Bastrop County Cares will host a town hall on Sept. 30 at the Bastrop Convention and Exhibit Center to discuss the future of Texas schools.

The free event—which will feature education professionals, school board leaders, policy experts, school administrators and nonprofit leaders—will run from 6:30-8 p.m.

What residents should know

The town hall will cover a variety of topics, including:
  • Current legislation impacting public education
  • How schools are preparing for these changes
  • Ways community organizations and nonprofits can help address gaps
  • How parents can be engaged and involved at school, at home and through advocacy
“Organizers emphasize that this is a nonpartisan event, focused on ensuring families and stakeholders are informed and equipped to respond to the new legislative landscape,” Bastrop County Cares officials said in a news release.

The event also will feature:
  • Free child care
  • American Sign Language and Spanish translation services
  • Light refreshments
What the experts say


Norma Mercado, executive director of Bastrop County Cares, stressed the importance of staying informed about policies that can impact children and their success in school.

“It’s critical for community organizations and nonprofits to understand how these policies impact schools and step in to help meet the gaps,” said Mercado, who is a parent herself. “Education doesn’t just affect students and teachers—it impacts the entire community. When we support our schools, we help build a healthier, stronger ecosystem for everyone.”
  • Sept. 30, 6:30-8 p.m.
  • Free and open to the public
  • Bastrop Convention and Exhibit Center, 1408 Chestnut St., Bastrop
  • www.bastropcares.org