FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 6, 2025
Dallas, TX — Texans Can Academies proudly joins school districts across Texas in celebrating January as School Board Recognition Month. This annual event honors the dedication and service of school board trustees who play an essential role in guiding our students toward academic success and brighter futures.
The Texans Can Academies Board of Trustees comprises nine exceptional leaders who exemplify commitment and vision in shaping the future of education for students across Texas. This year, we extend our deepest gratitude to:
• Thalia F. Matherson, EdD, Board Chair
• Richard Evans, Board Vice Chair
• Steven Anderson, Board Treasurer
• Antonio Soto, Board Secretary
• Karren Hodge, Board Member
• Jeff Weekley, Board Member
• Julissa Alcantar-Martinez, EdD, Board Member
• Sharon Burkley, Board Member
• La Juana R. Sanford, Board Member
A Vision for Student Success
Our board adopted the vision statement: "Students will receive an individualized education and the social-emotional guidance needed to become college, career, or military ready, and ultimately contributing members of society."
This vision has guided our trustees to embrace the Lone Star Governance (LSG) framework, a continuous improvement model focused on improving student outcomes. The purpose of LSG is to provide tailored coaching aligned with the five pillars of the Texas Framework for School Board Development.
1. Vision and Goals
2. Systems and Processes
3. Progress and Accountability
4. Advocacy and Engagement
5. Synergy and Teamwork
This intense focus has yielded impressive results for our TCA Board and district:
• Over 900 graduates for the 2023-2024 school year
• More than 500 students earning industry-based certifications
• Multiple community meetings fostering transparency and engagement with staff, parents, students, and community members
• Focus on Mental Health Awareness and Support for Students
• College, Career, and Military Readiness District Focus
• “81” Overall Accountability Score for the 2023-2024 school year
Our board members are champions for student success, ensuring that every decision aligns with our mission of providing the best education possible for our students; leadership and dedication are key to achieving our vision of improving student outcomes.
Texans Can Academies operates with a mission to help at-risk students achieve their dreams of graduating high school and preparing for a lifetime of success. The support and guidance provided by our trustees enable us to foster innovation and deliver high-quality education to thousands of students across Texas.
During Board Recognition Month, we encourage our school community to join us and express gratitude for their tireless efforts. Our trustees dedicate countless hours to ensuring Texans Can Academies remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for students who need a second chance.
About Texans Can Academies:
Texans Can Academies is a statewide high school district offering multiple accelerated pathways for students to earn their high school diploma and obtain an industry-based certification or license. Since 1985, we have provided students with a supportive and flexible learning environment, delivering innovative programs and resources to prepare them for a successful future. Texans Can Academies proudly offers both in-person and virtual schedules to meet the diverse needs of our students.