Governor Abbott appoints three to TSBVI governing board

Governor Greg Abbott has announced the appointment of Belinda Rudinger, Ed.D., and the reappointment of Beth Jones, Ph.D., and Bruce L. “Lee” Sonnenberg to the Governing Board of the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI). These appointments will last until January 31, 2031. TSBVI functions as a special public school serving students who are blind, deaf-blind, or visually impaired. It also acts as a statewide resource for parents and professionals involved with these children.

Belinda Rudinger is an assistant professor of Special Education at East Texas A&M University. She holds memberships in the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Rudinger volunteers at the Plano Animal Shelter. She has certifications as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments in Texas and nationally as a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist for Individuals with Visual Impairments. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and a Master of Education in Special Education from the University of North Texas, along with a Doctorate in Educational Sustainability from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point.

Beth Jones serves as a professor of Special Education at East Texas A&M University. Her professional affiliations include membership in the Council for Learning Disabilities, Texas Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, and CEC, where she is president-elect for the Division of Visual Impairments and Deafblindness. Jones was previously president of the Texas Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University, and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Louisiana State University.

Bruce L. “Lee” Sonnenberg is currently serving as executive director for AERBVI. He holds positions such as board treasurer for All Blind Children of Texas and is affiliated with the Texas Society of Association Executives. Sonnenberg's education includes a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Wayland Baptist University and a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas Tech University.

These appointments require confirmation by the Senate.