January 2022 Committee on School Initiatives Item 3

Recommendation for Reappointments to the Randolph Field Independent School District Board of Trustees

January 28, 2022

COMMITTEE ON SCHOOL INITIATIVES: ACTION
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION: CONSENT

SUMMARY: This item provides an opportunity for the board to consider two reappointments to the board of trustees of Randolph Field Independent School District (ISD). The reappointments are necessary due to the expiration of the terms of office of two board members.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Texas Education Code (TEC), §11.352.

TEC, §11.352 authorizes the State Board of Education (SBOE) to appoint school board members in special purpose school districts.

The full text of statutory citations can be found in the statutory authority section of this agenda.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND JUSTIFICATION: The SBOE is statutorily authorized to appoint board members for military reservation ISDs. Trustees so appointed hold office for two years and until their successors are appointed and qualified. Enlisted military personnel may be appointed to the board; however, a majority must be civilians, and all may be civilians. When a vacancy occurs, the base commander notifies the commissioner of education of the vacancy in compliance with TEC, §11.352. Vacancies are widely advertised through base newspapers, email, and other electronic methods. Interested individuals submit resumes and other documents verifying that they are qualified to hold the position and would accept it if appointed.

The commanding officer appoints a nomination panel of at least three members who review the application packages, interview the candidates, and evaluate the candidates. The panel’s recommendations are forwarded to the commanding officer for consideration. The commanding officer is required by 19 TAC §61.2 to provide at least one nomination to the SBOE for each vacancy. All nominees must be qualified under the general school laws of Texas and live or be employed on the military reservation.

Colonel, United States Air Force, James H. Masoner, Commander of the 502d Security Forces Group, has notified the commissioner that the terms of two current trustees of the Randolph Field ISD are expiring. Colonel Masoner recommends the reappointments of Mr. Jimmy Cornelius and Mrs. Vanessa Bowden to the Randolph Field ISD Board of Trustees.

MOTION TO BE CONSIDERED: The State Board of Education:

Based on Colonel James H. Masoner’s recommendation, approve the reappointments of Mr. Jimmy Cornelius and Mrs. Vanessa Bowden to serve terms of office from January 28, 2022, to January 28, 2024, on the Randolph Field ISD Board of Trustees.

Staff Members Responsible:
Jeffrey Cottrill, Deputy Commissioner, Governance and Accountability
Christopher Lucas, Director, Policy, Planning, and Operations, Governance and Accountability

Attachment:
Correspondence from Colonel James H. Masoner that includes biographical information and supporting materials for each nominee