Executive Committee
Danny Massey
President
Dr. Sharon McKinney
Vice President
Dr. Dana Bashara
Secretary/Treasurer
Board Members
Dr. Jennifer Blaine
Superintendent, Spring Branch ISD
Dr. Courtney Carpenter
Superintendent, Argyle ISD
Dr. Michelle Cavazos
Superintendent, Gregory-Portland ISD
Dr. Stephanie Howard
Superintendent, Midland ISD
Brent Jaco
Superintendent, Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD
Dr. Mike Rockwood
Superintendent, Highland Park ISD
Dr. Theresa Williams
Superintendent, Plano ISD
Missy Bender
Executive Director
Missy Bender became the Executive Director of the Texas School Coalition in 2024. She represents the interests of students, schools, and communities that seek to balance sustainable state and local investments in schools. Missy is a proud product of the Texas public school system, and she is a former school board President and a trusted advocate for public education in Texas. Prior to leading the Coalition, Missy served as Raise Your Hand Texas’ Regional Advocacy Director for Collin and Denton counties as well as the group’s Trustee in Residence. Missy served on the Plano ISD Board of Trustees for 13 years, including three years as Board President.
During her time as a trustee, Bender received the Outstanding Leadership Award from the Texas Association of School Boards, was recognized as a Girl Boss by Plano Magazine, received the Distinguished Leadership Award by Leadership Plano, and was named Citizen of the Year by the Plano Chamber of Commerce. She is also a former management consultant at IBM, where she specialized in developing strategic planning and technology solutions with manufacturing clients and earned the Golden Circle designation.
Michele Townes
Project Coordinator
Michele Townes serves as Project Coordinator for the Texas School Coalition, where she supports member communications, legislative research and tracking, data analysis, presentations, website content, and special projects. She works closely with Coalition leadership to develop clear, useful resources that help member districts stay informed about public school finance, recapture, and legislative issues affecting Texas public schools.
Michele brings more than 20 years of experience in project management, financial planning, communications, and community engagement. Before joining the Coalition, she held several leadership roles at JCPenney in merchandise planning and buying and later managed the online business directory for Plano Moms, where she connected local businesses with families throughout the community.
Michele also serves as Treasurer of the Plano ISD Education Foundation Board and has held several PTA leadership positions. She enjoys bringing people, information, and ideas together to create practical solutions and strengthen the organizations and communities she serves.