Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed eight new members to the Texas School Safety Center Board to strengthen safety strategies within the state's education system. Nidia De La Cerda and Rob McClelland will serve until February 2025, while Isaac "Bill" Avera, Craig Bessent, and Kerri Brady have been reappointed. Rania Mankarious, Edwin Flores, Ph.D., and Adebola "Serah" Sulaiman will serve until February 2026. The board's mission is to provide financial and technical support to help counties maintain efficient indigent defense systems, as per a release from the Office of the Governor.
Nidia De La Cerda, an assistant principal from Tuloso-Midway Independent School District, holds a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Arts in Bilingual Education. Rob McClelland, a business development director and former Army Officer from Dripping Springs, brings military experience and a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. McClelland also serves on the Dripping Springs ISD school board and has earned the Bronze Star and Presidential Service Badge.
Avera, the current chief of police and emergency manager for Jacksonville ISD, has a background in law enforcement and school safety. He is also the leader of the Texas School District Police Chiefs' Association. Craig Bessent, assistant superintendent at Wylie ISD, is also a Texas School Marshal. Kerri Brady, an architect, has a background in education and law with a Bachelor's in Environmental Design and a Juris Doctor.
Rania Mankarious, CEO of Crime Stoppers of Houston, brings legal expertise and advocacy for school safety. Adebola Sulaiman has a background in psychology and medical practice, focusing on mental health in educational settings. Edwin Flores, managing partner at Chalker Flores, LLP in Dallas, has expertise in microbiology, immunology, and law.
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