District SPED Leadership Council

Overview

The District SPED Leadership Council (the Council) is a statewide group of special education leaders from school districts, open enrollment charter schools, as well as those districts and schools that establish shared service arrangements, that partner with the Office of Special Populations and Student Supports (OSPSS) at the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide early and ongoing input on special education programs, policies, and initiatives.

Representatives are chosen by TEA from various education service center regions, as well as varying school system types, sizes, and demographic composition to ensure broad representation. 

The council plays a critical role in ensuring that TEA’s work reflects the real-world experiences, challenges, and needs of school systems across Texas, supporting stronger implementation and improved outcomes for students with disabilities.

What the Council Does

Council members collaborate with TEA to: 

  • Review and provide input on proposed special education initiatives during planning phases
  • Identify challenges and opportunities to strengthen implementation of proposed or current initiatives
  • Offer recommendations for integrating special education priorities into broader education systems
  • Serve as a communication bridge between TEA and school systems
  • Review progress on statewide priorities and share cross-district insights to improve support systems  

Commitment to Collaboration

The District SPED Leadership Council reflects TEA’s commitment to partnering with special education leaders across the state to improve outcomes for students receiving special education services. Through ongoing collaboration, the council provides feedback, input, and recommendations that inform TEA initiatives and decision-making.

Membership

Council members are expected to:

  • Attend quarterly meetings and any needed ad-hoc meetings (virtual and/or in-person)
  • Actively participate in pre-work, discussions, and collaborative work
  • Provide timely feedback
  • Represent the perspectives of their region and stakeholders 

Current Members

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Council Member School System Education Service Center Region

Dr. Yesenia Garcia

Zapata County ISD

1

Jessica Ruiz

Mathis ISD

2

Genevieve Buckert

Goliad ISD

3

Jennifer Barrientez

Harmony Public Schools - Houston South/West

4

Dr. Frank Cisneros

The Varnett Public Schools

4

Lauren Peet

Lumberton ISD

5

Margaret Tuggle

Crockett ISD

6

Debbie Campbell

Atlanta ISD

8

Russell Brawley

Quanah

9

Morgan Przybylski

Winfree Academy Charter Schools

10

Rodney Traylor II

Grand Prairie ISD

10

Christine Davis

Frisco ISD

10

Kim Tuggle

Cleburne Independent School District

11

Dr. Christi Buell

Arlington ISD

11

Lilymar Benitez

HEB ISD

11

Angela Solis

Temple ISD

12

Shana Bunch-Fancher

Marble Falls ISD

13

Dr. Tracy Johnson

Smithville ISD

13

Erin A Lindemann-LaBuhn

Gonzales ISD

13

Nicole Whetstone

UT Charter School System

13

Kari Calcote

Co-op for Special Services (fiscal agent Ballinger ISD)

15

Brittnee Hooks

Canyon ISD

16

Sarah Ramirez

Plainview ISD

17

Melissa Mena

Canutillo ISD

19

C. Michele Martella

Comal ISD

20

Application Process

Applications are accepted during designated recruitment periods, which occur biennially and may also be opened as needed to fill vacancies or address membership needs.

Applications are currently closed.