The Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) has named Dr. Brian Woods (TASA’s Deputy Executive Director of Advocacy since July 1) the 2023 TSPRA Key Communicator in recognition of the value of his communication efforts and the commitment he has made to public education in Texas.
The TSPRA announcement reads:
As the former superintendent of Northside ISD (NISD), one of the largest districts in Texas, Dr. Brian Woods maximized his influence to educate not only the stakeholders in the NISD community but on a larger scale to include unwavering efforts to prioritize public education in the Texas Legislature. He has been actively engaged in advocating for policies and funding that benefit students and educators across the state. His ability to navigate the complexities of the legislative process and his courageous advocacy make him an invaluable asset to the future of public education.
“Dr. Woods’ outspokenness on behalf of the students and educators of Texas sets him apart,” said TSPRA San Antonio Area Vice-President Kim Cathey. “He fearlessly addresses critical issues, challenges the status quo, and champions positive change. His passion for ensuring that every child has access to quality education is evident in his tireless work.”
Woods has served as president of the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) and the Texas School Alliance (TSA). He is well-known at the Texas Capitol for his advocacy efforts on behalf of Texas public schools, students, and staff. In fact, he is often called upon by state officials to testify before legislators and the State Board of Education in Austin about the impact laws would have on districts across the state.
His work has been recognized across Texas. Woods was named the Texas Superintendent of the Year in 2018, becoming a finalist for the 2019 National Superintendent of the Year. In 2022 he earned the Golden Deeds for Education Award, a coveted award for distinguished service to education in the state. TASA and the Texas A&M University Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource (EAHR) Development co-present the Golden Deeds Award each year to an individual from any profession who has, through actions and deeds, improved the educational system in Texas to enrich the lives of all Texas public school students.
Woods serves beyond his district and greater community, extending his reach and leadership to the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA), the National Association of Secondary Principals (NASP), and the Texas Association of Secondary Principals (TASP). He has provided dedicated service on the Steering Committee for the Go Public campaign, as a member of the Board of Directors for the P-16 Council of Bexar County, as a member of the Fast Growth Schools Coalition Steering Committee, and as a member of the Great Chamber of Commerce Education and Legislative Committees, among other distinctions. Woods has shared his knowledge and experience with The Holdsworth Center through his membership on the Superintendent’s Advisory Center.
After serving for 31 years at NISD, he decided to retire and immediately began serving full-time with TASA as the Deputy Executive Director of Advocacy. In his words, “There are so many stories to tell. I will continue to tell the positive stories of our teachers, students, and school districts, but now I get to do it statewide!”
His commitment to public education and the ability to communicate, motivate, collaborate, advocate, and inspire will reach an even larger audience in his new role.
TASA Executive Director Kevin Brown said: “Dr. Woods has been a champion for public education for more than three decades and is one of the most respected leaders in Texas. I have known him for close to 20 years, working alongside him as neighboring superintendents, as members of the Steering Committee for Go Public, and in various capacities with TASA. Through all of those collaborations, I witnessed his leadership and articulate, courageous voice for all schools in San Antonio. I am ecstatic that he now serves as a voice for all Texas public schools in his new role at TASA. Dr. Woods remains the model of professionalism, grace, courage, integrity, and commitment to public education and to our profession as educators. It is my honor to know him, to work with him, and to call him my friend and colleague.”
TSPRA President Megan Overman will present Woods with the Key Communicator award during the txEDCON23 TASA | TASB Convention, September 30-October 1 in Dallas. Woods will also be honored by TSPRA during their annual conference in February 2024.
TSPRA is a nonprofit, professional organization dedicated to promoting public schools through effective communications. The Key Communicator award is sponsored by CESO.
