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 Monday night (January 13).
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. The board of trustees also volunteers hundreds of hours to the district through its service each year. Over the past year, the Temple ISD board of trustees has overseen the completion of multiple projects included in the $164.8 million bond package that was passed in May of 2022. Those completed projects include Sampson-Howard Elementary School, which opened its doors in August of 2024 as the district’s first brand new campus in more than 25 years. Trustees have also worked to enhance safety and security initiatives by improving security vestibules and approving the installation of impact-resistant film on every first-floor window and door at each of Temple ISD’s 15 campuses. Bond projects are also underway to add permanent classroom additions at Hector P. Garcia Elementary, Kennedy-Powell Elementary, and Raye-Allen Elementary as the board honors the community’s desire to remove portable buildings across the district. The board of trustees has helped prepare the district for student growth, provide safe schools, demand excellence in student outcomes and opportunities, work closely with state leaders to secure funding/resources for public schools, and overcome the additional obstacles presented by the May 2024 tornados. TISD was also able to maintain the district’s tax rate without an increase for the seventh consecutive year.
“It is an incredible honor to work with my fellow board members on behalf of the students and staff in our school district, and we believe all students and staff deserve a safe and supportive environment,” 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 Leadership for Tomorrow’s Texas for this year’s recognition month to emphasize the important role board members play in shaping the future of our state and how their work prepares students for college, careers, and beyond.
“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 recognize trustees on behalf of the students, teachers, coaches, staff, and communities they represent at Monday’s board meeting.