Key Takeaways from Fund Members’ Conference 2026

The 350 risk managers, HR professionals, facilities personnel, and other school employees who came together for the Fund Members’ Conference in April brought a spectrum of experiences, perspectives, and challenges.

Wendy Milam from Fruitvale ISD wants to ensure the district’s new HVAC units are hail ready. Longtime Deer Park ISD Purchasing Director John Knowlton was recently assigned risk management responsibilities. ESC Region 11 Nurse Manager Shelby Lampley is on a mission to better coordinate with her organization’s risk management and safety teams.

Despite their differences, Wendy, John, and Shelby are part of a strong community of Fund members who share risk and succeed together. Nothing captures the collaborative spirit that connects members quite like Fund Members' Conference. 

 Here are four takeaways from the Fund’s flagship training and networking event. 

You Deserve a “Ta Da” Moment

From first steps to first words to the first day of school, no milestone is too small for adults and children to celebrate. Keynote speaker Joel Zeff says “Ta Da” moments fuel children’s passion. They can do the same for adults if we celebrate each other’s accomplishments.

“Think about all the people you help during a typical day: staff, students, parents, community members. Maybe you feel like it’s just ‘part of your job.’ Remember, passion is our fuel, and celebration fills our tank,” said Joel.

Members Benefit from No-Cost Resources

New to Members’ Conference 2026 was Resource Row, where attendees discovered no-cost, member-exclusive resources such as consultations, hazard surveys, and self-service tools at tasbrmf.org.

Hearn ISD Payroll and Benefits Supervisor Deana Houston is excited to tell her co-workers about online training through the PublicSchoolWORKS learning management system (LMS).

Members have access to a suite of courses covering compliance and other topics tailored for schools. Deana said assigning and tracking courses in the district’s previous LMS was a manual effort. PublicSchoolWORKS automates the process, reducing administrative burdens.

Members Support Each Other

Magnolia ISD’s Stephanie Skinner knows a good idea when she sees it. She also recognizes the value in adapting those ideas to her work.

Stephanie often reaches out to Fund Excellence Award winners who implemented solutions to challenges Magnolia ISD faces. The response has been just what you’d expect from a community of members committed to lifting each other up.

“The risk community among Fund Members is generous in sharing their stories,” said Stephanie, who was recognized as a Fund Risk Management 101 participant during the member awards dinner.

“I’ve met Fund members in my region and from across the state. It's a victory for all Fund members when we collaborate.”

The Fund Values Relationships Over Transactions

Danbury ISD CFO Barbara Sharp and TASB Property Claims adjuster Kim Shelly were happy to reconnect during Fund Members’ Conference under better circumstances than their interaction in July 2024. That’s when Hurricane Beryl demolished the district’s administration building and flooded the middle school and high school.

Barbara credits Kim with helping ensure school started on time, without the need to relocate students.

“Kim knew the challenges we faced as a school district,” said Barbara. “She responded to inquiries quickly. She got the necessary approvals to get vendors on-site. She even helped us navigate the FEMA reimbursement process.”

Fund members like Barbara are not “customers” whose interactions with the Fund are defined by contributions and coverage agreements, explained Rosa Brown, TASB Risk Management Services Division Director of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships.

“As a self-insured risk pool, the Fund exists to support its members. TASB staff is committed to fostering meaningful relationships with members, anticipating their needs, and delivering high-quality service. That’s what sets the Fund apart from other coverage providers.”