Governor Greg Abbott has made appointments to the Governing Board of the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD), reappointing Heather “Hex” Lightfoot and appointing Gregorio Mata and Oscar Ocuto, Ed.D. All three will serve terms ending January 31, 2031. The board is responsible for overseeing TSD services, preparing budgets, adopting policies, and appointing the superintendent.
Heather “Hex” Lightfoot of Austin is a mother of three children—one DeafBlind, one Deaf, and one hearing. She works as a transition consultant on the Texas Deafblind Project and 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 is an operations and data associate at Activating Change. He serves on 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., based in 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 Gallaudet University Faculty Development Committee. Ocuto received his Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and English as well as a Master’s degree in Deaf Education from Gallaudet University; he also holds a Doctorate in Deaf Education from Lamar University.
