State leaders and superintendents from across Texas gathered Dec. 4–5 in Georgetown for the 2025 TAMS–TARS Legislative Conference, “Deep in the Heart of Texas,” a two-day conversation about school finance, accountability, and lessons learned from this year’s 89th legislative session. ATPE was honored to participate in the event and to celebrate its new strategic partnership with the Texas Association of Rural Schools (TARS). We are excited to announce a new collaboration designed to strengthen support for rural educators and elevate their voices in statewide decision-making.

The conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers. Former Texas Tribune CEO Evan Smith kicked off the policy discussions with an interesting legislative update. Attendees then heard insights from leaders including Chairman Brad Buckley (R–Salado), Rep. John Bryant (D–Addison), Rep. Donna Howard (D–Austin), Chairman Gary VanDeaver (R–New Boston) and Deputy Comptroller Lisa Craven. The key takeaway from the House members was that no one expects the 2027 legislative session to include much focus on school finance and that the current political will is to explicitly dictate how districts should spend money rather than increasing the Basic Allotment to allow for local control in spending decisions. Everyone expects more campaign rhetoric on property tax relief leading up to Election Day and the next session—even though additional property tax relief is not a viable option—and then lots of cleanup bills to finetune education legislation passed in 2025.

The second day opened with journalist Scott Braddock’s overview of the 89th legislative session, followed by a panel on school district challenges, a deep dive into accountability bill House Bill 8, and a discussion with Rep. Trent Ashby (R–Lufkin) on translating legislative actions into classroom impact. The conference wrapped up with a discussion moderated by TARS Executive Director Randy Willis featuring Permanent School Fund (PSF) Board members Tom Maynard, Marisa Perez-Diaz, and Robert Borden.

ATPE’s presence at the conference coincided with the launch of its new strategic partnership with TARS, an effort aimed squarely at giving rural educators more support, more resources, and a stronger advocacy platform. As part of this collaboration, ATPE will provide rural educators easier access to legislative updates, advocacy tools, continuing professional education-eligible professional development, and communications support, while partnering with TARS on events, resource-sharing, and new opportunities to uplift rural schools.

At its core, this partnership underscores a shared commitment to strengthening rural schools and making sure educators serving Texas’ smallest communities have the support they need. ATPE looks forward to continued collaboration with TARS as we work together on behalf of Texas educators and the students they serve.