Navarro Independent School District

In honor of School Board Appreciation Month, we are proud to celebrate the dedicated leaders of Navarro ISD who champion this year’s theme "Our Future Is Public." Our Board of Trustees remains steadfast in the belief that the power of public education lies in a full portfolio of opportunities—from FFA ,Fine Arts, and Academics to PTECH, industry certifications and athletics —ensuring every student has an accessible path to success. By focusing on academic excellence, workforce soft skills, and the foundational character traits built through programs, these leaders are intentionally preparing our students to lead in a globally economy. Through their commitment to financial stewardship and a shared vision for our growing district, the Board ensures that Navarro ISD continues to be a place where students are not just educated, but empowered to become ethical, resilient contributors to our community. We invite you to learn more about the perspectives and goals of our trustees as they work to secure a bright future for every Panther.

Q: The theme this year is 'Our Future Is Public.' When you look at a Navarro ISD graduate, what specific skills or character traits do you see that make them ready to lead the future of the Texas workforce? 

A: “I think NISD has done a good job of making sure our collegiate path programs are preparing our students for higher education - the process to get there, and the ability to seek out opportunities on their new campuses. I think we have some gaps to close with our students who are seeking the workforce path, especially with their soft skills. They have great labor skills and the desire to work is there! Additional focus on skill-building in aspects like résumés, interviewing, and time management will get them to the level of success I’d like to see when they graduate. Different paths have different measures of success and we need to prepare each individual student to be a leader in their chosen path when they walk across the stage in May. 

I think all of our graduates possess the potential to become leaders in their future endeavors because the foundation that they receive in the importance of respecting themselves and respecting their peers has been taught to them since Intermediate School beginning with the Leader In Me program! I am a proud parent of 2 Panther graduates. One of them is in management for emergency dispatch services out-of-state and the other is a Seguin firefighter/paramedic. Both of them built their foundation for public service and success from the lessons learned in the classrooms of Navarro ISD.”

- Board President, Melissa Sartain

Q: Texas has the 8th largest economy in the world. How is Navarro ISD specifically preparing its students to compete and thrive in such a high-stakes, global environment? 

A: “Navarro ISD is intentionally preparing students to compete and thrive in a high-stakes, global environment by focusing on strong academics, workforce readiness, and whole-child development. Navarro ISD prioritizes high-quality instruction aligned to rigorous state standards while embedding critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills across all grade levels. Through strong foundational literacy and numeracy, students develop the academic skills needed to adapt to an ever-changing global economy. The district emphasizes college, career, and military readiness by expanding Career and Technical Education pathways, dual credit opportunities, industry-based certifications, and partnerships with local businesses and postsecondary institutions. These experiences expose students to real-world applications and help them build marketable skills that translate beyond the classroom.

Navarro ISD also prepares students for a global environment by fostering digital literacy, responsible technology use, and adaptability; skills essential for success in modern workplaces. Social-emotional learning, leadership development, and extracurricular opportunities further support students in becoming resilient, ethical, and collaborative contributors in diverse settings. By combining rigorous academics, workforce-aligned learning, and a strong support system, Navarro ISD ensures students graduate prepared not only to succeed in Texas’ robust economy, but to compete and lead in a global society.”

- Board Vice-President, Clint Scheib

Q: "Public education offers a 'full portfolio' of opportunities. When considering Navarro ISD programs—whether it’s FFA, athletics, fine arts, advanced academics, PTECH, or a specific certification—how do you feel these opportunities embody the 'power of public education' for our students?" 

A: “Navarro ISD’s programs demonstrate that the “Power of Public Education” comes from offering every student meaningful opportunities to grow. By providing a full portfolio of pathways—from FFA and fine arts to athletics, advanced academics, PTECH, and certifications—the district meets students where they are and supports who they want to become. This commitment to wide-ranging options empowers students to explore, achieve, and thrive.”

- Board Secretary, Donna Gilliam

 

Q: A hallmark of public education is its accessibility to every child. How does Navarro ISD ensure that every student, regardless of their path, has the tools they need to succeed after graduation?

A: “Navarro ISD works to help every student succeed after graduation by providing support, choices, and real-world opportunities. Students get help planning for their future, whether it’s college, a job, or the military. The district offers career and technical education classes, opportunities to earn certifications, college credit, and tools to explore their interests and strengths. Counselors, teachers, and families work together to make sure each student has what they need in becoming a productive member of society.”

- Board Assistant Secretary, Dan Reinhard

 

 

Q: With over 7,000 trustees across Texas, you are a primary champion for our schools. What is the most rewarding part of being a voice for Navarro ISD students and teachers at the local and state level?

A: The single most rewarding aspect of being a voice for our students and staff as a trustee is witnessing the great work our teachers do each day to build stronger programs that propel our students into academic success. This direct impact is paramount to the focus of a Trustee, but it also includes other rewards that help me as a leader grow in my position to better support our students and teachers.  These rewards include:

·       Collaborating with other trustees to showcase the exceptional work and achievements of our district.

·       Learning from colleagues about effective programs that benefit students and using that knowledge to suggest better services and opportunities within our own district.

·       Advocating for the district by speaking with legislators and state leaders, highlighting the academic achievements of students and the needs of the school community.

- Board Member, Dr. Lacey Gosch

Q: As we celebrate School Board Appreciation Month, what is your primary goal for the future of Navarro ISD to ensure it remains the best choice for families in our community?

A: “Academic excellence is, of course, a top priority.  However, I believe that finding our identity is what will make us the best choice for families.  The population growth, coupled with residential and commercial development, has changed the dynamics and make up of Navarro. We are a melting pot of ideas, backgrounds, cities and former schools. I believe we need to be the best us, we need to not bring who we were, but search our hearts for who we want to be. My ultimate goal is to find out who we are, not in a slogan, but in our hearts, so our kids can receive the academic excellence they deserve.”

- Board Member, Joel Frederick

 

Q: The 'Our Future Is Public' campaign is about sharing success stories. Can you share a recent moment or achievement at a Navarro ISD campus that made you feel incredibly proud of our public school system?

A: One moment that really made me proud of Navarro ISD was seeing our district earn another Superior Achievement rating from TEA this fall. That level of financial stewardship reflects a lot of hard work behind the scenes, and it directly benefits our classrooms. Around the same time, we also passed a huge milestone—over 3,000 students enrolled—which shows how much our community trusts Navarro ISD. Those two wins happening together were a powerful reminder that our future truly is public, and that families choose us because of the work our teachers and staff do every single day.”

- Board Member, Becki Stephenson