Don't Miss the Fund's Sessions at txEDCON 2025

TASB Risk Management Services will lead multiple educational sessions at txEDCON 2025, held September 11–14 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. The sessions will equip school board members with practical strategies and insights to strengthen district compliance, enhance campus security, improve emergency preparedness, and support core risk management initiatives.

Friday, September 12

Facility and Insurance Strategies for the Modern Era
8:45-9:45 a.m.
Room 352F

Understanding how economic shifts, weather challenges, and maintenance issues impact your district’s construction, insurance, and ongoing maintenance costs is essential to ensuring a conducive learning environment for students. Join us to gain the knowledge and tools needed to navigate these challenges successfully and communicate effectively within your district leadership team, school board, and community. 

Presenters: Joanie Arrott, Assistant Director of Risk Solutions, TASB Risk Management Services; Jeff Clemmons, Division Director, TASB Facility Services 

Texas School Safety Leadership: Legal Mandates, Armed Security Options, and Modern Solutions
10:45-11:45 a.m.
Room 332AD

District leadership is under increased pressure to ensure each campus has appropriate safety measures in place, including armed security. This session provides a high-level overview of legal requirements, evaluates available armed security programs, and explores how modern technologies can support safe and responsive learning environments.

Presenter: Andy Michael, School Safety & Security Consultant, TASB Risk Management Services

Risk Management Foundation for New Board Members
2:45-3:45 p.m.
Room 352D  

This presentation provides new school board members with a comprehensive understanding of risk management principles and practical tools to enhance school safety and address potential hazards. You'll learn how to develop strategies to identify and mitigate risks, stay informed about emerging threats like cybersecurity issues, and manage the financial aspects of risk, including the rising costs of property coverage. By the end of this session, you'll be equipped to make informed decisions that protect students, staff, and school resources, ensuring a safe and secure educational environment.

Presenter: Janina Flores, Division Director of Risk Solutions, TASB Risk Management Services

Securing the School Environment Beyond the Bell: Best Practices for Texas Leaders
2:45-3:45 p.m.
Room 332BE

Texas school districts frequently host high-attendance events such as athletic games, concerts, and community activities outside of regular school hours. These events present unique safety challenges. This session provides school board members and administrators with an overview of the current landscape of school-related violence, barriers to improving security, and practical tools and communication strategies to enhance after-hours safety.

Presenters: Andy Michael, School Safety & Security Consultant, TASB Risk Management Services; Tom Landry, Consultant, Secure Environment Consultants

Saturday, September 13

Emergency Management: What Board Members Need to Know and Do
7:30-8:30 a.m.
Room 352E

During a lockdown, weather event, infrastructure failure, or other emergency, your district needs clear governance, not confusion. This session gives new and experienced board members actionable guidance for supporting emergency response, communicating with stakeholders, and helping the district recover. Learn what to say (and not say) on social media, how to navigate closures and lockdowns, and what questions to ask your superintendent and risk manager. Walk away with a quick-reference guide, checklists, and resources to lead with confidence during any crisis.

Presenters: Kendra Estes, Manager of Risk Management Resources; Andy Michael, School Safety and Security Consultant, TASB Risk Management Services

Safety in Action: Legal Duties and Operational Realities
1:45-2:45 p.m.
Room 310AB

This session will cover the legal requirements and real-world application of school safety laws. We will explore the legal framework and operational realities of emergency operations planning, collaborating with school-based law enforcement, and preparing for and responding to safety audits. Learn what it takes to stay compliant while gaining actionable insights to strengthen your district’s safety and security procedures.

Presenters: Jacy Selcoe, Legal Services Staff Attorney, TASB; Andy Michael, School Safety & Security Consultant, TASB Risk Management Services