Who We Are
Purpose
TEXAS EDUCATION SERVICE CENTERS EXIST TO SUPPORT STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Education Service Center Region 12 is a nonprofit service organization devoted to supporting educators and school personnel in their efforts to improve student outcomes. We are passionate about helping schools ensure an equitable education for every student and maintain efficient, economical operations.
Everything we do focuses on helping schools align systems and planning to maximize district efficiency. Our effective, economical programs and services assist schools in three impact areas: educator success, resource development and community outreach.
Enhancing SkillsRegion 12 schools rely on us to provide personalized, relevant and affordable professional development opportunities that meet the needs of today's learners. Training is developed in response to district and student needs as well as state and federal requirements, accessible to even the most rural areas. Areas of service include Leadership, Alternative Certification Preparation, Business Information & Finance, Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment, Federal Programs Support, Data Management, Special Education Services and Technology. We offer professional development through a variety of delivery methods designed to fit the schedules, learning styles and location constraints of all educators in our region. Training incorporates blended and flexible learning and features expert instructors with research-based strategies.
Bridging GapsAs legislators seek to resolve complicated funding issues with the Texas school finance system, education service centers are diligently working to help schools operate more efficiently. Efficient operations mean that more dollars can support the classroom, which is critically important to adequately prepare students for higher education and careers. The services are available to schools on demand, which also saves significant dollars in staffing.
Education is our highest priority. The success of our students depends on the unified leadership of Texas legislators, educators, business leaders and communities. ESC Region 12 is proud to serve as a hub for two-way communication and collaboration as we seek better ways to improve Texas education. With so many complicated issues facing our schools, it is more important than ever to stay informed about evolving legislation that impacts school funding and accountability.
Impact and Mission
Vision & Mission
The Education Service Center Region 12 provides professional training and technical assistance for the purpose of improving student performance for all students. Per HB 452, resources and services provided by ESC Region 12 are aligned with, and designed to support, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) adopted by the State Board of Education.
Vision
Innovative Solutions. Empowered Learners. Educated Communities.
Mission
We partner with schools and communities to achieve student success.
Strategic Priorities
ESC Region 12 is committed to the Continuous Improvement Model for enhancing programs and services as defined in the following three strategic priorities:
- Assist school districts in improving student performance
- Assist school districts in increasing effectiveness and economy of operations
- Assist school districts in the implementation of statewide and regional initiatives
Texas System of Education Service Centers
ESC Region 12 is one of 20 Education Service Centers in Texas and is a part of the Texas System of ESCs. Learn more at tea.texas.gov.
Public Information Requests
Please send public information requests to publicinformationrequests@esc12.net.
Or fill out our Public Records Request form.
For an overview of our ESC's impact and performance details for ourselves and our region in 2022-2023, please enjoy the resources provided below.
2022-2023 Annual Performance Report
History
Since 1967, the Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 in Waco has employed dedicated staff members who provide an array of programs and services to regional districts and charter schools.
ESC Region 12 is one of 20 centers located throughout the state of Texas. Originally setup by the Texas Legislature authorized the State Board of Education, the goal of the centers is to provide quality training and support to educators and school districts.
Within 6 years, the center’s services and programs outgrew its offices and moved from offices at Baylor University to a larger site in downtown Waco. As the counties in Region 12 continued to expand, so did the need for educational support. In March 1994, the center moved to the facility in which it resides today.
ESC Region 12 continues to experience growth in size and the services it provides to educators, districts and charter schools. Still located in the heart of Central Texas, the center maintains its pledge to provide professional development and technical assistance for the purpose of improving student performance for all students.
The center does not have tax levying or bonding authority, but receives revenue from three primary sources: federal, state and local. The center is governed by an eight-member board of directors, seven elected by members of local district boards of trustees and one from a charter school. The panel oversees the center’s budget and develops policies regarding management, operations, programs and services. In addition, it is empowered to employ and dismiss an executive director, subject to the approval of the State Commissioner of Education.
Leadership
Executive Director
Kenny Berry is the Executive Director of Education Service Center Region 12 in Waco, which provides professional development and support to educators and school personnel in 77 school districts and nine charter schools in 12 Central Texas counties. Berry started as executive director in April of 2024. His vision for the center is to innovate, educate, and empower learners, fostering excellence and growth in area schools. The center has approximately 240 employees, including off-site employees who work in school districts as part of several large grants.
Berry has served in education for over 20 years in several districts and has experience at various levels in K-12 education. He served as a classroom teacher in Canyon ISD and Levelland ISD and as a campus-level administrator in Levelland ISD and Clyde CISD. Before joining ESC Region 12, Berry served as superintendent of Clyde CISD for seven years.
Berry received his Master’s of Education Administration from Lubbock Christian University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from West Texas A&M University and has Elementary Self-Contained, Social Studies, Principal, and Superintendent certifications. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Liberty University.
Berry and his wife Janessa reside in Clyde with their son Austin but will soon transition to the Waco area. Their daughter Averi attends Abilene Christian University. Above all else, Berry prioritizes faith and family in his life. He enjoys spending time with his family, college football, and outdoor activities such as biking, fishing, hiking, and skiing.
Executive Staff
TERRY MARAK
Chief Financial Officer,
Business Office & Financial Services
Phone: (254) 297-1178
Email: tmarak@esc12.net
PATRICK MURPHY
Deputy Executive Director,
Leadership Services
Phone: (254) 297-2914
Email: pmurphy@esc12.net
TAMMY BECKER
Deputy Executive Director,
Academic & Administrative Services
Phone: (254) 297-1240
Email: tbecker@esc12.net
LARRY ROBINSON
Deputy Executive Director,
Center Operations
Phone: (254) 297-1203
Email: lrobinson@esc12.net
Board of Directors
The center is governed by an eight-member board of directors, seven elected by members of local district boards of trustees and one from a charter school. The panel oversees the center’s budget and develops policies regarding management, operations, programs and services.
For Board Meeting Minutes and Agendas, visit Required Postings.
BILL KILLIAN, Chairman
McLennan County
Bill Killian began his career in education in Crosbyton, Texas as a history teacher and coach for junior high football, basketball and track. Throughout his career, he also filled the roles of junior high athletic coordinator and principal in Midway ISD before retiring in 2005. Mr. Killian graduated in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University, followed by a master’s degree in school administration from Baylor University in 1982. He joined the ESC Region 12 Board of Directors in 2006.
KERRY HANSEN
Bell County
Kerry Hansen began his career in education as a teacher and coach for China Spring, Crawford and Midway ISD, and served as a campus principal for Oglesby and Troy ISD. He later became superintendent of Lorena ISD. After 33 years in education, he retired as superintendent of Troy ISD in 2011. Mr. Hansen has assisted several school districts in Region 12 as an interim superintendent and guided their school boards through the superintendent search process. He received his bachelor’s degree from Baylor University in 1978 and a master’s degree in education from Tarleton State University in 1989. He and his wife DeeAnn have two sons and six grandchildren.
REX DANIELS, Vice Chairman
Lampasas & Mills Counties
Rex Daniels began his career in the field of education in 1971 as a teacher and coach in Garland ISD. He filled the roles of assistant principal and principal and retired in 2006 as an assistant superintendent in Lampasas ISD. Mr. Daniels is a past member of the Texas Association of School Personnel Directors, a lifetime member of the Texas Association of School Administrators, and a member of the Lampasas County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in education from Stephen F. Austin University. Mr. Daniels joined the ESC Region 12 Board of Directors in 2007.
MIKE MCKIBBEN
Bosque & Hill Counties
Mike McKibben currently serves as the Chief Appraiser of the Hill County Appraisal District and has been employed in this position since 2001. He also serves as Tax Assessor/Collector for 11 of the 12 Hill County schools by an interlocal contract. Within his job responsibilities, he performs all duties of assessing and collecting taxes for 11 school districts. This includes the calculation of taxes, posting required notices and publications, state reports and all truth in taxation functions. Mike previously served locally as a Board Trustee for the Aquilla Independent School District. He has achieved several professional state designations such as Registered Professional Appraiser (RPA), Registered Texas Assessor/Collector (RTA), Certified Tax Administrator (CTA), and Certified School Tax Administrator (CSTA).
JOHN TURPIN, Secretary
Falls & Limestone Counties
John Turpin began his career in education in 1982, teaching and coaching in Lovelady, Texas. Mr. Turpin worked in a number of districts before settling in Mexia ISD, where he served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent. He retired in 2013 after 31 years in education. Mr. Turpin graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina, with a bachelor’s degree in history. In 1997, he received his master's in education from Stephen F. Austin University. He joined the ESC Region 12 Board of Directors in 2015
ROSE CAMERON
Coryell & Hamilton Counties
Rose Cameron was employed by the Joshua Independent School District from 1988-2000 during which time she served as a sixth grade teacher, an assistant principal, principal, curriculum assistant, director of instruction, and assistant superintendent. In the fall of 2000, she assumed the position of assistant professor at Tarleton State University in the Educational Administration, Counseling, and Psychology Department. She taught at TSU for three years before joining the Copperas Cove Independent School District in January 2003. Dr. Cameron assumed the role of Superintendent of Schools in the Copperas Cove ISD on June 1, 2006. She retired in June of 2012.
KEVIN STANFORD
Freestone & Navarro Counties
Kevin Stanford began his career in the small West Texas town of Albany as a biology teacher and coach. In 1993, Kevin transitioned into administration becoming a junior high assistant principal and later a high school principal, before serving as a superintendent. After 39 years in education, he retired as an assistant superintendent in a mid-sized district and currently works part-time in sales. Mr. Stanford received a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Arlington, a master’s degree in biology from Texas Woman’s University, a mid-management certification from the University of North Texas and a superintendent certification from The University of Texas at Tyler. He and his wife Carla live in Eureka, Texas and have two children and two grandchildren.
ALEXIS NEUMANN
Charter Schools
Alexis Neumann began her career in education as a researcher, practitioner, adjunct, teacher and administrator in higher education, and an administrator in K-12. In 2010, Mrs. Neumann went to Rapoport Academy where she is now superintendent. She received her bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1999 and her master’s of business administration in 2003, both from Texas Tech University. In 2010, she completed her doctorate at Baylor University in the field of educational psychology.