Superintendent Symposium
2026 Region 7 ESC Superintendent Symposium
June 2-4, 2026 | Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront
Region 7 superintendents are invited to step away, reconnect, and recharge at the 2026 Region 7 ESC Superintendent Symposium, June 2-4, at the Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront.
This year, we’re kicking things off in a big way with an opening night dinner at Southern Junction, complete with a live band, karaoke, and chartered transportation to and from the venue so you can simply relax and enjoy the evening. Along with returning favorites, the symposium offers meaningful sessions and time to relax before the new school year begins.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, your room, meals, and all activities are included during your stay.
Agenda
Tuesday, June 2
- Lunch (on your own)
- Golf (on your own)
- 12:00 PM Spa Appointments (pre-scheduled)
- 5:00 PM Charter Buses Depart for Southern Junction
- 5:30 PM Cocktail Hour
- 5:30 PM Mingle & Jingle with Sponsors
- 6:30 PM Dinner & Awards
- 8:00 PM Live Band & Karaoke
- 8:00 PM Happy Hour
- 9:00 PM Early Bird Charter Returns to Hilton
- 10:30 PM Charter Buses Return to Hilton
Wednesday, June 3
- 7:00 AM Breakfast
- 8:00 AM Golf
- Beginning at 9:00 AM Spa Appointments (pre-scheduled)
- TBA Pickleball
- 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM Painting and Mimosas (pre-scheduled)
- 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM Lake Tours (45 minutes each)
- 1:00 PM Lunch / Breakout #1
- 2:00 PM Breakout #2 - Legal Issues
- 2:00 PM Breakout #2 - For Spouses
- 5:00 PM Cocktail Hour
- 6:00 PM Dinner
- 6:30 PM Keynote - Justin Richardson
- 8:00 PM Casino Night, Happy Hour, and Cigar Bar
Thursday, June 4
- 8:30 AM Breakfast
- 9:00 AM Updates - Raise Your Hand Texas
- 10:00 AM Awards
Speakers
More information coming soon.
Justin Richardson, Ed.D.
With over two decades in educational leadership, Justin Richardson, Ed.D., is passionate about helping leaders find their voice and lead with purpose. As a speaker, coach, and author, he takes a soulful, relationship-centered approach that resonates with educators and leaders at every level. Justin equips others with the mindset and tools to become the kind of leader people trust, follow, and remember.
Kelli Karczewski, Fisher Firm
Kelli has spent her career representing public school districts across Texas, with a strong focus on rural districts in East and Southeast Texas. She is a frequent presenter on school law topics and serves as special counsel for the firm.
Dr. Ty Cauthen, Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas
Dr. Ty Cauthen serves as the Executive Director of Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas (WSDET), where he leads efforts to strengthen workforce alignment, education partnerships, and economic opportunity across the region.
With a background rooted in education and leadership development, Dr. Cauthen brings a deep commitment to collaboration and community advancement. His doctoral research centered on amplifying the voices of at-risk youth, reflecting his lifelong passion for advocacy and equity.
A former campus principal and National Project Director for AmeriCorps and Partners for Rural Impact, Dr. Cauthen is guided by the belief that “they don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
Deann Lee, Raise Your Hand Texas
Deann joined Raise Your Hand Texas in August 2021 after 32 years in public education. She began her teaching career in Arlington ISD before serving 23 years in Paris ISD as teacher, Special Education Supervisor, and State/Federal Programs Director.
Deann spent the last seven years in Millsap ISD as Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent. Her background includes curriculum and instruction, finance, support services, visioning, collaboration, and state and federal programs.
Learn more about Deann Lee at Raise Your Hand Texas (opens in a new tab)
