Elections for two TRS Board of Trustee positions are now underway. One position will be appointed by the governor from a list of the three candidates who receive the most votes after nomination and election by TRS retirees who are receiving benefits. The other position, a new at-large seat on the board, will be appointed by the governor from a list of the three candidates who receive the most votes after nomination and election by both TRS retirees
and active members. Both appointments will be for terms expiring on Aug. 31, 2023. Deadline for submission of ballots is May 5, 2017. For more information, see the March 2017
TRS News.
The following are candidates for the trustee positions:
2017 Retiree Election Candidates
James D. Nance
After 35 years of service as a teacher, coach and athletic director, Nance retired from Pasadena ISD. He has been a two-time Paul Harris Fellow while a member of the Pasadena South Rotary Club, member of the Hallettsville Lions Club, board member of Hallettsville ISD Education Foundation, and past president of Lavaca County RTA. Nance is currently a member of the TRTA Finance Committee, and President of TRTA’s District III. Nance was inducted into the South Houston High School Hall of Honor for distinguished faculty. Education: Bachelor of Science, Masters in Education and Mid-Management degrees from UH.
(C) 832-347-1600
Fran Plemmons
Fran retired in 2002, after serving as an elementary teacher and principal for 25 years. She received her bachelor’s degree from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas and a master’s degree from UT-Tyler. She monitored schools through the TEA Texas School Improvement Initiative. After retiring, Fran joined the Texas Retired Teachers Association and has served at all levels of the organization, culminating in serving as president of the TRTA state organization. Fran is a member of Jamestown Society and Texas First Families. She and her husband have been married for 50 years. They have two children and four grandchildren.
(C) 512-547-9135
2017 At-Large Election Candidates
Greg Poole
Dr. Greg Poole, superintendent at Barbers Hill ISD, is a sixth-generation Texan and third-generation public educator who has served as a math teacher, MS/HS principal and AD/head coach. He holds degrees from SHSU, TAMU and Cameron Yoe. Poole was previously elected to the TRS Board, chairing the Audit Committee, and is executive director and founding member of the BH Foundation ($20.5 million). He was elected to the UIL Legislative Council (Chairman 2012), currently chairing the Athletic Committee. Greg and his wife of 30 years have three children, all products of our public schools. Info regarding Dr. Poole at www.bhisd.net/superintendent.
Karen Charleston
An Austin native with a B.A. in music education from Huston-Tillotson University, Karen Charleston retired from Prairie View A&M University after 29 years of service. While at PVAMU, she presented seven buildings to be listed on the National Register. She serves as a present board trustee with TRS Texas, chair of the Risk Management Committee, member of the Budget, Audit and Benefits committees. TSEU, Houston Volunteer Initiatives Program, NCTR conferences, TAFT, Houston-Harris County R. T. A., Alpha Kappa Alpha and Tau Beta Sigma sororities. Ms. Charleston actively supports the TRS IMD Summer Program and the Texas Legislative Internship Program.
tkcharleston1@gmail.com
Nanette Sissney
A public educator for 26 years, Nanette served on the TRS board from 2009-2016. She served as vice chair as well as budget and compensation committees chairs. At her term’s end, TRS trustees unanimously recognized Nanette for her contributions to a legislative study, which enabled the legislature to make modifications making the pension fund actuarially sound, allowing the first permanent cost-of-living increase for most retirees in more than a decade. Leadership positions have included: TCTA state president and NCTR legislative committee. B.A., Texas Woman’s University; M.Ed., Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Retirement security of Texas educators remains her priority.
nsissney@whitesboroisd.org
Hiram Burguete
Hiram Burguete, Mission CISD Payroll and Benefits Administrator, has served in this capacity for 20 years in two South Texas school districts with employee populations of 7,700. He holds a B.B.A. in Accounting from the University of Texas-Pan American. He is active in his church and community. Professional affiliations include: Texas Association of School Board Officials, Past President-VASBO, Past President-Mission Rotary, Past President-McAllen Lions, Past Chairman-McAllen City Zoning Board Adjustment-Appeals, Education Foundation of Mission CISD, Mission Historical Museum. Mr. Burguete remains abreast of TRS rules/guidelines and advises employees concerning them through his everyday duties and responsibilities.
Work 956-323-5520
