Education To Be The Focus At Chamber’s September luncheon

The Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance will host its annual spotlight on education luncheon at 11: 30 a.m. Sept. 9 at Safari Texas Ranch, in the Veranda Room. J. David Thompson, a partner in the Thompson & Horton, LLP law firm in Houston, will address the luncheon guests on legislative issues that are poised to impact area school districts in the future.

“As an attorney involved in school law and educational politics for almost two decades, Thompson has worked closely with the Texas Education Agency to ensure that legislators are getting the message about the impact of proposed legislation on public schools and the students they serve,” said  Thomas Randle, superintendent of the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District. “He consistently provides a clear message of the success of Texas public schools despite the many unfunded mandates. He has been instrumental over the years in helping districts get the funding we desperately need.  I feel David is a powerful vocal advocate for public schools, not just because of his profession, but because of his sincere belief that public schools offer the best hope for a successful future for the children of Texas.”

Thompson represents public school districts, junior colleges and other educational entities in the Gulf Coast area and across Texas. He serves as legislative counsel for the Texas Association of School Administrators, Fast Growth School Coalition, Houston Independent School District, various other school districts and education organizations, and has been actively involved in most legislative activities affecting public education in the past 20 years. 

Previously, Thompson worked for the Public Education Committee of the Texas House of Representatives, as briefing attorney for the Ninth Court of Appeals, as associate executive director of the Texas Association of School Boards, and as General Counsel for the Texas Education Agency. He was also General Counsel for the Texas Education Agency for five years, and previously served as Associate Executive Director and Director of Governmental Relations for the Texas Association of School Boards.

In addition to his expertise concerning general areas of school law, Thompson has extensive experience in school finance matters, legislation, board/superintendent relations, contracts, conflicts of interest, nepotism, student residency and attendance, competitive bidding, school board policy development, and employment matters. He also regularly assists school boards in searches for superintendents. 

Mike O’Connell of SouthWest Water Company says that he has heard Thompson speak previously, and said he is “second to none when it comes to the Legislature as it relates to school funding”, among other things.

As in years past, the Chamber will recognize LCISD Educators of the year at the luncheon.  This year’s honorees will be Vera Wehring of Terry High School, secondary principal of the year, Eric Nicholie of Hutchison Elementary, elementary principal of the year, Brittany Pineda of Lamar CHS, secondary teacher of the year, and Debbie Nesbitt of Campbell Elementary, elementary teacher of the year. 

Also taking place at the luncheon will be a special collection for Common Threads, the organization that provides necessities for underprivileged children.  Attendees are encouraged to bring new shoes, socks and underwear to donate.

The luncheon is sponsored in part by Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP; Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott LLP; and Kevin Patton State Farm Insurance. Corporate Tables and other sponsorship opportunities are still available. For sponsorship information, contact Mia Monroe at 281-342-5464 or mmonroe@CFBCA.org.

Reservations for the luncheon are $30 for Chamber members and $40 for prospective members and guests. After Sept. 6 at noon, a $10 late fee will be added. Cancellations less than 72 hours in advance and “no shows” will be charged. For reservations or more information, call the Chamber at 281-342-5464 or email reservations@CFBCA.org.