BELTON ISD SCHOOL BOARD NAMED AS A TEXAS HONOR SCHOOL BOARD OF THE YEAR

WACO, TEXAS — The Belton ISD Board of Trustees is one of six Texas school boards named as an Honor Board in the 2005 School Board Awards competition sponsored by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA). The superintendent of Belton ISD nominated the school board in May for the regional competition and the board was selected as the 2005 Region 12 Honor Board in July. One of 20 education regions in Texas,
Region 12 encompasses 78 school districts across 12 Central Texas counties\

The Belton ISD Board of Trustees for the 2004-2005 school year were: Randy Pittenger, President; Joe Shepperd, Vice-President; Royce Boren, Secretary; Connie Demerson, Penny Digby, Jeannette Kelley, and Paul Sanderford. Shepperd did not choose to run for re-election, and Tim Stephens was chosen as his replacement and currently serves on the board.

“We’re very proud to have the Belton ISD Board of Trustees represent our region of excellent educators and school boards. This board is an example of the district’s outstanding dedication and commitment to a quality education for all students,” said Dr. Tom Norris, executive director of Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12.

Among the factors that resulted in the recognition of these six Honor Boards were their vision, commitment, and leadership as policy makers; commitment to the improvement of student performance; evidence of strong community support for the district; cooperation among board members and between the board and superintendent; and evidence of successful school-business partnerships. TASA created the School Board Awards Program in 1971.

“Our school district has faced changes in enrollment, growth, facility needs, increasing student needs and limited resources. With these challenges, our Board continues to focus on educational performance improvements in all their decisions, always keeping what is best for children at the center of those decisions,” said Dr. Vivian Baker, Superintendent for Belton ISD.

“This honor is a great tribute, not just for our board, but to the many wonderful people who work hard every day to help our students be successful,” said Belton ISD Board President Randy Pittenger.

The Belton ISD Board and the other five finalists will interview for the State Outstanding Board next month. The Honor Boards and the board chosen as the Outstanding Board will be recognized at a special awards presentation during the TASA/TASB Annual Convention on Sept. 25, in Houston. In addition to Belton ISD, other Honor Boards named are: Alvin ISD, Nederland ISD, Ricardo ISD, San Antonio ISD, and Tyler ISD. The Belton ISD Board and the two Region 12 teachers of the year will be honored at a regional reception on Oct. 11 at ESC Region 12.

For more information, please contact Jennifer Marshall-Higgins at 254/297-1198. For information about board members and/or Belton ISD, contact Judy Owens at 254-215-2024.

About ESC Region 12
One of 20 centers throughout Texas, the Education Service Center Region 12 provides professional training and technical assistance for the purpose of improving student performance for all students. Based in Waco, with offices in Copperas Cove, Corsicana, Goldthwaite, Hillsboro, and Teague, the ESC Region 12’s service area includes Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Limestone, Mills, McLennan and Navarro counties.

About TASA
TASA was founded in 1925. The association's membership includes public school superintendents and administrators, education service center staff, college and university professors and students, and others interested in public education. An Executive Committee consisting of 4 officers, 20 regional representatives, and 4 at-large members governs the association. The mission of the Texas Association of School Administrators is to promote, provide, and develop leadership that champions educational excellence.

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