The election for the 2026-2028 TAJE Executive Board officers concluded Friday, Feb. 27, after 76 active members cast their votes. (Numbers below results tally to 75 each because not all members cast a vote in every race.)

TAJE’s current Constitution requires only a plurality of votes rather than a majority, so no run-off election is needed. “The candidates receiving the most votes will be declared the winners within 48 hours of the close of the election.”

President-Elect

• Megan Ortiz, Kingwood Park High School: 61 votes (winner)
• Karla Romero Paramo, Melissa High School: 14 votes

Secretary

• Shelby Nickells, Rouse High School: 23 votes (winner)
• Joanie Gill, Klein Oak High School: 20 votes
• Mike Tobias, Port Neches-Groves High School: 20 votes
• Trisa Dyer, Denison High School: 12 votes

Treasurer

• Margaret Edmonson, retired journalism adviser: 75 votes (winner)

Ortiz and Nickells will continue serving as the Region 9 and Region 7 representatives until their terms start June 1, 2026, at which time their positions will become vacant and then-President Stephen Green will appoint two active TAJE members to serve the rest of their term.

The new executive board terms will run from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2028.

Romero Paramo and Tobias remain members of the executive board as Regional Representatives for Region 3 and Region 8.

Elections for the 10 Regional Representatives will take place in February 2027 for terms running June 1, 2027, to May 31, 2029.

2026-2028 TAJE Executive Board Members

• President: Stephen Green, Caney Creek High School
• President-Elect: Megan Ortiz, Kingwood Park High School
• Past President: Michael Reeves, James Bowie High School
• State Director: Lisa Roskens, Prosper High School
• Secretary: Shelby Nickells, Rouse High School
• Treasurer: Margaret Edmonson, retired journalism adviser