A message from TSPRA President-Elect Kristin Cathey, APR, chair of the Nominating Committee:
Dear TSPRA family,
As we embark upon what is sure to be another eventful school year, I want to thank you for your dedication to the profession and continued investment in your professional development. TSPRA works hard to ensure its members get the most bang for our buck and are consistenly researching industry trends to provide value to the membership.
As I reflect on my 13 years as a member of TSPRA (14 years in the profession), I think fondly of my first HASPRA meeting. Coming from a small town 90 miles east of Houston, we did not have many opportunities to collaborate with larger districts and quite frankly-it was a little intimidating! But the HASPRA leadership made me feel so comfortable and the meetings became my escape from the hustle and bustle of a one-person office. I looked forward to them every month and I hope that I provided that type of reprieve during my time as HASPRA VP.
The TSPRA conference has always been an opportunity for us to congregate and share stories of tragedy and triumph; job losses and job transitions; babies, marriages, divorces and everything in between. TSPRA allows us to be ourselves in a safe space; far away from the gazing eyes of Board members and angry parents. We are able to learn from one another, share our skill set, establish life-long friendships and leave better than we came. We are able to SEE what we want to be and are provided the tools to get there.
If a woman from a small, Southeast Texas town can ascend to the heights of TSPRA President-Elect, know that there are no limits to what you can accomplish and give back to the organization through your leadership. I knew from the moment I set foot into my first HASPRA meeting that these were my people and this is where I belonged, but it took the support (and a little nudging) from those in leadership to help guide me along the way.
Well-let me be that person nudging towards TSPRA leadership! TSPRA is now accepting nominations for 2025-2026 officers. You may nominate yourself or someone else if they meet the criteria.
Here are two important deadlines:
*Friday, September 6, 2024: Completed online nomination forms must be received by the TSPRA state office no later than 4:00 p.m.
*Monday, September 16, 2024: To be eligible, a person must be a professional member in good standing with dues paid by September 16, 2024.
Nominees must meet all the membership requirements as defined by the bylaws, agree to attend three Executive Committee meetings yearly, and must have the support of their district or organization. To view the complete requirements go to https://tspra.org/about/nominations/
Please note, TSPRA’s Standing Rules state that each area shall have no more than two vice presidents. Since the At Large Vice President Positions 2 and 3 are currently held by members from the West Central and San Antonio areas, no one from those areas would be eligible to serve in the At-Large Vice President Position 1.
Nominations are needed for:
- President-Elect
- Area Vice Presidents & At-Large Vice President Position 1
- East Texas (ESC Regions 6, 7 & 8)
- West Central (ESC Regions 12, 14 & 15)
- Central (ESC Region 13)
- Northwest (ESC Regions 16 & 17)
- At-Large Position 1 (Represents all areas; persons in the West Central and San Antonio Regions are not eligible this year due to Standing Rules requirements.)
To make a nomination you will need basic information of the person (name, title, district or organization, email and phone number).
You will need to answer the following questions on the online nomination form:
1. Does the nominee have the support of their district, organization, supervisor? (This is an important requirement since officers are required to attend the EC meetings and cover their own expenses. They need the support of their district and supervisor.s)
2. Does the nominee understand they are responsible for expenses related to the position, travel and conference?
3. Does the nominee meet the qualifications to serve?
4. How many years has the nominee been a member of TSPRA?
5. In what ways has the nominee served TSPRA? (Committee work, other offices, presenter, etc.)
6. What honors has the nominee received, both in and outside of TSPRA?
7. Why is the nominee seeking office?
8. What skills and expertise will the nominee bring to the TSPRA leadership team?
9. A list of names, cell phone numbers and emails of members supporting the nomination must be included on the form and not as an attached list. This is used as proof of support.
You will also need to upload the following items:
1. A biography/resume of the nominee
2. One PDF file compiling three letters of support. Please do not solicit or submit more than three letters.
3. A photo of the nominee
Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Share your expertise and knowledge with our TSPRA members. I know we can’t wait to see what you’ll become. See you in San Antonio!
Best wishes,
Kristin
Kristin Cathey, APR
TSPRA President-Elect
Nominating Committee Chair