2024 School Board Summit

2024 Region 7 ESC Superintendent Symposium

July 19-20, 2024 | Region 7 ESC

Are you ready to take your board to the next level? Join us for our annual School Board Summit on July 19-20 at Region 7 ESC! This is your chance to satisfy the required training hours with sessions tailored to the issues facing our Region 7 community. You'll also have the opportunity to connect with fellow board members from across the region.

Thanks to our generous sponsors, lunch and breakfast are provided on both days, as well as a hospitality room!

Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow, learn, and network. Secure your spot now and get ready to make a difference in education!

Region 7 ESC School Board Summit, Breakouts

FRIDAY, JULY 19

The day will kick off with a General Session for everyone at 8:15 a.m., featuring a welcome, a rundown of the day's events, and general information.

A Day in the Life of School Business: Behind the Scenes Insights

Speaker: Adam Quinn, TASB

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes to keep a school running smoothly? Join us for an immersive session where we dive into the day-to-day operations of school business management. In this interactive session, you'll get an insider's look at the various responsibilities and challenges faced by your administrative teams. From budget planning and financial management to facilities maintenance and procurement, we'll explore the diverse aspects of school business administration. We will share insights, tips, and best practices gleaned from years of hands-on experience in the field. You'll learn about the critical role of school business officials in supporting educational excellence and ensuring efficient resource allocation. Whether you're a seasoned Administrator or Board Member looking to gain a deeper understanding of school business operations or a newcomer curious about this essential aspect of education management, this session is for you. Come prepared to engage, ask questions, and walk away with a newfound appreciation for the vital work of school business professionals.

First Amendment Essentials for Effective Governance

Speakers: Kelli Karczweski & Taylor Garner, Fisher Firm

This training will provide an overview of the application of the First Amendment to the boardroom. Participants will learn about the free speech rights of citizens speaking from the podium, as well as school district personnel and elected officials. Participants will leave with a better understanding of how to manage disruptive behavior and navigate the complexities of free speech rights in a school leadership role.

Leading a District of Radical Excellence

Speaker: Ty Duncan, MindPlay

We do not have to “specialize” in pockets of excellence. Your team of eight can lead your district to greatness in all aspects of your programs. We will take a look at how to create radical excellence and ensure your district is the envy of all rivals

New School Board Member Training / Intro - Legislative Update

Speaker: Dennis Glenn, Region 7 ESC Field Service Agent

This training session is designed for newly elected and appointed school board members to enhance their governance skills. The training will cover the essentials of school board governance, focusing on strategic leadership, ethical decision-making, and community engagement.

New School Board Member Training / Orientation

Speaker: Dr. Drew Howard, Region 7 ESC Center For Effective Schools Deputy Director

The New School Board Member Legislative Updates session is designed to equip newly elected or appointed school board members with essential knowledge about legislative changes, policies, and regulations impacting education. This session supports board members to stay informed, engage effectively in governance, and advocate for their district’s best interests.

New School Board Member Training / School Finance

Speaker: Dr. Michael Davis, Region 7 ESC Field Service Agent

An informative training session for newly elected or appointed school board members designed to enhance the financial literacy and management skills of school board members. This workshop will delve into the intricacies of school finance, providing participants with knowledge and tools necessary to oversee and steward the financial resources of their educational institutions.

New School Board Member Training / School Safety - Human Trafficking

Speaker: Adrian Knight, Region 7 ESC School Safety Coordinator

This training session is crafted for newly elected or appointed school board members to deepen their understanding and implementation of comprehensive school safety measures. The session is designed to empower board members with the knowledge necessary to govern a secure learning environment for all students.

The Board’s Role in Conflict

Speaker: Blake Powell, Powell Law Firm

School Board members are, on occasion, asked to sit as a tribunal to hear level three grievance complaints, employee nonrenewal and termination hearings. What should the Team of Eight avoid and what strategies should it follow? We will discuss some of the legal pitfalls that board members should avoid as well as strategies that have proven successful.

What Does a School Board Member Need to Be Effective?

Speaker: Dr. Rick Alvarado, Powell Law Firm

School board members serve their communities by working to improve student achievement in their schools. In this session we will discuss 15 characteristics that school board members must keep in mind when working as a Team of Eight as they work together to agree on policies and decision making that impact students, staff, and the community. We will discuss how you can make a positive difference in the work of the board, and how to contribute most effectively to lasting change. The characteristics shared during the presentation will help you to be the most effective possible advocate for your community’s educational vision and values

SATURDAY, JULY 20

The day will kick off with a General Session for everyone at 8:15 a.m., featuring a welcome, a rundown of the day's events, and general information.

7 Signs of Effective School Board Members

Speaker: Dr. Rick Alvarado, with Powell Law Firm

If you are like most board members, you have worked hard to reach this point. You have listened to your community and come to understand its values and concerns. Above all, you have embraced the transformative power of a great board to improve public education. School boards may be small and local, but they represent perhaps the most important daily civic commitment we as citizens make to our communities, our children, and our future. In this session we will discuss 7 signs of effective school board members.

Digital Diplomacy: Navigating Social Media as a School Board Member

Speakers: Kelli Karczweski & Taylor Garner, Fisher Firm

This training will provide board members with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively utilize social media while adhering to law and policy. Guidance will be provided on separating ISD, personal, candidate, and officeholder content online to maintain professionalism and transparency. Additionally, potential implications of the Texas Public Information Act will be discussed to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.

EISO / Team of 8

Speaker: Dr. Rick Alvarado, Powell Law Firm

SB 1566 requires that all school board members to be trained in Evaluating and Improving Student Outcomes. This workshop will provide a look at how school board, progress monitoring, accountability, and implementation make a difference in student outcomes. This will be a three-hour training that is required above any of the “level” trainings previously mandated. However, if ALL school board members and the superintendent from a district attend the training together and work together throughout the training, dual credit for SB 1566 and Team of Eight training may be awarded.

Leading a District of Radical Excellence

Speaker: Ty Duncan, MindPlay

Let’s BOP

Speaker: Blake Powell, Powell Law Firm

The board and its officers are responsible for ensuring the implementation and adherence of Board Operating Procedures (BOPs). This session will address the nature and benefits of BOPs as well as possible BOP options available to boards.

School Safety

Speaker: Adrian Knight, Region 7 ESC School Safety Coordinator

In an era where school safety has become a paramount concern, it is crucial for school boards to be equipped with the knowledge to best govern a secure educational environment. This training session is designed to empower school board members with the skills and insights necessary to ensure the wellbeing of students and staff.

Unlocking CTE Funding

Speakers: Kimberly Harris, Carrie Chandler, and Mark Parkerson, Region 7 ESC CTE Team

Attend our session presented by Region 7 ESC CTE, where we unveil the secrets to maximizing Career and Technical Education (CTE) funds through the CCMR data template. Gain expert insights and strategies to optimize your funding potential and support your district's CTE initiatives. By attending, you will gain invaluable insights to streamline data collection processes and maximize funding potential. Secure your seat now to stay ahead in optimizing your CTE funding strategy for the benefit of your districts. Don't miss out on this invaluable opportunity to enhance your CTE funding strategy and secure resources for your programs.

	Dr. Rick Alvarado With a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, Dr. Richard Alvarado brings a wealth of experience, having served as a teacher, elementary principal, and Assistant Superintendent. He served as the Executive Director at ESC Region 2 from 2013-2020. Currently, he serves as the Associate Director for ESC Region 20 and as a faculty member for both the University of Phoenix-San Antonio Campus and Concordia University Texas-San Antonio Campus. Richard will be a valuable asset to both our team of attorneys and the school districts we serve.
	Carrie Chandler Carrie Chandler is a CTE Specialist at Region 7 ESC with over 8 years of experience in her current field. She has been in education for 18 years serving as a teacher, coach, and administrator. She has an undying passion to help districts improve their CTE programs to increase their CCMR accountability and funding, while providing a better future for students. In helping districts provide quality CTE programs, she aspires to put an end to generational poverty . Carrie currently serves on the SPEAR team committee which is a joint effort between school districts, higher education, and industries to equip students with the necessary skills to provide a better workforce by 2030. She has also been a statewide presenter for CTAT for the past two years, as well as a presenter on CCMR and Accountability at TASSP in 2023. Her most recent presentation was at the annual TASA conference this year presenting to superintendents all over the state on how to increase funding at districts through Career and Technical Education.
	Dr. Michael Davis Michael Davis is a Field Service Agent at Region 7 ESC. With a background as the former superintendent at Cushing ISD, Michael has been with Region 7 since 2021. He specializes in providing expert guidance to schools in financial matters, leveraging his extensive experience to help schools navigate financial challenges and optimize their resources effectively. Michael is committed to supporting Region 7 schools in achieving their financial goals and maximizing student success.
	Ty Duncan With 18 years of experience at Region 17 Education Service Center, Ty Duncan has supervised the Accountability, Leadership, and Compliance component. Ty is highly proficient in all aspects of assessment and is eager to contribute to the evolving landscape of education. Coaching leaders and teachers are the most rewarding part of his work, and he finds leading a cohesive staff his greatest joy.
	Don Elsom Don Elsom is a thirty-year veteran of Public Education, Don retired in 2019 and joined TASB soon after. His focus is to be a resource for the members and vendors of the Texas Association of School Boards. After a career in the service of the communities where he served, he sees it as an honor to serve all local governmental entities and companies that are members of the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative and TASB.
	Taylor Garner Taylor Garner, a recent Texas A&M University School of Law graduate, is passionate about supporting public school districts through quality legal representation. With a BA in English from Texas A&M University, Taylor began her career teaching 7th-grade English. She is committed to leveraging her legal career to support educators in creating a safe learning environment. During law school, Taylor was a teaching assistant and competed on the Aggie Dispute Resolution team, winning the National Championship for the American Bar Association’s Representation in Mediation Competition.
	Dennis Glenn Dennis Glenn serves as a Field Service Agent at Region 7 ESC. With a background as the former superintendent at Harmony ISD, Dennis has been with Region 7 since 2021. He specializes in leadership and administration, leveraging his extensive experience to provide valuable guidance and support to schools. Dennis is committed to assisting Region 7 schools in developing effective leadership strategies to promote student success and organizational excellence.
	Kimberly Harris Kimberly Harris, currently in her third year at Region 7 ESC, is pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Liberty University. With a Master's degree from The University of Texas at Tyler, she serves as a CTE Specialist in State and Federal Programs at Region 7 ESC. Additionally, she's a statewide trainer with CTAT, presenting at winter and summer conferences. Dedicated to advancing CTE and College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) initiatives, she fosters partnerships with schools to support staff and ensure student success. Kimberly's commitment to CTE extends beyond her professional role; she has two daughters enrolled at Overton ISD. Brooklyn is immersed in the Health Science program of study, while Ella, who will be a senior next year, is on track to complete programs in welding and health science.
	Dr. Drew Howard Dr. Drew Howard is the Deputy Director of the Center for Effective Schools department at Region 7 ESC. With a rich background, including serving as a former superintendent at Sweetwater ISD, Dr. Howard has been with Region 7 ESC for two years. He has extensive experience as a teacher, principal, and associate commissioner of school governance for TEA. Dr. Howard is committed to helping schools achieve their goals and ensuring student success. He has trained over 100 school boards with the sole mission to support the implementation of research-based behaviors to improve student outcomes.
	Kelli Karczweski Kelli Karczweski began her legal career in 1992 as an Assistant Attorney General with the Texas AG’s office. Transitioning to representing public school districts, Kelli has focused on rural districts in Texas. She conducts training sessions and speaks at state and local conferences. Kelli serves as special counsel, overseeing the Public Administration and Education Division. In 2009, in partnership with Region 7 ESC, Kelli founded eTrain Advantage, an online training library for East Texas teachers and administrators on timely school law matters.
	Adrian Knight Adrian Knight is the School Safety Coordinator at Region 7 ESC. With a wealth of experience, including serving as the Assistant Superintendent of Career and College Readiness at Spring Hill ISD, Adrian is returning to Region 7 ESC, where he spent seven years leading CTE and School Safety. Adrian specializes in developing and implementing effective school safety measures to ensure a secure learning environment for students and staff. He is committed to leveraging his expertise to support Region 7 schools in enhancing safety protocols and emergency preparedness, promoting student well-being and success.
	Mark Parkerson Mark Parkerson serves as the Career and Technical Education Coordinator at Region 7 ESC. With a focus on innovation, Mark has been with Region 7 for almost five years, leading numerous innovative changes. Mark has previously worked at numerous schools, including Mineola ISD and UT Tyler. He is committed to providing comprehensive support to schools in enhancing CTE programs, preparing students for success in their chosen careers, and meeting the workforce needs of the future.
	Scot Parnell Scot Parnell has been with TASB for over 22 years where he was a Senior Risk Management Consultant. Scot joined the TASB Business Services Team in January 2024 and has over 30 years of experience working with local governments, ISDs, and the operational challenges they face. Scot grew up in Sherman, Texas and attended the University of North Texas.
	Blake Powell Blake Powell, founding and managing partner of the Powell Law Group, LLP, specializes in general education law for public school districts, emphasizing school employment, construction, business, and real estate transactions. The firm offers significant trial and appellate practice, representing school districts in special education, construction, and business transactions litigation. Additionally, it serves as bond counsel to school districts in local bond elections valued over $400 million and provides a robust training program led by former chief executives. Finally, the firm is actively engaged in executive searches across Texas.
	Adam Quinn Adam Quinn has been with TASB for 11 years as the Director of TASB Business Services. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Christian University in 2007. Adam is a seasoned presenter, having shared his expertise at the TASB Annual Conference for several years.