Governor Greg Abbott has announced appointments to the Governing Board of the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD). Heather “Hex” Lightfoot was reappointed, while Gregorio Mata and Oscar Ocuto, Ed.D. were newly appointed. Their terms will run until January 31, 2031. The board is responsible for overseeing all services at TSD, including budget preparation, policy adoption, and appointing the superintendent.
Heather “Hex” Lightfoot from Austin is a mother of three children with diverse hearing abilities. She serves as an advocate for Deaf and DeafBlind Texans and works as a transition consultant on the Texas Deafblind Project. Lightfoot also sits on the Board of Directors of the American Society for Deaf Children. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design from Gallaudet University and a Master of Education in special education with a focus on orientation and mobility from Texas Tech University.
Gregorio Mata from Edinburg works as an operations and data associate at Activating Change. He participates in the Texas School for the Deaf District Advisory Committee and volunteers as a team lead with the Children’s Association for Maximum Potential. Mata earned his Bachelor of Arts in Government from Gallaudet University and a Master of Public Administration from Lamar University.
Oscar Ocuto, Ed.D., based in Manchaca, is an assistant professor of Education at Gallaudet University. He is affiliated with several organizations including the National Association of the Deaf, American Association of University Professors, and serves on Gallaudet University’s Faculty Development Committee. Ocuto received his Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and English along with a Master’s degree in Deaf Education from Gallaudet University; he also holds a Doctorate in Deaf Education from Lamar University.
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