January 19, 2021 — “I serve on the Board to see that every child gets a fair opportunity at an education." That's the mission of Midland ISD Trustee Tommy Bishop, who is in his 14th year as a board member.
The district is individually highlighting school board members throughout January as part of School Board Recognition Month which recognizes the crucial role an elected board of trustees plays in our communities and schools.
Bishop, who has represented District 3 since 2006, has lengthy experience in public education leadership. He served on the Crane ISD Board of Trustees for 12 years, where he was Board President for two years. Bishop also spent four years as president of the Region 18 School Board Association. He is a member of the Texas Association of School Boards Buyboard Purchasing Cooperative.
“As a school district, we need to continue educating students for success in the 21st century and put a strong focus on academic progress on the STAAR test,” Bishop said. Every child has the opportunity to learn, and it’s up to us a board to provide them the tools they need to be successful."
District 3 is generally located in west Midland, and Bishop holds regular meetings at campuses in his district to work with the community and get their feedback on how to improve education.
Bishop's other community participation includes membership in 4-H, FFA, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the city of Midland 4B Board.
Bishop was born and raised in Crane. He attended Sul Ross State University, where he played football and baseball for the Lobos.
He retired from Chevron after 27 years with the company’s Exploration and Production division. Also worked as a safety and DOT manager at Bison Trucking, a division of Mammoth Energy. Bishop currently owns T-Bones Bar-B-Que & Catering.
Bishop is a member of True-Lite Fellowship Church and is president of the Royal Order, a touring-motorcycle and trike enthusiast club.
He is married to Claudine Bishop, and they have three children: Nathan, Ebony and Jayde. Has one grandson.