David Thompson Recognized for His Outstanding Contribution to Public Education

August 28, 2006

David Thompson named TSPRA's 2006 Key Communicator

HOUSTON (August 28, 2006) – David Thompson, a partner in the Houston office of Bracewell & Giuliani, has been named the 2006 Key Communicator by the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA). The award will be presented Saturday, October 7 at the Second General Session of the TASA/TASB Joint Annual Convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.

Since 1981, TSPRA has recognized a Key Communicator for outstanding contributions to public education through effective communications.

Thompson was considered for the award among a field of six nominees and was selected because of his advocacy of public education. As an attorney involved in school law and educational politics for almost two decades, Thompson has worked closely with the Texas Education Agency to ensure that legislators understand the impact of proposed legislation on public schools and the students they serve.

Thompson served as general counsel for the Texas Education Agency for three years and previously served as director of governmental relations for the Texas Association of School Boards. On behalf of the TASB Legal Assistance Fund, Thompson has represented 263 school districts in Edgewood ISD v. Meno, challenging the constitutionality of the Texas public school finance system. In addition, he currently represents the plaintiffs in West Orange-Cove v. Neeley, challenging the constitutionality of the Texas public school system.

Thompson obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Texas at Austin in 1973 and his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree in 1976 from The University of Texas School of Law. In 2004, Thompson earned the distinction of Texas Super Lawyer in school and educational law.