Week 2 of the TASBO Engage Conference featured certification courses and two general sessions, including an awards presentation. Registration is still open for the TASBO Engage Conference, with all break-out sessions rescheduled for next week or recorded.
This week, TASBO continued its 2021 Virtual TASBO Engage Conference with two general sessions and awards presentation. The sessions were delayed after statewide ice storms disrupted the opening week of the virtual conference. Special thanks to the staff, volunteers, speakers, and attendees for rearranging schedules so quickly.
In the First General Session, on Wednesday, February 24, TASBO officially launched its 75th anniversary celebration. It featured the debut of the documentary short, “Evolving Public Education in Texas,” which detailed the changing demands of public education and TASBO’s role in shaping the management of school finance and operations. Former college dean and professional speaker Sarita Maybin capped the session with a discussion on “How to Stay Positive and Focused in Uncertain Times.”
“I am so proud of you – our members – the heroes behind-the-scenes - who helped to open schools as safely as you could when the pandemic struck,” said TASBO Executive Director Tracy Ginsburg to officially open the conference. “Who strove to secure the resources for distance learning so our students would not fall behind. And who worked alongside others cleaning water-damaged buildings as a result of the recent ice storm.”
The Second General Session, on Thursday, February 25, opened with a separate documentary, “Texas Public Education Response to COVID-19.” It was followed by awards for Outstanding Volunteer, Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations, Award of Excellence in Financial Management, the RISE Award, and Commitment to Excellence. Hall-of-Famer Emmitt Smith concluded the program with keynote and Q&A.
“I’m so honored to be part of the legacy of TASBO. In a few short weeks I will pass the gavel to my friend and colleague Darrell Dodds,” said TASBO Board President Michele Trongaard, from Mansfield ISD.
Award Recipients
>>>Watch the Virtual Awards Presentation<<<
Outstanding Volunteer – Becky Estrada, Lackland ISD
TASBO staff selected Becky Estrada for a career of supporting TASBO and the profession. This former TASBO Board President does it all, “like TASBO’s own energizer bunny!”
Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations, sponsored by BuyBoard
In November, TASBO announced the largest class of purchasing teams to receive this honor. It rewards educational organizations that document and execute best practices in purchasing operations.
Award of Excellence for Financial Management, sponsored by Forecast5 Analytics
This awards program recognizes educational organizations that successfully implemented professional standards, best practices, and innovations in financial reporting. These inaugural recipients include:
Belton ISD
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
Katy ISD
Lovejoy ISD
Mansfield ISD
Pasadena ISD
Pearland ISD
Rockwall ISD
Royse City ISD
Spring ISD
RISE Award, sponsored by Texas Association of School Boards
The RISE Award celebrates TASBO members, who have distinguished themselves early in their membership with TASBO. This year’s class includes:
Paul Batchelder, Jr, | New Caney ISD
Lloyd Blaine | Royse City ISD
Michelle Bynum | Austin ISD
Brandon Cardwell | Hutto ISD
Dianna Casper | Denton ISD
Chairita Franklin | Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
Sara Kohn | Round Rock ISD
Jeremy Trimble | Eanes ISD
Commitment to Excellence Award, sponsored by Equitable
The TASBO Commitment to Excellence Award recognizes the individual achievements of school finance & operations professionals. This year’s class includes:
Wes Eversole | Lake Dallas ISD
Marshall Schroeder | Conroe ISD
Randy McDowell | Plano ISD
>>>Watch the Class of 2021 Video<<<
Randy McDowell was selected as the 2021 Commitment to Excellence Recipient.
