Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD proudly congratulates Board of Trustees Vice President Amanda Kington for completing the Texas Association of School Boards’ (TASB) Leadership TASB program and earning the designation of Master Trustee, the highest honor bestowed upon school board members in Texas by TASB.
Kington was one of 36 school board members across Texas selected for the 2024-2025 Leadership TASB (LTASB) class, which includes trustees representing districts of all sizes and demographics. Over the course of one year, she joined her peers in visiting school systems across the state, participating in advanced leadership training, and engaging in in-depth studies of the most pressing issues in Texas public education.
“Through LTASB, I was privileged to visit numerous schools and witness the joy and pride students had in showcasing their campuses and achievements,” said Trustee Kington. “I saw things happening in public schools I never dreamed possible, and I gained an even deeper appreciation for what PBTISD is doing for our students.”
During the LTASB fifth and final session, held June 18–20, participants presented their year-long team research projects addressing critical education issues, a capstone of the LTASB experience. For Kington, the journey was both transformative and affirming.
“Many times I had to step outside my comfort zone to complete tasks for this program, but I recognize the growth I’ve had as a trustee and advocate,” she added. “Leadership TASB gave me powerful tools, connections, and insight into the incredible value our public schools bring to more than five million students across Texas.”
Trustee Kington credits the support of her family and community for helping her complete the rigorous program. “Is public education worth saving? The answer is a resounding YES,” she said. “From the opportunities given to students to the commitment of school leaders, the pride in student success, and the communities formed around schools, public education is not only worth saving, it’s worth celebrating.”
“We are extremely proud of Trustee Kington for achieving the title of Master Trustee,” said Superintendent Brent Jaco. “Her work through Leadership TASB reflects a powerful commitment to learning, growth, and advocacy. Her voice, her heart for students, and her leadership continue to move our district forward.”
With her graduation, Kington joins more than 1,000 distinguished alumni who have completed the Leadership TASB program since its founding. The experience equips trustees with a deeper understanding of governance, policy, and educational equity—preparing them to lead with vision, courage, and impact.
About the Texas Association of School Boards
The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) is a voluntary, nonprofit, nonpartisan, statewide educational association established in 1949 to serve local Texas school boards — the largest group of publicly elected officials in the state with more than 7,000 school board trustees. To learn more, visit tasb.org.