Texarkana, Texas – The Texarkana Independent School District (TISD) is celebrating the appointment of two of its senior administrators to prominent positions within the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). Liliana Luna, the principal of Nash Elementary, will serve as the Region 8 leader, while Elodia Witterstaetter, TISD’s director of state and federal programs, has been named this year’s association president.
Local educators recognized for their expertise
Both Luna and Witterstaetter have long been regarded as strong advocates for student achievement and teacher development. Their new roles give them a platform to share best practices from Texarkana schools with educators across the state, reinforcing the district’s reputation for fostering instructional leadership.
Elementary Schools Chief Christy Tidwell praised the appointments, saying, “We are proud that their colleagues recognize what we already know: their knowledge, commitment and passion for students make them valuable voices in education.” Tidwell added that the appointments reflect the district’s focus on nurturing leaders who can influence policy and practice beyond the classroom.
TEPSA leadership expects to strengthen schools statewide
TEPSA Executive Director Harley Eckhart welcomed the new leaders, noting that Luna’s regional oversight and Witterstaetter’s presidency will help align the organization’s initiatives with the needs of Texas’ diverse school communities. “Their service will strengthen the organization and their home district,” Eckhart said, emphasizing the mutual benefit of local expertise informing statewide strategies.
In her new capacity, Luna will coordinate professional development events, mentor emerging principals, and facilitate communication among schools in the Region 8 area, which includes parts of northeast Texas. Witterstaetter, as president, will guide TEPSA’s annual agenda, advocate for policies that support elementary education, and represent the association at state education forums.
What this means for Texarkana families
For parents and students in Texarkana, the appointments signal continued investment in high‑quality instruction and community involvement. By having district leaders in influential state‑wide positions, TISD can more directly influence decisions that affect curriculum standards, funding allocations, and teacher training programs.
Community members have expressed optimism that the district’s voice will be heard at the highest levels of elementary education policy. “It’s encouraging to see our schools represented in a statewide organization,” said a local parent who asked to remain unnamed. “It shows that Texarkana is a model for other districts.”
Looking ahead
Both Luna and Witterstaetter will balance their TEPSA responsibilities with their ongoing duties in the district. Their dual roles underscore a broader trend of local educators stepping onto larger stages to champion the interests of their students and families.
The appointments also align with President Trump’s emphasis on empowering local leaders and supporting school choice initiatives that give families greater control over their children’s education. By highlighting the achievements of Texarkana’s administrators, the district reinforces the principle that strong, faith‑guided families and communities are the foundation of a thriving educational system.
As TEPSA prepares for its upcoming conference, Luna and Witterstaetter will represent Texarkana’s commitment to academic excellence, parental involvement, and the values that strengthen our neighborhoods.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
