Denton school board member Jeanetta Smith recently earned one of the highest designations given by the Texas Association of School Boards.

Jeanetta Smith

Smith was one of 31 Texas school board members named a Master Trustee, a designation given to graduates of Leadership TASB, a yearlong program sponsored by the association in which school board members from around the state study public school finance from its history to models in other areas and possible solutions to financing problems.

Smith applied to and was accepted into the leadership program last summer. She called her participation in the program eye-opening and inspirational. Smith said she was able to network with school board members around the state and learn some of the challenges school systems face while also gaining advice and suggestions that could be used in improving education for Denton students.

“We don’t all have the same struggles, but yet we all have the desire to provide our students with the best,” Smith said. “It doesn’t matter what our struggles are, we all try to give our students the best.”

According to the TASB Web site, 28 to 36 applicants representing school districts of all sizes and property wealth are selected annually for the program.

The program consists of five weekend sessions in which participants hear nationally recognized speakers and experts on education and business.

The sessions take place in cities around the state where school board members also have opportunities to visit area schools and the successful programs they provide for students.

One of the trips was to the Ysleta school district near El Paso, Smith said, where participants observed a once-low-performing school that has turned around and now offers several foreign-language courses.

“I was very pleased with what Texas is doing as far as educating our students,” Smith said.

Participants were divided into groups to research areas of school finance. Smith said she and a group of six others presented a research project on the history of school finance and how Texas school financing has gotten to where it is today.

On June 19, trustees were named graduates of the program and joined its more than 500 alumni.

Denton board president Jim Alexander, who was a student of the program in 2004, said it’s a leadership development program that gives trustees a broader knowledge of education policy. Four Denton school board members have graduated from the program, and Alexander said he hopes to see more apply and be exposed to a program that’s been “extremely valuable” to board members over the years.

Mia Price, a Denton board member who entered the program in 2003, said the program provides participants with a good perspective on the challenges faced in districts throughout the state.

“It just enhances their involvement and leadership skills,” she said. “This is just a little enhancing that gives trustees a broader perspective.”

BRITNEY TABOR can be reached at 940-566-6876. Her e-mail address is btabor@dentonrc.com .