair, and members of the following Standing Committees: Budget and Finance 817 Committee, Bylaws and Resolutions Committee, Legislative Committee, Member Services 818 Committee, and Planning and Development Committee. Committee members shall be appointed 819 from the Board. Each Standing Committee shall have no fewer than seven nor more than 13 820 members. The quorum of each Standing Committee shall be one-third of the committee 821 membership but no fewer than four. In making committee appointments, the Executive 822 Committee shall ensure continuity of committee operation, in accordance with Board policy. 823


59


824 No individual shall serve on more than two Standing Committees at one time. Standing 825 Committees shall hold at least one meeting during the year and report to the annual Delegate 826 Assembly. The chairs, or designees, shall prepare reports of all meetings. In the event that a chair 827 or vice-chair is absent from a meeting, the President will appoint another member of the 828 Committee to serve in his or her place for the meeting. 829

830 Except as provided otherwise in these Bylaws, the President, President-Elect, and Executive 831 Director shall serve as ex officio members of all Standing Committees but shall not be counted in 832 their quorums or maximum committee membership limits. 833

834 A. BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE. The Budget and Finance Committee shall be835 chaired by the Secretary-Treasurer and shall: 836

837 (1) Prepare recommendations on the annual budget for the Board.838

839 (2) Submit to the Board a report and analysis of the finances of the Association.840

841 (3) Recommend an investment policy and monitor the investment of Association funds.842

843 (4) Present an annual financial report.844

845 (5) Study the financial implications of expanding or renewing services, programs, service846 agreements, or administrator contracts for recommendation to the Board. 847

848 (6) Prepare recommendations on the annual audit for the Board.849

850 (7) Participate in other activities in accordance with Board policy.851

852 B. BYLAWS AND RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE. The Bylaws and Resolutions853 Committee, at the discretion of the Executive Committee, may be divided into two committees 854 for the purpose of concentrated effort on particular tasks as assigned by the President. The 855 Bylaws and Resolutions Committee shall: 856

857 (1) Recommend to the Board for submission to the annual Delegate Assembly any proposed858 amendment to these Bylaws, as provided in Article XVII. 859

860 (2) Recommend to the Board for submission to the annual Delegate Assembly Advocacy861 Agenda Resolutions in accordance with Article V, Section 9C. 862

863 (3) Consider and recommend to the Board resolutions for purposes not associated with864 Advocacy Agenda Resolutions. 865

866 (4) Recommend to the Board proposed Board policies or changes to existing Board policies.867



60


870 C. LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE.871

872 The Legislative Committee shall be composed of not more than nine Directors, appointed by the 873 Executive Committee, and four voting ex officio members appointed by the LAC, in accordance 874 with Article V, Section 9B(1). The Legislative Committee shall: 875

876 (1) Monitor legislative and regulatory activities at the state and federal level.877

878 (2) Coordinate the development of the Association’s Advocacy Agenda Cornerstone Principles879 and Priorities in accordance with Article V, Section 9A and B. 880

881 (3) Coordinate the implementation of the Association’s Advocacy Agenda in accordance with882 Article V, Section 9. 883


886 D. MEMBER SERVICES COMMITTEE. The Member Services Committee shall:887

888 (1) Review and monitor activities associated with the current services and programs available889 to Texas school districts. 890

891 (2) Develop and coordinate recognition and awards programs.892

893 (3) Coordinate planning for Association and national conventions.894

895 (4) Monitor school board education activities.896


899 E. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE. The Planning and Development900 Committee shall be chaired by the President-Elect and shall: 901

902 (1) Review, analyze, and recommend to the Board new programs and services.903

904 (2) Review, analyze, and recommend building and equipment needs.905

906 (3) Annually review, update, and report on an annual basis Association goals and priorities.907

908 (4) Monitor the enhancements of programs and services.909

910 (5) Review the evaluation of existing programs and services.911

912 (6) Recommend to the Board for submission to the annual Delegate Assembly any proposed913 changes in the beliefs of the Association, as provided in Article V, Section 8. 914

915


61


(7) Review and coordinate the activities of the Board and its committees in accordance with 916 Board policy. 917

918 (8) Monitor and evaluate the Association’s relationship with other associations and entities.919


922 SECTION 2. NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE. 923

924 A. The Nominations Committee shall be composed of 11eleven voting Directors, including925 the President. An additional nine Directors shall serve as alternates, who shall fill committee 926 vacancies in a designated order. The alternates shall serve in the order and manner as provided in 927 Board policy. Reasonable efforts shall be made to have 11 voting Directors participating; 928 however, six shall constitute a quorum. 929

930 B. Nominations Committee members shall be elected by the Board at the meeting the week of931 the annual Delegate Assembly and assume their duties at the completion of the final official 932 session of the annual convention. 933

934 C. In the election of the Nominations Committee, the Board shall give due consideration to935 representation by school district size, geographic location, and wealth per student. 936

937 D. The Immediate Past President shall serve as a member and the chair and shall be counted in938 the quorum of the Nominations Committee. 939

940 E. The President shall serve as a voting ex officio member and vice-chair of the Committee;941 the President-Elect shall serve as a nonvoting ex officio member of the Nominations Committee. 942 Neither the President nor the President-Elect shall be counted in the quorum of the Nominations 943 Committee. 944

945 F. In accordance with Board policy, the Nominations Committee shall meet prior to the946 regular summer Board meeting to nominate a candidate for each Officer position with an 947 expiring term or vacancy. Nominations shall be submitted to the Board for approval. 948

949 G. As soon as feasible after the August 29 deadline for Active Member endorsements and950 prior to the annual Delegate Assembly, the Nominations Committee shall meet and shall 951 nominate one or more candidates for each Director position to be filled and shall report the 952 nominations to the President and the Executive Director. 953

954 H. The slate of nominations shall be prepared as follows:955

956 (1) At least 20 days before the annual Delegate Assembly, or as soon thereafter as feasible, the957 Executive Director shall provide Active Members and Delegates with the Board’s slate of 958 nominees for Officer positions and the Nominations Committee’s slate of nominees for each 959 Director position with pertinent biographical information on each nominee. 960

961


62


(2) In the event a Director nominee becomes unable to serve, the Nominations Committee, at 962 the call of its chair, shall select an alternate nominee and notify Active Members and Delegates 963 of the amended report as soon as feasible, but no later than the opening of the annual Delegate 964 Assembly. 965

966 (3) In the event an Officer nominee becomes unable to serve, the Board, at the call of the967 President, shall select an alternate nominee from among the Officer candidates interviewed by 968 the Nominations Committee pursuant to Board policy at the regular summer Board meeting and 969 notify Active Members and Delegates of the amended report as soon as feasible, but no later than 970 the opening of the annual Delegate Assembly. 971

972 I. An official list of the names of all Officer and Director nominees up for election shall be973 prepared before the opening of the annual Delegate Assembly, as provided and applicable in 974 Article VI, Section 2D(6)-(7); Article VII, Sections 2D and E; and Article VIII, Section 2H. No 975 person may be a candidate for more than one Director position, and no person may be a 976 candidate for more than one Officer position on this list. 977

978 SECTION 3. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 979

980 A. The Executive Committee shall be composed of the Officers. The Executive Director shall981 serve as a nonvoting ex officio member of the Committee. 982

983 B. The Executive Committee shall have only the authority given by these Bylaws or such984 authority that is granted to the Executive Committee by specific Board action. 985

986 SECTION 4. SPECIAL COMMITTEES. The Board may create one or more special committees 987 in the manner set out in Board policy. The Executive Committee shall appoint the members of 988 any such committee. Unless the Board authorizes otherwise, a special committee shall cease to 989 exist at the close of the annual convention held during the year the special committee was 990 created. Upon Board approval, the President may create special committees to properly perform 991 or more effectively carry out the mission and purposes of the Association, in accordance with 992 Board policy. The Executive Committee shall appoint the members of such committees. Unless 993 the Board has authorized otherwise, such committees shall cease to exist at the completion of the 994 final official session of the annual convention held during the year the special committees were 995 created. 996

997 ARTICLE IX. EXECUTIVE STAFF 998

999 SECTION 1. EMPLOYMENT. An Executive Director shall be employed by the Board. 1000

1001 SECTION 2. DUTIES. 1002

1003 A. The Executive Director shall manage, supervise, and direct the operations of the1004 Association within the authority delegated by the Board. The Executive Director shall be a 1005 nonvoting ex officio member of the Delegate Assembly, Board, Executive Committee, and all 1006 standing and special committees and shall not be counted in the quorums. 1007


63


1008 B. The Executive Director, or designee, shall be the custodian of the records and proceedings1009 of the Association and Board and shall see that all notices are duly given as provided in these 1010 Bylaws or as required by law. 1011

1012 C. Other executive staff and personnel as may be employed shall undertake such duties,1013 responsibilities, and authority as may be delegated by the Executive Director and shall be 1014 responsible to the Executive Director. The Executive Director, or designee, is authorized to 1015 employ, supervise, and discharge all personnel. 1016

1017 D. The Executive Director shall sign all authorized contracts and other obligations and1018 undertakings in the name of or on behalf of the Association unless specifically prohibited by 1019 these Bylaws or by further resolutions, Board policies, rules, or regulations as may be adopted by 1020 the Board. At the discretion of the Board, the Executive Director may be designated to perform 1021 the duties of Secretary-Treasurer, except the right to vote or chair the Budget and Finance 1022 Committee. 1023

1024 SECTION 3. VACANCY. If there is a vacancy for any reason in the position of Executive 1025 Director, the President with the unanimous consent of all other members of the Executive 1026 Committee may designate an Acting Executive Director to serve until an Executive Director 1027 shall be employed by the Board. The Acting Executive Director shall have all the power and 1028 perform all the duties of the Executive Director. 1029

1030 ARTICLE X. FISCAL AND LEGAL PROCEDURES 1031

1032 SECTION 1. FISCAL YEAR. The fiscal year of the Association shall be September 1 through 1033 August 31. 1034

1035 SECTION 2. NONCOMPENSATION. 1036

1037 A. No individual acting in the capacity of an Officer or Director shall receive compensation1038 for services rendered. In accordance with Board policy, the Association may reimburse certain 1039 expenses incurred by Officers or Directors in attending to the business of the Association and 1040 may pay for personal use of Association-provided equipment, either of which may be 1041 characterized as “compensation” to Officers and Directors for federal tax purposes. 1042

1043 B. No Officer or Director shall serve for compensation as an employee, consultant, or1044 independent contractor of the Association. 1045

1046 SECTION 3. CONTRACTS. Except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, the Board may 1047 authorize any Oofficer or agent to enter into contracts and to execute or draw any instruments on 1048 behalf of the Association. 1049

1050 SECTION 4. LOANS. No loan shall be contracted on behalf of the Association, and no 1051 negotiable paper other than checks (or equivalents) shall be issued in its name, except as 1052 authorized by the Board. 1053


64


1054 SECTION 5. DEPOSITS. 1055

1056 A. All funds of the Association shall be deposited to the credit of the Association in such1057 depositories as the Board may select or as may be selected by an Oofficer or agent designated by 1058 the Board. 1059

1060 B. All funds of the Association, except for investment accounts, shall be in depositories1061 covered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and shall be withdrawn in accordance 1062 with procedures specified by the Board. 1063

1064 SECTION 6. INCOME. All Association income shall be collected by an Oofficer or agent 1065 designated by the Board. 1066

1067 SECTION 7. DISBURSEMENTS. All bills, drafts, acceptances, checks, endorsements, or other 1068 evidence of indebtedness shall be signed by the Oofficer or agent designated by Board 1069 resolution. 1070

1071 SECTION 8. INVESTMENTS. Funds of the Association may be invested and reinvested in a 1072 manner and for purposes in accordance with law and policy. 1073

1074 SECTION 9. DISPOSITION OF SURPLUS FUNDS. Any surplus in excess of normal operating 1075 requirements, and in excess of reasonable reserves to be determined by the Board, shall be used 1076 to further the purposes of the Association. The Budget and Finance Committee or Planning and 1077 Development Committee shall make recommendations to the Board for specific allocations of 1078 such funds. 1079

1080 SECTION 10. ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT. The Executive Director, or designee, shall 1081 provide annually to the Board a report of all receipts and disbursements of Association funds. 1082 Subsequently an annual financial report shall be published. 1083

1084 SECTION 11. INCURRING INDEBTEDNESS. No Officer, Director, committee, committee 1085 member, or employee of the Association shall incur any indebtedness in the name of the 1086 Association or make any commitment involving the Association unless authorized by Board 1087 action. 1088

1089 SECTION 12. FIDELITY INSURANCE. At Association expense, fidelity insurance coverage 1090 shall be secured for the Secretary-Treasurer, Executive Director, and any other Oofficers or 1091 agents of the Association as determined by the Board or Executive Director. 1092

1093 SECTION 13. LEGAL COUNSEL. The Board may retain outside legal counsel to advise it in 1094 the legal affairs of the Association. 1095

1096 SECTION 14. AUDIT. The Board shall designate an independent certified public accountant to 1097 audit the financial records of the Association and to submit an annual audit report. 1098

1099


65


SECTION 15. FINANCIAL BOOKS AND RECORDS. Any member of the Association, upon 1100 written request, stating the purpose of the request, shall have the right to examine and copy, in 1101 person, or by agent, accountant, or attorney, at any reasonable time, for any proper purpose, the 1102 financial books and records of the Association relevant to that purpose, at the expense of the 1103 member. 1104

1105 SECTION 16. SEAL. The Association may have a seal of such design, as the Board shall adopt. 1106

1107 ARTICLE XI. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY 1108

1109 SECTION 1. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY. No Director shall be personally liable to the 1110 Association for monetary damages for any act or omission in the Director’s capacity as a 1111 Director; provided, however, that the foregoing provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability 1112 of a Director for (1) a breach of Director’s duty of loyalty to the Association;, (2) an act or 1113 omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the 1114 law;, (3) a transaction from which the Director received an improper personal benefit, whether or 1115 not the benefit resulted from an action taken within the scope of the Director’s office;, or (4) an 1116 act or omission for which the liability of a Director is expressly provided by statute. Any 1117 amendment or repeal of this Article shall be prospective only and shall not adversely affect any 1118 limitation on the personal liability of a Director existing at the time of such amendment or repeal. 1119 A Director is entitled to any protections from liability set out in Texas statutes. 1120

1121 SECTION 2. INDEMNIFICATION. The Association shall defend and indemnify its Board, 1122 Officers, and employees to the greatest extent permitted by law. 1123

1124 The Association may purchase insurance providing coverage for the Officers, Directors, and 1125 employees. Nothing herein shall be deemed to prevent settlement of any litigation where the 1126 settlement is deemed advisable in order to prevent greater expense or cost in the defense or 1127 prosecution of such litigation. 1128

1129 Indemnification for any damages or expenses of any Officer, Director, or employee by way of 1130 this Article shall apply only to such amounts that are not paid by the errors and omissions 1131 insurance (E&O) provider pursuant to the terms and conditions of the E&O insurance policy 1132 purchased in favor of the Association, its Officers, its Directors, and its employees. The 1133 indemnification provided by this Article shall not be deemed to be exclusive of any other rights 1134 to which any person indemnified may be entitled under any regulation, agreement, or otherwise. 1135 The indemnification provided by this Article shall not be deemed exclusive of any other power 1136 to indemnify or right to indemnification that the Association or any person referred to in this 1137 Article may have or acquire under state or federal laws. Indemnification shall continue and inure 1138 to the benefit of the heirs, executors, successors, and administrators of persons entitled to 1139 indemnification under this Article. 1140

1141 In a criminal proceeding, the person may be indemnified only if he or she had no reasonable 1142 cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful. The Association shall not indemnify a person 1143 who is found liable to the Association or is found liable to another on the basis of improperly 1144 receiving a personal benefit from the Association. 1145


66


1146 ARTICLE XII. CONSTITUENT GROUPSCOUNCILS 1147

1148 SECTION 1. FORMATION OF COUNCILS. The Board may authorize the formation of 1149 alliances, councils, or other networks (collectively “constituent groups”) to study and advise on 1150 various aspects of public education or to otherwise further the purposes of the Association. Such 1151 constituent groups may operate under the full or partial auspices of the Association and be 1152 composed of (a) Association members; (b) other organizations; or (c) outside leaders, 1153 stakeholders, or professionals who represent or impact the interests of Association members. 1154 The Board may create Councils to study and advise on specific aspects of public education. The 1155 objective of a Council within its specific area of concern shall be to gather and share information 1156 and develop and implement recommendations. 1157

1158 SECTION 2. ELIGIBILITY. The Board may determine eligibility for participants in any Council 1159 that may be created. 1160

1161 SECTION 23. GOVERNANCEGOVERNING BODY. The Association shall seek to have its 1162 President or Executive Director, or their designee, serve as a member of the constituent group’s 1163 governing body (voting or non-voting), if appropriate. Each Council shall have a representative 1164 governing body. When appropriate, the Board shall seek to have its President and the 1165 Association’s Executive Director, or their designees, serve as non-voting ex officio members of 1166 the Council’s governing body but not counted in that governing body’s quorum. 1167

1168 SECTION 4. ADMINISTRATION. The governing body of each Council shall administer, 1169 through its chair, the business of the Council; shall be responsible for its programs, progress, and 1170 activities, and shall establish policies for the conduct of its business, provided that actions of the 1171 Council are consistent with the Association’s Bylaws and Board policy. 1172

1173 SECTION 5. ASSOCIATION PARTICIPATION. The Board may withdraw the Association’s 1174 further participation whenever it determines that such participation would not be in the 1175 Association’s best interests. 1176

1177 SECTION 36. FINANCES. 1178

1179 A. The Executive Director, or designee, may determine the fees and amounts to charge a1180 constituent group for the group’s use of Association staff, facilities, and other resources. The 1181 Executive Director, or designee, may determine fees and charges incurred through a Council’s 1182 use of Association staff and facilities. 1183

1184 B. Each Council may establish charges for the meetings and individual activities of the1185 Council. 1186

1187 BC. All funds relating to the operation and activity of a constituent group under the auspices of 1188 the Association shall be administered through the general fund of the Association and subject to 1189 these Bylaws and Board policy. All funds relating to the operation and activity of each Council 1190


67


shall be administered through the general fund of the Association and shall be governed by these 1191 Bylaws and as may be determined by the Board. 1192

1193 SECTION 47. STAFF LIAISON. The Executive Director mayshall assign staff to provide 1194 assistance and serve as the liaison to constituent groupsin Council operations and in the 1195 coordination of Association and Council activities. 1196

1197 SECTION 5. ASSOCIATION PARTICIPATION. The Association may withdraw its 1198 participation whenever it determines that continued participation would not be in the 1199 Association’s best interests. 1200

1201 1202

ARTICLE XIII. FOUNDATIONS, TRUSTS, AND OTHERAFFILIATED ENTITIES 1203 1204

SECTION 1. AFFILIATIONESTABLISHMENT OF FOUNDATIONS, TRUSTS, AND 1205 OTHER ENTITIES. The Board may authorize the Association to facilitate the creation of 1206 entities or to significantly affiliate with existing entities that support any of the mission and 1207 purposes of the Association. The Board may create entities, or facilitate the creation of entities, 1208 to serve as vehicles for delivering specialized services that support the mission and purposes of 1209 the Association. 1210

1211 SECTION 2. GOVERNANCEGOVERNING BOARDS. To the extent the entity with which the 1212 Association seeks to affiliate is a separate legal entity, the separate governance structure of the 1213 entity shall be respected. However, where appropriate, the Association shall seek to have the 1214 Association President or Executive Director, or their designee, serve as a non-voting, ex officio 1215 member of the entity’s governing body. The governing body of each entity, if any, shall be a 1216 board appointed in accordance with the bylaws of that entity. 1217

1218 Each board shall be responsible for business affairs of the entity. 1219

1220 When appropriate, the Board shall seek to have its President and Executive Director serve as 1221 non-voting ex officio members of the entity’s board but not counted in that board’s quorum. 1222

1223 SECTION 3. QUALITY CONTROLSASSOCIATION PARTICIPATION. The Board may 1224 condition the Association’s participation, such as the use of the Association’s name, goodwill, 1225 and resources, on the receipt of consideration (monetary or non-monetary), and may withdraw 1226 the Association’s participation whenever it determines that continued participation would not be 1227 in the Association’s best interests. 1228

1229 ARTICLE XIV. COOPERATIVE ORGANIZATIONS 1230

1231 The Board may organize and participate in nonprofit associations or other legal entities whose 1232 mission and bylaws the Board determines to be consistent with Association beliefs, mission, and 1233 purposes, and these Bylaws. The Board may withdraw from further participation whenever it 1234 determines that further participation would not be in the Association’s best interest. 1235

1236


68


ARTICLE XV. DISSOLUTION OF THE ASSOCIATION 1237 1238

In the event of dissolution of the Association, such dissolution shall be in accordance with the 1239 provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Association’s Articles of 1240 Incorporation, and Texas law. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, upon 1241 dissolution of the Association, assets shall first be used to pay all debts and obligations of the 1242 Association; thereafter, any remaining funds (Net Assets) shall be distributed in furtherance of 1243 public purposes that are charitable or educational within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the 1244 Internal Revenue Code. Specifically, Net Assets shall be distributed pro rata to those school 1245 districts in the State of Texas whose school boards comprised the Association’s Active Members 1246 that contributed to the Association during the year(s) of dissolution. The precise formula for 1247 distributions of Net Assets upon dissolution, and the timing thereof, shall be determined by the 1248 Board. 1249 In the event of dissolution of the Association, dissolution shall be in accordance with the 1250 provisions of the Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3), the Articles of Incorporation, and 1251 Texas law. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, upon dissolution of the 1252 Association, assets shall first be used to pay all debts and obligations; remaining funds shall be 1253 distributed for Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) of the public purposes through pro rata 1254 distributions to such Association Active Members, which are school districts of the State of 1255 Texas as have contributed to the Association and which are Association Active Members for the 1256 year(s) of dissolution. The precise formula for distributions and the timing thereof shall be 1257 determined by the Board. 1258

1259 ARTICLE XVI. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 1260

1261 SECTION 1. RULES. The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order 1262 Newly Revised shall govern the Association in all meetings and proceedings to which they are 1263 applicable and where not inconsistent with these Bylaws, Board policies, and any special rules of 1264 order the Association may adopt. The Board is authorized to adopt rules and procedures, 1265 consistent with these Bylaws, that modify Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised for meetings 1266 of the Board or Delegate Assembly (including standing rules). 1267 All proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of 1268 Order as most recently revised and other rules of procedure consistent with these Bylaws. 1269

1270 SECTION 2. INTERPRETATION. 1271

1272 A. The Board shall be the final authority on the interpretation of these Bylaws. If any Bylaws1273 provision is rendered invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, the invalidity, illegality, or 1274 unenforceability will not affect the remaining provisions, and, to the greatest extent possible, the 1275 Bylaws will be construed as if they had not included the offending provision. 1276

1277 B. In the event the Association fails to comply with a required date or deadline or carry out a1278 required action set out in these Bylaws due to impossibility of performance, mistake, 1279 inadvertence, or other reason, the Board shall be authorized to remedy such failure to the extent 1280 possible. If noncompliance is due to impossibility of performance for reasons of force majeure 1281 (e.g., act of God, epidemic, act of government, etc.), the Board may excuse compliance 1282


69


altogether. However, where a remedy is possible, Tthe remedy shall give effect to the intent and 1283 purpose of the non-observed Bylaws requirement and attempt to mitigate any harm as much as 1284 feasiblepossible. 1285

1286 SECTION 3. TIME PERIODS. If the conclusion of any time period provided for in these Bylaws 1287 falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, the conclusion of such time period shall be deemed to be 1288 extended until the next business day. Otherwise, references to time periods measured by days 1289 shall mean calendar days unless business days are specifically designated. 1290

1291 SECTION 4. NOTICE AND DELIVERY. 1292

1293 A. Any notice required or permitted by these Bylaws to be given to any Association1294 Mmember, the Board (or a committee thereof), or any person may be given by US mail, express 1295 courier service, facsimile, email, or other transmission commonly used in commerce when sent 1296 to the address or portal authorized byof record with the Association. If sent by first-class US mail 1297 with postage prepaid, notice is deemed delivered three days after mailing. If sent by express 1298 courier service, notice is deemed delivered on the date confirmed by the courier. If sent by 1299 facsimile transmission, notice is deemed delivered when printed confirmation of receipt is 1300 obtained from the facsimile mechanism. If sent by email or other electronic transmission, notice 1301 is deemed delivered at the moment it is sent. 1302

1303 B. Any notice or record required or permitted by these Bylaws to be received in the Austin1304 office of the Association shall be deemed received if transmitted electronically through the portal 1305 or mechanism designated by the Association for such action. 1306

1307 ARTICLE XVII. AMENDMENTS 1308

1309 SECTION 1. DELEGATE ASSEMBLY. These Bylaws may be amended at the annual Delegate 1310 Assembly by a vote of two-thirds voteof the Delegates present and voting. Proposed amendments 1311 may be submitted by Association staff, the Board, or Active Members and shall be submitted in 1312 writing to the Bylaws and Resolutions Committee, or its designee, by July 1 prior to the annual 1313 Delegate Assembly. Proposed amendments received by July 1 shall be studied by the Bylaws 1314 and Resolutions Committee. The Bylaws and Resolutions Committee shall formulate 1315 recommendations to the Board. The Board shall have the right to affirm or change Bylaws and 1316 Resolutions Committee recommendations and to amend the recommendations for presentation to 1317 the annual Delegate Assembly. 1318

1319 SECTION 2. CONFORMING AND STYLISTIC CHANGES. Upon amendment of the Bylaws 1320 by the Delegate Assembly, the Board shall have the authority to make conforming changes to the 1321 Bylaws, in order to fully implement the amendments adopted by the Delegate Assembly. The 1322 Board also shall have the authority to make nonsubstantive, stylistic changes to the Bylaws in 1323 order to enhance their grammatical quality. The Bylaws and Resolutions Committee shall make 1324 all such conforming and stylistic recommendations to the Board for its approval. 1325



Proposed Beliefs

Did you know...TASB has a podcast! TASB Talks features Texas education experts sharing their insights on everything from school governance to legal issues to board operations to special education — and more.

tasbtalks.org


tasbtalks.org


71

Delegate AssemblyProposed Changes to the TASB Statement of BeliefsSB

• We believe that every child has an absolute right to an excellent education.the survival and success of public schools are essential to our society.

• We believe that public schools are essential to providing an excellenteducation for every child and to the success of our society.

• We believe public schools must have adequate and equitable fundingto provide a high-quality, well-rounded education.

• We believe all schools districts should be safe and secure learningenvironments.

• We believe increased continual improvement of student academicachievement, educating the whole child, and removing barriers to successmust be a top priority priorities in Texas.

• We believe local control by school boards is the best method way to governpublic schools.

• We believe a board that practices good governance practices result in willensure efficient, and effective school district operations and strong studentacademic performance.

• We believe a strong partnership with all stakeholders (parents, community,educators, and students) parental and community involvement createsoptimal opportunities for each child.

• We believe, as good citizens, the law must be obeyed and any changes inthe law should be through advocacy and the democratic process.

• We believe in and are committed to supporting diversity, equity, andinclusion; promoting dignity and mutual respect; striving to eradicatesystemic racism; and providing opportunity for all.

123456789

101112131415161718192021222324

As a result of the TASB Board of Directors’ strategic planning process, several changes are proposed to the TASB Statement of Beliefs. The TASB Board recommends the following changes as shown in legislative style:



2020–22 Advocacy Agenda

Did you know...The TASB Advocacy Agenda guides the advocacy work of the Association. The agenda is built by you — our members. And it all starts with the Grassroots Meetings, which will be held in early 2022.

gr.tasb.org


gr.tasb.org


73

Delegate Assembly2020–22 Advocacy AgendaAA

This year’s Delegate Assembly will consider chang-es to the 2020–22 Advocacy Agenda that will guide the Association through the interim of the 87th Texas Legislature. The Advocacy Agenda serves as TASB’s plan of action during the legislative bienni-um and consists of three parts:

1. Cornerstone Principles: overarching beliefsthat guide TASB’s advocacy efforts

2. Priorities: issues of greatest importance tothe majority of Texas school boards as deter-mined by statewide Grassroots Meetings

3. Resolutions: stances submitted by individualschool boards that guide TASB staff whenaddressing issues that may arise during thebiennium

Cornerstone Principles and Priorities require approval by at least two-thirds of the Delegates present and voting, while Resolutions require a simple majority.

Action Items for 2021The TASB Board does not recommend any changes to the Cornerstone Principles or Priorities this year. The current Cornerstone Principles and Priorities may be found on pages 75–78.

Sixteen individual school boards submitted 63 proposed resolutions prior to the June 15 deadline imposed by TASB Bylaws. The TASB Resolutions Committee and the TASB Board reviewed these submissions during their July meetings. The Board’s final recommendations and supporting rationales appear on pages 79–91.

Important Notes• A status report on the 2020–22 Advocacy

Agenda can be found on pages 133–142.

• The deadline for submitting Action Forms(to amend an Advocacy Resolution or topull an Advocacy Resolution for individualconsideration) is Saturday, September 25,at 1:45 p.m. Further information, as well asthe rules governing Assembly action, maybe found on pages 9–11.

• TASB Advocacy Agenda development andadoption follow a two-year cycle. The 2021Delegate Assembly may adopt changes tothe 2020–22 Agenda that will remain ineffect until the 2022 Delegate Assembly.The 2022 Delegate Assembly will adopta new Advocacy Agenda that will be inforce for two years, until the 2024 DelegateAssembly.

• Any questions regarding the AdvocacyAgenda may be directed to the InformationCenter, located near the main entrance tothe Assembly floor in the Dallas Ballroom ofthe Omni Dallas Hotel. TASB staff memberswill be available in the center to answerquestions on Saturday, September 25, fromnoon until the end of Delegate Assembly.



Cornerstone Principles

75

Delegate AssemblyCornerstone PrinciplesCP

The Cornerstone Principles guide TASB’s Advocacy Agenda and organizational conduct. The TASB Board did not propose any changes to the current Principles.

• Excellence in student achievement for all Texas students and fair accountability for academicprogress

• Locally elected trustees and locally governed and controlled public schools• Adequate and equitable funding levels to provide an exceptional education in a safe environment• Efficient and effective school management• Strong family and community engagement to create optimal opportunities for each child• Fulfillment of public schools’ unique constitutional duty to educate every child by preventing the

diversion of public funds through vouchers, tax credits, education savings grants, and othermechanisms

• Promotion of equity, intentional eradication of systemic racism, and the recognition of all culturesand races that have contributed to the rich history of Texas and the United States to include supportfor diversity and cultural awareness initiatives throughout the state


Priorities


77

Delegate AssemblyAdvocacy PrioritiesAP

COVID-19 PandemicTASB calls upon the Texas Legislature to continue working with local school districts to identify and address student needs during and after the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters, such as access to technology and broadband/utility services, mental health resources, meals, social services, personal protective equipment, additional support for economically disadvantaged children, and remediation for students, while maintaining local control. The state should also suspend account-ability ratings during disasters that severely impact school operations, such as the current pandemic, enact a temporary moratorium on the expansion or creation of new charter schools, not supplant state education funding with federal funds provided for disaster recovery, and fund schools based on student enrollment to ensure adequate instructional continuity.

Charter SchoolsTASB calls upon the Texas Legislature to prohibit the expansion of charter schools, to reduce the impact charter schools have on the state budget and on local public schools, and to increase the transparency of charter schools and their operators, especially with regard to enrollment and expulsion practices, business operations, and expenditures. The state should require charters to have publicly elected board members who are accountable to the communities they serve.

Diversity and Cultural AwarenessTASB calls upon the Texas Legislature to support diversity and cultural awareness initiatives through-out districts through staff and student education and restorative teaching and disciplinary practices that treat all students with equality. We also call on the Legislature and State Board of Education to eval-uate the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for accurate and complete education as it pertains to all cultures that have contributed to the rich history of Texas and the United States.

GovernanceTASB calls upon the Texas Legislature to recog-nize and preserve the right of public school boards to associate and collaborate with each other and to communicate the needs of their students and schools, both directly and through representative organizations, with lawmakers.

Mental Health and SafetyTASB calls upon the Texas Legislature to increase state funding for access to proactive mental health services and support in public schools to improve the physical safety and psychological well-being of our students and staff, especially as they cope with additional anxiety related to COVID-19. This includes access to services for all students in a school setting; the ability for districts to provide students with targeted interventions; and the estab-lishment of a collaborative network of school and mental health professionals to better identify and meet the needs of students and their caregivers.

TASB calls upon the Texas Legislature to work with public school districts and their locally elected trustees to enhance school safety measures, including increased funding for school safety audits, the school safety allotment, and other measures that ensure the safety of students and staff.

Public School FinanceTASB calls upon the Texas Legislature to aggres-sively commit to maintain the promises and dedica-tion of funding made in the new school finance sys-tem implemented under House Bill 3 (86th Session) and to equitably share the cost of education with local school districts. Further, the state should implement a funding structure that recognizes the flexibility needed by and the additional costs incurred by school districts amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

State AssessmentsTASB calls upon the Texas Legislature to continue to reduce state assessments by eliminating those not required by federal law, removing the high-

The TASB Board did not propose any changes to the current Advocacy Priorities.


78

stakes aspect of the system, reducing testing time, and prohibiting standardized tests from serving as the primary indicator of school and student perfor-mance. TASB advocates for additional support for non-high-stakes, diagnostic assessment alterna-tives, such as writing portfolios and adaptive exams.

Teacher Recruitment and RetentionTASB calls upon the Texas Legislature to support adaptive and creative local solutions for recruiting and retaining high-quality, diverse educators in our independent school districts and to help elevate the teaching profession by incentivizing students to enter the teaching profession, shoring up teacher health benefits and retirement, and supporting local measures to develop and assess educators.

VouchersTASB calls upon the Texas Legislature to prevent any transfer of public education funds through the use of vouchers, savings accounts, or tax credits to private or out-of-state entities, including the unfet-tered expansion of virtual instruction by corpora-tions.



Recomm

ended Resolutions

Did you know...The Texas Lone Star magazine is provided free to TASB members. The publication features in-depth articles on timely topics, as well as updates on legal, policy, and legislative issues.

texaslonestaronline.org


www.texaslonestaronline.org


79

Resolution 1 — Availability of State Assessments in Spanish (El Paso ISD)

TASB advocates for the availability of state assessments in Spanish through secondary for recent immigrants and students in dual- language programs.

District Rationale: Recent immigrant students are tested in English after only one year of English instruction. Data shows that seven years are needed to acquire a new language. Allowing students to test in their native language will provide a true assess-ment of content knowledge versus language acqui-sition. Testing in English is counterproductive to their education and significantly reduces their opportunity to graduate. Having state assessments available in Spanish also will allow districts with dual-language programs the ability to measure student language acquisition in a second language.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. Students who are new to Texas and new to the US require several years to become proficient in English at a level that will ensure success in school. School districts want to be accountable for the success of these students and, to that end, continuously monitor their language acquisition and academic progress through teacher observations, local tests, and state tests. However, it is inappropriate to administer tests to students in a language they do not understand and have those scores count toward a school’s accountability rating until the students have gained English proficiency or a test is available in the language spoken by the student taking the exam.

Resolution 2 — School Board Elections (El Paso ISD)

TASB advocates for an extension of the option to allow school boards to move their election dates to November elections.

District Rationale: The city of El Paso has changed its elections to November leaving El Paso ISD (EPISD) as the only jurisdiction in its area with May elections, which will increase the cost of and

decrease participation in our elections. EPISD would like to have the option available to move our elec-tions to November.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. School districts have traditionally held their elections in May, but there may be instances when holding district elections in November is more beneficial. November general elections generally include several other races, such as local, state, and federal elections, and some state legislators have been attempting for years to move all elections to November to increase voter participation. School districts do not have the statutory authority to move their elections without legislative approval, but they should have the ability to determine whether to hold elections in May or November to best suit their local communities.

Resolution 3 — Using Rainy Day Fund to Protect FSP (El Paso ISD)

TASB advocates for legislation that supports the use of the rainy day fund to limit cuts to the Foundation School Program.

District Rationale: El Paso ISD uses the Foundation School Program (FSP) to provide students access to programs and services that are appropriate to the students’ needs. By allowing districts to use the rainy day fund, more resources will be available for use without negative effects on the FSP.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. In 2011, a number of school districts felt the brunt of the state’s budget shortfall when legislators drastically cut funding to the FSP by $5.4 billion, all the while the rainy day fund remained relatively untapped. Before the state makes future cuts to education, legislators should look to the Equalization Stabiliza-tion Fund (ESF) before making decisions that could detrimentally impact the future prosperity of Texas. With property tax compression now explicitly tied to the state’s ability to maintain its share of funding, legislators should examine all options for funding education during economic downturns — especially the ESF.

Delegate AssemblyAdvocacy Resolutions Recommended for AdoptionAR


80

Resolution 4 — Accountability Changes for Pandemic-Related Closures (El Paso ISD)

TASB advocates for accountability changes that take pandemic-related school closures into con-sideration.

District Rationale: With the high hospitalization rates at the commencement of the 2020–21 school year, students were learning remotely. By the end of January 2021, a small percentage of students were back on campus. Thus, the learning was not at levels witnessed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Supporting legislation that takes into account the challenges faced to provide remote learning and on-campus learning will allow for reasonable accountability.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. While state assessments were still required for the 2020–21 school year, the Legislature did pass Senate Bill 1365 to assist with the accountability chal-lenges facing districts due to the pandemic. This bill provides that accountability ratings will remain “paused” for any district or campus not receiving an overall performance rating of C or higher. If a district or campus receives a D or F rating, it will be counted as “not rated” for the year. This is a temporary change, however, with the accountability ratings returning to normal in the following school year. Additional considerations may be needed to further assist districts that are continuing to struggle.

Resolution 5 — Districts of Innovation (El Paso ISD)

TASB advocates for legislation that protects district of innovation law.

District Rationale: El Paso ISD students and staff have benefited from the current local innovation plan, which was originally adopted by the board on May 17, 2016. Currently, the district is seeking to renew the plan with minor adjustments due to the benefits witnessed throughout the implementation of the plan.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. There are currently 921 Texas public school districts that have chosen to become districts of innovation — allowing local school leaders to identify various flex-ibilities afforded to Texas open-enrollment charter

schools that would benefit district students in their communities. Anecdotally, the most sought after flexibilities include those associated with school calendars (specifically school start dates), class-size limits, and teacher certification requirements (usually involving career and technical education courses). There were measures during the 87th legislative session to strip school start date authority from the flexibilities afforded to districts of innova-tion. School leaders need certainty that they can continue the innovations and flexibilities they have been able to provide for their students and staff beyond the next legislative session.

Resolution 6 — English Language Learners (El Paso ISD)

TASB advocates for the official state definition and tracking of long-term English language learners.

District Rationale: Texas is one of the states that does not define nor track long-term English language learners. It is critical that these students be identified and tracked as such by the state in order to provide the appropriate instructional pro-grams and reduce their dropout rate.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. In Texas, English language learners exit from English-as-a-second-language (ESL) services after meeting a certain level of proficiency regardless of the grade during which proficiency is met. Tracking those students throughout the rest of their primary, intermediate, and secondary schooling would allow districts and the state to identify where additional services or improvements to current services could be implemented to prevent poor performance or dropouts in later years.

Resolution 7 — Internet and Wi-Fi Access (El Paso ISD)

TASB advocates for public internet and Wi-Fi throughout the community.

District Rationale: Options for partnering with the Legislature to provide public internet/Wi-Fi to all areas of a school district, particularly for areas of the district where students do not have internet connec-tivity at home.


81

The TASB Board recommends adoption. Edu- cation is rapidly moving into the digital age with many textbooks and some classroom instruction being available via digital means. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed a digital divide not only between students who did and did not have access to the internet to participate in virtual instruction, but between areas of the state that did and did not have access to reliable broadband and wireless internet service. Lack of internet connectivity at home for students makes it difficult to keep up with their peers who are connected to the internet. The state should partner with school districts to offer internet connectivity and Wi-Fi services to areas that currently do not have access.

Resolution 8 — School District Property (El Paso ISD)

TASB opposes any efforts to force school districts to sell or lease district property to charter schools.

District Rationale: The state of Texas should not diminish the authority of local school boards to make decisions about the best use of excess or underutilized district property purchased with local tax dollars.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. School buildings are owned by taxpayers; they approve the bonds and elect the boards of trustees to oversee the governance of the district, including its facilities. Any state law that attempts to usurp the authority of locally elected trustees to make decisions in the best interest of their local students and schools should be opposed. Forcing districts to sell or lease property to a charter school creates winners and losers by giving preferential treatment to charter operators over non-profit or governmental entities that might better serve the community. With more students requiring wraparound services, such as mental health professionals, social workers, food assistance, etc., local school boards may better serve their students by identifying groups related to those wraparound services that could operate in underutilized district facilities. Locally elected representatives are best positioned to determine who, when, and how to lease or sell district proper-ties and facilities.

Resolution 9 — Low-Bid Procurement (El Paso ISD)

TASB advocates for legislation that would allow school districts to use low-bid purchasing for goods.

District Rationale: Currently, school districts are required to consider a number of items in procuring goods, including price, reputation, quality, and past relationship with the district. In some cases, as long as a product meets minimum specifications, price is the only factor that is important for a school board’s decision making. Allowing school districts to utilize low-bid procurement for goods would cut down on staff time required to evaluate bids under the current system. Other local government bodies, such as municipalities and counties, have this option.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. In selecting a vendor for services, it is essential to consider what is expected by the taxpayers: a quality, but low-cost product. Purchasing criteria such as vendor reputation, product quality, and a relationship with the district are important factors in purchasing decisions, but the cost of the product is arguably the most important factor — especially to taxpayers. School districts should not be held to a different set of standards from counties and munici-palities when it comes to purchasing products. If the law allows other local governments the opportunity to select products based on the lowest bid first, then it should also be afforded to school districts.

Resolution 10 — Solar-Power Battery Storage (El Paso ISD)

TASB supports legislation that would allow school districts using solar systems to use batteries to store power.

District Rationale: Current state law prohibits school districts that own solar systems or that pur-chase power from a third-party solar operator from utilizing batteries to store power. Allowing school districts to do this would make solar power a more viable, long-term investment to manage against volatile rate hikes that negatively impact budgets.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. Solar power is rapidly becoming a viable alternative to traditional methods of generating electricity. Municipal-owned utilities are setting up solar farms


82

and installing solar panels on rooftops to offset in-creasing energy consumption. Many school districts use solar power for either academic purposes or to supplement their traditional electric sources. The ability to store excess energy generated through solar power allows school districts to lower their utility costs and have a reliable backup in the event of temporary power outages. School districts with battery backups could have minimized damage to their facilities during the 2021 winter storm by using stored electricity to keep buildings warm and prevent the freezing of water pipes. Storing excess solar power generated through solar panel systems would benefit school districts and taxpayers.

Resolution 11 — TIMA Flexibility (El Paso ISD)

TASB advocates for legislation that would allow school districts flexibility in the use of Technolo-gy and Instructional Materials Allotment funds to support digital transformation.

District Rationale: El Paso ISD needs flexibility in the use of Technology and Instructional Materials Allotment (TIMA) funds to support the digital trans-formation to include the use of funds for content development of instructional materials and use of funds for infrastructure.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. TIMA money is provided to school districts to ensure they have the instructional materials they need to teach the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Districts should have the discretion to purchase the products and services that will best serve their students. The impact of COVID-19 and the deep-ening of the digital divide has proven the need for more digital infrastructure, technology, and training. TIMA funding should be an option to help school districts meet their individual technology needs.

Resolution 12 — Inflationary Adjustment for Basic Allotment (Katy ISD)

TASB advocates for a formula-driven mechanism or index, to be implemented annually, to increase the basic allotment to keep up with the additional inflationary pressures in public schools.

District Rationale: The additional language needs to be added to the TASB public school finance pri-ority for two reasons. First, there is no mechanism to increase funding to school districts without

legislative action. Second, preparing a district budget takes a considerable amount of time and planning. School districts should know the amount of funding in advance for long-term budget plan-ning without waiting for legislative action every other year.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. Other states, like Colorado, use an inflationary tool to annually update their school finance system to help school districts better prepare for the costs of educating their student population. In fact, a num-ber of governments use inflation tools to help adjust for the true cost of providing services ranging from the consumer price index to regional differences in economies. Texas should account for the increasing cost of providing education in the school finance formula.

Resolution 13 — Basic Allotment Adjustment (Sunnyvale ISD)

TASB advocates for legislation that would create an index adjusting the basic allotment for the biennium based on the average statewide prop-erty value per student enrolled.

District Rationale: In the past 10 years, proper-ty values for the state have increased over 80%. During the same time period, student enrollment has increased 7.4%. The increase in state revenue per student enrolled has climbed 69%, but the basic allotment for funding has only seen an increase of 29%. This means, even while account-ing for tax compression, over time the continued growth of property values will again show reduced state share and move the primary burden of school funding back to the local communities. The only way to ensure the balance between the state and local taxpayers in the funding of schools is to index the basic allotment to property values.

Each year, costs continue to increase while there is no system in place to regularly adjust the basic allotment to keep up with inflation. An index adjust-ing the allotment provides a systemic increase of revenue to all schools as property values and tax collections increase. This reduces district recapture since Level [tier] 1 is tied to the basic allotment level. This also would likely reduce the amount of tax ratification elections as schools would have adequate funding through the basic allotment. Continued increased funding allows for control of


83

class sizes, maintenance of special programming, resources for professional development, and more course offerings, technology, and safety.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. Before House Bill 3, the state rarely increased the basic allotment in any meaningful way for decades. Addi-tionally, during this time, property values have risen in the state, drastically increasing the local share of the Foundation School Program. Even with tax compression, the district share of public education funding will continue to grow larger than the state’s contribution without continual increases to the basic allotment. Some kind of inflationary adjustment will be needed.

Resolution 14 — SBOE Oversight of Curriculum and Instructional Materials (Sunnyvale ISD)

TASB supports that the responsibility for setting curriculum standards and reviewing and adopt-ing instructional materials should remain with the State Board of Education.

District Rationale: Members of the State Board of Education (SBOE) are elected representatives from across the state, and these responsibilities should not be delegated to the unelected office of the commissioner of education since decisions directly affect classroom instruction for all students.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. The SBOE is the deciding body for the standards and skills that need to be taught in each Texas class-room. Texans elect the SBOE members to oversee issues related to curriculum standards and instruc-tional materials for the state. Additionally, this body operates this process specifically to allow public input in an open meeting to ensure transparency.

Resolution 15 — Trustee Training Requirements (Sunnyvale ISD)

TASB advocates for limiting additional required training for trustees and consolidating training related to safety and security into a single, three-hour session that must be conducted every three years.

District Rationale: Each legislative session, we see a continued increase in required trainings for

boards of trustees. While these trainings are import-ant, this resolution would create uniformity in the requirements and help districts remain in compliance.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. Texas school trustees are the only elected officials in the state to have training required by statute and, therefore, earn more training on how to serve in their voluntary, unpaid positions than any other elected official in the state. Newly elected trustees are mandated to complete more than 20 hours of training during their first year, while experienced board members must complete more than 12 hours of continuing education every year. The state has recently passed laws to require trustee training on identifying human trafficking and child abuse, cybersecurity, and, most recently, school security and student safety. Some of the more recent issues identified for training are not in the purview of trustees and are better suited for administrators or educators. Providers of training, such as TASB, are better positioned to identify trends and issues in the education community and provide related train-ings from in-house staff and experts in those fields during conventions where trustees can earn much of their required training in an efficient and cost- effective manner.

Resolution 16 — Opt Out for Academic Success (Mansfield ISD)

TASB advocates for an accountability system in which districts that have demonstrated sustained academic excellence over a period of time are able to opt out of state mandates.

District Rationale: Districts that are able to demon-strate sustained academic excellence have proven their success in providing high-quality education for students over time, while also following state- mandated expectations. Providing additional flex-ibility to opt out of state mandates for districts that have demonstrated continuous distinction will save both time and money, allowing districts to focus on innovation to ensure their continued ability to provide educational excellence.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. The Legislature should reward school districts that have demonstrated sustained academic success. Currently, districts are subject to numerous funded and unfunded mandates designed to ensure that schools are taking the correct steps to guarantee


84

students are receiving the best education possible. Providing districts that are continuously meeting these accountability goals with some added flexibil-ity would be a just incentive for them to continue to strive for excellence.

Resolution 17 — SBOE Oversight of Charters (Mansfield ISD and Navasota ISD)

TASB advocates for increased oversight by the State Board of Education over charter school applications, financial accountability, and academic accountability.

District Rationale: The process for application and approval of an increasing number of charter schools has become far too easy with little to no oversight ability for the State Board of Education (SBOE). The accountability of charter schools needs to be increased to an even level with public schools if they are to continue.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. While many say that charter schools are public schools, they have almost no oversight by publicly elected officials. The SBOE is the only elected body that has any kind of oversight of charters through its ability to veto the approval of new charters by the appoint-ed commissioner of education. Granting the SBOE more authority to approve new charter school oper-ators and, ideally, charter school expansions would ensure that elected officials accountable to Texas taxpayers have input into the growth of charters, which have seen a 167% increase in students since 2010. Of the 50 new charters authorized by the commissioner of education since 2010, only 39 have been rated, but almost 36% of those rated charters have had their charters revoked, have had schools closed, or currently have D of F ratings. Further, the SBOE has no oversight of charter schools once they have been authorized and are operating schools. The SBOE, as an elected body, should be able to review the operations and academic performance of charter schools to ensure that they are making the best use of public tax dollars.

Resolution 18 — Educational Equity (Alief ISD)

TASB advocates for an equitable education environment for Texas students and supports an exemplary education that values diversity of

race, culture, gender, learning ability, and socio-economic background in an environment that is equitable for all students and free of stereotypi-cal expectations to ensure both a physically and mentally safe environment.

District Rationale: Alief ISD supports the Texas Caucus of Black School Board Members’ priority on equity that aims to bring awareness, educate, and empower all school board members to identify, advocate, and address systemic negative matters frequently encountered by African American students within the educational system. Alief ISD recognizes that the historical practice of denying access to quality education to communities of color and other marginalized groups has resulted in socioeconomic and educational disparities those groups still struggle to overcome today.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. Students of color have traditionally faced obstacles in the public education system at a disproportion-ate rate compared to their white peers, whether through disciplinary actions, access to high-quality programs, or lack of resources. A recent Brookings Institute study found that two-thirds of minority students in the United States still attend schools that are predominantly minority, most of them located in central cities and funded well below those in neighboring suburban districts. In Texas, public schools educate more Black students than any other state (680,000+), and more than half of the student population is Hispanic (2.8 million). During the 2018–19 school year, Black students in Texas made up almost 13% of the overall student population but made up 32% of the out-of-schoolsuspensions awarded. Similar trends exist for in-school suspension and disciplinary alternative education placements. The pandemic has further exacerbated issues for students of color in Texas as their learning loss is being estimated by vari-ous studies to be one to three months worse than their white peers. More awareness and action are required by the Texas Legislature and local school boards so that they can direct resources to the students who need the most support.


85

Resolution 19 — State Legislator Meetings with School Board Members (Tomball ISD)

TASB advocates for the requirement of state legislators to meet with their local school boards or vice versa at least twice per biennium.

District Rationale: This would facilitate positive, ongoing communication.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. Ensuring state representatives and senators have informa-tion coming from the closest source is imperative to ensuring sound education policy is created and enacted at the state level. Evidence of this impor-tance was demonstrated in the 87th legislative session (2021) when lawmakers were inundated by phone calls to the point of not being able to answer any phone calls. By ensuring each member has a conversation with their local school districts at a minimum of twice per biennium will create the relationships and conversations that will benefit all students and districts across the state.

Resolution 20 — Distribution of Federal Funds (Austin ISD and Northside ISD-Bexar County)

TASB advocates for legislation that would ensure that all federal funding for Texas schools reaches Texas schools as intended and without interfer-ence or delay from the state.

District Rationale: Both in the 2009 and 2011 legis-lative sessions, the Legislature made extensive and troubling use of one-time measures in response to the recession and its aftermath. In 2009, most nonre-curring funding came from federal stimulus funding. These funds were mostly exhausted before the 2011 session. In effect, the use of federal stimulus funds in 2009 allowed the 2010–11 biennial budget to be balanced but also created a budget cliff over which the budget tumbled in 2011 — to the tune of $5.2 billion in cuts to the two-year education budget in 2011.

In 2020–21, the state again supplanted funds it provided schools with CARES Act money. Not only did districts incur substantial expenses adapting to the disruption in learning, providing technology, and adapting HVAC systems and other safety measures, but they also face the daunting task of helping sup-port students who have experienced learning loss and social and emotional setbacks. The state should continue to fund at the same or higher level, rather

than supplanting its funds with federal one-time dollars. Relief dollars for public schools should be used by public schools as intended.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. Texas’ share of the CARES Act was $1.29 billion in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) and $307 million in the Gov-ernor’s Emergency Relief Fund (GERF). Although a lessor amount of funds was made available to school districts for personal protection equipment and hand sanitizer, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) held on to the rest of those funds for other projects. The ESSER II provided over $5 billion in December 2019, but the state did not distribute those funds until recently after much public dis-cussion of the funds being withheld from public schools. It is imperative that any federal funds intended for public schools be delivered directly to schools.

Resolution 21 — School Safety Funding for All School Districts (Carroll ISD)

TASB advocates for legislation to fund the implementation of industry-standard safety measures and protocols, to include COVID-19 mitigation, counseling services, and mental health programs, for all school districts to benefit all students.

District Rationale: School districts across the state are considering enhanced measures to improve school safety and student mental health. Significant financial resources will be required to implement and continue these safety measures. We ask the Texas Legislature to make funding for industry- standard school safety measures available for all students regardless of whether a district is property rich or property poor.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. The state has created a mechanism to ensure that all school districts have access to a $9.72 per student allotment for school safety; however, there was little protection for property-rich school districts to access federal funds, which were primarily allocat-ed according to a district’s Title 1 qualifying student population. The pandemic impacted all school districts, not just those with students who qualify for Title 1 services, and, as such, the Legislature should find a way to also provide COVID-19 recov-ery funds meant for mental health resources to all school districts.


86

Resolution 22 — Adequate Funding and Support for Special Education (Carroll ISD)

TASB advocates for adequate funding and support for special education to include higher pay and specialized training for special educa-tion paraprofessionals, as well as education for board members, staff, students, and community members about the challenges faced by students in special education.

District Rationale: We believe the current resolu-tion lacks detail and specificity about what funding and support is needed for special education. We believe two very important needs relate to support-ing paraprofessionals and raising awareness about special education students. For paraprofessionals, we ask the Texas Legislature to consider subsidiz-ing a pay increase and providing opportunities for more specialized training. This will improve staff retention, attract more educators to the profession, and better compensate these valuable employees who are critical to our special education student population. Further, we believe a statewide educa-tion campaign about the challenges faced by our special education students will foster a better under-standing of these students and promote a more inclusive environment where students with different backgrounds and needs can succeed and become better global citizens in their communities.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. Ensuring that our special education students and the educa-tors who support them receive adequate funding is essential. While the Legislature has dedicated more funding to education in general, there have been minimal increases specifically for special education services. To address this issue, the Legislature created the Texas Commission on Special Educa-tion to develop and make recommendations regard-ing methods of financing special education in public schools. This commission will bring attention to the challenges facing these students and educators and provide solutions to ensure they are successful.

Resolution 23 — Disaster Response (Denton ISD)

TASB advocates for the Legislature to continue to work with local school districts to identify and address student needs during and after disas-ters, such as access to technology, broadband services, mental health resources, meals, social services, and remediation upon returning to school.

District Rationale: It is the recommendation of Denton ISD that TASB call upon the Texas Legisla-ture to continue working with local school districts to identify and address student needs during and after disasters, such as access to technology and broadband service, mental health resources, meals, social services, and remediation upon returning to school.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. As seen through the COVID-19 slide, shown through 2021 STAAR results, it is imperative that students main-tain a level of learning and normalcy in the face of any disaster. Ensuring students have access to technology, internet, mental health resources, meals, social services, and remediation is a part of the foundation of the state’s responsibility and con-stitutional duty. This responsibility does not cease even in the midst of a disaster.

Resolution 24 — Remote Learning Options (Grape Creek ISD)

TASB advocates for transferring the remote teaching and learning skills acquired during the pandemic to situations where students are home due to illness or injury and allowing these remote learning situations to be counted the same as if the student was attending in person.

District Rationale: As a further step toward making educational opportunities and attainment possibili-ties equal for all students, we should use the remote teaching strategies as a method to reach students with chronic illnesses or who cannot attend class in person due to illness or injury. While not ideal, remote learning has distinct advantages for those who cannot, for one reason or another, attend in person. Students and schools should not be penal-ized for situations when it is not possible or realistic for students to be physically present in the class-room.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. The US Department of Education reports that over 7 million students missed 15 or more days of school during the 2015–16 school year. While many of these students blame a lack of transportation, such as missing the bus, as the main reason for missing school, some students are suffering from chronic illnesses that require being absent to receive medical treatment. After the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown and the full switch to fully remote learning for most school districts across the state, it became


87

obvious that quality virtual learning could provide an option for some students and a way to reach chronically absent students who are missing school due to medical treatment or illness. The state needs to seize the lessons learned through the pandemic to ensure school districts have a multitude of local options to offer students.

Resolution 25 — History and Social Studies Curriculum (Longview ISD)

TASB advocates for a curriculum that does not limit its instruction and discussions about current events, American and Texas history, and other social issues.

District Rationale: Longview ISD supports the Texas Caucus of Black School Board Members’ priority issue on a curriculum that is not limited in instruction and discussion around historical and current events and social issues. Teachers should not be limited in their instruction of the contributions of any ethnic group in American and Texas history. Also, teachers should be allowed to instruct and engage students in important conversations about American current events that are often used to trace back to historical events and give a more in-depth perspective into the history of America and the state of Texas.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. Texas school districts are required by law to teach the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), which are the state standards for what students should know and be able to do for each subject of the required curriculum. The State Board of Education (SBOE) has legislative authority to adopt the TEKS for social studies, which includes both Texas and US history. SBOE members nominate educators, parents, business and industry representatives, and employers to serve on TEKS review committees. These committees review and revise the curriculum and then advise the SBOE on any changes. This very detailed process is in place to ensure that all aspects of history are being thoroughly covered in our schools. It also ensures that teachers are not limited in their instruction and have ample flexibility to engage students on all required social studies TEKS. The Texas Legislature should not attempt to restrict or dictate what the TEKS should contain or how educators should teach SBOE-approved curriculum.

Resolution 26 — Fund Balance Protections (Westwood ISD)

TASB advocates for legislation that protects school district fund balances.

District Rationale: Westwood ISD (WISD) has been relying on our fund balance to pay for pandemic- related costs, even as the state was sitting on $18 billion of federal pandemic relief aid intended to help districts address those very costs. Some districts had to rely on fund balances to recover from the winter storms in February. WISD and numerous districts rely on healthy fund balances to secure the best interest rates for construction projects and other items that save taxpayers money. Some districts need fund balances to address ongoing expenses, such as district employee salaries, especially if the district operates on a July fiscal year or relies primarily on property taxes for district revenue.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. TASB has advocated in the past for healthy and robust fund balances, while also maintaining the need for strong local control over the financial decisions of school districts in the hands of locally elected school board members. Additionally, TASB opposed House Bill 3445, which would have limited fund balances to 90 days of operating expenses with provisions stating how any excess can be spent. The pandemic, Winter Storm Uri, multiple catastrophic hurricanes, and the tornadoes that ravaged the plains of Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex highlight the need for healthy fund balances. As noted in the district rationale, that is especially hard felt in districts that primarily rely on local property taxes to fund their schools as they are unlikely to receive much aid from the state to make up for those emergencies. Schools continue to incur expenses, such as teacher salaries, during an emergency, and the quicker a school can reopen after a disaster the better for the local economy and its students. Ultimately, the state needs to be a champion for local control whenever possible.

Resolution 27 — Outcomes-Based Funding (Austin ISD)

TASB opposes providing funding or bonuses to school districts under the Foundation School Program on the basis of students’ performance on a statewide test.


88

District Rationale: Basing funding on the outcome of a single test on a single day muddles the pur-poses of school finance and accountability. Each student in our public schools has a constitutional right to a suitable education that is provided in an equitable school finance system. It is appropriate to evaluate schools based on multiple measures of student performance and services. It is not appro-priate to condition funding on the one measure of a standardized test score.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. Research has shown that implementing funding systems based on the outcomes of students on standardized tests does little to improve educa-tional outcomes and often times is more likely to incentivize focusing on test scores above all else. The school finance system and the accountability systems should not be conflated, as the school finance system is meant to provide students with the resources they need while the accountability system is designed to measure what students are learning. Additionally, students who are more likely to do well on standardized assessments are likely to already live in an area with high socioeconomic status and may already have access to additional resources.

Resolution 28 — College and Career Counseling (Austin ISD)

TASB advocates for adequate funding to provide students more robust college and career counseling by reducing the counselor-to-student ratio.

District Rationale: School counselors provide critical social-emotional and academic supports. Through a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes success and achievement for all students, school counselors can help set students on a path for postsecondary success. Districts require additional funding to hire more counselors, thus reducing the counselor-to-student ratio so that counselors can provide students social-emotional supports, as well as college and career counseling.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) reported in 2019 that, on average, the student-to-school-counselor ratio was 464-to-1. ASCA also noted that Texas performed “better

than equal access” but had “too few counselors” across the state. As of 2018, Texas had a 442-to-1 student-to-school-counselor ratio. In 2019, through House Bill 18 (86th Session), Texas required everyschool district to implement a comprehensive school counseling program to ensure students are not only supported in their career and education goals but also their mental and emotional well- being. While some school districts have had the ability and resources to ensure a lower student- to-school-counselor ratio, more needs to be done, and additional funding should be provided to ensure this goal can be met. As the demands on our students grow steadily over the years to come, it is imperative these students receive the support and attention they need to plan for life beyond high school.

Resolution 29 — Charter Expansion (Austin ISD)

TASB advocates for legislation that would require the commissioner, before granting an expansion, to consider, at a minimum, whether a charter holder had achieved the representations and goals included in its initial charter applica-tion.

District Rationale: This is a current TASB Advocacy Resolution, and we propose that “before granting an expansion” be added.

Increased scrutiny and consideration should be applied before expansion amendments are approved, including examining whether the representations made by the charter holder in its initial charter application have been met, including the following:

• Programming — some charters indicate a focuson recovering dropouts, offering continuingeducation and internships, and serving specialneeds students

• Demographics of students enrolled, includingpercentage of economically disadvantaged,English language learners, special education,African American, Hispanic, and students with adisciplinary history

• Transportation

The TASB Board recommends adoption of this clarifying amendment.


89

Resolution 30 — Charter Eligibility for Small/ Midsize Allotments (Austin ISD)

TASB advocates for legislation that excludes charter schools with an enrollment of 5,000 or more from receiving the small and midsize allotment.

District Rationale: Charter schools, regardless of size, receive an average of the small-to-midsize allotment even though this allotment is actually intended to help small districts with 5,000 and fewer students address costs related to economies of scale. This results in charters receiving an average of about $1,200 more per student than the districts where they are located. In 2019, charters enrolled 6% of all students but received about 1/6 of all state funds from the Foundation School Program.

According to the Legislative Budget Board, the state would have saved $882 million over the 2018–19 biennium if charters received the same per-student funding as the districts where they have the highest enrollment.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. Charter schools in Texas continue to draw down a dispro-portionate amount of state funding relative to their student population. As noted, they enroll 6% of Texas students, yet draw down 16% of state public education funds. In fact, state funds to charter schools have more than tripled over the last nine years to about $3.3 billion in fiscal year 2020. Further, charter schools receive an average of about $1,150 more per student from the Foundation School Program than what the same student would have received in their home school district. This is because all charters — regardless of size — receive the average of the small-to-midsize allot-ment even though this allotment is intended to help small districts with 5,000 or fewer students address costs related to economies of scale. Some charter systems have grown larger than many school districts. For example, IDEA Public Schools now enrolls close to 50,000 students, Harmony charter schools in Texas enroll close to 35,000 students, and KIPP Texas enrolls 31,000 students. These large charter chains are still receiving the small-to-midsize allotment because of an antiquated charter school funding structure that did not envision these schools growing to these sizes. The Texas Legislature should revisit the charter school funding entitlement or at the very least

exclude charter schools that would not qualify if they were public school districts from receiving the small-to-midsize allotment.

Resolution 31 — Increase Per-Pupil Funding to National Average (Austin ISD)

TASB advocates for a plan to increase school funding over time to provide an amount by 2030 that equals, at a minimum, the national per- student funding average.

District Rationale: The amount spent per pupil for public elementary and secondary education (pre-kindergarten through grade 12) for all 50 states and the District of Columbia averaged $12,612 per pupil during the 2018 fiscal year, according to tables released in May 2020 by the US Census Bureau. Texas ranks 41st among the 51 jurisdictions, spend-ing $9,606 per pupil — $3,006 below the national average.

To achieve Texas’ goal that at least 60% of Texans ages 25–34 will have a certificate or degree by 2030, a bold investment in our children’s education is essential. Public schools through early college high schools, P-Tech academies, career and technical education, college counseling, and other programs and services provided to students are an essential component of attaining the 60x30 goal and ensuring the future prosperity of Texas.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. For Texas to remain competitive with the ever-changing workforce needs of the 21st century economy, the state needs to seriously consider the increasing costs of attracting the best employees to meet those instructional and academic needs. If the state does not begin increasing its investment in education in the future, similar to what was done in 2019 under House Bill 3, it will be difficult to keep up academi-cally with other states.

Resolution 32 — Cost of Education Update (Austin ISD)

TASB advocates for legislation requiring an independent study on geographic variations in resource and education costs due to factors beyond the control of districts.


90

District Rationale: Just as the school finance system recognizes the varying costs of educating students with certain needs and in certain regions of the state (small and midsize districts), it should also take into account diseconomies of scale and geographic variations in resource costs beyond the control of school districts. Past research has identified legitimate, uncontrollable costs that affect the ability of school districts to provide educational services.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. No two school districts’ student needs or geographic characteristics are the same across the state, and the current school finance system does not provide for such differences and, therefore, does not keep up with the different needs of each school district. In 2019, the state updated the student weights to more appropriately address the needs of students based on general educational needs; however, it eliminated the only program, the Cost of Education Index (CEI), that was intended to update the school finance system based on local diseconomies of scales across the state. The cost of living in a major metro is not the same as in a suburban school district, and a school finance system needs to have adjustments that can address those differences in local costs.

Resolution 33 — Student Vision and Hearing Screenings (Austin ISD)

TASB advocates for legislation to study the cost of conducting universal vision and hearing screenings for public school students, as well as the resources needed to conduct the screenings.

District Rationale: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening tests for all school-age children to promote health, detect dis-ease, and prevent injury and future health problems. Childhood hearing loss has a devastating impact on the development of speech and language skills. Hearing loss can adversely affect the developing auditory nervous system and can have harmful effects on social, emotional, cognitive, and academ-ic development and, subsequently, on the individu-al’s vocational and economic potential.

Vision problems affect the physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development of children. Early detection of vision problems can provide a child more opportunity for educational success. Because vision loss may impede normal development, the

earlier vision impairments are diagnosed and treated, the more favorable the outlook for correc-tion or improvement of the child’s well-being.

Screenings conducted in schools will ensure that ALL children are evaluated to set them on acourse for a healthy life and academic success.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. Since 1989, Texas has required all 4-year-olds, kindergar-teners, and first-time students to be screened for hearing and vison impairments within the first 120 days of admission into a public, private, parochial, or denominational school or licensed childcare facility. Additionally, the state requires students in grades 1, 3, 5, and 7 to be screened once during the school year. This dedication to ensuring parents are made aware of any impairments that might impact their child’s ability to learn has been institutionalized and normalized within our schools over the years without a check-in on how these requirements are impacting schools. By evaluating the current costs to school districts regarding this issue, the state can ensure each school district is prepared to execute each of these screenings and provide the best information to students and parents regarding any issues found.

Resolution 34 — Study on Transportation Funding (Austin ISD)

TASB advocates for a study to determine whether the current law providing transportation funding for students living more than two miles from campus should be adjusted.

District Rationale: Under current law, state funding for transportation is for students who live more than two miles from their campus of regular attendance and for special needs students who require special transportation to attend school. Limited funding also is provided for transportation of students who live fewer than two miles from their campus if they live in an area designated as a hazardous traffic or high-risk area. A school bus may be the only method of transportation available to families, especially low-income families. Lack of transportation can cause students to either be tardy or have numerous absences.

Low-income families (at or below the poverty line, defined as $26,500 for a family of four) are less likely to own cars. Some families may own only one car, which they use for work, leaving no option for


91

their children to get to school absent school bus transportation. Requiring a student, especially a student in primary grades to walk one-to-two miles to school presents a danger to those students. Additionally, programs offered at other campuses, such as special language programs, are less accessible to students without personal transpor-tation. The Legislature should consider how the two-mile limitation on transportation funding affects low-income students and whether adjustments to the current funding method should be adjusted.

The TASB Board recommends adoption. The Texas Legislature has not taken a comprehensive look at the transportation allotment and require-ments around school transportation in many years. Having a state-endorsed study on the effects of student transportation will provide a glimpse into what is working and what is not working for schools and students and could provide more appropriate funding levels for schools across the state. For example, communities in which families do not have reliable transportation but live within two miles of a school would benefit from the state providing trans-portation funding for their students.



Resolutions NOT Recomm

ended

Did you know...Texans for Strong Public Schools is our public campaign to educate and mobilize education advocates to contact lawmakers in support of Texas public schools.

strongtexasschools.org


www.strongtexasschools.org


93

Delegate AssemblyResolutions NOT Recommended for AdoptionNR

Resolution 35 – Option for Districts to Opt Out of TRS-ActiveCare (El Paso ISD)

TASB advocates for school districts to be given the option to opt out of TRS-ActiveCare.

District Rationale: Currently, school districts that are part of the TRS-ActiveCare are not allowed to leave the program. Local government agencies and local school districts with self-funded programs have more competitive and more affordable benefits to offer employees. Because we cannot manage our program locally, we cannot design a program that best meets the needs of our employees and that can help contain costs. Additionally, El Paso ISD employees pay the same rates as employees in higher cost areas, essentially subsidizing markets with higher reimbursement rates.

The TASB Board does not recommend adoption because this issue was addressed by the Texas Legislature during the 87th Session. Senate Bill 1444 allows school districts to withdraw and rejoin TRS-ActiveCare in five-year intervals with appropriate notice to the Texas Teachers Retirement System.

Resolution 36 — Transportation Funding (El Paso ISD)

TASB advocates for legislation that would pro-vide additional funding and flexibility for student transportation.

District Rationale: El Paso ISD could benefit from not having to enter into an interlocal agreement with other districts to transport students from outside the district boundaries to attend district programs such as the Silva Magnet Health Program. Any reim-bursement for transporting meals and resources to students in the event of a declared disaster by the governor or by the president of the United States would benefit our students with much needed support.

The TASB Board does not recommend adoption because this issue was addressed by the Texas Legislature during the 87th session. Senate Bill (SB) 204 allows school districts to transport students from outside district boundaries without an interlocal agreement, and SB 462 allows districts to receive transportation funding for delivering meals and instructional materials to students.

Resolution 37 — Waive EOC Requirements for 2020–21 (Temple ISD)

TASB advocates for waiving end-of-course graduation requirements for 2020–21.

District Rationale: The Texas Education Agency has already waived state accountability require-ments for this school year given the obstacles created by the pandemic. At this time, graduating seniors will be held to a higher standard than school districts if they are required to abide by the current end-of-course (EOC) requirements to earn their diplomas. Temple ISD advocates for the expansion of the individual graduation committee (IGC) pro-vision to be applied to all five required EOCs. This will allow seniors to meet graduation requirements of state testing through the IGC process despite the obstacles created by the pandemic. This same adjustment was implemented last year to support graduating seniors through the pandemic.

The TASB Board does not recommend adoption because this issue was addressed by the Texas Legislature during the 87th session. House Bill 999 allows 2020–21 seniors who would be otherwise eligible to graduate to do so regardless of the num-ber of end-of-course exams they take or fail through the individual graduation committee process.

Resolution 38 — Addition of CTE to Graduation Requirements (El Paso ISD)

TASB advocates for legislation that supports amending high school requirements to allow for one year of career and technical education courses.


94

District Rationale: El Paso ISD strives to provide educational opportunities for its students. Career and technical education (CTE) allows campuses topersonalize a student’s academic curriculum based on the student’s career interests and unique learn-ing needs. By allowing students to enroll in one year of CTE courses, students will gain knowledge and experiences that otherwise they would not have had.

The TASB Board does not recommend adoption. Current high school requirements ensure students have a strong foundation to be successful after they graduate, regardless of the field of study or career they choose to pursue. Graduation requirements are currently structured with the flexibility to allow students to complete a CTE program while ensur-ing a basic understanding of state-mandated core courses.



Duplicate Resolutions

95

Resolution 39 — TASB Advocacy Agenda (El Paso ISD)

TASB advocates for and supports the TASB 2020–22 Advocacy Agenda Priorities.

District Rationale: District students and employees will benefit from fulfillment of the TASB 2020–22 Advocacy Agenda Priorities addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, charter schools, diversity and cultural awareness, governance, mental health and safety, public school finance, state assessments, teacher recruitment and retention, and vouchers.

This resolution is duplicative of the current Priorities.

Resolution 40 — Maintain House Bill 3 Funding (Temple ISD)

TASB advocates for the legislature to preserve current levels of House Bill 3 (86th Session) funding.

District Rationale: House Bill (HB) 3 provided one of the most significant increases to funding for public schools in recent history. One of the require-ments of HB 3 was that a minimum of 30% of the increase in funding be used for non-administrative salaries. Temple ISD adjusted its compensation schedule accordingly in fall 2019 to comply with this requirement and to ensure our teachers and staff were compensated competitively. Temple ISD will not be able to sustain the salaries put in place without sweeping cuts in staffing levels if current HB 3 funding is not sustained. Raising or removing the cap on tax compression passed during the 86th legislative session would increase revenues to the district and offset anticipated HB 3 funding decreas-es. Exploring additional funding mechanisms, such as an increase in the gas tax, would also infuse rev-enues into the system that could offset any deficits.

This resolution is duplicative of a current Priority.

Delegate AssemblyDuplicate ResolutionsDR

Resolution 41 — Align STAAR Testing with Federal Accountability (Temple ISD)

TASB advocates to align State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness with federal accountability.

District Rationale: The Texas Legislature requires five more state assessments than the current federal requirements. Temple ISD calls on the Texas Legislature to reduce state assessments by elimi-nating those not required by federal law, reducing testing time and costs, and prohibiting standardized tests from serving as the primary indicator of school and student performance.


Resolution 42 — Charter Transparency and Expansion (Denton ISD)

TASB advocates for charter transparency and limiting expansion of charters.

District Rationale: It is the recommendation of Denton ISD that TASB call upon the Texas Legisla-ture to evaluate the impact that new and expanding charter schools have on the state budget and local public schools and to increase the transparency of charter schools and their operators, especially with regard to enrollment and expulsion practices, business operations, and expenditures. The Texas Legislature must prohibit the wasteful use of tax dollars caused by funding two school systems through charter school expansion, particularly in areas in which traditional public schools are already successful.



96

Resolution 43 — Educator Mental Health Resources (Denton ISD)

TASB advocates for improved mental health resources for teachers, administrators, and support staff.

District Rationale: It is the recommendation of Denton ISD that TASB call upon Texas Legislature to increase state funding for access to proac-tive mental health services and support in public schools to improve the physical safety and psycho-logical well-being of our staff, especially as they cope with additional anxiety related to COVID-19.


Resolution 44 — Legislative Advocacy (Denton ISD)

TASB advocates for the continued ability for school districts to lobby on behalf of constitu-ents, parents, and students.

District Rationale: It is the recommendation of Denton ISD that TASB call upon the Texas Legis-lature to recognize and preserve the right of public school boards to associate and collaborate with each other and to communicate the needs of their students and schools, either directly or through representative organizations, with lawmakers. Specifically, TASB calls upon the Texas Legislature to preserve the right of local elected officials to advocate on behalf of the constituents, students, and parents they represent, thereby ensuring state elected officials are provided information directly from constituents and not solely from special inter-est groups.


Resolution 45 — Mental Health Resources (Denton ISD)

TASB advocates for improved mental health resources for students.

District Rationale: It is the recommendation of Denton ISD that TASB call upon the Texas Legis-lature to fund increased access to mental health services and support in public schools to improve

the physical safety and psychological well-being of our students and schools. Primarily, a universal level of support in which all students have access to mental health services in a school setting, followed by targeted interventions identified for students who need additional services to eliminate barriers that affect them academically, followed by a comprehen-sive and sustainable process in which the student’s parents, teachers, counselors, campus administra-tors, and local mental health agencies collaborate and strategize about the needs of students.


Resolution 46 — Additional Funds for School Safety (Denton ISD)

TASB advocates for providing additional resources for school security and student safety.

District Rationale: It is the recommendation of Denton ISD that TASB call upon the Texas Legis-lature to work with public school districts and their locally elected trustees to enhance school safety measures, including funding for school safety audits, the school safety allotment, and other mea-sures that ensure the safety of students and staff.


Resolution 47 — Staff Recruitment and Retention (Denton ISD)

TASB advocates for support and solutions for staff recruitment and retention.

District Rationale: It is the recommendation of Denton ISD that TASB call upon the Texas Legisla-ture to support adaptive and creative local solutions for recruiting and retaining high-quality educators in our independent school districts and to help elevate the teaching profession by incentivizing educa-tion degrees and providing additional funding for TRS-Care and TRS-ActiveCare, along with ensuring defined retirement benefits for teachers through the Teacher Retirement System.



97

Resolution 48 — Reduced Testing (Denton ISD)

TASB advocates for reduced testing.

District Rationale: It is the recommendation of Denton ISD that TASB call upon the Texas Legis-lature to continue to reduce state assessments by eliminating those not required by federal law and to prohibit standardized tests from serving as the primary indicator of school and student perfor-mance. TASB advocates for additional support for non-high-stakes assessment alternatives, such as writing portfolios and adaptive exams.


Resolution 49 — Legislative Advocacy (Westwood ISD)

TASB advocates for the Texas Legislature to recognize and preserve the right of public school boards to associate and collaborate with each other and to communicate the needs of their students and schools, both directly and through representative organizations with lawmakers.

District Rationale: School board members deserve a voice. As locally elected Texas school board members, we find calls from some lawmakers to ban “taxpayer-funded lobbying” disturbing. We live in, care about, and are involved in our community. To say that we are advocating against the interests of the very taxpayers who elected us is absurd. Most school board members have full-time jobs in addition to their board service. We don’t have time to decipher and track the hundreds of education- related bills introduced each session. Banning local governments from joining associations that hire lobbyists would seriously limit our ability to advocate for what’s best for our schools. As a constituent, I amasking you to oppose a ban on “taxpayer-funded lobbying” because it would censor community voices and be detrimental to Texas public school students.


Resolution 50 — Mental Health Funding (Westwood ISD)

TASB calls upon the Texas Legislature to increase state funding for access to proactive mental health services and support in public schools to improve the physical safety and psychological well-being of our students and staff, especially as they cope with the additional anxiety related to COVID-19. This includes access to services for all students in a school setting; the ability for districts to provide students with targeted interventions; and the establishment of a collaborative network of school and mental health professionals to better identify and meet the needs of students and their caregivers.

District Rationale: The pandemic has shown us that we must go beyond just covering the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and preparing for instruction. It’s essential that we lay a foundation that supports the mental health and safety of every-one involved in our school community. Many of our students, educators, families, and communities are grappling with multiple issues beyond the histori-cal baseline stressors: COVID-19 pandemic; major social, racial, and equity upheaval; and economic crises. It is essential to understand that just as our district plans for instruction, we also must plan to meet the psychological needs of those we serve. It’s essential that our district supports racial equity in a meaningful way.


Resolution 51 — Expansion of Universal High-Quality Prekindergarten (El Paso ISD)

TASB advocates for the expansion of prekinder-garten programs to include non-qualifying pre-K students in both the full-day pre-K 4 program and half-day pre-K 3 program, as well as 100% average daily attendance funding for both pre-K programs for all students.

District Rationale: Presently, House Bill 3 provides funds to implement full-day pre-K 4 for qualifying students at 50%. Only students who qualify for pre-K, per the state qualifying criteria, are enrolled and receive this funding. Non-qualifying students may enroll but are required to pay tuition. To ensure that all students are reading on grade level


98

by grade 3, it is important to allow all students an early start through pre-K 3 and pre-K 4 enrollment and participation. Early learning during these young ages is critical due to the rapid rate of brain development in young children. Early education has demonstrated successful results in significant long-term benefits and increased future academic performance such as being kinder ready, which is linked to reading on grade level by grade 3. Due to the above, El Paso ISD advocates for funding for full-day pre-K 4 and half-day pre-K 3 programs, at I00% of average daily attendance, as well as allow-ing enrollment for all students, whether qualifying or not qualifying per state criteria.

This resolution is duplicative of a current Resolution.

Resolution 52 — Unfunded Mandates (El Paso ISD)

TASB opposes any unfunded mandates.

District Rationale: The state of Texas should not mandate that local school boards utilize funds to cover new mandates not funded by the state. Budget cuts are occurring due to decreasing enrollment and resources are utilized for the benefit of students to the best of the district’s ability.


Resolution 53 — Local Accountability System (Temple ISD)

TASB advocates for creating a new local accountability system.

District Rationale: Establish an accountability sys-tem that moves away from emphasizing high-stakes, multiple-choice exams and allows local school district to develop their own community-based accountability systems that comply with legislative and Texas Education Agency (TEA) requirements. There is already precedence for school districts developing localized plans for TEA approval, such as the asynchronous learning and Teacher Incentive Allotment plans. Developing local community-based accountability plans will further engage local com-munities in their school systems.


Resolution 54 — Enrollment Funding (Temple ISD)

TASB advocates funding schools based on total student enrollment instead of student attendance.

District Rationale: School districts are currently funded based on the average daily attendance of students, which is less than the total student enroll-ment. School districts provide staff and materials accounting for every student enrolled whether they attend regularly or not. This funding structure provides insufficient revenue to school districts for the provision of basic educational services.


Resolution 55 — Add Local Accountability to State/Federal Data (Highland Park ISD-Potter County)

TASB advocates for local accountability to be added to state and federal accountability data.

District Rationale: We can show growth with our local accountability to add to the state and federal accountability and lessen the reliance on high-stakes standardized testing.


Resolution 56 — Universal Prekindergarten with Facilities Funding (Mansfield ISD)

TASB advocates for full funding for statewide, universal, high-quality, full-day prekindergarten programs to include facilities.

District Rationale: Universal high-quality, full-day prekindergarten programs are essential in preparing our youngest learners for academic success. To provide universal full-day programs, districts need full financial support to ensure staffing, facilities, and consistent high-quality educational experiences.



99

Resolution 57 — Recapture Transparency (Carroll ISD)

TASB advocates for greater transparency of dis-trict tax revenue by creating a separate line item in each taxpayer’s bill that shows the portion of district maintenance-and-operations tax revenue recaptured by the state for Chapter 49.

District Rationale: School district taxes are the largest portion of a taxpayer’s bill; yet, in Chapter 49 districts, taxpayers often do not understand that a significant portion of school district taxes collect-ed are recaptured by the state and redistributed to property-poor districts. In an effort to continually educate the public about school finance and add transparency to the process, we would like to see a new line item added showing the estimated portion of the maintenance-and-operations tax that will be recaptured by the state for Robin Hood.


Resolution 58 — Prohibition of Vouchers (El Paso ISD)

TASB opposes any efforts that undermine the Texas Constitution’s guarantee of a system of free public schools by funneling public dollars to private institutions or individuals by means of vouchers, tax credits, education savings accounts, and/or any other mechanism.

District Rationale: School districts can’t maintain the promise of a system of free public schools if scarce public resources are funneled to private institutions or individuals.

This resolution is duplicative of a current Cornerstone Principle.

Resolution 59 — Oversight by Appointed Officials (Northside ISD-Bexar County)

TASB shall oppose legislation expanding the authority of any appointed official to make decisions that would undermine locally elected school boards.

District Rationale: School boards are elected by and accountable to the communities they serve. Important decisions impacting students, teachers,

and school operations should not be made by an appointed official who is chosen outside of the democratic process.


Resolution 60 — State Share of School Funding (Denton ISD)

TASB advocates for improved and sustainable funding of the school finance system/mainte-nance or increase of state share.

District Rationale: It is the recommendation of Denton ISD that TASB call upon the Texas Legis-lature to maintain the promises and dedication of funding made in the new school finance system implemented under House Bill 3 (86th session) and to equitably share the cost of education with local districts.


Resolution 61 — Opposition to Vouchers (Denton ISD)

TASB advocates for legislation that opposes vouchers and privatization vouchers.

District Rationale: It is the recommendation of Denton ISD that TASB call upon the Texas Legisla-ture to prevent any transfer of public funds through the use of vouchers to private entities that do not follow the same transparency and accountability requirements governing independent school districts, including prohibitions on tax credits, education savings accounts, and other privatization measures.




Mission/Beliefs

101

Appendix A TASB Mission Statement

(As adopted by the TASB Board of Directors in its strategic planning process on December 2, 1995, and by the Delegate Assembly on September 28, 1996)

The Texas Association of School Boards promotes educational excellence for Texas schoolchildren through advocacy, visionary leadership, and high-quality services to school districts.

Appendix BStatement of Beliefs

(Adopted by the TASB Delegate Assembly, September 2007)

• We believe the survival and success of public schools are essential to our society.

• We believe public schools must have adequate and equitable funding to provide a high-quality,well-rounded education.

• We believe all school districts should be safe and secure learning environments.

• We believe increased student academic achievement must be a top priority in Texas.

• We believe local control by school boards is the best method to govern public schools.

• We believe good governance practices result in efficient and effective school district operationsand strong student academic performance.

• We believe parental and community involvement creates optimal opportunities for each child.

• We believe, as good citizens, the law must be obeyed and any changes in the law should bethrough advocacy and the democratic process.


2021 ■ Delegate Assembly Bylaws

103

ARTICLE I. NAME AND LOCATION

SECTION 1. NAME. The name of this corporation is the TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BOARDS, INC. (Association).

SECTION 2. LOCATION OF OFFICES. The principal office of the Association shall be located in Texas. The Association may have such other offices, either within or without the State of Texas, as the Board of Directors of the Association (Board) may determine or as the affairs of the Association may require.

ARTICLE II. MISSION AND PURPOSES

SECTION 1. MISSION. The Association promotes educational excellence for Texas schoolchildren through advocacy, visionary leadership, and high-quality services to school districts.

SECTION 2. PURPOSES. The purposes of the Association shall be as set forth in the Articles of Incorpo-ration, Bylaws, and other corporate documents and shall include the following:

A. To work for the adequate and equitable financial support of the Texas public schools.

B. To conduct, independently or in cooperation with others, seminars, conferences, conventions,courses, research, and other projects in the various aspects of public education.

C. To identify and provide those services that governmental units need and desire thereby lesseningthe burden of government.

D. To bring about a spirit of cooperation among professional groups in providing superior educationalopportunities for all children in Texas and the United States.

E. To work for the advancement of public education in Texas and the United States and to increasepublic understanding of the function of school boards and board members in the public educa-tional system.

F. To encourage efficient and effective management and governance of the public schools and toprovide a forum within which individual school boards may seek solutions to problems in publiceducation.

G. To provide current information concerning public education, including changes in school law, anddevelopments in educational programs.

H. To inform school boards about proposed legislation to promote a better working relationshipbetween local boards and the federal and state governments.

I. To encourage and provide services to relieve the burden of government by enhancing soundmanagement and fiscal responsibility for the school districts and other governmental units ofTexas, as well as school districts and other governmental units of other states in the United States.

J. To do such other things as the Delegate Assembly or the Board may deem appropriate for theaccomplishment of these and other purposes to improve public education.

Appendix C Bylaws of the Texas Association of School Boards, Inc.(As last amended on September 29, 2018)


104

A. ACTIVE MEMBERS.

(1) School boards that pay annual dues are Active Members. Active Members participate in thegovernance of the Association through an annual Delegate Assembly, in accordance with ArticleV. Active Member trustees may hold office in the Association except as provided in Article VI,Section 4. Active Members shall be subject to Board policy and these Bylaws.

(2) The term “school board” as used in these Bylaws shall include all Texas (a) boards of education ofindependent, common, municipal, or special-purpose school districts, (b) county boards of educa-tion, and (c) regional education service center (ESC) boards. Where allowed under Board policy,“school board” may further include any other Texas public school entity whose board is elected bythe public or appointed by one or more public officials.

B. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS. Educational cooperatives, public community colleges, and central appraisaldistricts that pay annual dues are Associate Members. Associate Members and their representativesare not eligible to hold office in the Association or participate in the Delegate Assembly. AssociateMembers shall be subject to Board policy and these Bylaws.

C. AFFILIATE MEMBERS. The Board may establish one or more categories of Affiliate Members throughBoard policy, which shall be subject to and consistent with these Bylaws. Affiliate Members andtheir representatives are not eligible to hold office in the Association or participate in the DelegateAssembly.

SECTION 2. SUSPENSION.

Membership of a member whose annual dues are 90 days past due shall be suspended. Memberships suspended for nonpayment of annual dues may be reinstated upon payment of the current year’s dues.

SECTION 3. TERMINATION.

A. An Active Member’s membership may only be terminated upon a recommendation adopted by atwo-thirds vote of the Directors present and voting at a Board meeting and ratified by a majority of theDelegates present and voting at the annual Delegate Assembly.

B. An Associate or Affiliate Member’s membership may be terminated upon a two-thirds vote of theDirectors present and voting at a Board meeting.

SECTION 4. REINSTATEMENT FROM TERMINATION.

A. An Active Member’s membership may be reinstated only upon a recommendation adopted by atwo-thirds vote of the Directors present and voting at a Board meeting and ratified by a majority of theDelegates present and voting at the annual Delegate Assembly meeting.

B. An Associate or Affiliate Member’s membership may be reinstated upon a two-thirds vote of theDirectors present and voting at a Board meeting.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERS

SECTION 1. MEMBERS. The Association shall have three classes of members. The designation and qualification of such membership classes are as follows:


105

A. The Board will recommend to the Delegate Assembly for action the amount, or formula for calculatingthe amount, of annual dues for Active Members. Upon adoption by the Delegate Assembly, the duesamount or formula shall continue until such time as it may be changed by the Delegate Assembly. TheBoard, however, may authorize reductions or suspensions of dues for any one year. In addition, theBoard shall establish the annual dues for Associate and Affiliate Members.

B. The dues year of the Association shall be January 1 through December 31.

C. The Association shall mail a dues statement to each member on or before the first day of the duesyear. Annual dues shall be paid on or before January 31.

D. By providing a petition showing need, an Active Member may request that the Board allow partialpayment when billed and the balance to be paid at a specified later date within the dues year. Sucha request shall be submitted to the Board in writing no later than the 45th day after the beginning ofthe dues year. The Board shall have the sole discretion to determine whether the extension shall begranted, and the Board, or its designee, shall advise the Active Member of the action taken.

SECTION 2. FEES. Each member shall pay such fees for elective meetings, services, activities, and materials as may be determined by the Executive Director, or designee.

ARTICLE V. DELEGATE ASSEMBLY

SECTION 1. GOVERNING BODY. The general governing body of the Association is the Delegate Assembly.

SECTION 2. POWERS OF THE DELEGATE ASSEMBLY. The Delegate Assembly shall:

A. Elect the Officers and Directors, except as provided by Article VI, Section 2D (5) and Section 9.

B. Approve the termination of an Active Member’s membership, as provided in Article III, Section 4A.

C. Approve the annual dues for Active Members, as provided in Article IV, Section 1.

D. Adopt beliefs pertinent to the mission and purposes of the Association, as provided in Article V,Section 8.

E. Adopt the Association’s Advocacy Agenda consisting of:

(1) Advocacy Agenda Cornerstone Principles derived through the process described in Article V,Section 9A;

(2) Advocacy Agenda Priorities derived through the grassroots process described in Article V,Section 9B; and

(3) Advocacy Agenda Resolutions derived through the process descibed in Article V, Section 9C.

F. Amend these Bylaws, as provided in Article XVII.

ARTICLE IV. ANNUAL DUES AND FEES

SECTION 1. ANNUAL DUES.


106

G. Delegate to the Board any of its powers except:

(1) Election of Officers and Directors, except as provided by Article VI, Section 2D(5) and Section 9.

(2) Amendment of these Bylaws.

(3) Termination of Active Member’s membership.

(4) Adoption of beliefs [Article V, Section 8] and Advocacy Agenda Cornerstone Principles, Priorities,and Resolutions derived through the Advocacy Agenda Process [Article V, Section 9].

SECTION 3. COMPOSITION. Delegates of the Delegate Assembly shall include Active Member dele-gates, or in their absence their alternate delegates, the Board, and the Legislative Advisory Council (LAC) members of the Legislative Committee (Delegates). Each Delegate shall be entitled to one vote on any action item coming before the Delegate Assembly.

SECTION 4. CERTIFICATION OF DELEGATES. The Executive Director, or designee, shall notify Active Members of the date before which certification of Delegates shall be made. The officials of Active Mem-bers shall certify to the Association’s office the name of their Delegate and alternate delegate before the designated deadline for such certification. After the deadline, Delegates and alternate delegates shall be certified subject to Board policy.

SECTION 5. MEETINGS.

A. The Delegate Assembly shall convene at least annually, in conjunction with the annual convention ofthe Association. The Delegate Assembly may also be convened by the Board at such other times andplaces within Texas as may be determined and for such purposes as warrant the call of specialmeetings.

B At least 20 days before the annual convention, the Association shall mail or electronically transmit notice of the date, place, and time of meeting of the annual Delegate Assembly to Active Members. The notice for a special meeting shall be made at least 10 days before the meeting date.

C. Copies of the agenda and related materials for the meeting shall be published at least 20 dayspreceding the annual Delegate Assembly.

D. If, due to emergency circumstances, it is not feasible to schedule the Delegate Assembly in conjunc-tion with the annual convention, the Delegate Assembly shall be scheduled as soon as practical ornecessary votes may be taken outside of a meeting by any of the alternative methods permitted bythese Bylaws. Notice of the meeting or vote to be taken outside of a meeting will comply with statelaw. In these circumstances, all actions that ordinarily would become effective at the close of theannual convention under these Bylaws shall become effective at the close of the Delegate Assemblymeeting or five days after the Delegate Assembly votes outside of a meeting. If a candidate is electedto a Director position by an Association Region, as provided in these Bylaws, and the Delegate Assem-bly does not meet in conjunction with the annual convention, then such candidate will take office as ofthe date established by the Board, which shall be no later than November 30.

SECTION 6. VOTING.

A. A Delegate shall have the right to vote on each action item coming before the Delegate Assembly.No proxy votes shall be permitted.

B. A quorum for the transaction of business shall exist when Delegates from one-fifth of the ActiveMembers are present at the meeting.


107

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Bylaws, the Board may authorize Delegates to vote on one or more action items coming before the Delegate Assembly by mail, facsimile, or electronic message, or by any combination of these alternative methods. The required majority on any vote shall be determined by the number of votes cast.

Voting by any of these alternative methods shall require the following:

(1) The certification of Delegates by Active Members, as provided by Article V, Section 4;(2) The Board establishing a deadline for the receipt of votes;(3) Each vote stating the date of the Delegate’s signature or transmission;(4) A record of Delegates’ votes by alternative methods being included in the Association’s

corporate records; and(5) All Active Members being provided with written notice of any action authorized by the vote

within 20 days.

SECTION 7. OFFICERS OF THE DELEGATE ASSEMBLY. The Officers of the Association shall be the Officers of the Delegate Assembly.

SECTION 8. BELIEFS DEVELOPMENT.

A. Proposals for changes to the beliefs of the Association shall be submitted in writing on or before July 1to the Planning and Development Committee, or its designee. Proposals for changes to the beliefs maybe submitted by the Active Members, Delegates to the annual Delegate Assembly, or members of theBoard.

B. The Planning and Development Committee shall study all proposals received on or before July 1 andshall prepare a report of its recommendations for the Board.

C. Proposals for additions or changes to the beliefs that are not submitted in accordance with this sectionshall not be considered by the annual Delegate Assembly unless two-thirds of the Delegates presentand voting elect to consider such late proposals.

D. The adoption of additions or changes to the beliefs shall require a two-thirds vote of the Delegatespresent and voting.

SECTION 9: ADVOCACY AGENDA.

A. Advocacy Agenda Cornerstone Principles

(1) Advocacy Agenda Cornerstone Principles guide the Association’s advocacy efforts, including thedevelopment of the Advocacy Agenda. The Legislative Committee shall conduct a routine reviewof the Cornerstone Principles in every even-numbered year. Any proposed amendment or changeto the Cornerstone Principles, whether in an even-numbered year or odd-numbered year, must besubmitted to the Legislative Committee, or its designee, by July 1 before the annual Delegate As-sembly. The Legislative Committee shall evaluate proposed amendments or changes received byJuly 1 and shall formulate a recommendation to the Board. The Board shall have the discretion toaffirm, change, or reject the Legislative Committee’s recommendation and to present the resultingproposed amendment or change, if any, to the Delegate Assembly.

(2) Adoption of Advocacy Agenda Cornerstone Principles, including any changes, shall require atwo-thirds vote of the Delegates present and voting at the annual Delegate Assembly.


108

B. Advocacy Agenda Priorities

(1) In even-numbered years, grassroots advocacy meetings shall be held for each AssociationRegion, in accordance with Board policy, for the purpose of identifying Advocacy AgendaPriorities. Eligible participants are trustees of Active Members. At each regional meeting,participants shall formulate potential Advocacy Agenda Priorities and elect regionalrepresentatives to the LAC in accordance with Board policy, which shall include the following:

(a) The LAC shall submit recommendations for Advocacy Agenda Priorities to the LegislativeCommittee, or its designee, prior to July 1 of each even-numbered year.

(b) The LAC shall elect four trustees from Active Members to serve as voting ex officio membersof the Legislative Committee. These ex officio members shall serve for a term, beginning at theclose of the LAC meeting at which they are elected until an election for ex officio members isheld during the next even-numbered year. The LAC shall also elect at least one alternateex officio member to fill any vacancy among these four positions, and after the regional meetingsthe President may appoint a trustee from the LAC to fill any vacancy if no elected alternate isavailable to serve. The ex officio members shall be subject to removal based on Board policy.

(2) After the close of the regular Texas legislative session, the LAC shall reconvene to review legisla-tive action on the Association’s Advocacy Agenda and may offer changes (whether an amendmentto a previously adopted Priority, the repeal of a previously adopted Priority, or a new Priority) tothe Advocacy Agenda Priorities adopted the preceding year by the annual Delegate Assembly.Changes shall be submitted to the Legislative Committee prior to the summer Board meeting.

(3) The Legislative Committee shall study the LAC recommendations, arising from the activitiesdefined in Article V, Section 9B(1) and (2), and formulate Committee recommendations for theBoard’s consideration. The Board shall have the right to affirm or change the LegislativeCommittee’s recommendations.

(4) The Board shall submit recommendations regarding Advocacy Agenda Priorities to the annualDelegate Assembly for approval. Adoption of Advocacy Agenda Priorities shall require a vote oftwo-thirds of the Delegates present and voting.

(5) Advocacy Agenda Priorities adopted in even-numbered years, subject to changes adopted inodd-numbered years, shall remain in effect for two years until the annual Delegate Assembly nextconvenes in an even-numbered year. Any change in the odd-numbered year shall remain in effectuntil the annual Delegate Assembly next convenes.

C. Advocacy Agenda Resolution Process

(1) Except as provided in this section, new Advocacy Agenda Resolutions or changes to previous-ly adopted Advocacy Agenda Resolutions proposed for consideration by the annual DelegateAssembly shall be submitted in writing by June 15 to the Bylaws and Resolutions Committee, or itsdesignee. Only submissions proposed by the Board or Active Members shall be considered by theBylaws and Resolutions Committee.

(2) Submissions received by June 15 shall be studied by the Bylaws and Resolutions Committee.The Bylaws and Resolutions Committee shall formulate recommendations to the Board. The Boardshall have the right to affirm or change Bylaws and Resolutions Committee recommendations andto amend submissions for presentation to the annual Delegate Assembly, provided the amend-ment does not change the intent of the original submission and the amendment is approved by thesubmitting Active Member.


109

(3) Active Member submissions received after June 15 and five days before the Delegate Assemblyconvenes shall be accompanied by a statement of the nature of the emergency preventing time-ly submission. They shall not be presented to the annual Delegate Assembly unless the Boardaffirms that the submission is of an emergency nature. The Bylaws and Resolutions Committeeand/or the Board shall have the right to amend submissions granted emergency status before theirpresentation to the annual Delegate Assembly, provided such amendment does not change theintent of the original submission. Amendments approved by the Board shall be communicated tothe submitting Active Member, if time permits.

(4) The Board shall have the right to submit new Advocacy Agenda Resolutions or Advocacy Agen-da Resolutions proposing changes to previously adopted Advocacy Agenda Resolutions beforepublication of the meeting materials for Delegates. Advocacy Agenda Resolutions submitted bythe Board after this deadline require approval by a vote of two-thirds of the Delegates of the annualDelegate Assembly present and voting.

(5) If the Board does not recommend for adoption a resolution that was timely submitted by an ActiveMember, the Active Member may appeal the Board’s decision. Notice of appeal is timely if provid-ed to the Association in writing, no later than five days before the Delegate Assembly meeting. TheBylaws and Resolutions Committee shall convene before the beginning of the Delegate Assemblyto hear the appeal and shall have the authority to sustain the Board’s decision or reverse and ren-der a revised recommendation to the Delegate Assembly.

(6) The Board shall submit its recommendations regarding Advocacy Agenda Resolutions to the an-nual Delegate Assembly for approval. Adoption of Advocacy Agenda Resolutions shall require amajority vote of Delegates present and voting.

(7) Advocacy Agenda Resolutions adopted by the annual Delegate Assembly in even-numberedyears shall remain in effect for two years, subject to changes adopted in odd-numbered years.Any change in the odd-numbered year shall remain in effect until the annual Delegate Assemblynext convenes.

(8) No Advocacy Agenda Resolution may be adopted that is in conflict with any Advocacy AgendaCornerstone Principle or Priority established in accordance with Article V, Section 9A and B.

ARTICLE VI. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION 1. ASSOCIATION REGIONS.

The Association Regions shall correspond to the ESC region boundaries.

SECTION 2. QUALIFICATIONS, NOMINATION, ENDORSEMENT, AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS.

A. Each voting Director shall be a trustee of the governing board of a school district that is an ActiveMember, except as provided below:

(1) The President and the Immediate Past President, and

(2) The ESC ex officio Director, in accordance with Article VI, Section 4F.

B. No Active Member shall have more than one candidate running for a Director position, even if morethan one Director position is subject to an expiring term or vacancy within the Active Member’s Region.No person shall be a candidate for more than one Director position.


110

C. For purposes of this section, an Active Member school district with an Average Daily Attendance(ADA) meeting the requirements of Article VI, Section 4C(1) shall be treated as an Association Regionand referred to in these Bylaws as a Large District.

D. Nominations and endorsements shall be accepted in accordance with the following requirements,in chronological order within the timeframes and deadlines set out in Board policy:

(1) Active Members in any Association Region in which there are expiring terms or vacancies inDirector positions shall be notified, by the date established through Board policy, that the ActiveMember may nominate one of its trustees as a candidate for a Director position in which the termis expiring or a vacancy exists within the Active Member’s Region.

(2) The Nominations Committee’s chair, or designee, shall have received the following in writing in theAustin office of the Association by the deadline established through Board policy:

(a) The Active Member’s nomination, in such form as required by the Association, which shallinclude a verification by the Active Member’s board president or other board officer as to thedate of board action; and

(b) Candidate information required by the Association, which shall include (i) the candidate’s writ-ten confirmation of his or her intent to be nominated as a candidate and willingness to serve ifelected, (ii) biographical information, and (iii) responses to the questionnaire(s) developed bythe Association.

(3) A listing of all candidates running for Director positions shall be sent to the superintendent andboard president of each Active Member in each Association Region in which there are anyexpiring terms or vacancies in Director positions by the date established through Board policy.The candidate listing shall also be posted on the Association’s website. Candidates, Directors,Delegates, and Active Members shall be subject to any campaign protocols or regulationsestablished through Board policy.

(4) Active Member endorsements of candidates shall be received in the Austin office of theAssociation by the deadline established through Board policy in order for such endorsementsto be considered. An Active Member may endorse only one candidate for each open Directorposition within its Association Region. Only candidates who have complied with the requirementsof Article VI, Section 2D(2), may be endorsed. Endorsements adopted by an Active Memberbefore the Association sends the list of candidates pursuant to Article VI, Section 2D(3), orendorsements that are not on the endorsement form provided by the Association in a given yearshall not be accepted. An Active Member’s nomination of one of its trustees [Article VI, Section2D(2)] shall be considered the Active Member’s endorsement for that Director position.

(5) If a majority of the Active Members in an Association Region endorses the same candidate, thatcandidate shall be elected to the Director position and shall take office at the completion of thefinal official session of the annual convention during the year in which the Director was elected.

(6) If no candidate receives endorsements from a majority of the Active Members in the candidate’sAssociation Region [Article VI, Section 2D(4)], the official annual Delegate Assembly list ofnominees shall include the following:

(a) Candidates nominated by the Nominations Committee [Article VIII, Section 2H] and

(b) Candidates receiving endorsements from at least 25 percent but less than a majority of theActive Members in an Association Region.


111

(7) Thereafter nominations may be made by the candidate’s Delegate, provided the followingconditions are met:

(a) The candidate’s nomination was submitted in compliance with Article VI, Section 2D(2),

(b) The candidate interviewed with the Nominations Committee, unless the Committee waivedthe need for an interview based on criteria set out in Board policy, and

(c) The candidate’s intent and consent to run for the position by this alternate means is receivedin the Austin office of the Association five days prior to the annual Delegate Assembly.

E. Except for a Director position filled in accordance with Article VI, Section 2D(5), the official annualDelegate Assembly list of nominees shall be prepared by the Nominations Committee as provided inthese Bylaws [Article VIII, Section 2I]. The election shall comply with these Bylaws and any rules andprocedures adopted by the Delegate Assembly at the start of the meeting. Such rules and proceduresmay allow uncontested nominees to be deemed elected without a vote.

F. If there is more than one nominee for a Director position, the nominee receiving the majority of thevotes of the Delegates present and voting shall be elected. If no nominee receives a majority vote ofthe Delegates, a run-off election shall be conducted between the two nominees receiving the greaternumbers of votes, and the election shall be repeated for that position as many times as necessary toobtain a majority.

SECTION 3. DUTIES. The Board shall supervise, control, and direct affairs of the Association in accor-dance with the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, beliefs, and Advocacy Agenda approved by the annual Delegate Assembly. The Board shall:

A. Actively promote the mission, beliefs, and purposes of the Association.

B. Adopt the Association’s budget and have discretion in the disbursement of the Association’s funds.

C. Receive any devise, bequest, donation, or otherwise, either real or personal property, or both, and holdthe same absolutely or in trust, and invest, reinvest, and manage the same, and apply said propertyand the income arising there from to the mission, beliefs, and purposes of the Association.

D. Establish such Board policies, as it deems appropriate in fulfilling its responsibilities under theseBylaws.

E. Appoint such agents as it may consider necessary.

SECTION 4. COMPOSITION.

A. The Association’s governing body shall be composed of Directors from Large Districts or AssociationRegions. No Active Member shall have more than one individual serving on the Board.

B. All Directors shall represent their respective Association Regions, except the President, Presi-dent-Elect, and the Immediate Past President.

C. By virtue of student enrollment, individual Active Members or Association Regions may be eligible for aDirector position as follows:

(1) (a) Not more than 14 Active Members shall be entitled to Large District Director positions.To qualify for a Large District Director position, the Active Member shall have had at least 1.25


112

percent of the total state ADA for two consecutive years. If more than 14 Active Members qualify for Large District Director positions under this provision, the 14 Active Members with the largest ADA shall qualify.

(b) If the Active Member’s ADA falls below 1.25 percent of the total state ADA for two consecutiveschool years, or if an Active Member has qualified for a Large District Director position and thatActive Member is no longer one of the 14 school districts with the ADA required under Article VI,Section 4C(1)(a), the Active Member’s entitlement to a Large District Director position shall endwith the expiration of the current representative’s term.

(2) (a) An Association Region shall be entitled to Regional Director positions for each 4.25 percent orfraction thereof of the total state ADA contained within the Association Region for two consecutiveyears, and after the ADA of each Active Member qualifying for a position by virtue of Article VI,Section 4 C(1), has been subtracted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Association Region shallbe entitled to no more than three Regional Director positions.

(b) If an Association Region becomes entitled to multiple positions by this provision and, subse-quently, for two consecutive years, fails to sustain sufficient ADA for the entitlement, a RegionalDirector position shall be eliminated as follows:

i. If a vacancy exists in the Regional Director position, that position shall be eliminated, orii. If there is more than one vacancy in the Regional Director positions, the vacant position with

the first expiring term shall be eliminated, oriii. If there is no vacancy in the Regional Director positions, the existing position with the first

expiring term within the Region shall be eliminated at the end of that term, oriv. If there is no vacancy and more than one Regional Director position having the first expiring

term in the same year, the position being held by the individual with the least tenure as aRegional Director shall be eliminated at the end of that term, or

v. If there is no vacancy and more than one Regional Director position having the first expiringterm in the same year and being held by individuals with the same tenure, there shall be adrawing of lots to determine which Regional Director position shall be eliminated at the end ofthe term.

D. All calculations under this section shall be based on ADA data furnished by the Texas EducationAgency available as of April 1 preceding the annual Delegate Assembly.

E. The Executive Director shall be a nonvoting ex officio Director and shall not be counted in the quorumof the Board.

F. The ESC boards shall be represented by one voting ex officio Director selected by a process and for aterm prescribed by guidelines established by the ESC boards, but shall not be counted in the quorumof the Board.

SECTION 5. DURATION OF OFFICE.

A. The term of office of each Director shall be three years and shall begin at the completion of the finalofficial session of the annual convention during which the Director was elected by the annual DelegateAssembly.

B. Terms of Directors shall be staggered to allow, to the extent possible, for the election of one-third of theDirectors each year. New Director positions shall be assigned to terms to retain this balance; however,if this is not possible, the assignment of terms shall be decided by drawing of lots.


113

C. Upon election to a three-year term, a Director may be reelected to no more than three additional terms.For purposes of determining a Director term limit, service time attaches to the individual and not theAssociation Region with which the Director is associated.

D. Upon election or succession to the office of President-Elect, the Director position previously held shallbe declared vacant and a successor elected, except as provided in Article VI, Section 4A. Once elect-ed President-Elect, the term limit that applies to a Director position shall no longer apply and shall notprevent the individual from completing the term of one year as President-Elect, one year as President,and one year as Immediate Past President.

SECTION 6. RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL.

A. A Director may resign by submitting a letter of resignation to the President. The resignation shallbecome effective upon receipt by the President.

B. A Director who is absent from three consecutive regularly scheduled Board meetings or from threeconsecutive regularly scheduled standing committee meetings may be removed from the Directorposition by a majority vote of all of the Directors. A Large District Director removed pursuant to thissection shall be ineligible to serve for the remainder of the term to which the Director was elected.

C. Any Director may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the Board when, in the Board’s judgment, thebest interests of the Association would be served by removal.

SECTION 7. MEETINGS.

A. A Board year or annual period commences at the official close of the annual convention and endsafter the same event in the next year. The Board shall hold at least four regular meetings that shallbe spread throughout the year, with one taking place during the summer and the last meeting takingplace during the week of the annual Delegate Assembly. The Executive Committee of the Board shalldetermine the dates and locations of the meetings for the upcoming Board year and report the meet-ing schedule to the Board before the Board year commences. The Board also shall be given 30 days’notice before each regular meeting by electronic means, or by any other means accessible to theDirectors.

B. Additional meetings of the Board may be called by the President or by the written request of a majorityof the Board, provided that a written notice is sent to each Director at least 10 days before the meeting.

C. A meeting of the Board or a committee may be conducted in person or by alternate means, such asteleconference, videoconference, the internet, or any other means by which each participant cancommunicate with all other participants.

SECTION 8. QUORUM AND VOTING.

A. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Board.

B. Unless otherwise specifically provided by these Bylaws, a majority vote of those present and votingshall govern. No proxy voting shall be permitted.

C. Any action required to be taken at a meeting of Directors, or any action which may be taken at ameeting of the Directors or any committee, may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing,setting forth the action to be taken, shall have been signed or executed by the number of Directorsor committee members as would be necessary to take that action at a meeting at which all of theDirectors or members of the committee were present and voted. The Board, by policy or resolution,may increase the number of votes required for an action taken by written consent. A written consentshall be signed or executed and dated by each Director or committee member, and consent may be


114

provided in multiple counterparts. Directors or committee members may provide written consent by facsimile, email (from the email address of record), or any other form of writing which comes from the Director or committee member.

SECTION 9. VACANCIES. By majority vote of those present and voting, the Board may fill vacancies that occur in Director positions by electing an individual to fill the vacancy until the next annual Delegate Assembly, in accordance with Board policy. At that time, a candidate shall be elected by the annual Delegate Assembly to fill the unexpired term in accordance with Article VI, Section 2D.

ARTICLE VII. OFFICERS

SECTION 1. TITLES. The Officer positions of the Association shall consist of President, President-Elect, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, and Immediate Past President.

SECTION 2. QUALIFICATIONS, NOMINATION, AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

A. Each Officer shall be a duly elected Director [Article VI, Section 2A]. The President shall be a trusteeof an Active Member governing board at the time of succession to the office of President but shall bepermitted to succeed to the office of Immediate Past President even if he or she vacates service onsuch Active Member governing board.

B. In accordance with Board policy, Officer nominations shall be submitted by Directors to the Nomina-tions Committee and the Committee shall determine which candidates will be interviewed for Officerpositions. Candidates, Directors, Delegates, and Active Members shall be subject to any campaignprotocols or regulations established through Board policy.

C. The Nominations Committee shall recommend to the Board at its regular summer meeting a candidatefor each Officer position to be filled. The Board shall approve candidates from among recommenda-tions of the Nominations Committee or others interviewed in accordance with Article VII, Section 2B,and Board policy.

D. Candidates approved by the Board shall be presented to the annual Delegate Assembly to fill eachOfficer position in which an expiring term or a vacancy exists.

E. Thereafter nominations for any Officer position subject to election by the annual Delegate Assemblyshall be made by the candidate’s Delegate, provided the following conditions are met:

(1) The candidate was interviewed for an Officer position by the Nominations Committee in the currentyear’s process in accordance with Article VII, Section 2B, and

(2) The candidate’s intent and consent to run for the position by this alternate means is received in theAustin office of the Association five days prior to the annual Delegate Assembly.

F. The Nominations Committee shall prepare the official list of Officer nominees as provided in theseBylaws [Article VIII, Section 2I]. The election shall comply with these Bylaws and any rules and proce-dures adopted by the Delegate Assembly at the start of the meeting. Such rules and procedures mayallow uncontested nominees to be deemed elected without a vote.

G. If there is more than one nominee for an Officer position, the nominee receiving the majority vote of theDelegates present and voting shall be elected. If no nominee receives a majority vote of the Dele-gates, a run-off election shall be conducted between the two nominees receiving the greater numbersof votes, and the election shall be repeated for that position as many times as necessary to obtain amajority.


115

SECTION 3. DURATION OF OFFICE.

A. The Officers shall be elected each year for terms of one year by the annual Delegate Assembly exceptfor the President-Elect, who shall be elected to serve for a term of one year as President-Elect, oneyear as President, and one year as Immediate Past President.

B. The term of office of each Officer position shall begin at the completion of the final official session ofthe annual convention during which the Officer was elected. Each Officer shall serve until a successoris elected. No Officer shall serve for more than one full elected term in the same office. An Officer’seligibility to serve a full elected term in an office is unaffected by any time served in that office underthe conditions specified in Article VII, Section 5.

SECTION 4. RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL.

A. An Officer may resign by submitting a letter of resignation to the Board. The resignation shall becomeeffective upon receipt by the Board.

B. Any Officer of the Association may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the Board whenever in itsjudgment the best interests of the Association would be served.

SECTION 5. VACANCIES.

A. If there is a vacancy for any reason in the office of President, the President-Elect shall succeed to theoffice immediately and shall have all the powers and perform all the duties of the office. If, at theannual Delegate Assembly, the office of President-Elect is currently filled by an Officer pro tempore,the position of President shall be considered vacant and the position shall be filled by an election bythe annual Delegate Assembly.

B. If there is a vacancy for any reason in any other Officer position, upon recommendation by theNominations Committee, the Board may elect an Officer pro tempore from the Board to perform theduties of the vacated office until the office is filled by an election of the annual Delegate Assembly.

C. If the vacancy occurs in the office of Secretary-Treasurer, the duties of that office, except the right tovote and chair the Budget and Finance Committee, are delegated to the Executive Director until theBoard elects a pro tempore or the current term of office expires.

SECTION 6. PRESIDENT.

A. The President shall preside at all Delegate Assembly and Board meetings and perform duties asprovided in these Bylaws and as assigned by the Board.

B. The President or the President’s representative shall attend the annual convention of the NationalSchool Boards Association and shall be one of the Association’s voting delegates at the convention.

C. The President shall be the official representative of the Association at state and national meetings.If the President is unable to attend such meetings, then the President’s designee shall represent theAssociation.

D. The President shall make all appointments with due consideration given to representation by schooldistrict size and geographic location.

E. The President shall annually convene the Executive Committee for the purposes of reviewing theBoard’s evaluation of the performance of the Executive Director and recommending appropriatecompensation for the Executive Director to the Board for consideration.


116

F. The President shall serve as a voting ex officio member of all committees, but shall not be counted inthe quorum of any committee.

SECTION 7. PRESIDENT-ELECT.

A. The President-Elect shall serve as chair and voting member of the Planning and DevelopmentCommittee and shall be counted in the quorum of the Planning and Development Committee.

B. In the event of the President’s absence, the President-Elect shall temporarily perform the duties of thePresident. In the event of the President’s inability or refusal to act, the President-Elect may be asked,by unanimous consent of all members of the Executive Committee (other than the President) to tempo-rarily perform the duties of the President until such time as the members of the Executive Committee(other than the President), unanimously consent to withdraw the temporary authorization. When thusacting, the President-Elect shall have the powers of and be subject to all restrictions placed upon thePresident. The President-Elect shall perform other duties as provided in these Bylaws and as assignedby the President or the Board.

C. Except as provided in Article VII, Section 7A, the President-Elect shall serve as a nonvoting ex officiomember of all committees and shall not be counted in the quorum of the committee.

SECTION 8. VICE-PRESIDENTS. The First and Second Vice-Presidents shall perform duties as provided by these Bylaws, Board policy, or other Board action, and as assigned by the President.

SECTION 9. SECRETARY-TREASURER.

A. The Secretary-Treasurer shall serve as chair of the Budget and Finance Committee.

B. The Secretary-Treasurer shall make a report to the annual Delegate Assembly and other reports asrequested by the Board.

C. The Secretary-Treasurer shall perform duties as provided in these Bylaws and as assigned by thePresident or the Board.

SECTION 10. IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT.

A. The Immediate Past President shall serve as a voting Director and Officer and as voting member ofcommittees as assigned and shall be counted in the quorums, unless otherwise specified in theseBylaws.

B. The Immediate Past President shall serve as a member and the chair of the Nominations Committeeand shall be counted in the quorum.

C. The Immediate Past President shall perform all other duties as assigned by the President or the Board.

ARTICLE VIII. COMMITTEES

SECTION 1. STANDING COMMITTEES. Except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws and before the close of the annual convention each year, the Executive Committee shall appoint the chair, vice-chair, and members of the following Standing Committees: Budget and Finance Committee, Bylaws and Resolutions Committee, Legislative Committee, Member Services Committee, and Planning and Development Com-mittee. Committee members shall be appointed from the Board. Each Standing Committee shall have no fewer than seven nor more than 13 members. The quorum of each Standing Committee shall be one-third of the committee membership but no fewer than four. In making committee appointments, the Executive Committee shall ensure continuity of committee operation, in accordance with Board policy.


117

No individual shall serve on more than two Standing Committees at one time. Standing Committees shall hold at least one meeting during the year and report to the annual Delegate Assembly. The chairs, or designees, shall prepare reports of all meetings. In the event that a chair or vice-chair is absent from a meeting, the President will appoint another member of the Committee to serve in his or her place for the meeting.

Except as provided otherwise in these Bylaws, the President, President-Elect, and Executive Director shall serve as ex officio members of all Standing Committees but shall not be counted in their quorums or maximum committee membership limits.

A. BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE. The Budget and Finance Committee shall be chaired by theSecretary-Treasurer and shall:

(1) Prepare recommendations on the annual budget for the Board.

(2) Submit to the Board a report and analysis of the finances of the Association.

(3) Recommend an investment policy and monitor the investment of Association funds.

(4) Present an annual financial report.

(5) Study the financial implications of expanding or renewing services, programs, service agreements,or administrator contracts for recommendation to the Board.

(6) Prepare recommendations on the annual audit for the Board.

(7) Participate in other activities in accordance with Board policy.

B. BYLAWS AND RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE. The Bylaws and Resolutions Committee, at the discretionof the Executive Committee, may be divided into two committees for the purpose of concentrated efforton particular tasks as assigned by the President. The Bylaws and Resolutions Committee shall:

(1) Recommend to the Board for submission to the annual Delegate Assembly any proposedamendment to these Bylaws, as provided in Article XVII.

(2) Recommend to the Board for submission to the annual Delegate Assembly Advocacy AgendaResolutions in accordance with Article V, Section 9C.

(3) Consider and recommend to the Board resolutions for purposes not associated with AdvocacyAgenda Resolutions.

(4) Recommend to the Board proposed Board policies or changes to existing Board policies.


C. LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE.

The Legislative Committee shall be composed of not more than nine Directors, appointed by the Exec-utive Committee, and four voting ex officio members appointed by the LAC, in accordance with ArticleV, Section 9B(1). The Legislative Committee shall:

(1) Monitor legislative and regulatory activities at the state and federal level.

(2) Coordinate the development of the Association’s Advocacy Agenda Cornerstone Principles andPriorities in accordance with Article V, Section 9A and B.


118

(3) Coordinate the implementation of the Association’s Advocacy Agenda in accordance with ArticleV, Section 9.


D. MEMBER SERVICES COMMITTEE. The Member Services Committee shall:

(1) Review and monitor activities associated with the current services and programs available to Tex-as school districts.

(2) Develop and coordinate recognition and awards programs.

(3) Coordinate planning for Association and national conventions.

(4) Monitor school board education activities.


E. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE. The Planning and Development Committee shall bechaired by the President-Elect and shall:

(1) Review, analyze, and recommend to the Board new programs and services.

(2) Review, analyze, and recommend building and equipment needs.

(3) Annually review, update, and report on an annual basis Association goals and priorities.

(4) Monitor the enhancements of programs and services.

(5) Review the evaluation of existing programs and services.

(6) Recommend to the Board for submission to the annual Delegate Assembly any proposed changesin the beliefs of the Association, as provided in Article V, Section 8.

(7) Review and coordinate the activities of the Board and its committees in accordance with Boardpolicy.

(8) Monitor and evaluate the Association’s relationship with other associations and entities.


SECTION 2. NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE.

A. The Nominations Committee shall be composed of 11 voting Directors, including the President. Anadditional nine Directors shall serve as alternates, who shall fill committee vacancies in a designatedorder. The alternates shall serve in the order and manner as provided in Board policy. Reasonableefforts shall be made to have 11 voting Directors participating; however, six shall constitute a quorum.

B. Nominations Committee members shall be elected by the Board at the meeting the week of the annualDelegate Assembly and assume their duties at the completion of the final official session of the annualconvention.

C. In the election of the Nominations Committee, the Board shall give due consideration to representationby school district size, geographic location, and wealth per student.


119

D. The Immediate Past President shall serve as a member and the chair and shall be counted in the quo-rum of the Nominations Committee.

E. The President shall serve as a voting ex officio member and vice-chair of the Committee; the Presi-dent-Elect shall serve as a nonvoting ex officio member of the Nominations Committee. Neither thePresident nor the President-Elect shall be counted in the quorum of the Nominations Committee.

F. In accordance with Board policy, the Nominations Committee shall meet prior to the regular summerBoard meeting to nominate a candidate for each Officer position with an expiring term or vacancy.Nominations shall be submitted to the Board for approval.

G. As soon as feasible after the August 29 deadline for Active Member endorsements and prior to theannual Delegate Assembly, the Nominations Committee shall meet and shall nominate one or morecandidates for each Director position to be filled and shall report the nominations to the President andthe Executive Director.

H. The slate of nominations shall be prepared as follows:

(1) At least 20 days before the annual Delegate Assembly, or as soon thereafter as feasible, the Ex-ecutive Director shall provide Active Members and Delegates with the Board’s slate of nomineesfor Officer positions and the Nominations Committee’s slate of nominees for each Director positionwith pertinent biographical information on each nominee.

(2) In the event a Director nominee becomes unable to serve, the Nominations Committee, at the callof its chair, shall select an alternate nominee and notify Active Members and Delegates of theamended report as soon as feasible, but no later than the opening of the annual Delegate Assem-bly.

(3) In the event an Officer nominee becomes unable to serve, the Board, at the call of the President,shall select an alternate nominee from among the Officer candidates interviewed by the Nomina-tions Committee pursuant to Board policy at the regular summer Board meeting and notify ActiveMembers and Delegates of the amended report as soon as feasible, but no later than the openingof the annual Delegate Assembly.

I. An official list of the names of all Officer and Director nominees up for election shall be preparedbefore the opening of the annual Delegate Assembly, as provided and applicable in Article VI, Section2D(6)-(7); Article VII, Sections 2D and E; and Article VIII, Section 2H. No person may be a candidatefor more than one Director position and no person may be a candidate for more than one Officer posi-tion on this list.

SECTION 3. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

A. The Executive Committee shall be composed of the Officers. The Executive Director shall serve as anonvoting ex officio member of the Committee.

B. The Executive Committee shall have only the authority given by these Bylaws or such authority that isgranted to the Executive Committee by specific Board action.

SECTION 4. SPECIAL COMMITTEES. Upon Board approval, the President may create special com-mittees to properly perform or more effectively carry out the mission and purposes of the Association, in accordance with Board policy. The Executive Committee shall appoint the members of such committees. Unless the Board has authorized otherwise, such committees shall cease to exist at the completion of the final official session of the annual convention held during the year the special committees were created.


120

A. The Executive Director shall manage, supervise, and direct the operations of the Association within theauthority delegated by the Board. The Executive Director shall be a nonvoting ex officio member of theDelegate Assembly, Board, Executive Committee, and all standing and special committees and shallnot be counted in the quorums.

B. The Executive Director, or designee, shall be the custodian of the records and proceedings of theAssociation and Board and shall see that all notices are duly given as provided in these Bylaws or asrequired by law.

C. Other executive staff and personnel as may be employed shall undertake such duties, responsibilities,and authority as may be delegated by the Executive Director and shall be responsible to the ExecutiveDirector. The Executive Director, or designee, is authorized to employ, supervise, and discharge allpersonnel.

D. The Executive Director shall sign all authorized contracts and other obligations and undertakings in thename of or on behalf of the Association unless specifically prohibited by these Bylaws or by further res-olutions, Board policies, rules, or regulations as may be adopted by the Board. At the discretion of theBoard, the Executive Director may be designated to perform the duties of Secretary-Treasurer, exceptthe right to vote or chair the Budget and Finance Committee.

SECTION 3. VACANCY. If there is a vacancy for any reason in the position of Executive Director, the President with the unanimous consent of all other members of the Executive Committee may designate an Acting Executive Director to serve until an Executive Director shall be employed by the Board. The Acting Executive Director shall have all the power and perform all the duties of the Executive Director.

ARTICLE X. FISCAL AND LEGAL PROCEDURES

SECTION 1. FISCAL YEAR. The fiscal year of the Association shall be September 1 through August 31.

SECTION 2. NONCOMPENSATION.

A. No individual acting in the capacity of an Officer or Director shall receive compensation for servicesrendered. In accordance with Board policy, the Association may reimburse certain expenses incurredby Officers or Directors in attending to the business of the Association and may pay for personal use ofAssociation-provided equipment, either of which may be characterized as “compensation” to Officersand Directors for federal tax purposes.

B. No Officer or Director shall serve for compensation as an employee, consultant, or independent con-tractor of the Association.

SECTION 3. CONTRACTS. Except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, the Board may authorize any Officer or agent to enter into contracts and to execute or draw any instruments on behalf of the Associa-tion.

SECTION 4. LOANS. No loan shall be contracted on behalf of the Association, and no negotiable paper other than checks shall be issued in its name, except as authorized by the Board.

ARTICLE IX. EXECUTIVE STAFF

SECTION 1. EMPLOYMENT. An Executive Director shall be employed by the Board.

SECTION 2. DUTIES.


121

SECTION 5. DEPOSITS.

A. All funds of the Association shall be deposited to the credit of the Association in such depositories asthe Board may select or as may be selected by an Officer or agent designated by the Board.

B. All funds of the Association, except for investment accounts, shall be in depositories covered by theFederal Deposit Insurance Corporation and shall be withdrawn in accordance with procedures speci-fied by the Board.

SECTION 6. INCOME. All Association income shall be collected by an Officer or agent designated by the Board.

SECTION 7. DISBURSEMENTS. All bills, drafts, acceptances, checks, endorsements, or other evidence of indebtedness shall be signed by the Officer or agent designated by Board resolution.

SECTION 8. INVESTMENTS. Funds of the Association may be invested and reinvested in a manner and for purposes in accordance with law and policy.

SECTION 9. DISPOSITION OF SURPLUS FUNDS. Any surplus in excess of normal operating require-ments, and in excess of reasonable reserves to be determined by the Board, shall be used to further the purposes of the Association. The Budget and Finance Committee or Planning and Development Commit-tee shall make recommendations to the Board for specific allocations of such funds.

SECTION 10. ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT. The Executive Director, or designee, shall provide annu-ally to the Board a report of all receipts and disbursements of Association funds. Subsequently an annual financial report shall be published.

SECTION 11. INCURRING INDEBTEDNESS. No Officer, Director, committee, committee member, or em-ployee of the Association shall incur any indebtedness in the name of the Association or make any com-mitment involving the Association unless authorized by Board action.

SECTION 12. FIDELITY INSURANCE. At Association expense, fidelity insurance coverage shall be se-cured for the Secretary-Treasurer, Executive Director, and any other Officers or agents of the Association as determined by the Board or Executive Director.

SECTION 13. LEGAL COUNSEL. The Board may retain outside legal counsel to advise it in the legal affairs of the Association.

SECTION 14. AUDIT. The Board shall designate an independent certified public accountant to audit the financial records of the Association and to submit an annual audit report.

SECTION 15. FINANCIAL BOOKS AND RECORDS. Any member of the Association, upon written re-quest, stating the purpose of the request, shall have the right to examine and copy, in person, or by agent, accountant, or attorney, at any reasonable time, for any proper purpose, the financial books and records of the Association relevant to that purpose, at the expense of the member.

SECTION 16. SEAL. The Association may have a seal of such design, as the Board shall adopt.

ARTICLE XI. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY

SECTION 1. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY.

No Director shall be personally liable to the Association for monetary damages for any act or omission in the Director’s capacity as a Director; provided, however, that the foregoing provision shall not eliminate


122

or limit the liability of a Director for (1) a breach of Director’s duty of loyalty to the Association, (2) an act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law, (3) a transaction from which the Director received an improper personal benefit, whether or not the benefit resulted from an action taken within the scope of the Director’s office, or (4) an act or omission for which the liability of a Director is expressly provided by statute. Any amendment or repeal of this Article shall be prospective only and shall not adversely affect any limitation on the personal liability of a Director existing at the time of such amendment or repeal. A Director is entitled to any protections from liability set out in Texas statutes.

SECTION 2. INDEMNIFICATION.

The Association shall defend and indemnify its Board, Officers, and employees to the greatest extent per-mitted by law.

The Association may purchase insurance providing coverage for the Officers, Directors, and employees. Nothing herein shall be deemed to prevent settlement of any litigation where the settlement is deemed advisable in order to prevent greater expense or cost in the defense or prosecution of such litigation.

Indemnification for any damages or expenses of any Officer, Director, or employee by way of this Article shall apply only to such amounts that are not paid by the errors and omissions insurance (E&O) provider pursuant to the terms and conditions of the E&O insurance policy purchased in favor of the Association, its Officers, Directors, and employees. The indemnification provided by this Article shall not be deemed to be exclusive of any other rights to which any person indemnified may be entitled under any regulation, agreement, or otherwise. The indemnification provided by this Article shall not be deemed exclusive of any other power to indemnify or right to indemnification that the Association or any person referred to in this Article may have or acquire under state or federal laws. Indemnification shall continue and inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, successors, and administrators of persons entitled to indemnification under this Article.

In a criminal proceeding, the person may be indemnified only if he or she had no reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful. The Association shall not indemnify a person who is found liable to the Association or is found liable to another on the basis of improperly receiving a personal benefit from the Association.

ARTICLE XII. COUNCILS

SECTION 1. FORMATION OF COUNCILS. The Board may create Councils to study and advise on specific aspects of public education. The objective of a Council within its specific area of concern shall be to gather and share information and develop and implement recommendations.

SECTION 2. ELIGIBILITY. The Board may determine eligibility for participants in any Council that may be created.

SECTION 3. GOVERNING BODY. Each Council shall have a representative governing body. When appropriate, the Board shall seek to have its President and the Association’s Executive Director, or their designees, serve as non-voting ex officio members of the Council’s governing body but not counted in that governing body’s quorum.

SECTION 4. ADMINISTRATION. The governing body of each Council shall administer, through its chair, the business of the Council; shall be responsible for its programs, progress, and activities, and shall establish policies for the conduct of its business, provided that actions of the Council are consistent with the Association’s Bylaws and Board policy.


123

SECTION 5. ASSOCIATION PARTICIPATION. The Board may withdraw the Association’s further partici-pation whenever it determines that such participation would not be in the Association’s best interests.

SECTION 6. FINANCES.

A. The Executive Director, or designee, may determine fees and charges incurred through a Council’suse of Association staff and facilities.

B. Each Council may establish charges for the meetings and individual activities of the Council.

C. All funds relating to the operation and activity of each Council shall be administered through thegeneral fund of the Association and shall be governed by these Bylaws and as may be determinedby the Board.

SECTION 7. STAFF LIAISON. The Executive Director shall assign staff to provide assistance and serve as liaison in Council operations and in the coordination of Association and Council activities.

ARTICLE XIII. FOUNDATIONS, TRUSTS, AND OTHER ENTITIES

SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT OF FOUNDATIONS, TRUSTS, AND OTHER ENTITIES. The Board may create entities, or facilitate the creation of entities, to serve as vehicles for delivering specialized services that support the mission and purposes of the Association.

SECTION 2. GOVERNING BOARDS. The governing body of each entity, if any, shall be a board appoint-ed in accordance with the bylaws of that entity.

Each board shall be responsible for business affairs of the entity.

When appropriate, the Board shall seek to have its President and Executive Director serve as nonvoting ex officio members of the entity’s board but not counted in that board’s quorum.

SECTION 3. ASSOCIATION PARTICIPATION. The Board may condition the Association’s participation, such as the use of the Association’s name, good will, and resources, on the receipt of consideration (monetary or non-monetary), and may withdraw the Association’s participation whenever it determines that continued participation would not be in the Association’s best interests.

ARTICLE XIV. COOPERATIVE ORGANIZATIONS

The Board may organize and participate in nonprofit associations or other legal entities whose mission and bylaws the Board determines to be consistent with Association beliefs, mission, and purposes, and these Bylaws. The Board may withdraw from further participation whenever it determines that further par-ticipation would not be in the Association’s best interest.

ARTICLE XV. DISSOLUTION OF THE ASSOCIATION

In the event of dissolution of the Association, dissolution shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3), the Articles of Incorporation, and Texas law. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, upon dissolution of the Association, assets shall first be used to pay all debts and obligations; remaining funds shall be distributed for Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) of the public purposes through pro rata distributions to such Association Active Members, which


124

are school districts of the State of Texas as have contributed to the Association and which are Association Active Members for the year(s) of dissolution. The precise formula for distributions and the timing thereof shall be determined by the Board.

ARTICLE XVI. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. RULES. All proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order as most recently revised and other rules of procedure consistent with these Bylaws.

SECTION 2. INTERPRETATION.

A. The Board shall be the final authority on the interpretation of these Bylaws. If any Bylaws provision isrendered invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, the invalidity, illegality, or unenforceabilitywill not affect the remaining provisions and, to the greatest extent possible, the Bylaws will be con-strued as if they had not included the offending provision.

B. In the event the Association fails to comply with a required date or deadline or carry out a requiredaction set out in these Bylaws due to impossibility of performance, mistake, inadvertence, or otherreason, the Board shall be authorized to remedy such failure to the extent possible. The remedy shallgive effect to the intent and purpose of the non-observed Bylaws requirement and attempt to mitigateany harm as much as possible.

SECTION 3. TIME PERIODS. If the conclusion of any time period provided for in these Bylaws falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, the conclusion of such time period shall be deemed to be extended until the next business day. Otherwise, references to time periods measured by days shall mean calendar days unless business days are specifically designated.

SECTION 4. NOTICE AND DELIVERY.

A. Any notice required or permitted by these Bylaws to be given to any Member, the Board (or a com-mittee thereof), or any person may be given by US mail, express courier service, facsimile, e-mail,or other transmission commonly used in commerce when sent to the address or portal of recordwith the Association. If sent by first-class US mail with postage prepaid, notice is deemed deliveredthree days after mailing. If sent by express courier service, notice is deemed delivered on the dateconfirmed by the courier. If sent by facsimile transmission, notice is deemed delivered when printedconfirmation of receipt is obtained from the facsimile mechanism. If sent by email or other electronictransmission, notice is deemed delivered at the moment it is sent.

B. Any notice or record required or permitted by these Bylaws to be received in the Austin office of theAssociation shall be deemed received if transmitted electronically through the portal or mechanismdesignated by the Association for such action.

ARTICLE XVII. AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1. DELEGATE ASSEMBLY. These Bylaws may be amended at the annual Delegate Assembly by a vote of two-thirds of the Delegates present and voting. Proposed amendments may be submitted by Association staff, Board, or Active Members and shall be submitted in writing to the Bylaws and Reso-lutions Committee, or its designee, by July 1 prior to the annual Delegate Assembly. Proposed amend-ments received by July 1 shall be studied by the Bylaws and Resolutions Committee. The Bylaws and Resolutions Committee shall formulate recommendations to the Board. The Board shall have the right to affirm or change Bylaws and Resolutions Committee recommendations and to amend the recommenda-tions for presentation to the annual Delegate Assembly.


125

SECTION 2. CONFORMING AND STYLISTIC CHANGES. Upon amendment of the Bylaws by the Delegate Assembly, the Board shall have the authority to make conforming changes to the Bylaws, in order to fully implement the amendments adopted by the Delegate Assembly. The Board also shall have the authority to make non-substantive, stylistic changes to the Bylaws in order to enhance their grammatical quality. The Bylaws and Resolutions Committee shall make all such conforming and stylistic recommendations to the Board for its approval.



Comm

ittee Reports

127

• Budget and Financial StatementsDuring the year, the Committee reviewed interim financial state-ments and monitored actual activities as compared to the budgetat each of its regularly scheduled meetings. The Committee alsoreviewed and recommended approval of the 2021–22 budget ina special meeting and reviewed and recommended approval ofamendments to the 2020–21 budget during the year.

• InvestmentsThe Committee reviewed quarterly investment reports to monitorperformance and compliance with TASB’s investment policy. TheCommittee also reviewed changes to the portfolio during the year.A new banking/investment resolution to substitute the name of thenew executive director was recommended.

• Annual Financial AuditThe Committee reviewed TASB’s annual financial statement andaudit for 2019–20 with the independent auditor and recommendedapproval.

• Internal Controls and Data SecurityThe Committee reviewed and monitored progress on implement-ing recommendations from previous internal control and datasecurity reviews and reviewed the plan of work for a new three-year internal control review. The Committee also monitored TASB’songoing activities to evaluate and improve data security.

• Affiliated Entity and Other AgreementsA new service agreement and a new affinity and license agree-ment with the TASB Risk Management Fund were recommendedfor approval, as well as a new affinity and license agreement withthe Lone Star Investment Pool. Annual fee amounts for serviceagreements with the TASB Risk Management Fund and the TASBLegal Assistance Fund were recommended for approval. A newjoint venture agreement for the 2022–26 annual convention wasrecommended.

• Expendable Net AssetsThe Committee monitored TASB’s level of expendable net assets.

Budget and Finance CommitteeOversees the financial health of the Association.

Major Work 2020–21

Committee MembersArmando Rodriguez (Chair)Tony Hopkins (Vice-Chair)

Moises L. AlfaroRose AvalosJustin ChapaJacinto Ramos Jr.Tony RaymondSylvia Sánchez GarzaGreg WelchJim Rice

(voting ex officio)Ted Beard

(nonvoting ex officio)TASB Executive Director

(nonvoting ex officio)

Appendix D


128

Committee MembersRolinda Schmidt

(Chair, Bylaws)Kevin Carbó

(Vice-Chair, Bylaws)Mildred Watkins

(Chair, Resolutions) Nicholas Phillips

(Vice-Chair, Resolutions)

Dawn ChampagneMary Jane HetrickMark LukertVernagene MottJim Rice

(voting ex officio) Ted Beard

(nonvoting ex officio) TASB Executive Director


Bylaws and Resolutions CommitteeRecommends revisions to TASB’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws and recommends new or revised Board policy. Reviews and recommends new or revised Advocacy Agenda Resolutions.*

*When considering resolutions, the Committee convenes separatelywith the same Committee membership but different Committeemembers serve as chair and vice-chair.


• Articles of IncorporationThe Committee reviewed and recommended draft changes tothe TASB Articles of Incorporation prepared by staff. The TASBBoard approved the changes for submission to the 2021 DelegateAssembly (see page 23).

• BylawsThe Committee considered and recommended revisions to theTASB Bylaws. The TASB Board approved the revisions for submis-sion to the 2021 Delegate Assembly (see pages 39–40).

• Board PolicyThe Committee recommended Board approval of revisions toTASB Board policies addressing the following:

— Board Policy TASB-102, Felony Notification, which requiresTASB Directors to disclose any felony convictions to the Association. The policy was expanded to require disclosure of any guilty plea, plea of no contest, or deferred adjudication relating to a felony offense.

— Board Policy TASB-401, Program Participation, which was updated to reflect current practices, including services that remain available to former TASB Directors and former school board members.

— Board Policy TASB-603, Mailing Lists, which was updated to address how contact information for members can be used and disseminated.

— Board Policy TASB-705, Annual Dues, which was expanded to include all membership categories and to increase the fee for community college Associate Members.

• Advocacy Agenda ResolutionsThe Committee reviewed the 63 resolutions Active Memberssubmitted by the June 15 deadline and made recommendationsto the TASB Board.

• Other ActivitiesThe Committee, serving as the Standing Rules Committee forthe Delegate Assembly, proposed the 2021 Delegate AssemblyStanding Rules (see pages 9–11).


129

• 2021 Legislative SessionCommittee members participated in weekly conference calls withTASB Governmental Relations staff to review legislative devel-opments and provide guidance on issues not addressed by theTASB Advocacy Agenda. Some committee members also traveledto Austin to testify before legislative committees or to visit legisla-tors and their staff.

• Legislative AdvocacyThe Committee actively increased its advocacy efforts anddiscussed ways to increase the efforts of other trustees. Commit-tee members also directed TASB staff to develop resources toassist trustees in becoming more effective and more knowledge-able advocates.

• 2020–22 Advocacy AgendaThe Committee oversaw the revision of the 2020–22 AdvocacyAgenda by reviewing and making recommendations regardingAdvocacy Priorities and advising the Resolutions Committee onrecommendations for Advocacy Resolutions.

• National School Boards Association Advocacy Institute StipendProgramThe Committee discussed methods to increase trustee interest inthe Advocacy Institute. A stipend subcommittee vetted applicantsand proposed a slate of districts to which stipends should beawarded for granting to trustees. Seventy school leaders attendedthe 2021 Advocacy Institute — the most attendees of any statethis year.

Committee MembersRobert Westbrook

(Chair) Dan Micciche

(Vice-Chair)

Thomas DardenDemetrio D. GarciaSandy HugheyGeorgan ReitmeierCindy SpanelBecky St. JohnAnne SungTrish Bode

(LAC Member, voting ex officio)

Tracy Fisher (LAC Member, voting ex officio)

Kristi Hassett (LAC Member, voting ex officio)

Heather Sheffield (LAC Member, voting ex officio)

Jim Rice (voting ex officio)

Ted Beard (nonvoting ex officio)

TASB Executive Director (nonvoting ex officio)

Legislative CommitteeMonitors legislative and regulatory activities at the state and federal levels and coordinates the development and implementation of the Association’s Advocacy Agenda.



130

Reviews, provides feedback, and, as needed, makes recommenda-tions regarding the Association’s programs to ensure that they are responsive to member needs.


• Member ServicesBased on its two-year matrix, the Committee heard programoverviews from Executive Search Services, Field Services,HR Services, Board Development Services, Risk ManagementServices, Facility Services, Special Education Solutions, andStudent Solutions.

• TrainingThe Committee received regular reports on the TASA | TASB Con-vention, approved the new class and scholarships for LeadershipTASB, and heard timely news about recent and upcoming trainingat each meeting. This year, there were special reports about virtu-al, hybrid, and in-person preparations due to the pandemic.

• Superintendent of the YearThe Committee oversaw the entire selection process — announcing the call for nominees, establishing selection protocols, interview-ing 20 regional winners, selecting five finalists and interviewingthem a second time, and choosing the 2021 Superintendent of theYear.

• Student Video ContestThe Committee received regular reports on the TASB Student VideoContest, which is conducted every other year to coincide with thelegislative session. This year’s contest included 40 videos — nineelementary submissions, eight middle school submissions, and 23high school submissions. Winners were announced at the Marchmeeting.

• Additional Member Services Committee Topics— The Committee reviewed and discussed the State Board of

Education Framework.— The Committee kept tabs on the expansion of the Member

Center, designed to provide personalized information to members.

— The Committee received reports on the advocacy gamification initiative and communication team’s support of advocacy effort for the 87th legislative session.

Committee MembersDebbie Gillespie

(Chair)Raymond P. Meza

(Vice-Chair)

Kay AlleyJesus AmayaSteve BrownJason DohnalikKaren FreemanCorinne FrenchLinda GoochYasmin WagnerKamlesh Bhikha, ESC

representative (voting ex officio)

Jim Rice (voting ex officio)

Ted Beard (nonvoting ex officio)

TASB Executive Director (nonvoting ex officio)

Member Services Committee


131

Planning and Development CommitteeOversees efforts to strategically position the Association for the future.


• Strategic PlanThe new TASB Strategic Plan was approved by the TASB Board atits March 27, 2021, meeting. At the July Board meeting, the Com-mittee heard presentations from three Business Services programareas — Facility Services, Student Solutions, and Special Edu-cation Solutions — on their strategic plans, aligned to the TASBStrategic Plan.

• Statement of BeliefsThe Committee formed a subcommittee to review and updatethe TASB Statement of Beliefs. The Committee reviewed andapproved the subcommittee’s proposed changes, and the TASBBoard approved the changes for submission to the 2021 DelegateAssembly.

• Organization ScorecardEach year, the Committee reviews the results of TASB’s Organiza-tion Scorecard at its December meeting. The scorecard, which isdivided into four quadrants and is based upon a balanced score-card methodology, is used to assist the TASB Board and staff inmeasuring and assessing TASB’s annual overall performance. In2020, TASB met or exceeded targets in 11 of its 14 key perfor-mance indicators.

• Member SurveyThe Committee studied the results of the annual TASB Mem-ber Survey. This year’s response rate was in line with previousyears, and the overall customer satisfaction rating was 4.44 on afive-point scale. The survey measures the Association’s service,affordability, quality, and value. In addition, the survey also pro-vides the Association with information on members’ needs. Certainsurvey measures are then incorporated into TASB’s OrganizationScorecard.

• Program EnhancementsThe BuyBoard program presented its new software platform.BuyBoard 2.0 enhances user experiences through the inclusionof a marketplace and shopping cart. All Texas school districts aremembers of the Texas BuyBoard program, and there are 18 spon-soring states for the National BuyBoard program.

• Additional Planning and Development Committee Topics— Throughout the year, TASB Past President and National

School Boards Association (NSBA) President Viola M. Garcia reported on NSBA activities and federal education initia-tives. Jacinto Ramos Jr., former chair of the Council of Urban Boards of Education; Armando Rodriquez, former chair of the National Hispanic Council of School Board Members; and Joy Baskin, TASB Director of Legal Services and chair of the

Committee MembersTed Beard

(Chair)Bob Covey

(Vice-Chair)

Kevin CarbóDebbie GillespieTony HopkinsLee Lentz-EdwardsRaymond P. MezaDan MiccicheNicholas PhillipsArmando RodriguezRolinda SchmidtMildred WatkinsRobert WestbrookJim Rice

(voting ex officio)TASB Executive Director



132

NSBA Council of School Attorney (COSA) also provided regular updates.

— The Committee heard updates on the redevelopment of the downtown Austin properties owned by TASB and the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA). TASB and TASA have partnered with Cushman and Wakefield, a commercial real estate broker, to explore options to better use this asset.

— Annually, the TASB Board conducts a self-assessment of its performance to ensure improvements are continually being made to the TASB governance process. The average rating for this year’s evaluation was 3.7 out of 4, consistent with ratings for the last two years.

— TASB hired a division director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclu-sion. The Committee received reports on goals for the new division and implementation plans.



Advocacy Agenda Status Report

Did you know...The TASB Member Center offers exclusive resources and information for TASB members. Read articles on topics important to you, learn about upcoming events, and track your continuing education credit.

tasb.org/members


www.tasb.org/members


133

This table includes legislative action accomplished for each Advocacy Priority and Resolution in the 2020–22 Advocacy Agenda.

TASB Advocacy Priorities Legislation1. TASB calls upon the Texas Legislature to

continue working with local school districts toidentify and address student needs during andafter the COVID-19 pandemic and other disas-ters, such as access to technology and broad-band/utility services, mental health resources,meals, social services, personal protectiveequipment, additional support for economical-ly disadvantaged children, and remediationfor students, while maintaining local control.The state should also suspend accountabilityratings during disasters that severely impactschool operations, such as the current pan-demic; enact a temporary moratorium on theexpansion or creation of new charter schools;not supplant state education funding with fed-eral funds provided for disaster recovery; andfund schools based on student enrollment toensure adequate instructional continuity.

The Legislature passed various bills to assist school districts in dealing with the educational fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. House Bill (HB) 4545 removed high-stakes testing in grades 5 and 8 and set forth new requirements for accelerated and supplemental instruction to remediate students who fell behind. HB 999 allows 2020–21 seniors to qualify for individual graduation committees regardless of the number of end-of-course exams they took or failed. Senate Bill (SB) 1697 allows a parent to hold their child back a grade. SB 1716 provided additional funding for students receiving special education services to obtain supplemental services and instructional materials.

The state also passed HB 5, which created the Broadband Development Office to help connect all Texans to high-speed broadband; passed HB 3643, which created the Texas Commission on Virtual Education to determine the future of virtual instruction in Texas; and passed SB 179, which will require that counselors spend the majority of their time helping students with mental health and other issues.

After the first supplanting of state education fund-ing with federal pandemic relief dollars, the state refrained from supplanting additional rounds of relief assistance to Texas public schools and also created a grant program for schools that did not receive significant amounts of federal relief.

State leaders also waived accountability ratings for the 2020–21 school year.

Appendix E

Status Report: 2020–22 TASB Advocacy Agenda


134

2. TASB calls upon the Texas Legislature toprohibit the expansion of charter schools, toreduce the impact charter schools have on thestate budget and on local public schools, andto increase the transparency of charter schoolsand their operators, especially with regard toenrollment and expulsion practices, businessoperations, and expenditures. The state shouldrequire charters to have publicly elected boardmembers who are accountable to the commu-nities they serve.

The Texas Legislature chose to not pass or signifi-cantly amend several bills that would have facili-tated charter school expansion and reduced local governmental oversight of their jurisdictions.

The State Board of Education also vetoed three of eight Generation 25 charter applications approved by the commissioner in 2020 and four out of seven Generation 26 charter approvals in 2021.

3. TASB calls upon the Texas Legislature to sup-port diversity and cultural awareness initiativesthroughout districts through staff and studenteducation and restorative teaching and dis-ciplinary practices that treat all students withequality. We also call on the Legislature andState Board of Education to evaluate the TexasEssential Knowledge and Skills for accurateand complete education as it pertains to all cul-tures that have contributed to the rich history ofTexas and the United States.

Many claim that HB 3979 was an effort to reduce the teaching of cultural awareness and imple-mentation of diversity, education, and inclusion initiatives; however, the bill did include several amendments to include writings and other informa-tion from diverse viewpoints and individuals in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.

4. TASB calls upon the Texas Legislature torecognize and preserve the right of publicschool boards to associate and collaboratewith each other and to communicate the needsof their students and schools, both directlyand through representative organizations, withlawmakers.

The Legislature passed no measures limiting the ability of school boards to associate or advocate at the Capitol.

5. TASB calls upon the Texas Legislature toincrease state funding for access to proactivemental health services and support in publicschools to improve the physical safety andpsychological well-being of our students andstaff, especially as they cope with additionalanxiety related to COVID-19. This includesaccess to services for all students in a schoolsetting, the ability for districts to providestudents with targeted interventions, and theestablishment of a collaborative network ofschool and mental health professionals to bet-ter identify and meet the needs of students andtheir caregivers.

HB 4 facilitated the provision of health care, in-cluding mental health services, via telemedicine for those under Medicaid and other public benefits programs. SB 279 requires student IDs to include information on suicide prevention services. HB 1525 allows districts to use their school security allotment on counselors, while SB 179 requires that counselors spend more time on counseling duties. SB 168 set new guidelines around active shooter drills to help minimize the psychological impact they can have on students.


135

6. TASB calls upon the Texas Legislature to workwith public school districts and their locallyelected trustees to enhance school safety mea-sures, including increased funding for schoolsafety audits, the school safety allotment, andother measures that ensure the safety of stu-dents and staff.

HB 3597 made modifications to laws regarding school safety, including better access to crimi-nal history background information for the Texas School Safety Center and providing more flexibility to districts on the types of drills conducted each year. SB 168 set new guidelines around active shooter drills to help minimize the psychologi-cal impact they can have on students. SB 741 changed how school marshals may carry and store firearms while on campus. SB 1831 increased penalties for those who engage in solicitation or trafficking on school premises. HB 690 created a requirement for trustees to receive training on school safety. HB 624 increased penalties for those committing crimes against public servants.

7. TASB calls upon the Texas Legislature toaggressively commit to maintain the promisesand dedication of funding made in the newschool finance system implemented underHouse Bill 3 (86th Session) and to equitablyshare the cost of education with local schooldistricts. Further, the state should implement afunding structure that recognizes the flexibilityneeded by and the additional costs incurred byschool districts amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Legislature, through the state budget bill (SB 1), fully funded Texas public schools for the upcoming biennium at HB 3 (86th Session) levels and made changes to the school finance system through HB 1525 that addressed issues that arose from the overhaul of the system in 2019. In fact, spending on prekindergarten through grade 12 public education rose by 4.5% compared to last biennium. Article III (public education, including higher education) general revenue increased by $1.99 billion from last biennium to a total of $46 billion.

8. TASB calls upon the Texas Legislature to con-tinue to reduce state assessments by eliminat-ing those not required by federal law, removingthe high-stakes aspect of the system, reducingtesting time, and prohibiting standardized testsfrom serving as the primary indicator of schooland student performance. TASB advocates foradditional support for non-high-stakes, diag-nostic assessment alternatives, such as writingportfolios and adaptive exams.

HB 4545 removed high-stakes testing in grades 5 and 8 and set forth new requirements for accel-erated and supplemental instruction to remediate students who fell behind. HB 999 allows 2020–21 seniors to qualify for individual graduation com-mittees regardless of the number of end-of-course exams they took or failed.

9. TASB calls upon the Texas Legislature tosupport adaptive and creative local solutionsfor recruiting and retaining high-quality, diverseeducators in our independent school districtsand to help elevate the teaching professionby incentivizing students to enter the teachingprofession, shoring up teacher health benefitsand retirement, and supporting local measuresto develop and assess educators.

The state fully funded public schools for the up-coming biennium, providing reliability for districts making personnel decisions. SB 1444 allows districts to opt out of TRS-ActiveCare, allowing districts to find more affordable healthcare insur-ance options for educators. HB 1525 made Teach-er Incentive Allotment compensation eligible for TRS calculations. SB 226 added training on virtual instruction to teacher certification requirements.


136

10. TASB calls upon the Texas Legislature toprevent any transfer of public education fundsthrough the use of vouchers, savings accounts,or tax credits to private or out-of-state entities,including the unfettered expansion of virtualinstruction by corporations.

The Legislature passed no measures transferring public education funds through the use of vouch-ers or other mechanisms to private entities.

TASB Advocacy Resolutions1. TASB advocates for legislation that repeals the

notion of rating schools or districts on an A–Fscale and supports a rating system that placesmore emphasis on local accountability.

The Legislature did not pass any bills addressing this issue.

2. TASB advocates for an accountability systemthat does not apply the same sanctions to cam-puses and districts that receive a D rating overtwo consecutive years as the sanctions appliedto F-rated campuses.

SB 1365 clarified how D-rated schools will be treated and provided some protections for schools receiving a D rating after the 2018–19 school year.

3. TASB advocates for an accountability systemin which the Texas Education Agency informsschool districts about accountability standardsno later than the beginning of the school yearin which the standards are to be applied.


4. TASB advocates for the modification of thecurrent accountability system to increase theweight of the community-based measures fordistrict and campus ratings.


5. TASB advocates for a review and approvalprocess to prevent an oversaturation of charterschools in particular geographic areas.


6. TASB advocates for legislation that preventsthe use of the Permanent School Fund to backcharter school bonds with a low underlyingrating.


7. TASB advocates for legislation that requirescharter schools to accept all students who wishto enroll, including students with a documentedhistory of discipline problems.


8. TASB advocates for legislation that wouldrequire the commissioner to consider, at a min-imum, whether a charter holder has achievedthe representations and goals included in itsinitial charter application.


9. TASB advocates for legislation that providesstate funding for charter schools at a per- student funding level that is no greater thanthat of the school districts where they arelocated.



137

10. TASB advocates for transparency and no-tice requirements in charter applications andamendment requests, including specific loca-tions of proposed new campuses, sufficientnotice and opportunity for analysis and publiccomment, and a fiscal note including a char-ter’s cost to the state, impact on local districts,and cost of anticipated enrollment growth over10 years.


11. TASB advocates for no reductions in statefunding due to COVID-19.

The state fully funded public schools for the up-coming biennium through SB 1 and has distributed billions of dollars in federal funds to schools from federal pandemic relief packages.

12. TASB advocates for ceasing the administrationof STAAR™ (State of Texas Assessments ofAcademic Readiness) standardized testing forthe 2020–21 and 2021–22 school years and af-fording school districts the opportunity to utilizelocally developed diagnostic assessment oruniversal screeners.

The state waived STAAR assessments for 2020–21 due to the pandemic.

13. TASB calls upon the Texas Legislature todesignate “broadband internet access” asan essential utility for the State of Texas bysupporting a statewide approach to connectall Texas families to broadband and providingfunding so that school districts may updatetheir technology infrastructure for wider accessand faster communication to counter the dis-ruptions caused by COVID-19 and other futurenatural disasters and emergencies.

HB 5 created the Broadband Development Office to identify areas of the state that do not have reli-able access to broadband and to develop a plan for connecting those areas to reliable broadband services.

14. Due to the funding pressures created byCOVID-19, TASB advocates for the removalor delay of the requirement established byHouse Bill 3 (86th Session) that all kindergartenthrough third-grade teachers, including specialeducation teachers, and principals must attenda “teacher literacy achievement academy” bythe 2022–23 school year.

HB 1525 extended deadlines related to reading academies.

15. TASB advocates for district accountabili-ty based on industry-based certification bewaived due to the unknown factors caused byCOVID-19.


16. TASB advocates that the 90 percent atten-dance rule for class credit or final grade bewaived for the 2020–21 school year.

The state held districts harmless for the 2020–21 school year and fully funded students at HB 3 (86th Session) levels.

17. TASB advocates for the extension of the edu-cator certification waiver created in response tothe COVID-19 pandemic for an additional year.



138

18. TASB advocates for additional funding to pre-serve staff during economic recovery.

The state fully funded public schools for the up-coming biennium through SB 1 and has distributed billions of dollars in federal funds to schools from federal pandemic relief packages. TEA also has created a grant program for districts that did not receive significant federal relief funds.

19. TASB advocates for the postponement ofSchool Financial Integrity Rating System ofTexas (FIRST) ratings for the 2020–21 year.


20. TASB advocates all retired school personnelbe authorized to substitute in a vacant positionfor up to 90 school days instead of the current20.

HB 1525 created a TRS exemption to facilitate the hiring of retired teachers to help mitigate student learning loss.

21. TASB supports using student enrollment inthe calculation of the weighted average dailyattendance instead of the current “seat time”attendance reporting.


22. TASB opposes federal waivers on the CARESAct funding that would allow the state to re-duce its maintenance of effort, i.e., that allowsthe state to supplant its funding with federalfunds.

SB 1 included an amendment to prohibit supplant-ing of state dollars with federal pandemic relief funds.

23. TASB calls upon the Texas Legislature toamend current law to authorize school districtsto provide their own full remote learning oppor-tunity for their students without limited creditoptions.


24. TASB advocates for waiving the requirement inTexas Education Code § 44.008 for districts tosubmit their annual audit within 150 days of theend of their fiscal year.


25. TASB advocates for allowing school districtsto count as present for purposes of averagedaily attendance students who receive onlineinstruction during extended absences.


26. TASB advocates for K–12 public schools toremain “in-person” and not be entirely replacedby a virtual learning platform, except when itwould threaten the health and safety of stu-dents or staff.

SB 481 allows students to transfer to another school if their school is not offering in-person in-struction for more than one grading period.

27. TASB advocates that trustees of independentschool districts maintain all powers and dutiesto govern their respective school districts ifnot otherwise outlined in statute and that thoserights should be preserved and protected fromany state agency or other entity that wouldsubstitute its judgment for the lawful executionof those powers and duties by trustees of inde-pendent school districts.

SB 1365 added some restrictions around appeals of certain TEA actions but explicitly provided for an appeals process for school district boards. The bill also clarifies law around special investigations and provides an appeals process for assignment of a board of managers.


139

28. TASB opposes legislation that increases ballotlanguage requirements, limits dates uponwhich elections may be held, or creates addi-tional requirements for voter-approved tax rateelections and bond elections, such as voterturnout thresholds.


29. TASB calls upon the commissioner of edu-cation, State Board of Education, and TexasEducation Agency to collaborate with publiceducation stakeholders when drafting legisla-tion and rules to enact policy that is in the bestinterest of students and schools.


30. TASB advocates for legislation that will ensurethe authority to make decisions regarding dis-trict consolidation will remain with local schooldistricts.


31. TASB advocates for legislation that requiresthat local boards of trustees have discretionover the spending of any additional fundingdedicated to compensation of district staff.


32. TASB opposes adding measures or initiativesthat would designate use of Foundation SchoolProgram funding for mandated programsthereby lessening local discretionary fundingper pupil.


33. TASB advocates for ceasing the crossing ofdistrict boundaries to transport students intoanother district without interlocal agreements.

SB 204 allowed districts to transport students across district boundaries without an agreement.

34. TASB advocates for the continuation of theTexas Tax Code Chapter 313 as currentlyallowed by state statute and extending thecurrent expiration date of the program.

The Legislature did not pass any bills addressing this issue, thereby prohibiting new Chapter 313 agreements.

35. TASB advocates for removing “transfer an-nually” from Texas Education Code § 25.036and adding language making school transferagreements terminable at any time by eitherthe district or parent.


36. TASB advocates for legislation that adequate-ly funds the Instructional Materials Allotment(IMA) to ensure districts are able to meetincreasing costs and adequately fund requiredmaterials adoptions. Legislation also should beexplored that would serve to tie funding underIMA to the State Board of Education procla-mations that are issued. Finally, the statutegoverning IMA should be revised to includean element of permanency as the currentlanguage leaves funding to the whim of eachlegislative session.

The Legislature diverted $750 million away from the IMA through SB 1.


140

37. TASB calls upon the Texas Legislature torequire that the State Board of Educationstreamline the Texas Essential Knowledge andSkills, limiting standards for each subject ateach grade level to what can be taught prior tostate-mandated tests within the given schoolyear.


38. TASB advocates for a requirement to allowthe use of open education resources in agree-ments and memorandums of understandingbetween local education districts and institu-tions of higher education regarding textbooksand educational resources for dual-creditprograms.


39. TASB advocates for the inclusion of industry- based and military professionals in theTexas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)streamlining process for the purpose of TEKSprioritization and alignment with the goal ofcollege, career, and military readiness for allstudents.


40. TASB advocates that all students have ac-cess to an equitable delivery of music, dance,theatre, and visual arts education taught bycertified fine arts educators.


41. TASB advocates for increased sustainablestate revenue sources to ensure the continuedfinancial support to school districts provided byHouse Bill 3 (86th Session).

While the Legislature, through the state budget bill (SB 1), fully funded Texas public schools for the upcoming biennium at HB 3 (86th Session) levels, it did not identify new, sustainable revenue sources of funding.

42. TASB advocates for legislation that reviewsmodifications made to the state maximum com-pressed tax rate outlined in House Bill 3 (86thSession).


43. TASB advocates for legislation that improvesfunding for facilities, such as through theExisting Debt Allotment, Instructional Facili-ties Allotment, and New Instructional FacilitiesAllotment, to include a higher percentage ofstudents and so that funding is provided forfast-growth districts.



141

44. TASB advocates for greater transparency ofdistrict tax revenue by creating a separateline item in each taxpayer’s bill that shows theportion of district maintenance-and-operationstax revenue recaptured by the state.


45. TASB advocates for the Texas Legislature toshare the cost of funding public schools byproviding at least 50 percent of the FoundationSchool Program formula funding.


46. TASB advocates for modifying the propertyvalue study to increase the margin of error from5% to 10% and, if the local appraisal roll valueis deemed invalid, to allow a school districtto qualify for a grace period if the appraisaldistrict made a good faith effort to appraise atmarket value.


47. TASB supports legislation that exempts publicschool buses from paying tolls for use of tollroads operated by the state and regional mo-bility authorities or their contractors.


48. TASB advocates for full funding for statewide,universal, high-quality, full-day prekindergartenprograms to include facilities.


49. TASB advocates for adequate funding andsupport for special education.

The Legislature created dyslexia and autism allot-ment authority for the commissioner of education and provided some funding. SB 1716 provided additional funding for students receiving special education services to obtain supplemental serv-ices and instructional materials. HB 1252 extended the deadline by which families can request a due process hearing.

50. TASB advocates for the protection of vulnera-ble student groups, such as English languagelearners, those with special needs, or thosefrom low-income families who tend to feel thebrunt of education cuts, and ensure that anycuts made to education do not fall dispropor-tionately on these high-need student groups.

The Legislature fully funded programs that are intended to address the needs of these students, added support for dyslexia and autism programs, and ensured homeless students receive the high-est weight under state compensatory education formulas.


142

51. TASB advocates for legislation that examinescurrent student enrollment growth and con-siders adjusting the basic allotment and/orspecial program weights to adequately fundthe educational needs of special populationsto include those with limited English proficien-cy, special needs, economic disadvantage, orfactors that qualify them as at risk.


52. TASB advocates for an assessment systemthat recognizes students who have success-fully completed advanced coursework andprohibits the administration of state examsfor courses completed in previous grades bythose students.


53. TASB advocates for choice of healthcare insur-ance providers.

SB 1444 allows districts to opt in and out of TRS-ActiveCare in five year periods.

54. TASB calls upon the Texas Legislature toincrease state funding of TRS-ActiveCare andTRS-Care so that the benefits for and contribu-tions from district employees are equivalent tostate employees under the Employees Retire-ment System of Texas.



Grassroots: Many Voices


143

Appendix F

Many Voices, a Common Good, a Consistent Message

Those three ideas are the foundation upon which the Texas Association of School Boards builds and ex-ecutes its Advocacy Agenda, a two-year action plan focusing the efforts of the TASB Board of Directors, Association staff, and the more than 1,000 boards that compose TASB.

Two developmental paths come together with the adoption of the Advocacy Agenda by the TASB Dele-gate Assembly for the legislative biennium:

n Development of the proposed 2020–22 Advocacy Priorities began in January 2020 with regional Grassroots Meetings involving hundreds of board members throughout the state. Participants formulated regional priorities and elected representatives to the Legislative Advisory Council (LAC). The LAC met virtually in June 2020 to meld these agendas into specific, statewide Advocacy Priorities to which the Association will pledge resources and energy. These priority statements were considered by the TASB Legislative Committee (which includes four voting ex officio members elected by the LAC) and TASB Board of Directors and adopted by the 2020 Delegate Assembly. The Priorities may be found on page 77–78.

The following trustees were elected to the LAC during the 2020 Grassroots Meetings:

Region 1Benjamin Arjona, Hidalgo ISDPhilip Cowen, Brownsville ISDErasmo “Moe” Lopez, Weslaco ISD Juan Perez, Santa Rosa ISDEduardo Rodriguez, South Texas ISDXavier Salinas, Edinburg CISDJesus Vela, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISDRafael Garza, Hidalgo ISD (Alternate)

Region 2Oscar Arredondo, West Oso ISDCarrie Gregory, Gregory-Portland ISDAlice Upshaw Hawkins, Corpus Christi ISDJohn Mullenax, Aransas Pass ISDVictor Hernandez, Gregory-Portland ISD (Alternate)

Region 3Tami Keeling, Victoria ISDPamela Remmers, Nordheim ISDMargaret Pruett, Victoria ISDSteven Roberts, Wharton ISD

Region 4Jerry Adkins, Brazosport ISDHal Biery, Texas City ISDJennifer Broddle, Clear Creek ISDMinda Caesar, Spring Branch ISDDonald Davis, Spring ISD*Julie Hinaman, Cypress-Fairbanks ISDDeborah Jensen, Spring ISDNancy Morrison, Humble ISD

Ben Pape, Goose Creek CISD Nathaniel Richardson, Royal ISDSteven Dennis, Channelview ISD (Alternate)Doug James, Klein ISD (Alternate)

Region 5Andrew Brooks, Hardin-Jefferson ISDMarlene Courmier, Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD Kay DeCuir, Nederland ISDRuth Hancock, West Orange-Cove CISDRebecca “Becky” Rutledge, Bridge City ISD

Region 6Amy Jarvis, Navasota ISDScott Moore, Conroe ISDSuzanne Soto, Splendora ISDDavid Stasny, Bryan ISDAudrey Young, Apple Springs ISD

Region 7Cascey Freeman, Overton ISDJoe Morris, Troup ISDDavid Proctor, Overton ISDPamela Raney, Overton ISDThomas Stewart, Neches ISD

Region 8Bobby Bryan, Detroit ISDJames “Skeet” Keeton, Liberty-Eylau ISDDoug Miller, Detroit ISDKregg Slakey, Cooper ISD


144

Region 9Charley Lanier, Forestburg ISDLes Healton, Burkburnett ISDRobin Bachert, Burkburnett ISD

Region 10Jeri Chambers, Plano ISDTracy Fisher, Coppell ISD*Amy Gnadt, Allen ISDBarbara Jo Green, Forney ISDNatalie Hebert, Frisco ISDTara Hrbacek, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISDTricia Ikard, Maypearl ISDJohn Kelso, Greenville ISDJeff Striplin, Bland ISDAndrea Walton, Midlothian ISDEric Fort, Royse City ISD (Alternate)Robert Seward, Mesquite ISD (Alternate)Cody Weaver, Plano ISD (Alternate)

Region 11David Almand, Carroll ISDRick Beall, Springtown ISDDouglas Chadwick, Denton ISDJulie Cole, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISDForrest Collins, Aledo ISDJohn Finnell, Cleburne ISDKristi Hassett, Lewisville ISD*Ruthie Keyes, Keller ISDDesiree Thomas, Mansfield ISDPerry Burnett, Alvarado ISD (Alternate)Karen Marcucci, Mansfield ISD (Alternate)Jenny Proznik, Lewisville ISD (Alternate)

Region 12 Leah Blackard, Corsicana ISDCathy Branch, Corsicana ISDShameria Ann Davis, Copperas Cove ISDLarry “Doc” Hawthorne, Hubbard ISD-Hill CountyEd Monk, Corsicana ISD

Region 13Trish Bode, Leander ISD*Ana Cortez, Manor ISDRenae Mitchell, Pflugerville ISDEdward Navarette, Florence ISDHeather Sheffield, Eanes ISD*Arati Singh, Austin ISDCory Vessa, Round Rock ISDBryan Holubec, Thrall ISD (Alternate)

Region 14Gwen Baker, Stamford ISDKenneth Brock, Baird ISDEmilia Moreno, Hawley ISDRandy Scott, Hawley ISDLori Higgins, Baird ISD (Alternate)

Region 15Michael Cloy, Brownwood ISDGerard Gallegos, San Angelo ISDAmi Mizell-Flint, San Angelo ISDRobert Wade, Early ISD

Region 16Kimberly Anderson, Amarillo ISDAmanda Brown, River Road ISDTonya Detten, Highland Park ISD-Potter CountyLendi Jackson, Lefors ISD

Region 17Adolfo Cortez, Seagraves ISDSteven Henn, Crosbyton ISD

Region 18Margaret Holmes, Iraan-Sheffield ISDMark Kuhn, Grandfalls-Royalty ISDLorina Lujan, Kermit ISDNelson Minyard, Ector County ISDTammy Hawkins, Ector County ISD (Alternate)Rachel Llanez, Alpine ISD (Alternate)

Region 19Marlene Bullard, Tornillo ISDMyrna Hernandez, San Elizario ISDCynthia Najera, Socorro ISDClaudia Perez, Clint ISDBlanca Trout, Canutillo ISDAnnette Brigham, Canutillo ISD (Alternate)David Morales, Socorro ISD (Alternate)

Region 20Christopher Armijo, Fort Sam Houston ISDNinfa Cadena, Carrizo Springs CISDMario de Leon, Medina Valley ISDLuis Fernandez, Uvalde CISDRob Fowler, Uvalde CISDAlejandro Guerra, Seguin ISDJoseph Guerra, Edgewood ISD-Bexar CountyGerald Lopez, Northside ISD-Bexar CountySandy Winkley, North East ISDLisa Brown, Fort Sam Houston ISD (Alternate)Andrea Nicholas, Fort Sam Houston ISD (Alternate)

*Indicates a LAC member elected to sit on the TASB Legislative Committee for the 2020–22 biennium.


145

n Advocacy Resolutions guide TASB’s response to issues that may arise before the Texas Legislature and various regulatory authorities during the biennium. Advocacy Resolutions follow a different path-way to adoption by the Delegate Assembly. Each spring, TASB invites individual member boards to propose resolutions for the Advocacy Agenda. The TASB Resolutions Committee and the TASB Board study all submissions received in accordance with TASB Bylaws. The Board then votes on whether to recommend adoption of each new Advocacy Resolution and refers them to the Delegate Assembly. The resulting recommendations appear on pages 79–91. If adopted by a majority vote of Delegates, an Advocacy Resolution will be included in the 2020–22 Advocacy Agenda. The Delegate Assembly will not consider resolutions that duplicate Cornerstone Principles, Priorities, or current Resolutions.

The following 16 member school boards proposed resolutions:

The Association is deeply indebted to all those involved in the development of the Advocacy Agenda:

n Local board members participating in the 2020 Grassroots Meetingsn Local board members representing their regions on the Legislative Advisory Council (LAC) n The four LAC members serving on the TASB Legislative Committeen Local boards taking the initiative to formulate and propose Advocacy Resolutions

Development represents only part of the challenge.

The Advocacy Agenda guides TASB staff in representing to the Legislature and regulatory agencies the Priorities and Resolutions of Texas school boards as adopted by the Delegate Assembly. TASB staff will pursue legislation to fulfill the Priorities and, when legislative and regulatory deliberation permits, will ex-press positions defined by Resolutions approved by the Assembly.

Activities in Austin may be important, but there is no power like — or substitute for — board members inter- acting with their elected representatives at the federal and state levels to advocate their districts’ interests. One poll shows that communication from constituents (particularly face-to-face contact and insightful, thoughtful letters) and opinions expressed in the local media are the top two influences on how a legislator votes. Individual trustees fulfill this role by joining TASB’s School Board Advocacy Network (SBAN), en-couraging local community involvement in support of legislation favorable to public schools, establishing networks of community leaders in support of public schools, and eliciting the commitment of lawmakers in promoting key legislation.

Further information about SBAN and your role in fulfilling TASB’s Advocacy Agenda may be found at gr.tasb.org/sban. In addition, you may contact TASB Governmental Relations at 800.580.4885.

Alief ISDAustin ISDCarroll ISDDenton ISDEl Paso ISDGrape Creek ISDHighland Park ISD-Potter CountyKaty ISD

Longview ISDMansfield ISDNavasota ISDNorthside ISD-Bexar CountySunnyvale ISDTemple ISDTomball ISDWestwood ISD



Financial Report

Did you know...TASB offers a variety of training opportuni-ties to help build strong leadership teams. Take advantage of special member pricing on con-ferences, workshops, and online learning opportunities.

events.tasb.org


events.tasb.org


147

Appendix GFinancial Report

In accordance with Article X, Section 14, of the Bylaws, the financial statements of the Texas Associa-tion of School Boards (TASB) for the fiscal year 2020 were audited by Moss Adams LLP, Certified Public Accountants, Dallas, Texas. The final report was reviewed by the Budget and Finance Committee and approved by the TASB Board of Directors on December 4, 2020. The complete report, including notes to the financial statements, is on file at TASB Headquarters in Austin, and copies are available on request.

TASB Fiscal Year 2020Statement of Financial PositionAs of August 31, 2020

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents ................................................................... $ 4,572,908Investments .............................................................................................. 45,311,687 Accounts receivable, net ........................................................................ 5,184,105 Accounts receivable from related organizations ..................................... 36,078 Prepaid expenses and other assets ........................................................ 6,242,052 Fixed assets, net ..................................................................................... 22,365,515 Total Assets .......................................................................................... $ 83,712,345

Liabilities and Net Assets

Accounts payable .................................................................................... $ 2,950,477 Accrued liabilities..................................................................................... 5,878,876 Deferred revenue ..................................................................................... 3,697,930 Capital lease obligations ......................................................................... 76,307 Mortgage payable.................................................................................... 6,415,768Total Liabilities ....................................................................................... 19,019,358

Board designated net assets .................................................................. 26,869,023 Undesignated net assets ........................................................................ 37,823,964Total Unrestricted Net Assets without Donor Restrictions ............... 64,692,987

Total Liabilities and Net Assets ........................................................... $ 83,712,345


148

Statement of ActivitiesFor the Year Ended August 31, 2020

Revenue Without Donor Restrictions

TASB membership fees .......................................................................... $ 4,257,432 Risk Management Services .................................................................... 30,093,448 First Public .............................................................................................. 7,177,925 Business Services ................................................................................... 14,765,800 Governance Services .............................................................................. 14,671,922 Communications ..................................................................................... 126,710 Organization and Planning Services ....................................................... 263,388 Royalties .................................................................................................. 4,025,908 Other ....................................................................................................... 402,374 Total Revenue Without Donor Restrictions ........................................ 75,784,907

Expenses

Employee compensation and benefits ................................................... 51,993,925 Purchased and contract services ........................................................... 12,781,743 Supplies and materials ........................................................................... 1,217,623 Other operating ....................................................................................... 3,847,460 Depreciation and amortization ................................................................ 2,249,568 Total Expenses ...................................................................................... 72,090,319

Change in Net Assets Without Donor Restrictions Excluding Investment Income ............................................................. 3,694,588

Investment income, net ........................................................................... 5,283,666

Change in Net Assets Without Donor Restrictions ................................................ 8,978,254

Net Assets Without Donor Restrictions, Beginning of Period ............................. 55,714,733

Net Assets Without Donor Restrictions, End of Period ........................................ $ 64,692,987



Action Form

Did you know...Through TASB and its affiliated entities, your board has access to an extensive variety of services and products. Some services are priced separately, allowing you to choose the services your board and district need.

tasb.org/members/ expand-knowledge/ areas-of-service


https://www.tasb.org/members/expand-knowledge/areas-of-service/


149

Appendix H – Action Form

1. Pull for Individual Consideration (from Consent Agenda):

(a) Bylaws proposed change: Line numbers ______________________

(b) Statement of Beliefs proposed change: Line numbers ______________________

(c) Resolution recommended for adoption: Number ___________________________

Submitted by ___________________________________ ___________________________________ __________________District Delegate/Alternate (Print) Region

Please use a separate form for each item pulled from consent agenda consideration. If you submit an amendment for this item, there is no need to also pull the item because amendments will be considered individually.

2. Amend Proposed Change to:

_______ Articles of Incorporation _______ Bylaws _______ Statement of Beliefs

Write your proposed amendment for: Line numbers (if applicable) ___________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Second by _____________________________________ ___________________________________ __________________District Delegate/Alternate (Print) Region

3. Resolutions

(a) ______ Amend Resolution recommended for adoption, Number _______________

(b) ______ Move for adoption Resolution Number __________ [not recommended in Handbook]*

(c) ______ Amend Resolution Number ___________ [identified in Item 3(b) of this Form]**

If amending, write your proposed amendment below.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Second by _____________________________________ ___________________________________ __________________District Delegate/Alternate (Print) Region

*When the presiding officer calls the Resolution for consideration, the Delegate submitting the motion via this Action Form shallrise and address his or her motion to adopt the Resolution as printed in the Handbook.

**Before any amendment of a Resolution formerly not recommended for adoption can be considered by the Delegate Assembly, a Delegate other than the Delegate submitting the amendment shall move to adopt the Resolution as described in Item 3(b) of this Form.

This form must be submitted to staff at the Information Center near the main entrance to the Assembly floor no later than 1:45 p.m. Saturday, September 25. The Assembly begins at 2 p.m.


See you next year!Delegate Assembly ■ September 24, 2022San Antonio

Texas Association of School Boards P.O. Box 400 ■ Austin, Texas ■ 78767-0400

512.467.0222 ■ 800.580.8272 ■ tasb.org

delegate handbook - tasb.org

Documents