Looking back at the 2023 TASBO Engage Conference in San Antonio. We'll see you next year in Houston, February 19-23, 2024!
More than 3,000 attendees traveled to San Antonio for the 2023 TASBO Engage Conference in mid-February. The conference included three days of courses and two days of exhibiting and breakout learning sessions.
"At this conference we facilitate an experience dedicated to connecting you to your peers," said TASBO Executive Director Tracy Ginsburg. "This conference and other events like it help make it possible to build lifelong personal and professional bonds."
Here's a recap of one exciting week (scroll all the way down for videos):
Monday & Tuesday
We offered more than 90 professional certification courses to thousands of registrants over two days (and 17 more courses on Friday). Special thanks to the instructors, volunteers, and staff who helped make this possible. We then opened the TASBO Expo Tuesday afternoon for the Sneak Preview Party. Be sure to thank all of the sponsors and exhibitors (click and scroll down), who made this a great experience. Tuesday fell on Valentine's Day, so we began our Sweetheart Spin contest in the TASBO Expo Lounge. We also showcased a new app - TASBO365.
Wednesday
We opened the conference officially with TASBO Spirit Day, which honors school finance and operations professionals in Texas public education. During the Opening General Session, we premiered our Career Pathway Video Series, where we highlighted six members with different journeys into school finance and operations. The session closed with a thought-provoking keynote speaker Jeff Henderson, who encouraged attendees and school districts to be people-focused - care over cash.
In addition to the Early Bird breakout sessions, we offered more than 150 learning sessions over 8 different breakout periods during Wednesday and Thursday (including new afternoon bonus sessions). In addition, we offered sessions in the Engagement Classroom located in TASBO Expo. Attendees also enjoyed lunch at TASBO Expo and met with exhibitors up until the Closing Reception.
Thursday
At the Awards Luncheon & Closing General Session, we honored our RISE Recipients and Commitment to Excellent Recipient - Julie Novak. We also announced newly elected board members. The closing speaker, Dr. Adolph Brown, a clinical psychologist, educator, and co-host of the new series "The Parent Test", encouraged the audience to take care of themselves to help them take care of others. He definitely kept audience on their toes.
It was a memorable conference to be sure. Below are some additional highlights:
>RISE Recipients
Keri Croy, RTSBA | Prosper ISD
Todd Garrison, CTSBS | Lancaster ISD
Carla Martin, RTSBA | Arlington ISD
Brandon Reyes, CTSBO | Ector County ISD
Kristi Russell, CTSBO | Mansfield ISD
Carla Settle, RTSBA | Cedar Hill ISD
Sarah Simpson, RTSBA | Denton ISD
Holly Stambaugh, RTSBA | Arlington ISD
Daniel West, RTSBA | Amarillo ISD
Jesse Wyse, RTSBA | Little Elm ISD
>2023 TASBO Commitment to Excellence Recipient
Julie Novak, RTSBA | Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations - Fort Sam Houston ISD
>Board Election Results (Meet the 2023-24 Board of Directors)
President-Elect
Elaine Cogburn, RTSBA, CPA | Dripping Springs ISD
Vice President
Heather Wilson, RTSBA | Canyon ISD
Directors
Mike Brooks, RTSBA | Salado ISD
Brent Ringo, Ed.D., RTSBA | Garland ISD
Christopher Smith, RTSBA | Katy ISD
