Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott has announced appointments to the Governing Board of the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI). Belinda Rudinger, Ed.D., joins as a new appointee, while Beth Jones, Ph.D., and Bruce L. “Lee” Sonnenberg have been reappointed. Their terms will run until January 31, 2031.

TSBVI is a specialized public school that provides services to students who are blind, deaf-blind, or visually impaired. It also serves as a resource for parents and professionals working with these children.

Belinda Rudinger, Ed.D., from Carrollton, is an assistant professor of Special Education at East Texas A&M University. She holds membership in the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Additionally, she volunteers at the Plano Animal Shelter. Her certifications include being a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments in Texas and a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist for Individuals with Visual Impairments nationally. Rudinger earned her degrees from the University of North Texas and the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point.

Beth Jones, Ph.D., based in Anna, serves as a professor of Special Education at East Texas A&M University. She is involved with several organizations including the Council for Learning Disabilities and CEC. She has previously led the Texas Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments. Her academic background includes degrees from Texas A&M University and Louisiana State University.

Bruce L. “Lee” Sonnenberg from Lubbock is currently serving as executive director for AERBVI. He also acts as board treasurer for All Blind Children of Texas and participates in the Texas Society of Association Executives. His educational qualifications were obtained from Wayland Baptist University and Texas Tech University.

These appointments await Senate confirmation.