Agenda

Tuesday Schedule

February 18, 2025

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Breakfast & Belonging (Texas Ballroom A)

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Grab & Go Breakfast (Exhibit Hall)

8:30 AM – 10:30 AM

First General Session: Keynoter Jon Tai; Professional Awards (Texas Ballroom B, C)

11:00 AM – Noon

Sessions

 

 

Room
Travis A
Description
Finalsite Solutions Lab invites you to bring your burning questions to the mini-lab at the conference. The team is ready to cater to your district’s needs. Want to dive deeper? Meet 1:1 with one of their Solutions Engineers! You pick the topic or area of focus, and they will be prepared to support you.
Presenter(s)
Mark Thomas, Stephanie Whitlock, Michelle DoPorto, Kim Tweed; Birdville ISD; Julie Thannum, APR; Justin Dearing, APR; CESO Communications
Area of Focus
Communications/PR/Marketing
Room
Travis B
Audience Level

All

Description
Demographic forecasting helps districts stay on top of the latest enrollment trends, but what does your brand identity say about you in today’s crowded marketplace where parents have more choices than ever before? Learn how one Texas school district uses data and brand messaging to bolster its enrollment marketing efforts. This session delves into the intersection of data-driven strategies and brand messaging to impact ongoing recruitment and retention efforts. Hear the importance of strategic messaging to support your district’s unique brand, and common roadblocks current and prospective families experience when trying to enroll.
Presenter(s)
Brandon Buckner, Little Elm ISD
Area of Focus
Graphic Arts
Room
Travis C
Audience Level

All

Description
Join us for a fun, fast-paced design challenge where beginners and experts alike team up to tackle a creative prompt in 40 minutes. Afterward, you’ll pair up with another designer to exchange feedback, learn, and spark new ideas. Bring your charged laptop, creativity, and competitive edge.

 

Room
Travis D

 

TSPRA Office Hours is a new opportunity that has grown from the work of our Professional Advancement Committee! It provides an opportunity for TSPRA members to seek advice, consultation, support, and educational growth on everything from TSPRA educational initiatives, online learning, conference learning tracks, the certifications that grow from our new learning modules, and anything topic specific that will help our members gain the answers and support they need to be successful in their professional lives and leadership.

  • At Conference – Free to all attendees

  • TSPRA Past Presidents, retirees and coaches staff an “office” for one-on-one coaching and counseling

  • Attendees simply walk-in and can ask any question and receive advice or be referred to a TSPRA Coach for additional support.

Presenter(s)
Justin Elbert, Klein ISD
Area of Focus
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Room
Texas Ballroom A
Audience Level

All

Description
Explore how AI tools like ChatGPT can enhance school PR efforts, from drafting crisis statements to streamlining front-line responses. Discover practical applications, including the School PR Crisis bot, and gain insights into AI’s role as a valuable tool—not a replacement. Just as calculators quicken calculations, AI speeds up communication without replacing the human touch.
Presenter(s)
Jamie Fails, Kayla Brocato; Willis ISD
Area of Focus
Community Engagement
Room
Crockett A
Audience Level

New Professional

Description
Are your district’s surveys just data points, or are they driving real change? Join Willis ISD’s communications team to learn how we transformed survey feedback into three impactful programs: an employee recognition initiative, school-specific PR plans for principals, and an online system for routing parent inquiries. We’ll walk you through our process, from data collection to program implementation, and provide actionable tips to help your district turn insights into solutions that truly matter.

 

 

Presenter(s)
Nicole Lyons, Kalee McMullen, Ed.D., Grapevine-Colleyville ISD
Area of Focus
Crisis
Room
Crockett B
Audience Level

All

Description
Emergencies happen. Does your district have a solid plan to keep staff, students, families and community stakeholders informed? GCISD leaders will present the collaborative strategies used through incidents like a lock down at a high school, a tornado hitting a middle school, police activity near an elementary school, and more. Through it all, the well-executed emergency management plan, combined with timely and accurate communication, resulted in positive responses from the community.

 

Presenter(s)
Crystal Matern, CPC, Sharon Reckaway, Ally Spiegleman, Gregory-Portland ISD
Area of Focus
Event Planning
Room
Crockett C
Audience Level
All
Description
“FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK … We Salute You!” – That would be YOU, TSPRAn’s! Among the many hats you wear, event planning can be among the most time-consuming and challenging tasks … which is why those experiences must hit the mark to turn attendees into something more: ADVOCATES who are LOYAL and PROUD to live, work, and learn in your district! Learn the method behind the madness of event management from a team with backgrounds in large corporate and school PR event planning. You’ll walk away with more 100 great ideas for event success, and be ready to refresh your existing plans or jam a guitar solo on a brand new endeavor. We’ll share what makes our district and foundation collaborations for State of the District, ‘CATS Who Cook, Teacher & Staff of the Year, Golf Tournament, groundbreakings and more all something to talk (and ROCK ON) about … with a hit-list record for guests to replay after the curtain closes, taking away more than they bargained for thanks to your platinum-selling dreams on a district-sized budget! Find your next hit record right here at TSPRA, ROCK STARS!

 

Presenter(s)
Rick Kershner, Royal ISD; Michael Lovaglio, Kimberly Bow, Stantec
Area of Focus
Bond
Room
Crockett D
Audience Level
All
Description
Testimonials and lessons learned from Royal ISD will be shared regarding their recent successful bond campaign after multiple unsuccessful attempts. In this session, attendees will learn how to associate positivity with change and how to build legacy, while building trust. This presentation will equip attendees with strategies of how your community can become an army of advocates during politically charged bond election campaigns and beyond.

 

Presenter(s)
Danielle Clark, APR, Harris County Department of Education (HCDE); Megan Overman, APR, CPC, Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD
Area of Focus
Communications/PR/Marketing
Room
Republic A
Audience Level
Advanced Professional
Description
In the high-stakes world of C-suite communications, effective leadership is crucial for unifying diverse perspectives and personalities while addressing pressing issues within a school district. Come learn how to use advanced leadership strategies that emphasize a systemic approach to communication whether you’re dealing with a Penny, a Raj or even a Sheldon on your Cabinet. Explore how you can position yourself as the nucleus of your organization as a strategic C-suite advisor.
Presenter(s)
Juan Hernandez, Forney ISD
Topic
Electronic Media Production
Room
Republic B
Audience Level
All
Description
Explore how structuring your video shoot like a feature film can enhance both the efficiency and the storytelling of your project as a solo filmmaker or crew. Scripts, shot lists, storyboards, shooting scenes out of order to maximize resources, and all the tools (including AI) we use to make them happen. These strategies will streamline your production process (pre-production, production, post- production), reduce editing time, and ensure your final product is exactly what you wanted.

 

Presenter(s)
Claudia Lemus Campos, APR, M.A.; Cynthia Ybarra, Darline Gracia, Mark Vasquez; Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD
Area of Focus
Communications/PR/Marketing
Room
Republic C
Audience Level
All
Description
In this session, participants will learn tips and best practices to build a strong district brand that fosters unity across feeder schools. Attendees will explore the importance of establishing core values, unified messaging, and creating a cohesive visual identity. The session will highlight the significance of a comprehensive brand guide for consistent messaging and provide practical strategies for promoting school unity through collaborative events and shared communications. By the end, you’ll leave with actionable insights to elevate your school’s brand and engage your community effectively!

Noon – 1:30 PM

Lunch on Your Own

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Sessions

 

 

Room
Travis A
Description
Finalsite Solutions Lab invites you to bring your burning questions to the mini-lab at the conference. The team is ready to cater to your district’s needs. Want to dive deeper? Meet 1:1 with one of their Solutions Engineers! You pick the topic or area of focus, and they will be prepared to support you.

 

 

 

Presenter(s)
Jordan Ziemer, Ph.D., Kaitlin Paonessa, Abilene ISD
Area of Focus
Communications/PR/Marketing
Room
Travis B
Audience Level
New Professional
Description
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says millennials will fully shift into the 35- to 44-year-old workforce demographic by 2029. If that’s you, welcome to the new management generation! This session is for early- and mid-career 30-somethings ascending in school PR management responsibilities and leadership expectations. Learn from two young(ish) pros co-leading a department about becoming a trusted voice in executive spaces, leading a multi-generational team, and building capacity for prioritizing your work.

 

Presenter(s)
Laura Lupia, Gustavo Reveles, Canutillo ISD
Area of Focus
Graphic Arts
Room
Travis C
Audience Level
New Professional
Description
Branding is not just for the big guys. Learn the tools, guidelines and practices Canutillo ISD has used to develop a concrete brand that is reminiscent of a full-blown communications departments using small-district resources. From printed materials and stationary to webpages and social media, help your small district shine with an elegant, modern and forward-thinking brand your superintendent and Board will love.

 

Room
Travis D

 

TSPRA Office Hours is a new opportunity that has grown from the work of our Professional Advancement Committee! It provides an opportunity for TSPRA members to seek advice, consultation, support, and educational growth on everything from TSPRA educational initiatives, online learning, conference learning tracks, the certifications that grow from our new learning modules, and anything topic specific that will help our members gain the answers and support they need to be successful in their professional lives and leadership.

At Conference – Free to all attendees

TSPRA Past Presidents, retirees and coaches staff an “office” for one-on-one coaching and counseling

Attendees simply walk-in and can ask any question and receive advice or be referred to a TSPRA Coach for additional support.

 

 

 

Presenter(s)
Kristyn Cathey, APR, Dr. Anthony Mays, Alief ISD, Justin Dearing, APR, Julie Thannum, APR, CESO Communications 
Area of Focus
Communications/PR/Marketing
Room
Texas Ballroom A
Audience Level
All
Description
Helping the public understand school finance is a heavy lift, but it is important for districts to share information year-round to establish long-term trust and accountability. You can no longer wait until the annual budget presentation or local election to talk about school finance. Build those finance muscles daily! Learn how to launch a public information campaign to guide key stakeholders through the complexities of school budgeting and state funding. Alief ISD and CESO Communications partnered to launch Fiscal Fitness to educate and engage staff and families in the budgeting process.

 

Presenter(s)
Nancy Barboza, MBA, Rocio Landin, Sergio Esquivel, Sharyland ISD
Area of Focus
Community Engagement
Room
Crockett A
Audience Level
All
Description
A district’s success often lies in how well its strategic plan aligns with communication efforts. This session highlights Sharyland ISD’s approach to integrating purposeful engagement with clear, focused communication strategies. Participants will discover how involving key stakeholders and aligning messaging to strategic goals leads to improved community support, higher student success rates, and measurable progress toward district-wide objectives, ensuring that every step taken is part of a larger, meaningful vision.
Presenter(s)

Kimberly Garcia, San Antonio ISD Ed Foundation
Area of Focus

Education Foundation
Room

Crockett B
Audience Level

All
Description

Learn to efficiently recycle and repackage core stories across social media, newsletters, and blogs to amplify your message. Discover how to adapt content, create feedback loops, and optimize each platform’s reach, building a cohesive storytelling strategy that connects with your audience across channels.

 

Presenter(s)
Jason Hewitt, Ed.D., Erin Goad, Shepherd ISD
Area of Focus
Communications/PR/Marketing
Room
Crockett C
Audience Level
All
Description
Join us and learn how a small rural district transformed community perception and engagement through strategic communication. We’ll share the tools and methods we used to establish consistent communication with parents and the community, demonstrating why telling your story is critical before others do. We’ll also discuss how transparency, covering the good, bad, and ugly, built trust in our district and how rural schools with limited resources can still effectively manage communication.

 

 

Presenter(s)
Jessica Bazan, Kristine Bryant, O’Connell Robertson
Area of Focus
Bond
Room
Crockett D
Audience Level
All
Description

“Having a May 2025 Bond Election? It’s Time for Takeoff” covers essential steps districts must take as the countdown to Election Day accelerates. Learn best practices for building momentum, communicating your bond program, overcoming obstacles, and ensuring a smooth landing on May 3. This session provides a flight plan checklist to guide districts toward a successful bond election, while addressing challenges and celebrating victories along the way.

 

 

 

Presenter(s)
Tierney Tinnin, Cedar Hill ISD; Melinda Brasher, Georgetown ISD; Angela Grimes, Sulphur Springs ISD; Justine Huddleston, Irving ISD
Area of Focus
Bond
Room
Republic A
Audience Level
All
Description

Join four PR professionals who helped lead successful bond campaigns across their diverse communities – a large urban diverse district, a fast-growing suburban district, a small rural district and one that had not gone out for a bond in 16 years. Discover proven strategies to build trust, engage key voters and transform community members into advocates. Learn how they crafted effective messaging, leveraged various media forms and showcased the impact of supporting school bonds. Walk away with ideas you can apply to ensure your district’s success in the next bond.

What is a Pair/Share?

A Pair/Share is when similar content is combined to bring you double the knowledge, powered by double the experienced professionals sharing their ideas, initiatives and inspiration!

 

 

Presenter(s)
Brittny Sanchez, Megan Overman, APR, CPC, Kris Hill, Matthew LeBlanc, CPC, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD
Area of Focus
Community Engagement
Room
Republic B
Audience Level
All
Description
The opening of a new school always generates a buzz, but keeping the momentum positive can be challenging when combining students and families from existing schools with unique and well-established cultures. The Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD communications team tackled this head-on to build excitement and support for the district’s fourth high school. Hear both campus and district perspectives, and take away actionable ideas and strategies to ensure your next school opening is a community-wide success.

 

Presenter(s)
Matthew Thompson, Kurtis Quillin, Copperas Cove ISD
Area of Focus
Web
Room
Republic C
Audience Level
All
Description
Join us for “The Fabulous 5,” where we take the complexity of web accessibility and break it down into five simple, actionable steps. Designed specifically for school district communications professionals, this workshop simplifies the most common accessibility issues, making WCAG 2.2 compliance easy to understand and implement. You don’t need to be a tech expert to make your website more inclusive. We’ll give you the tools and straightforward guidance to turn web accessibility from a daunting challenge into a manageable, practical task for your district.

2:45 PM – 3:45 PM

Sessions

Room
Travis A
Description
Finalsite Solutions Lab invites you to bring your burning questions to the mini-lab at the conference. The team is ready to cater to your district’s needs. Want to dive deeper? Meet 1:1 with one of their Solutions Engineers! You pick the topic or area of focus, and they will be prepared to support you.

 

 

Presenter(s)
Deon Quinn, Teresa Ale Reyes, Region 10 Education Service Center
Area of Focus
Communications/PR/Marketing
Room
Travis B
Audience Level
New Professional
Description
Discover how to apply the concept of “love languages” to enhance your school PR strategy and build stronger relationships. In this session, you’ll explore five key approaches—Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Acts of Service, Gifts, and creating Memorable Experiences—to better connect with parents, students, and staff. Leave with actionable strategies to tailor your communications and deepen trust with your stakeholders.

 

Presenter(s)
Trina Pruitt, Tatum Owens, We Go Public
Area of Focus
Communications/PR/Marketing
Room
Travis C
Audience Level
All
Description
Discover how working with unpaid student interns can unlock valuable time in your schedule while empowering the next generation of talent! This presentation will explore strategies for optimizing interns’ contributions to your team, from sourcing quality applicants to delegating meaningful tasks and creating impactful, real-world learning experiences.

 

 

Presenter(s)
Dr. Jill Johnson, Class Intercom
Area of Focus
Communications/PR/Marketing
Room
Travis D
Audience Level
All
Description
Want to tell your school’s story in a more impactful way? Ever wish you could clone yourself to be in multiple places at once? In this session, Dr. Jill will show you how to create and maintain a social media team that amplifies your school’s message. You’ll learn how to recruit, train, and inspire both students and staff to take ownership of sharing your school’s unique story. Leave with actionable strategies to motivate others to create content that connects with your community—and beyond.

 

Presenter(s)
Claudia V. Lemus Campos, APR, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD; Valonia Walker, APR, Hempstead ISD; Arianna Vazquez-Hernandez, APR, CPC, Region One Education Service Center; Monica Faulkenbery, APR, Northside ISD; Megan Overman, APR, CPC, Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD
Area of Focus
Communications/PR/Marketing
Room
Texas Ballroom A
Audience Level
Advanced Professional
Description
Are you ready to take the next step in your school public relations career? This session will provide invaluable insights and actionable tips for pursuing advanced credentials, including the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), the Certified Public Communicator (CPC) designation, and graduate degrees in communications or leadership. Join us to learn how these certifications and degrees can elevate your expertise, expand your career opportunities, and position you as a leader in the field of public relations.

 

Presenter(s)
Denise Meyers, Kate Hope, Magnolia ISD; Julie Thannum, APR, Justin Dearing, APR, CESO Communications
Area of Focus
Bond
Room
Crockett A
Audience Level
All
Description
With stagnant state funding, rising inflation and the competition for quality teachers, public schools are facing an unprecedented challenge when it comes to balancing their budgets. Districts must be proactive about educating and engaging their communities about the local school budget and tax rate. Learn how Magnolia ISD and CESO Communications launched Money Matters, a comprehensive information campaign to guide key stakeholders through the complexities of public school finance, while relying on past fiscal responsibility and strong community support.

 

 

 

Presenter(s)
Lindsay Franklin, M.A., Zack Kleypas, Thorndale ISD
Area of Focus
Community Engagement
Room
Crockett B
Audience Level
All
Description
Discover practical strategies to strengthen the connection between your school district and community through meaningful engagement. This session offers actionable tools to build lasting relationships, enhance trust, and foster partnerships that benefit students and families. By the end, participants will have a tailored action plan to proactively bridge gaps, boost community involvement, and ensure a united, thriving school-community bond. Ideal for leaders committed to creating impactful, long-term engagement with their communities.

 

 

 

Presenter(s)
Mitzi Loera, Harris County Department of Education
Area of Focus
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Room
Crockett C
Audience Level
All
Description
What happens when your Superintendent has a vision for a video, and you now realize you may have to spend hours keyframing in Premiere Pro? Why not explore what the world of Artificial Intelligence has to offer? Hear a personal experience of initial apprehensiveness in embracing the world of AI, but ultimately creating a memorable convocation using these resources. Attendees will leave this session with strategies and best practices for utilizing AI software to enhance videos for convocation and beyond.
Presenter(s)

David Chenault, Henderson ISD; Patrick Dooley, Rusk County Office of Emergency Management / Fire Marshall
Area of Focus

Crisis
Room

Crockett D
Audience Level

All
Description

In a crisis, mastering the Incident Command System (ICS); is essential for communication professionals. This session provides the tools and knowledge to lead during emergencies, ensuring you can coordinate information flow with first responders and manage public messaging. Learn how ICS training, along with knowledge of the Joint Information Center (JIC) and Joint Information System (JIS), can equip you to protect your district’s reputation and keep stakeholders informed when it matters most.
Presenter(s)

Jennifer Salyards, M.Ed., Stephenville ISD; Andrea Gribble, #SocialSchool4EDU
Area of Focus

Communications/PR/Marketing
Room

Republic A
Audience Level

All
Description

Are you ready to harness the power of Reels? In this fun-filled session, we’ll help you hook the “catch of the day” through engaging short-form video. Discover how Stephenville ISD has cast a wide net to double their social media reach. We’ll navigate the waters with tons of examples. By the end of the session, you’ll have the right bait—steps to plan, execute, and produce Reels that make your district shine like a trophy fish!

 

 

 

Presenter(s)
Cecelia Jones, Little Elm ISD; Ian Halperin, Wylie ISD; Lari Barager, Mansfield ISD
Area of Focus
Crisis
Room
Republic B
Audience Level
All
Description

How did you respond to the crisis? What worked, what didn’t, and why? With the Pre-Conference Crisis complete, this follow-up After Action Review, scheduled a day later, during the conference concurrent sessions will help members fully experience the cycle of crisis communications and the action needed. The same team of PR pros will conduct the After-Action Review working alongside participants to discuss the strengths and areas for improvement, and analyze how your choices impacted the outcome. This session is a follow-up to a Pre-Conference session, but is open to all members to learn from all attendees and trainers.

By the end of these sessions, you’ll have gained critical insights and practical tools to refine your crisis management skills—ensuring you’re ready to lead with confidence in any high-pressure situation. (Attend both sessions and earn a TSPRA certification!)

 

 

Presenter(s)
Amaris McIntosh, Avery Arizola, Region One Education Service Center
Area of Focus
Communications/PR/Marketing
Room
Republic C
Audience Level
New Professional
Description
This session is designed for beginners looking to launch their first Facebook campaign. Attendees will learn how to navigate the platform’s campaign interface, understand key terminology, and choose the right campaign objective for their goals. We will also explore the difference between running a full campaign and boosting a post, helping you make informed decisions on which approach is best for your needs. By the end of this session, participants will be able to set up, target, and launch a Facebook campaign with confidence.

4:15 PM – 5:15 PM

Sessions

Room
Travis A
Description
Finalsite Solutions Lab invites you to bring your burning questions to the mini-lab at the conference. The team is ready to cater to your district’s needs. Want to dive deeper? Meet 1:1 with one of their Solutions Engineers! You pick the topic or area of focus, and they will be prepared to support you.
Presenter(s)

Clarissa Silva, Texas City ISD
Area of Focus

Communications/PR/Marketing
Room

Travis B
Audience Level

All
Description

Learn to approach interviews like a seasoned reporter, asking the right questions to uncover meaningful, engaging narratives that spotlight the heart of your school community. Whether you’re crafting videos, press releases or feature stories, you’ll walk away with practical techniques to highlight student and staff achievements through authentic, compelling storytelling. Award-winning communicator Clarissa Silva draws on 20+ years of journalism and PR experience to share proven methods. Plus, attendees will receive a downloadable toolkit with templates, interview guides, repurposing checklists and social media tips – everything you need to maximize story impact across platforms!

 

 

 

Presenter(s)
Amanda Materre, Ed.D., Alief ISD
Area of Focus
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Room
Travis C
Audience Level
All
Description
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool for enhancing the branding and marketing strategies of academic campuses and departments. This conference session is designed to explore the innovative applications of AI in promoting brand identity, engaging with diverse audiences, and personalizing marketing efforts to meet the unique needs and aspirations of academic institutions.

 

Presenter(s)
Celina Bley, Ph.D., Texas School Safety Center
Area of Focus
Crisis
Room
Travis D
Audience Level
All
Description

Join us as we delve into the pivotal role that Communications Officers and Police Chiefs play in fostering strong relationships within the organization, providing the best communications for the communities we serve.

We will highlight the recent training initiatives that have equipped our officers with essential skills to enhance their interactions with the public and media. Additionally, we will discuss the exciting opportunities available to officers and communications staff this June, focusing on professional development and community engagement programs, through the Texas School Safety Center.

Furthermore, we will provide the latest updates on school safety initiatives, emphasizing how effective communication can enhance these efforts and ensure a safer environment for all.

 

Presenter(s)
Karen Trevino, M.Ed., Chris White, BFA, Lauri Anzaldua, M.A., Bastrop ISD; Becki Womble, CCE, IOM, Bastrop Chamber of Commerce
Area of Focus
Community Engagement
Room
Crockett A
Audience Level
All
Description
“We Believe In BISD” is a partnership between the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce and Bastrop Independent School District. The goal of this collaboration is to unite the community and local businesses in support of public schools. This session will give an inside look at this initiative from both the Chamber and school district perspectives. Successes, practical information and tips will be shared to help guide participants in creating their own We Believe partnerships.
Presenter(s)

Adi Bryant, CPC, Royse City ISD
Area of Focus

Bond
Room

Crockett B
Audience Level

All
Description

Royse City ISD held successful Bond Elections in 2018, 2021 and 2023. Each cycle allowed our team to learn how to better track voter participation with the goal of predicting overall success during early voting. Being better informed about early voting participation allowed our team to better focus our communications efforts. This dedicated tracking effort is how we knew that our most important proposition was approved by voters before election day!

 

Presenter(s)
Lalo Sosa, Daniel Ledezma, Region One Education Service Center
Area of Focus
Electronic Media Production
Room
Crockett C
Audience Level
All
Description
Discover how to MAXIMIZE your school’s communication efforts without breaking the bank. This session is insight on practical strategies for taking advantage of your existing equipment, repurposing content, and implementing cost-effective production techniques. Learn how to prioritize creativity while maximizing your budget, empowering schools of all sizes to amplify their communication strategies and build stronger connections within their community.

 

Presenter(s)
Michael Dudas M.S., Dyann Polzin, Galveston ISD
Area of Focus
Communications/PR/Marketing
Room
Crockett D
Audience Level
All
Description
A successful school district superintendent must be an exceptional communicator and skilled in building meaningful internal and external relationships. Get ready to explore how Galveston Independent School District has risen to this challenge with its dynamic leader.

 

Presenter(s)
David Ritchey, M.A., Lamesa ISD
Area of Focus
Community Engagement
Room
Republic A
Audience Level
All
Description
We inherited a school district 18 months ago that had done great damage to almost every relationship that existed with the local community. Parents. Chamber of Commerce. Police Department. Banks. Rather than be the cornerstone of the community, our district had positioned itself as an outsider to all. 18 months later, through constant effort and hard work we have re-positioned ourselves as a lighthouse for our community. We continue to push in the right direction, but the amount of change that we have worked together to accomplish is amazing. We love to tell our story as both a cautionary tale and a story of hope for any other districts that go through hard times.

 

Presenter(s)
Lesley Range-Stanton, Lan Hardy, Plano ISD; Hillary Robbins, K12 Insight
Area of Focus
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Room
Republic B
Audience Level
All
Description

Join Lesley Range-Stanton (Chief Communications Officer) and Lan Hardy (Communications Specialist) from Plano ISD to discover how a holistic approach to customer service, powered by generative AI, is transforming schools. They’ll share their experiences using AI-enhanced tools, automated workflows, and 24/7 chatbots to streamline processes and support their district.

This session includes real-world examples, insights on AI’s impact on K-12 communication and administration, and a Q&A opportunity. If you’re interested in AI, automation, or elevating customer service in education, don’t miss this session!

Presenter(s)
Lisa Losasso Jackson, We Go Public; Amy Galvan, Stantec
Area of Focus
Communications/PR/Marketing
Room
Republic C
Audience Level
All
Description

In August 2024, TSPRA partnered with We Go Public to launch the Celebrate Texas Public Schools 2.0 Campaign. Numerous districts across Texas have taken advantage of this unique way to spotlight the amazing things happening in public schools, amplifying ISDs who participate. This ISD-only-package includes $40,000 worth of promotion value for a special TSPRA member price of $625 per school year! That’s less than $50/month.

Now, sponsors like STANTEC have joined the campaign to underwrite districts across Texas to take advantage of this amazing campaign.

Join Lisa and Amy as they explain the campaign, why STANTEC is fueling districts to jump on board, and share a closer look at the campaign from the inside.

If you are a STANTEC underwritten district, this is a must-see session!

Dinner on Your Own/Client Dinners

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Work/Life Balance
CTPS Reception – Pre-Function Area (Sponsored by Stantec)

Stantec Logo

5:30 PM – 6:45 PM

Work/Life Balance
Rio River Tours (Sponsored by ParentSquare)

Work/Life Balance
Shop the River Walk or Rivercenter Mall

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Work/Life Balance
Book Study – Texas Ballroom A (Sponsored by CESO)

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Work/Life Balance
Karaoke (Sponsored by ParentSquare)