Harlingen’s George McShan receives James B. Crow Award

George McShan has always believed that every child deserves an equal life change to reach their hopes and dreams in the democracy of the United States.

That’s why he has just been named the 2025 recipient of the James B. Crow Innovation in Governance.

“I am deeply grateful, and it’s an honor to know that you matter and are loved for making a difference for humanity,” said McShan, a former Harlingen school board member and lifelong educator.

The James B. Crow award is a program by the Texas Association of School Boards. It was established in 2022 in honor of James Crow who retired in August of 2021 after serving the organization for 40 years. He was known for his commitment to improving public education.

McShan is as passionate now as he has ever been about protective and improving public education for everyone, and that’s what made him eligible for the award which is given individuals who have significantly influenced effective school district governance practices at the state or local level.

McShan has lived in Harlingen for more than 40 years and served on the Harlingen CISD Board of Trustees from 1988 until his retirement in 2018. The TASB Member Services Committee said it selected McShan because of his “lifelong commitment to public education, community service, and his dedication to creating opportunities for every child to succeed in Harlingen and beyond.”

The award includes a $10,000 contribution to the district of the recipient’s choice. McShan has selected Harlingen CISD.

“George McShan sets the standard for what it means to be a lifelong leader and advocate for students,” said Wichita Falls ISD Trustee Mark Lukert, who chairs the TASB Member Services Committee and serves on the TASB Board of Directors.

“We were all inspired by his commitment to service, which has continued since retiring from the Harlingen CISD Board of Trustees with other volunteer work serving the youth of his community. We were just so impressed with his energy, passion, and his ongoing dedication to advancing opportunities for all children to create a better future for his community,” Lukert said.

This is just the latest of many accolades McShan has received over his long career. In 1998 he was elected to TASB president. In 2004, he was elected president of the National School Board Association, where he advocated for change and opportunity for all students at the national level. Locally, he prioritized the hiring of excellent superintendents. He also pushed for new schools, dual-language initiatives, and other programs for students.

And now the James B. Crow Innovation in Governance.

“This is a big surprise,” McShan said upon learning that he was the 2025 recipient of the Crow Award. He noted that he and Crow had the opportunity to get to know one another and work together when he served on the TASB Board.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award, which is especially meaningful with its connection to Jim, whose leadership and dedication to strong school governance have inspired so many of us,” McShan said.

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