Governor Abbott Appoints Six To Continuing Advisory Committee For Special Education
Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Aaron Bangor, Ph.D. and Marissa Esquivel and appointed Tara Pittman Cevallos, Kevin Markel, and Juana “Janie” Melendez to the Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education for terms set to expire on February 1, 2027. Additionally, the Governor appointed Adrian Guerra, D.M.A. for a term set to expire on February 1, 2025. Aaron Bangor, Ph.D. is senior lead – user experience researcher at AT&T and vice chair of the Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education. Marissa Esquivel is the director of special education programs at St. Mary’s Academy Charter School. Tara Pittman Cevallos is principal at St. Austin Catholic School. Kevin Markel of Crowley is a transition program specialist for the Texas Workforce Commission. Juana “Janie” Melendez is a teacher for Valley View Independent School District (ISD) in Pharr. Adrian Guerra, D.M.A. is the special education director for Roma ISD.
Governor Abbott Names Frazier Chair, Reappoints Crimm To Texas 1836 Project Advisory Committee
Governor Abbott has reappointed Carolina Castillo Crimm, Ph.D. and Don Frazier, Ph.D. to the Texas 1836 Project Advisory Committee for terms set to expire on September 1, 2025. Additionally, the Governor named Frazier chair of the Committee. The Texas 1836 Project Advisory Committee was established by HB 2497 (87R) to promote patriotic education and increase awareness of the Texas values that continue to stimulate boundless prosperity across the state. Carolina Castillo Crimm, Ph.D.most recently retired as professor emeritus at Sam Houston State University. Don Frazier, Ph.D. is the director of The Texas Center at Schreiner University.
Governor Abbott Appoints Aliseda, Buckley To Southern Regional Education Board
Governor Abbott has appointed Debbie Crane Aliseda and Representative Brad Buckley, D.V.M. to the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) for terms set to expire on June 30, 2027 and June 30, 2024, respectively. Debbie Crane Aliseda of McAllen is a bookkeeper for Jones & Crane Law Firm. She is president of the McAllen Independent School District (ISD) Board of Trustees and is a board member of the McAllen Economic Development Committee and McAllen Education Foundation. Representative Brad Buckley, D.V.M. is currently serving his third term in the Texas House of Representatives and represents House District 54, which includes half of Bell County in Central Texas. He is chair of the House Public Education Committee and serves on the House Land and Resource Management Committee.
Governor Abbott Appoints Scott To Director Of The Office Of School Safety And Security
Governor Abbott has appointed John P. Scott as the director of the Office of School Safety and Security, effective September 1, 2023. The Office of School Safety and Security was established by House Bill 3 from the 88th Regular Legislative Session to develop and enforce school safety requirements and standards and conduct safety audits on school campuses. John P. Scott has served as the chief of school safety and security within the Texas Education Agency since 2022.
Governor Abbott Reappoints Callas, Wesson To Texas Commission Of Licensing And Regulation
Governor Abbott has reappointed Ray Callas, M.D., FASA and Gary F. Wesson, D.D.S., M.S. to the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation for terms set to expire on February 1, 2029. Ray Callas, M.D., FASA is an anesthesiologist and president of Anesthesia Associates and is the president-elect of the Texas Medical Association. Gary F. Wesson, D.D.S., M.S. is a former assistant clinical professor at The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School, Department of Developmental Dentistry, and retired dental officer at the Veterans Administration Dental Residency Program in San Antonio.