By George Slaughter
Lisa Kassman, the Katy Independent School District executive director of planning, facilities, and construction, has been recognized by the Association for Learning Environments as the 2020 Southern Region Planner of the Year.
During last week’s Community Bond Advisory Committee meeting, Kassman presented the district’s long-range facilities plan process and the need for the creation of a bond referendum to address the rapid growth taking place at one of the fastest-growing school districts in Texas.
“Creating plans are of little use if planning is not part of them,” Klassman said. “Planning is not a one-person action. It requires the collaboration of a group of individuals. I share this lifetime achievement award with my team and the district leadership, who actively contribute to the planning process of this vibrant school district.”
The association’s mission is improving the places where children learn. The association believes that facilities impact the learning, development and behavior of the facility user and that sharing and networking improve the planning process. Each year the association’s southern region (Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma) awards a planner of the year lifetime achievement award to a region member who has shown dedication and commitment to the growth and overall success of the region, industry, and association.
Kassman has been involved with the association for over 20 years. She is president-elect for the Gulf Coast Chapter. She has participated on many committees and conferences supporting the importance of K-12 facilities and the impact they have in supporting education.