Northwest ISD named Regional School Board of the Year

The Education Service Center Region 11 has named the Northwest ISD Board of Trustees as its 2025 School Board of the Year, recognizing the group’s outstanding service to students and educators as a guiding force for school district decisions.

Organized by the Texas Association of School Administrators, the School Board Award Program recognizes top school boards across the state that have “demonstrated outstanding dedication and have rendered ethical service to the children of Texas.” As the Region 11 representative, the Northwest ISD school board will now compete among finalists representing the 20 regional education service areas across the state.

Dr. Mark Foust, superintendent of Northwest ISD, said the award serves as a testament to the school board’s unwavering dedication to making the best decisions for student needs.

“This honor shows the extraordinary commitment of the trustees elected by our community to serve and support our students, educators and families,” Dr. Foust said. “Though the public knows these individuals from elections and board meetings, they support our students in school events throughout the entire year. Every decision they make starts with what’s best for kids, followed by how to support teachers, all while listening to community feedback. I have never met a more dedicated group of elected leaders – we are proud and honored by their service.”

For consideration in the School Board Awards Program, regional service centers review and analyze extensive applications of how community-elected boards have addressed 10 areas of focus. These applications typically span 50 to 100 pages, answering how school boards have operated in the best interests of students while acting ethically and in support of community needs.

A TASA selection committee will soon review the applications of winners representing all 20 regions, with five finalists set to be announced on August 7. These finalists, designated as “Honor Boards,” will then be interviewed in person by the committee, with the overall winner being named the Texas Outstanding School Board for 2025. All five state finalists will be recognized at the TASA/TASB Convention in September prior to the naming of the winner.

ESC Region 11 serves as one of 20 education service centers across Texas, with its coverage area encompassing 600,000 students in 76 school districts, 17 public charter schools and other education entities. The organization spans 7,843 square miles and supports local districts in meeting objectives set by the Texas Education Agency.