Region 10 Education Service Center proudly recognizes the Plano Independent School District Board of Trustees as the 2025 Region 10 Outstanding School Board. This prestigious recognition honors school boards that demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment to student success.
The Plano ISD Board of Trustees was recognized for their outstanding stewardship and transformative impact on the district's 54,000 students across 70 campuses. The board is led by Dr. Lauren Tyra (President), Nancy Humphrey (Vice President), and Tarrah Lantz (Secretary), along with trustees Sam Johnson, Michael Cook, Elisa Klein, and Katherine Goodwin. In recognizing this honor, Region 10 and Plano ISD also extend appreciation to Jeri Chambers and Angela Powell, two recently retired trustees who each served two terms on the board. Their years of dedicated service helped lay the groundwork for this award, and their contributions continue to have a lasting impact throughout the district.
"The Plano ISD Board of Trustees exemplifies the highest standards of school board governance," said Dr. Jana Melsheimer, Region 10 Executive Director. "Their unwavering commitment to every student's success, combined with their strategic vision and fiscal responsibility, has positioned Plano ISD as a model district. Their ability to engage the community while making difficult decisions with students' best interests at heart truly sets them apart."
The board's leadership has been instrumental in advancing the district's mission of educating, inspiring, and empowering every student to activate their unique potential. Key achievements include the passage of a $1.34 billion bond and Voter Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) in 2022, which lowered tax rates while securing vital resources for students and staff. Additionally, the district dedicated 100% of VATRE funds to teacher and staff compensation, conducted a comprehensive refresh of its Strategic Plan with over 100 community meetings, and implemented innovative programs that have driven measurable gains in student outcomes.
"I am incredibly proud to work alongside a board that places student welfare above all else," said Dr. Theresa Williams, Plano ISD Superintendent. "Their collaborative approach, ethical leadership, and commitment to engaging diverse community voices have created a culture of trust and transparency throughout our district. This recognition reflects their dedication to making Plano ISD a district of choice and a standard-bearer for excellence in Texas public education."
The board has also demonstrated exceptional advocacy for public education, maintaining a visible presence at the State Capitol and championing adequate and equitable funding for all students. Their engagement initiatives, including Superintendent Roundtables, Leadership and Ambassador Programs, and Trustee Listening Circles, have strengthened community partnerships and ensured stakeholder voices are heard in decision-making processes.
As the 2025 Region 10 Outstanding School Board, Plano ISD will now advance to the statewide Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) School Board Awards competition, where finalists will be considered for the Texas Outstanding School Board later this year.