TASB Plans January 2025 School Board Recognition Month

TASB is pleased to announce Leadership for Tomorrow’s Texas as theme for 2025 School Board Recognition Month (SBRM), which kicks off in January, in recognition and celebration of the dedication and service of local school board trustees. 

“This year’s theme emphasizes the critical role school board members play in shaping the future of our state,” said Dan Troxell, TASB executive director.  “School boards help connect education to opportunity and the theme, ‘Leadership for Tomorrow’s Texas’ showcases their investment in our state’s future workforce.” 

With more than 1,000 school districts in Texas, school board trustees are the largest group of elected officials in the state, totaling more than 7,000.  Upon taking their oath of office to serve as on their local school boards, these volunteers commit to spending long hours in support of their school communities to create meaningful educational experiences and opportunities that prepare students for college, careers, and beyond.  

“TASB appreciates everything trustees do on behalf of our 5.5 million public school children in Texas,” said Rolinda Schmidt, TASB President. “Their strong local governance, and partnership with parents and teachers, is the foundation for ensuring our students have the skills and experiences they need to help build tomorrow’s Texas.”  

 In addition to participating in regular school board meetings, trustees also serve as ambassadors and advocates for their school districts in their local communities as well as in Austin. Trustees work long hours attending meetings, collaborating with educators and community members, and making difficult decisions that affect the lives of all students and families. 

To help recognize their important contributions, TASB each fall creates a toolkit of resources in support of School Board Recognition Month to help school districts showcase school board service.  

The toolkit includes downloadable content and graphics for districts to recognize their local trustees and other ideas to honor school board service and the many contributions of school board members.  

In addition to toolkit resources, here are some recognition opportunities districts may also consider as they make plans for January: 

Recognize Trustees at Public Events  

At district events that month, including the regular school board meeting, carve out time to publicly recognize and thank school board members. Let the community be aware that the district is celebrating SBRM. Another opportunity to publicly recognize trustees includes encouraging your city council, chamber of commerce, and PTA to pass a local SBMR proclamation.* 

Display Student Artwork 

Have students create artwork representing the Leadership for Tomorrow's Texas theme and display it at the January board meeting. 

Create Video and Written Testimonies from Students 

Collect heartfelt messages from students expressing how the school board's leadership has positively impacted their educational experience. To align with this year's theme, have high school students share their aspirations for the future. These testimonies can be shared during a board meeting or on social media, and the theme can be tied to the future of Texas. 

Get Media Coverage 

The media may not know about SBRM, so send them a press release. Provide your local media information about what the board does, significant decisions and actions your board is facing, and the amount of time trustees spend supporting your district. Offer to coordinate interviews with trustees.  

Other Creative Ideas 

Ask culinary students to bake a cake or cupcakes to share with trustees at a January event. Some creative ideas to involve trustees in school activities include: 

• Encouraging them to join students for lunch. 
• Inviting them to athletic or fine arts events. 
• Visiting them at their place of employment to thank them for their service.  

*Samples are available in our School Board Recognition Month planning kit.