January 11, 2024 – January is School Board Recognition Month, and Amarillo ISD joins more than 1,200 public
school districts across Texas in celebrating their school board members for their dedication and commitment
to the district and its students.
“This recognition is one way that we, as a district and community, can extend our appreciation to our trustees
for volunteering countless hours to make sure our students and staff are set up for success,” said
Superintendent Doug Loomis. “Leading, serving and overseeing a district with an annual budget of almost
$300 million, over 5,000 employees and almost 30,000 students is not an easy task, but our Board continually
rises to the challenge.”
This year’s theme for School Board Recognition Month is Locally Elected, Community Connected, which
highlights the connection between school trustees and their communities. School Board service is a non-paid,
public servant position. Texas public school trustees make up the largest group of locally-elected officials in
the state.
Board members elected to serve Amarillo ISD are: Doyle Corder (Board President), Kayla Mendez (Board Vice
President), Jon Mark Beilue, Connie Brown, David Nance, Don Powell, and Steve Trafton.
Trustees are regularly present for dozens of athletic, fine arts and academic events; they visit campuses
regularly to connect with and listen to students, staff, and community members; and of course, are present at
countless board meetings, workshops and trainings. Learn more about running for an AISD School
Board position. You can also learn more about school board service and how trustees are elected by visiting
the Texas Association of School Boards website.
“This year, in particular, the Board has played a vital role in advocating for AISD and public education as they
balance the needs of the community and taxpayers along with the needs of students, parents and staff,”
Loomis added. “As our School Board faces tough decisions for our district in the coming months, I thank them
for always focusing their hearts and minds on the future success of Amarillo ISD and the betterment of our
Amarillo community.”
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