June 2026 Committee on School Initiatives Item 1

Recommendation for Two Reappointments and One Appointment to the Fort Sam Houston Independent School District Board of Trustees

June 26, 2026

COMMITTEE ON SCHOOL INITIATIVES: ACTION
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION: CONSENT

SUMMARY: This item provides an opportunity for the board to consider two reappointments and one appointment to the board of trustees of Fort Sam Houston Independent School District (ISD). The reappointments are necessary due to the expiration of the terms of office of two members and the appointment is necessary because one member has retired.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Texas Education Code (TEC), §11.352.

TEC, §11.352 authorizes the State Board of Education (SBOE) to appoint school board members in special purpose school districts.

The full text of statutory citations can be found in the link above.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND JUSTIFICATION: The SBOE is statutorily authorized to appoint board members for military reservation ISDs created under its authority to establish special purpose school districts. Trustees so appointed hold office for two years until their successors are appointed and qualified. Enlisted military personnel may be appointed to the board; however, a majority must be civilians, and all may be civilians. When a vacancy occurs, the base commander notifies the commissioner of education, in compliance with TEC, §11.352, and recommends candidates for appointment. 

Brigadier General, United States Air Force, Randy P. Oakland recommends the reappointments of Ms. Andrea D. Nicholas and Col. Rebecca A. Zinnante and the appointment of Msg. Jason L. Strickland to the Fort Sam Houston ISD Board of Trustees.

MOTION TO BE CONSIDERED: The State Board of Education:

Based on Brigadier General Oakland’s recommendation, approve the reappointments of Ms. Andrea D. Nicholas and Col. Rebecca A. Zinnante and the appointment of Msg. Jason L. Strickland to serve terms of office from June 26, 2026, to June 25, 2028, on the Fort Sam Houston Independent School District Board of Trustees.

Staff Members Responsible:    
Christopher Lucas, Director, Research and Policy, Office of  Governance
Steve Lecholop, Deputy Commissioner, Office of Governance 

Attachment:        
Correspondence from Brigadier General Oakland that includes biographical information and supporting materials for each nominee