January is School Board Recognition Month, and Tyler ISD is honored to celebrate its trustees for their dedication and commitment to the district's schools and students.
The theme of this year's School Board Recognition Month is Forward, Together, which highlights the collaboration among school leaders, teachers, and parents on behalf of students.
"The Tyler ISD Board of Trustees continues to effectively govern with students, teachers, and parents at the core of their decision-making while keeping a close eye on the fiscal program graciously provided by taxpayers," Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said.
As a link between the community and the classroom, a school board member's role is to establish policies that provide the framework for public schools. The Tyler ISD Board is responsible for an annual budget of $214 million, 18,328 students, 2,600 employees, and 33 campuses and facilities.
"In an era of hyper-scrutiny of school systems, they hold the administration accountable to ensure that Tyler's schools align with community expectations and that successful student outcomes are the priority,” Crawford said. “While some shy away from that style of school board-administration relationship, the Tyler way is proving effective as outcomes continue to improve."
Our Career & Technical Education students go beyond content knowledge as they prepare for workforce credentials. Our students earned almost 900 industry-based certifications before graduating high school, equipping them with marketable skills for our community's top companies.
The most visible of accomplishments, the passage of Bond 2022, consists of constructing a new Hubbard Middle School and a new Early College High School.
Board members serving Tyler ISD are:
President, Mr. Wade Washmon, District 1 Trustee since 2013, Vice President BW Energy Consultants. "For me, it's about serving the students and community by striving to be a reasonable voice in a world where education is politicized and scrutinized. I love Tyler, Texas, and the people who live here as much as anybody; it’s home, and it's so important to me to keep our focus on where it needs to be, successful student outcomes. In my time on the board, I've realized how delicate a functional and healthy school board and the district are. And I'm proud to serve on a board dedicated to handling our business quietly and respectfully, putting people over politics every day of the week."
Mr. Aaron Martinez, District 5 Trustee since 2015, community volunteer. "Volunteering as a school board trustee is important to me because I believe in the power of education to change lives. I get to be a part of the decision-making process for our community's schools, and that's fun and exciting. Plus, investing in our schools is investing in the future, so it's a no-brainer for me."
Mr. Artis Newsome, District 2 Trustee since 2020, retired physical therapist and certified wound care specialist. "I am proud to serve as a board member to assist in making policies that ensure our teachers and students have the best possible resources for quality education."
Mrs. Yvonne Atkins, District 3 Trustee since 2020, retired Tyler ISD educator and administrator. "I've always been involved in education as a student, parent, or educator. Being on the school board allows me to be involved in what I love."
Dr. Trish Nation, District 4 Trustee since 2014, retired Tyler ISD educator and administrator. "The love and support of children have always been my passion, education my chosen profession, and service my calling. School board service draws them all together in one package."
Mrs. Lindsey Harrison, District 6 Trustee since 2021, Vice President of Sales for Nanovibronix, and Realtor for The McCain Team at Remax. "Being on the school board is so insightful! Having two children in the district and being a Tyler ISD graduate, I am beyond honored to serve in a position where I can impact my children’s future and the future of all our amazing students. Their future in our district and their path onward is why I serve!"
Mr. Andy Bergfeld, District 7 Trustee since 2012, President of Bergfeld Realty Company, LLC. "Public education in Texas began in the 1840s and is continually evolving. It has always been important to the people of this state that all kids have access to a free K-12 public education. Through their elected school board members, it is up to each town to determine the quality of that education - which is why I ran for the Tyler ISD Board. For the City of Tyler to be at its best, Tyler ISD must be excellent in all areas. It is my job to ensure the community's expectations are met and that all children are prepared to be productive citizens and enjoy what this great country offers."
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at 903-262-1064 or Jennifer.Hines@tylerisd.org.