As Garland ISD’s most tenured board of trustees member, Linda Griffin has served the district since 1998. Year after year, she selflessly dedicates her time—without compensation—to ensure the safety, equity, financial stability and educational excellence of all students.
But Griffin’s reach extends well beyond the tri-cities of Garland, Rowlett and Sachse. Her work benefits students across the entire state as well. She not only regularly advocates for public education in Austin and Washington, D.C., but she also promotes it at events throughout Texas.
Operating with an ABC motto of service, “Always Benefiting Children,” Griffin’s more than 20-year impact is now receiving some extra special attention. The Texas Alliance of Black School Educators (TABSE) recently named her the 2019 School Board Member of the Year. With just one honoree, this award signifies an unswerving commitment to representing and facilitating the educational needs of African-American students. Griffin will be recognized Feb. 22 during the annual TABSE conference in Galveston.
“Garland ISD is a leader in education across the state. It’s only fitting that our Trustee be named Texas’ best as well,” said Superintendent Ricardo López. “We are extremely fortunate to have Mrs. Griffin as an advocate for our students and for public education. She truly has a heart for children, and many of our district’s successes can be credited to her service.”
Throughout her time as a Trustee in GISD, Griffin has served as Board President three times in addition to serving as Vice President, Secretary and Assistant Secretary. She has also been named a Master Trustee from the Leadership Texas Association of School Boards program and has won both Texas and National PTA Life Member Awards, a Woman of the Year Award from the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Dallas, an Honoring First Ladies Award from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and more.