Retired Harlingen CISD Trustee George McShan Named 2025 James B. Crow Award Recipient

Austin— George McShan, a former Harlingen CISD school board member and lifelong educator, has been named the 2025 recipient of TASB’s James B. Crow Innovation in Governance Award. 

The James B. Crow Innovation in Governance Award was established in 2022 in honor of its namesake, who retired as TASB executive director in August 2021, after 40 years of service to the Association. Crow was known for his relentless commitment to improving public education by supporting excellent local school board governance through visionary leadership. Those eligible for the award include individuals who have significantly influenced effective school district governance practices at the state or local level. 

McShan, a Harlingen resident for more than four decades, served continuously on the Harlingen CISD Board of Trustees from 1988 until his retirement in 2018. In selecting McShan for the James B. Crow Award, the TASB Member Services Committee cited his lifelong commitment to public education, community service, and his dedication to creating opportunities for every child to succeed in Harlingen and beyond.  

The award includes a $10,000 contribution to the district of the recipient’s choice. McShan has selected Harlingen CISD. 

“George McShan sets the standard for what it means to be a lifelong leader and advocate for students,” said Wichita Falls ISD Trustee Mark Lukert, who chairs the TASB Member Services Committee and serves on the TASB Board of Directors. “We were all inspired by his commitment to service, which has continued since retiring from the Harlingen CISD Board of Trustees with other volunteer work serving the youth of his community. We were just so impressed with his energy, passion, and his ongoing dedication to advancing opportunities for all children to create a better future for his community.” 

During his long tenure on the board, McShan earned many accolades, including being elected in 1998 to serve as TASB President. In 2004, he was elected president of the National School Boards Association, where he was able to advocate for change and opportunity for all students at the national level. Among his many accomplishments on his local board, McShan is known for his work in prioritizing the hiring of excellent superintendents and pushing for transformation with new schools, dual-language initiatives, and other programs to benefit students.  

“This is a big surprise,” McShan said upon learning that he was the 2025 recipient of the Crow Award. He noted that he and Crow had the opportunity to get to know one another and work together when he served on the TASB Board. 

“I am deeply honored to receive this award, which is especially meaningful with its connection to Jim, whose leadership and dedication to strong school governance have inspired so many of us,” McShan said. “I share this honor with my colleagues, my family, and the Harlingen community who have supported me throughout this journey. This recognition is not just about my work, but about the collective efforts of so many who believe in the power of public education.” 

McShan grew up on a farm in East Texas where his father drove the local school bus, and he attended schools still segregated by race. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Elgin ISD and worked for more than three decades at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen, including 20 years as college dean. Over the years, he’s earned significant honors including the Annual National Hispanic Caucus Abrazo award and the Leadership TASB Celebration of Leadership 2006 Outstanding Alumni award.  

TASB Executive Director Dan Troxell applauded this year’s recipient of the James B. Crow Award, noting his decades of public service and community leadership. 

“George is a wonderful example of exactly the type of leader that the Crow award is designed to recognize,” Troxell said. “He has always been out in front leading for better student outcomes and positive community changes through his different roles, whether on the Harlingen CISD Board or the TASB Board. Even after his retirement in 2018 from his local school board, he’s never stopped advocating on behalf of children. He is a true servant leader.” 

McShan has been married for more than 50 years to his wife Lola. They have three adult children — Marlow, Sonja, and LaMetria (deceased) — who are proud graduates of the Harlingen school system, and two graduates from The University of Texas in Austin. They are also the proud grandparents of granddaughter Ashley and grandson Cannon McShan.    

The award will be presented at the TASB Summer Leadership Institute in June. Nominations for the 2026 James B. Crow Award Innovation in Governance Award will open at the end of the year.