Courtesy Photo/Toni Garrard Clay/AISD
Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims and Athens ISD were pleased to host Senator Robert Nichols on Wednesday for his biannual meeting with area superintendents. Sen. Nichols and his staff gather with public school leaders across his Senate District 3 ahead of each state legislative session to discuss issues relevant to public education. The purpose of the meeting was to prepare for the 89th State Legislature, which starts Jan. 14. "If we don't know the issues, we can't address them," said Nichols. "We're here to listen." Also in attendance and interactive during the exchange with administrators were State Rep. Keith Bell and State Rep. Cody Harris. “Being in a room with all three of the legislators who represent Athens ISD is an incredible opportunity," said Dr. Sims, "especially when we were not only invited to share but felt heard.” Pictured are Malakoff ISD Superintendent Don Layton (from left), Rep. Harris, Malakoff ISD Assistant Superintendent Dr. PJ Winters, Sen. Nichols, Eustace ISD Assistant Superintendent Brandi Dyer, Cross Roads Superintendent Richard Tedder, Brownsboro ISD Superintendent Dr. Keri Hampton, Murchison ISD Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Followwell, AISD Deputy Superintendent Ginger Morrison, Dr. Sims and Rep. Bell.

ATHENS–Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville), Representative Cody Harris (R-Palestine), and Representative Keith Bell (R-Forney) met with local superintendents from Henderson County Sept. 12 at Athens ISD. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss education issues in preparation for the 89th Legislature which convenes in January.
“The Legislature faces many challenges this session, and we cannot make good decisions unless we are listening closely to those we represent,” said Sen. Nichols. “Educating our children is and always will be one of the most important issues we face as a state.” 
Before each legislative session Nichols meets with each of the school district Superintendents in Senate District 3 to listen to their priorities and discuss issues facing the local education community. Including local state representatives in those meetings ensures collaboration and communication between the members in each chamber. 
“I am so grateful to work with Senator Nichols and the superintendents of House District 8 to really dig into the issues that our public schools are facing,” said Rep. Harris. “We do not take the challenges they are facing lightly and their input is critical to the job we have to do in the upcoming legislative session. Our children are our future and we have to make sure that they have what they need to succeed.” 
Representative Bell echoed that sentiment. 
“Meeting with our Henderson County Superintendents as we approach the 89th Legislative Session is vital,” said Rep. Bell. “This collaboration is how we can ensure our public schools are well-supported, educators have the resources they need, and students are equipped with the essential skills they need for a successful future in Texas.”
Senate District 3, which includes almost 100 school districts throughout 18 counties, encompasses the greater part of East Texas and Jefferson County.
“These meetings help me to understand how decisions in Austin impact local schools,” stated Nichols. “I appreciate the opportunity to meet with superintendents and discuss how we can continue improving our education system. Our combined goal is to ensure children have the educational tools they need to be successful.”