Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has announced appointments to the Governing Board of the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD). Heather “Hex” Lightfoot has been reappointed, while Gregorio Mata and Oscar Ocuto, Ed.D., have been newly appointed. Their terms will expire on January 31, 2031. The board is responsible for overseeing all services at TSD, preparing budgets, adopting policies, and appointing the superintendent.

Heather “Hex” Lightfoot from Austin is a mother of three children with varied hearing abilities. She advocates for Deaf and DeafBlind Texans and works as a transition consultant on the Texas Deafblind Project. She also 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 with a focus on orientation and mobility from Texas Tech University.

Gregorio Mata from Edinburg works as an operations and data associate at Activating Change. He is involved with the Texas School for the Deaf District Advisory Committee and volunteers as a team lead with 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., from 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 Gallaudet University's Faculty Development Committee. Ocuto holds degrees in Secondary Education and English as well as Deaf Education from Gallaudet University, along with a Doctorate in Deaf Education from Lamar University.