Longview ISD will host an education summit on September 13-14 at the Hilton Garden Inn, bringing together school district leaders and our Texas Legislators to develop a shared understanding to ensure equity and excellence for each Texas educator and student.
Dr. James Wilcox, Superintendent of Longview ISD, said the event will provide an opportunity for school district leaders 'to have a rich dialogue about what solutions they see for addressing public education funding for Texas schools, educators and students.'
Rep. Jay Dean and Rep. Gary VanDeaver launched the idea of the summit in 2016.
“This whole summit is about readying our ship for the challenges ahead,” said VanDeaver. “We have some great experts lined up to speak to us at this summit. I think we have a good formula here to really do something and do something that matters for the kids of this state.”
In 2016, Dean and VanDeaver launched the idea and convened a group of elected officials to listen to the education leadership’s vision for our schools and to develop recommendations about how our elected officials can best support and represent our schools when session starts.
'Obviously we're all on the same side,' said Dean. 'We all want to do what's best for the public, who we serve. So open lines of communication and dialogue are a priority for all of us in what we're trying to do.'
Presenters for the summit include; Amy Beneski, TASA Deputy Ex. Director Government Relations, Marty DeLeon, Escalmilla & Poneck, Wayne Pierce, Equity Center, Blake Cooper, Friends of Texas Public Schools, and Tim Lee, Executive Director of Texas Retired Teachers Association.
The presentations consisted of topics on various bills that are on the floor and passed during the 85th Legislative Session. Other presentations included: “From Mayhem to Miracle: The Challenge and the Opportunity,” “Goals for Friends of Texas Public Schools,” “Report Card on House & Senate Members Concerning Public Education.”
Activities will begin at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13 with a Texas Association School Boards (TASB) Management Presentation and reception. On Thursday, Sept. 14 registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. followed by presentations and panels.
For more information about the event please contact Longview ISD at (903) 381-2200.
