The Region 5 Education Service Center is proud to announce that Orangefield Independent School District (OISD) has been selected as the regional winner of the 2025 Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) School Board of the Year Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates the board’s exceptional leadership, innovative initiatives, and unwavering commitment to educational excellence.
Led by Board President Laura Clark, the Orangefield ISD Board of Trustees includes Vice President Brad Frye, Secretary Van “Bo” Henley, Treasurer Chris Kovatch, and members Kyle DuBose, Jude Graffagnino, and Dr. Ronald Risinger. Superintendent Dr. Shaun McAlpin serves as the district’s educational leader and nominated the board for this honor.
Excellence in Action
The Orangefield ISD School Board was selected based on a broad range of outstanding achievements that align with the core criteria of the award, including:
-
Significant improvement in academic performance, notably increasing the percentage of graduating seniors meeting College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) standards from 49% to over 80%, thanks to the implementation of new Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and the hiring of a dedicated CTE Coordinator.
-
Support for House Bill 3 literacy and numeracy goals, ensuring that students meet foundational academic standards.
-
Commitment to educator excellence, providing competitive pay, enhanced benefits, and robust professional development opportunities.
-
Implementation of a School Marshal Program, strengthening safety and security within the district.
-
Fiscal responsibility and strategic financial planning, demonstrated by consistent Superior ratings on the Texas Education Agency’s FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) report and the successful passage of a $42.9 million bond initiative.
-
Transparency and community engagement, including public board meetings, bond steering committees, and active communication through social media.
-
Forward-thinking leadership, evidenced by a Chapter 313 “Limit on appraised value” agreement and data-driven governance.
Unified Vision for Success
“The Board remains unified in its actions, consistently supporting initiatives that align with the district’s goals and values,” said Superintendent Dr. Shaun McAlpin. “This cooperative spirit ensures stability in governance, effective leadership, and the ability to make informed decisions that positively impact the district. Their commitment extends beyond routine governance, demonstrating a genuine passion for ensuring the success and well-being of the entire Orangefield ISD community.”
The award is part of the TASA School Board Awards Program, which honors school boards across Texas that have demonstrated a commitment to high achievement, innovation, accountability, and transformation in public education.
A Model of Community-Centered Leadership
Orangefield ISD’s Board has distinguished itself not only through results but also through its dedication to fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and excellence throughout the district. Their recognition as Region 5’s 2025 School Board of the Year affirms their role as a model for impactful school governance in Texas.
For more information about Orangefield ISD and its Board of Trustees, visit https://www.orangefieldisd.com.