Gov Camp 2025 Spotlights Student Success

Hundreds of school trustees from across Texas brought joy, hope, and student success stories to TASB’s Governance Camp, held in Galveston March 5-8. The annual event was packed with educational sessions, as well as opportunities to gain insight into the learning experience of students with panels, exhibits, and sessions. 

“We are always looking for solutions,” said Barbara Sanchez as she ate breakfast with her fellow trustees from Lockhart ISD on the first morning of Camp. “We try to go to sessions that address the issues we are having and look for new solutions.” The 6,000-student district in Central Texas has grown rapidly in recent years, and a session on facilities planning was of particular interest to the school board members. 

Inspiring Leaders 

In addition to facilities planning, the first day of Camp focused on other governance topics, including school safety, funding, student data, and more. A session from Floydada Collegiate ISD on the academic turnaround at an elementary school inspired those who attended.  

“That’s the one,” said Thomas Sigee, a trustee from Beaumont ISD. He was impressed with how the principal of A.B. Duncan Elementary School changed her low-performing campus in Floydada ISD into a highly rated school through parent engagement and teacher buy-in. Sigee would like his district of more than 14,000 students on the Texas coast to try the student-led conferences that were an important component of that school’s success. 

“We have 14 elementary schools, but you have to start somewhere,” Sigee said as he compared the program at 600-student Floydada north of Lubbock.  

“One of the many benefits of attending Governance Camp is the opportunity to network with peers from across the state,” said Rolinda Schmidt, TASB president and Kerrville ISD trustee, as she kicked off the conference. “I hope you all make new connections that will become valuable thought partners as you continue your work on behalf of your students.” 

The keynote speaker in the first general session, Amanda Gore, applauded the work and dedication of trustees. “I bow in awe of your commitment to the students in your districts.”  

Gore, a motivational speaker who focuses on the importance of finding joy in life, encouraged school board members to be the chief joy facilitators in their districts.  

Teacher Voices 

It was easy to feel joyful and inspired about public education in Texas during the inaugural Teacher Voice Panel, held the first day of the event, during lunch. Educators from Beeville, Brazosport, Eanes, Fort Bend, and Spring Branch ISDs discussed their passion for the profession with moderator Sheleah Reed, chief storyteller at Shine Communications Group. 

Teachers, administrators, and trustees were present the second day of Camp for 35 sessions and hands-on demonstrations led by students. Trustees could earn up to 17.25 hours of continuing education credit, with more than 2,450 credit hours awarded. 

Among the highlights of the day was the Student Voice Scholarship Panel, moderated by Paula Maddox Roalson from the law firm of Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson, and Roalson P.C., also an event sponsor. 

Four students from Anahuac, Brownsville, McDade, and Pflugerville ISDs spoke passionately about their commitment to serving their communities and connecting with their peers and teachers. While they aspire to fly to space, study law, and engineer new technologies, it was their spirit of service that impressed the audience. 

Student Voices 

The panel focused on the opportunities the students had experienced through their classes, extracurricular activities, and school programs. McDade ISD senior Sheila Lugo Lopez Lisethe told the audience that she was amazed by the opportunities at her small Central Texas district of fewer than 400 students. “Being part of something so small can get you somewhere big,” she said. 

Students led sessions and demonstrations on everything from building an aircraft to FAA standards to the power of fresh flowers to brighten a community. Trustees walked away inspired by innovative programs and especially by the young people whose commitment, hard work and dedication made them successful.  

Camp ended with a focus on the “why” of the work of school boards from keynote speaker Mills Rodgers, an author and former educator. He echoed the theme heard throughout the conference from education leaders, teachers, and students about the importance of being seen, heard, and valued — a fitting end to a program powered by student voice.