Longview ISD Place 6 trustee Ted Beard has been elected as President of the Texas Association of School Boards.
“I’m going to continue to advocate for quality, accessible public education that’s properly funded for all of the school districts, not just in Region VII but for the entire state of Texas,” he said. “I am blessed to bring a perspective from the greater Longview community and the entire Region VII service area.”
The 2020–21 officers for the TASB Board of Directors were elected during the Association’s 2020 Delegate Assembly, which was held virtually on Oct. 3, 2020. Mr. Beard succeeds Immediate Past President Jim Rice of Fort Bend ISD.
LISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox praised Beard's selection, crediting his 'tireless advocacy on behalf of students and their families.'
'Ted is an excellent choice for TASB president,' he said. 'For duration of his time on the LISD Board of Trustees he has proven himself to be a strong defender and advocate of public education in Texas. I am certain he will continue to be so in this role on the TASB board.'
A nonprofit organization providing advocacy and support for school districts in the state, TASB membership includes all 1,025 Texas school districts, 20 regional education service centers, 50 community colleges, 19 central appraisal districts, and 133 shared service arrangements. TASB represents the largest group of publicly elected officials in the state (more than 7,000 school board members), serving more than 5.4 million Texas students.
First elected to the LISD Board of Trustees in 1998, Beard has served in various capacities, including assistant secretary, vice-president, and twice as president. Beard was appointed to the TASB Risk Management Fund Board in November 2007 and currently serves as chair. He is a 2012 graduate of Leadership TASB and an Honorary Life Member of PTA. He also is a member of the Texas Caucus of Black School Board Members, where he has served as president.
A retired sergeant-major from the United States Army, and combat veteran of Desert Shield/Storm, Beard was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. He later served in combat in during Iraqi Freedom. Beard later earned a bachelor’s in human services from LeTourneau University and now works as an equal employment opportunity counselor for the Social Security Administration.
