Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD proudly congratulates Board of Trustees Secretary Becky Gonzales 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.
Gonzales was one of 32 school board members across Texas selected for the 2025-2026 Leadership TASB (LTASB) class, which includes trustees representing districts of all sizes and demographics. Over the course of one year, Gonzales traveled across Texas, visiting school districts in Houston, Harlingen, Brownsville, Amarillo, and Texarkana. These visits provided firsthand opportunities to observe innovative practices, engage with students and educators, and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse needs and successes of public schools across the state.
“It was so enlightening to visit schools in communities across Texas and watch students who were totally engaged and enthusiastic about the work they were doing,” Gonzales said. “Seeing that excitement reminded me of the incredible things happening right here in PBTISD. I have personally witnessed that same engagement and passion during classroom walk-throughs on our own campuses.”
The Leadership TASB experience challenged participants to step outside their comfort zones and expand their perspectives as educational leaders.
“I definitely stepped outside my box throughout this journey,” Gonzales said. “The program challenged me in ways I never expected, and I am so grateful and appreciative for the opportunity to have achieved this honor. The relationships I built, the knowledge I gained, and the experiences I shared with trustees from across Texas have made me a stronger advocate for students and public education.”
For Gonzales, serving on the Board of Trustees has always been deeply personal. She first agreed to a seat on the board as the grandmother of four PBTISD students, driven by a desire to help ensure they received the best possible educational experience. Over time, that commitment expanded far beyond her own family.
“When I became a trustee, I was focused on four grandchildren attending our schools,” Gonzales said. “Today, I truly feel like I have gained nearly 3,000 more grandchildren. Every student in PBTISD matters to me, and I want each of them to have every opportunity to succeed, grow, and pursue their dreams.”
In addition to participating in leadership sessions and district visits, Gonzales collaborated with fellow trustees from across the state to research and present findings on issues impacting public education. Upon successfully completing all program requirements, she earned the title of Master Trustee and joined the ranks of more than 1,000 Leadership TASB alumni statewide.
“Becky leads with a servant's heart and a genuine love for children,” said Acting Superintendent Chris Henson. “Her decision to participate in Leadership TASB reflects her commitment to learning, improving, and serving our district at the highest level. She constantly seeks ways to better support students, staff, and families, and this accomplishment is a testament to her dedication to public education. We are proud to celebrate this milestone with her.”
Gonzales' achievement also marks another significant step toward a unique distinction for the PBTISD Board of Trustees. With multiple trustees now having completed Leadership TASB, the board continues progressing toward becoming a Leadership TASB Legacy Board, a recognition that highlights a board's collective commitment to professional growth, effective governance, and student success.
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.