Legislative, Advocacy, and Outreach Support for Local School Districts

Robert Long, Regional Director for Advocacy & Outreach, Raise Your Hand Texas
Todd Schneider, ESC Executive Director, ESC Region 7

This session is designed to update district leaders on the grassroots and advocacy efforts of Raise Your Hand Texas. Participants will learn how their statewide network of 13 regional advocacy directors are working to engage school districts and communities across Texas, in building coalitions for supporting public education in our state.

Evaluating Values: How to Maximize Your Funding Through Tax Collection, Property Values, and Audits

James Wilcox, Superintendent, Longview ISD
Jim Lambeth, Capital Partner, Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLP

This session will go over the objectives and goals of a well-crafted tax collection program, including current collections, delinquent collections and why those collections matter to districts. This session will also discuss the property value study and its affect on districts’ state gain or loss.

TASA Legislative Update

Amy Beneski, Deputy Executive Director, Governmental Relations, TASA
Casey McCreary, Associate Executive Director, Education Policy, TASA
Colby Nichols, Partner, Ancira Strategic Partners, LLP

Learn about the various education policy conversations happening in and around the Texas Capitol and how those discussions may affect legislation in the 87th legislative session. Presenters will provide an overview of issues to consider as session approaches and how to use that information to advocate on behalf of school districts and students.

Budget Implications of Chapter 21 Contract Management

Karen Dooley, HR Consultant, Texas Association of School Boards (TASB)
Leslie Story, Lead Attorney, Texas Association of School Boards (TASB)

Chapter 21 contracts extend specific rights and management of such contracts may result in unforeseen budget implications. When the district makes decisions about extending Chapter 21 contracts, the financial implications are not always considered on the front end. This session will help attendees identify how sound contract decision-making may eliminate or reduce a negative budget impact. Experiences will be shared to prepare participants in mitigating budget impacts on contract management.

Teacher Incentive Allotment Updates and Best Practices from the Field

Grace Wu, Director of Strategic Compensation, TEA
Kathy Rollo, Superintendent, Lubbock ISD
Rebecca Bain, Superintendent, Fruitvale ISD

This session will provide an overview of year 1 of the Teacher Incentive Allotment and provide updates and upcoming key dates. Participants will also learn best practices from districts implementing local designation systems. Districts will include a variety of cohorts and sizes