TEAM OF EIGHT SYMPOSIUM

Dr. Cathy Lauer has been involved in public education for over 36 years. After retiring from Nixon-Smiley CISD in 2021, where she served as superintendent for nearly 18 years, Cathy discovered retirement wasn’t her calling and quickly returned to the field. Now, she is enjoying her latest project as the Lead for the Texas Strategic Leadership at Region 13, where she coaches area superintendents through the change management process. She describes that as “more fun than actual work.” In addition, Dr. Lauer currently teaches graduate courses in education as an adjunct professor for National University, a side position she has enjoyed for more than 22 years. Cathy holds degrees in elementary education, mid-management, and educational leadership and is certified by TEA as an EISO trainer.

Melinda Marquez serves as the Director of Accountability, Assessment, and Leadership Systems at ESC Region 13. With over 25 years in education, she brings a wealth of experience, including her tenure as a turnaround principal and her extensive involvement in both the state and federal accountability systems in Texas. Since 2017, Melinda has been an integral part of the ESC Region 13 Accountability Team and has led the team since 2018. She provides vital guidance and coaching for campus and district leaders. A significant part of her role involves training school boards on accountability, helping them to understand and navigate the complexities of the accountability framework. Melinda is certified by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) as an EISO trainer.

Terry Smith has served the education community in the State of Texas for over 35 years. He currently works with school districts on school finance issues related primarily to property tax agreements, school board training, planning, group facilitation and efficiency reviews. Dr. Smith also serves as an elected alderman for the city of Highland Haven, Texas.

Dr. Smith previously spent 20 years working for Texas Education Service Centers. He served as Executive Director for Education Service Centers, Region 13 (ESC-13) in Austin and Region 20 (ESC-20) in San Antonio. As Executive Director, Smith led significant organizational changes at both ESCs. Under his leadership both Centers developed products and services utilized across the state by school districts of all sizes and procured multiple state-wide projects through the Texas Education Agency and the U.S. Department of Education. Additionally, during his tenure, each ESC was recognized as an Outstanding Workplace. Prior to becoming an Executive Director, Smith worked as a Deputy Executive Director for ESC-13, and also held positions as Field Service Agent and Director of Information Systems Support while at ESC-20. During his ESC tenure, Dr. Smith served on multiple boards and commissions. He was also invited on several occasions to provide testimony to the Texas Legislature on issues related to school finance, property taxation and border security.

Dr. Smith gained his public schools experience working in rural schools on the Texas South Plains. He served as Superintendent of Schools for the Southland Independent School District and held administrator positions in Special Education and Career and Technical Education. Dr. Smith began his education career as a High School Agricultural-Science teacher.

Dr. Smith earned bachelor’s degrees in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Education at Texas Tech University. He also holds a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Texas Tech and an earned Education Doctorate from Texas A&M University.

Bryan was elected to the Thrall ISD Board of Trustees in May of 2011. Since then, he has served two terms as Secretary, two terms as Vice-President, and is currently serving in his sixth term as President.

In 2018 Bryan became active with the Central Texas School Board Association and currently serves as their VP – Sall Districts

He earned the distinction of Master Trustee when he completed the LeadershipTASB program with the Class of 2020. In Feb of 2024, he was appointed to the LTASB Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Over the years he has served on the Region 13 Superintendent of the Year committee 6 times.

Bryan is heavily involved in advocacy work on behalf of public education and was named the TASB Advocate of the Year for 2023.