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 TSD services, preparing budgets, adopting policies, and appointing the superintendent.
Heather “Hex” Lightfoot from Austin is a mother of three children with varying hearing abilities. She works as a transition consultant on the Texas Deafblind Project and serves on the Board of Directors of the American Society for Deaf Children. Lightfoot holds a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design from Gallaudet University and a Master of Education in special education from Texas Tech University.
Gregorio Mata from Edinburg is an operations and data associate at Activating Change. He is part of the Texas School for the Deaf District Advisory Committee and volunteers as a team lead for the Children’s Association for Maximum Potential. Mata earned his Bachelor of Arts in Government from Gallaudet University and his 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 the Gallaudet University Faculty Development Committee. Ocuto received his Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and English and a Master’s degree in Deaf Education from Gallaudet University as well as a Doctorate in Deaf Education from Lamar University.
