TEMPLE, Texas — The month of January is designated School Board Recognition Month by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) each year. The Temple Independent School District is celebrating its seven elected board members and will take the opportunity to say thank you and honor Temple’s trustees for their dedication and commitment to the district and its students during the board’s monthly meeting next Tuesday night (January 9).
The Temple ISD board of trustees serves as a link between the community and the classroom and members are elected to establish the policies that provide the framework for Temple schools. Temple’s board of trustees is responsible for more than 8,800 students and nearly 1,400 employees across fifteen campuses and volunteers hundreds of hours to the district through its service each year. The board of trustees has helped guide the district through the challenges arising from a lack of additional state funding, along with student growth this year. The board also worked on the passage of the district’s $164.8 million bond package in May of 2022 and has overseen the implementation of several of those bond projects. Not only did the bond package pass without an increase to the district’s total tax rate, but TISD was able to lower its total rate for the sixth consecutive year. As a result of the bond passing, Temple ISD is on track to open the district’s first new elementary school in 25 years when Sampson-Howard Elementary opens its doors in the fall of 2024.
“All students and staff deserve a safe and supportive environment, and it is an honor to work with my fellow board members on behalf of the students and staff in our school district,” Dan Posey, president of the TISD board of trustees, said. “As a graduate of Temple High School, I am especially proud to see our school district excel on so many levels as we are constantly looking for ways to improve.”
The members of the TISD board of trustees include Virginia Suarez (Secretary) – District 1, Linell Davis – District 2, Posey (President) – District 3, Ronnie Gaines (Vice President) – District 4, Dawn Cook – District 5, Shannon Gowan – District 6, and Shannon Myers – District 7. TASB selected the theme Locally Elected, Community Connected for this year’s recognition month to highlight the connection between school trustees and their communities. School board members are the largest group of locally elected officials in the state.
“As members that represent conservative values, their local neighborhoods, transparent governance, and a singular commitment to putting staff and students in the best position to be successful, this school board has become the model for governance across the state,” said Dr. Bobby Ott, superintendent of Temple schools. “On a personal level, these seven individuals do an excellent job of stretching my thinking, while holding me accountable in my role as a superintendent.”
Campus administrators will present gifts to each trustee on behalf of the students, teachers, coaches, staff, and communities they represent at Tuesday’s board meeting. Trustees will also receive a token of appreciation from the district.