January 12, 2026 – January is School Board Recognition Month, and Amarillo ISD proudly joins school districts Texas in honoring the dedicated men and women who serve on its Board of Trustees. These locally-elected leaders volunteer their time and expertise to govern the district and ensure strong public schools for today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce.

This year’s theme, Our Future is Public, highlights the important role public education plays in strengthening communities, growing the economy, and preparing students for life after graduation. In Amarillo ISD, that future is shaped every day by trustees who make thoughtful, often difficult, decisions in service of over 28,000 students and more than 4,000 employees. “Our Board of Trustees help guide a district with a balanced budget and make decisions that impact classrooms, families, and our entire community. Their leadership ensures that AISD remains focused on what matters most: student success,” said Superintendent Dr. Deidre Parish.

Serving as a school board trustee is a non-paid public service role. Trustees are the largest group of locally-elected officials in Texas and play a critical role in representing their communities, setting the vision for their districts, and advocating for strong public schools. The members elected to serve Amarillo ISD’s Board of Trustees are: Doyle Corder (Board President), Jon Mark Beilue (Board Vice President), Connie Brown, David Nance, Don Powell, Steve Trafton, and Tom Warren.

In addition to attending countless athletic, fine arts, and academic events, trustees regularly visit campuses, engage with staff and students, and participate in board meetings, workshops, and training sessions. Their work ensures that AISD continues to offer students a well-rounded, high-quality public education. Learn more about running for a position on the AISD School Board. You can also explore more about school board service and how trustees are elected on the Texas Association of School Boards website.

Public schools remain in the cornerstone of opportunity in Texas, serving more than 5.5 million students statewide and preparing the next generation of leaders, workers, and citizens. In Amarillo ISD, that mission is clear: graduate every student prepared for life and success beyond high school.

“Now more than ever, it’s important to tell the story of public education and the impact it has on our community,” Dr. Parish added. “Our trustees stand alongside educators and families in the belief that our future is public, and that a strong public school system is essential to that future.”

AISD thanks its Board of Trustees for their vision, leadership, and commitment to the students and families of Amarillo.