Purpose – it’s something that everyone on this planet can spend a lifetime searching for. It can manifest in the form of family, music, outreach, a career and more. While purpose might be hard to find, it’s also one of the most rewarding feelings when you discover what you were meant to do. 

Each of Harris County Department of Education’s (HCDE) seven board members has found their purpose. While managing their own families and careers, they chose to answer a call to public service, representing the students and families who elected them as trustees and making decisions that will impact the communities’ educational landscape for generations to come. 

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“I’m so proud to be part of such a diverse board that represents all the cultures and communities and neighborhoods of Harris County,” said First Vice President Richard Cantu. “We are all very passionate about public service and educational opportunities for all.”   

#TeamHCDE filled the Irvington Conference Center with laughter and fun stories on Jan. 21 during the School Board Recognition Reception, which honored board members for their commitment to education. This year’s theme was a call-back to Superintendent James Colbert Jr.’s Convocation: “HCDE is Varsity,” a message that the Department is a championship-level team that provides outstanding services and advocacy for a special population of students.   

However, Varsity is more than a message; it’s a belief turned into fact through trustees’ continuous support.   

“You are always thinking about and advocating for the children we serve,” Colbert said as he addressed board members at the reception. “I’m so happy that we can all come together to do what’s best for our employees and the community we serve. I love that y’all love us and know that I love and appreciate each one of you.”   

As trustees reflected on the meaning behind the Varsity theme and how it connects to their work as public servants, Board President Amy Hinojosa shared that she takes pride in the board’s ability to guide HCDE through progress and challenges.   

“Varsity means that in the face of adversity or challenges that you’re able to sidestep and swerve and pivot and be ready for whatever is coming next, and this board knows how to do that,” Hinojosa described.  

The board member’s leadership is demonstrated in every fiber of the Department’s impact across Harris County.   

Children have a safe place to continue learning or exploring new activities when the final school bell rings because trustees value the CASE for Kids afterschool program. When the Center for Safe and Secure Schools hosts summits that bring district leaders and first responders together, it’s because board members ensure funding for the division whose sole purpose is to innovate ways to keep students safe in an ever-changing environment.   

“I find that the impact HCDE can make on individuals is so much stronger than any other entity in our community,” said Trustee Andrea Duhon. “We make a real, effective change in people’s lives, and I really love being a part of that.”   

The Education Foundation of Harris County’s Tools for Teachers program holds a special place in her heart. Duhon supported the launch of the initiative, which has helped more than 5,000 local teachers purchase school supplies with EFHC funding, ensuring they don’t have to utilize their personal funds.   

“Thousands of teachers have made programs and new projects become real because of their ability to get those additional supplies,” she explained. “It’s beautiful because we are an organization that can look to the future and find new ways to support those people that we are serving.”   

As a lifelong learner, Trustee John McGee knows the power of HCDE’s Adult Education program. He described his admiration for the division that has spent half a year forming new partnerships with local vendors and workforce organizations to expand certification opportunities that not only meet federal requirements but also align with the region’s labor needs.    

“Our adult education program and activities are just phenomenal,” McGee smiled. “Being able to provide and pour into the lives of adults and give them an opportunity to get back on track… that’s what it means to be a Varsity team.”  

What it means to be Varsity looks different for everyone, but Trustee Erica Davis says one thing is for certain – a championship-level squad wouldn’t be possible without everyone on #TeamHCDE. From those in Special Schools classrooms or on the ground at campuses across the county to those collaborating in the offices, everyone is working together to make an impact on thousands of residents each year.   

“Our employees always put people first,” she described. “They consistently set aside their differences or personal priorities and keep the community at the forefront of decision-making. I think that’s what makes HCDE Varsity.”  

Added Trusteed Eric Dick: “HCDE is Varsity and I feel like we do a great job. We are looking for more ways to positively impact the community and just keep killing it.” 

During the reception, attendees watched a video expressing the Department’s gratitude to the board, and trustees received plaques of appreciation featuring personalized superlatives for their contributions, as well as customized “HCDE is Varsity” letterman jackets. Students from HCDE’s four special schools also showed their gratitude with homemade lemonade, artwork and swag bags.   

“Being on this board fills my cup every day and has brought meaning and purpose to my life,” said Trustee Silky Joshi-Malik. “HCDE has the power to have a multi-generational impact on families, and knowing I get to be a small part of that is just beyond anything I could have ever imagined.”