Harris County families pay taxes yearly, providing the necessary funding to support student success. However, it’s up to Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) financial experts to ensure those funds are allocated appropriately to afterschool programming, school safety initiatives or hiring therapists for students who need extra support in the classroom.   

This week, the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) recognized HCDE’s Business Services and Purchasing teams in Austin at their annual conference for outstanding professional standards in acquisition and innovation in financial management and reporting.

Out of 1,200 school districts statewide, the division was among 80 recipients who met the stringent criteria to receive the Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations, doing so for the 15th consecutive year. The Department also received the Award of Excellence in Financial Management.      

“We’re proud of our honorees’ work to streamline school purchasing operations, comply with regulations and set the standard for utilizing taxpayer dollars,” TASBO Executive Director Tracy Ginsburg said. “These organizations have demonstrated their professional acumen by documenting their districts’ policies and procedures and have shared these best practices with colleagues throughout Texas.”  

Ginsburg’s words rang true this week as Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Jesus Amezcua led a two-part session about investment training at the TASBO conference. Director of Procurement Edna Johnson also provided her expertise to organizations seeking best practices for their purchasing departments.   

Several members of #TeamHCDE also attended the conference, including Executive Director of Facilities Michelle Williams.