Navarro Independent School District

Navarro Independent School District was recently recognized on the Texas Senate floor for its advocacy efforts for public education. The recognition came during a visit to the Texas State Capitol on Tuesday, February 18, when district leaders attended the joint Legislative Conference hosted by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) and the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB).

Superintendent Epley, Assistant Superintendent Dr. David Kauffman, Board President Melissa Sartain, Board Assistant Secretary Dan Reinhard, and Trustee Dr. Lacey Gosch represented Navarro ISD at the conference, which provided school board members and administrators with updates on legislative matters and insights into key education legislation. The group heard from prominent officials including House Public Education Chair Brad Buckley, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Reps. Gary VanDeaver and James Talarico, and Comptroller of Public Accounts Glenn Hegar.

In addition to attending the conference, the Navarro ISD team held meetings with several legislators and their staff, including Public Education Vice Chair, Rep. Diego Bernal, Public Education Committee member, Rep. Alan Schoolcraft, Senator Donna Campbell’s Education Lead, Jim Morales, and Rep. Cunningham’s Chief Roel Benavides. These meetings provided an opportunity to discuss Navarro ISD’s specific legislative priorities and ensure lawmakers understand the needs of the growing district.

The highlight of the visit was the recognition on the Senate floor by Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini. Senator Zaffirini also met with the Navarro ISD team to express her support for public education.

Superintendent Epley emphasized the Navarro ISD Board of Trustees’ commitment to advocating for the best interest of the district and its students. “It is imperative that we communicate our legislative priorities and ensure lawmakers understand the needs of our growing district,” stated Superintendent Epley. “Legislation related to public school funding, student academic and counseling services support, teacher and staff support, school safety and Chapter 37 reform, property value impact on district funding, and bond election restriction proposals all directly affect Navarro ISD.”

Board President Melissa Sartain added, "I would like to thank Mrs. Epley for her engagement in legislative advocacy for Navarro ISD. She does an excellent job at communicating legislative updates to the school board and was the catalyst in getting us involved, as trustees, in public education advocacy. I appreciate that she ensures that we are aware of these opportunities to represent Navarro at the Capitol and facilitates those for us. It was also great to share the opportunity with Mr. Reinhard and Dr. Gosch and listen to their insights and discuss their concerns in our meetings as well."

The district recognizes the importance of sharing its specific needs and priorities with lawmakers to inform the legislative process and support Navarro ISD’s goal of delivering the highest quality educational experience and opportunities for its students and families.

Pictured Left to Right: Navarro ISD School Board President Melissa Sartain, Superintendent Mandy Epley, Navarro ISD School Board Member Dr. Lacey Gosch, and Navarro ISD School Board Assistant Secretary Dan Reinhard visit with State Senator Judith Zaffirini.