Thomas A. “Tab” Beall Jr. has been named a recipient of the 2022 Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) Heroes for Children Award. He was recognized during the general meeting of the SBOE on Friday, September 2, 2022, with a plaque presentation from SBOE District 9 representative Keven Ellis.
This prestigious award is given to only 15 individuals statewide for outstanding services and support provided to their school community, staff, and students of Texas. The 15 awardees represent 15 districts in Texas. Beall represents District 9, which includes Smith County and 29 other Northeast Texas counties.
“Tab Beall has advocated for Tyler ISD for 20 years and counting,” stated Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marty Crawford. “Tyler ISD is fortunate to have Tab invest so much of his time and effort into our schools. We can’t thank him enough for his work with the Tyler ISD Foundation.”
The State Board of Education established the Heroes for Children award program in 1994. The award is designed to recognize excellence in advocacy for education and to highlight the many outstanding volunteers whose efforts represent significant contributions to public school education in Texas. Beall’s name will be engraved on a plaque along with other recipients to be permanently displayed at the Texas Education Agency.
“As a Tyler ISD alumnus, I feel honored to support the school district that gave me the education to enrich my career,” said Beall. “Just as education has enriched my life, I donate my resources and volunteer my time to help enrich the education and lives of others. Whether supporting a bond campaign, joining a grant patrol, or helping to fund programs that benefit the District, I’ve proudly made a commitment to education at Tyler ISD.”
Beall became a Tyler ISD Foundation Board member in 2001, where he continues volunteering his time. In 2011, Mr. Beall and his wife, Bonnie, announced a $550,000 donation, including a scholarship endowment that benefited deserving students. To date, the Tab and Bonnie Beall Scholarship has impacted the lives of 21 Tyler ISD graduates. Beall is a smiling fixture at various Tyler ISD and Foundation events supporting teachers and students across the District, including Caldwell Arts Academy’s annual elementary musical, the District Convocation event for all employees, and the District Teacher of the Year banquet.
“There is nothing Tab would not do for Tyler ISD,” Tyler ISD Foundation Executive Director Suzette Farr said. “His efforts have assisted our foundation in providing grants for teachers in the classroom, scholarships for students, supporting our District Teachers of the Year, and the list goes on and on with ways he helps to financially enrich the education and lives of others.”
Beall is the first Tyler ISD volunteer recognized with the Heroes for Children Award. Since its creation in 1994, the board has recognized more than 495 outstanding school volunteers with this award. Beall is a retired tax attorney with Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins and Mott‚ LLP. Beall is married to his wife, Bonnie, a retired Tyler ISD high school teacher. He and his wife have two grown children.
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org