In this Director’s Cut episode, we take you inside the 2026 THSADA Fall Forum in San Antonio, Texas, highlighting conversations and sessions focused on leadership, culture, emergency management, coach evaluation, school law, and the changing landscape of education.

From documentation and investigations to emergency action planning and UIL updates, this episode brings together insights from athletic administrators and education leaders on the challenges facing Texas athletics today. The episode also features conversations with THSADA presidents, Northeast ISD Superintendent Anthony Jarrett, and Executive Director Jaygo Van as they share their perspectives on leadership, culture, and the future of athletics.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why athletic administrators need to protect the opportunities and traditions that make Texas athletics unique
• Why being present and following through on commitments are essential to building trust with coaches and staff
• How systems, clear expectations, and ongoing support can help leaders influence culture change at scale
• Why athletic evaluations should focus on intentional, measurable areas such as communication, compliance, coaching performance, professionalism, and leadership
• How athletic departments can build flexible emergency action plans that can be adapted across events and changing circumstances
• Why school districts are increasingly being challenged to adopt a business mindset and clearly communicate the value they provide to families
• What athletic administrators need to understand about reassignment, employment law, and the importance of having legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons for personnel decisions
• Why leaders should focus their time and energy on the people they can influence while continuing to provide systems and support for long-term culture change

The conversations throughout this Director’s Cut provide a look at the evolving responsibilities of athletic administrators and the leadership required to navigate an increasingly complex educational landscape. From strengthening relationships and developing coaches to preparing for emergencies and responding to changes in school choice and employment law, the episode emphasizes the importance of intentional leadership, preparation, and support.

Special thanks to HomeTown Ticketing for helping make this Director’s Cut conversation possible. HomeTown is a longtime THSADA partner, providing ticketing, fundraising, and software solutions to high schools across Texas and the country.