Ms. Betsy Hall Bender

Ms. Betsy Hall Bender holds a Bachelor of Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University Law School. She is licensed to practice law in Texas and Arkansas, and served as general counsel to independent school districts in both states for over 25 years. She is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and is rated “AV Preeminent” by Martindale Hubbell, holding the highest possible rating in both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards. Ms. Bender has served on the RMA Board of Directors since 2016, and was elected Board President in June, 2019.

Ms. Rose Thompson

Ms. Rose Thompson was raised in Lubbock, TX, by W E and Mary Rainwater. After graduating from Dunbar High School, she attended Langston University, Langston Oklahoma where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education and graduated with honors. She has a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University Central Texas, Killeen, Texas. Her Professional Experience includes: Education Specialist--U.S. Government, Nuremberg, Germany and Ft. Hood, Texas; One of the first Education Specialist to open an Army Education Center in Kuwait Guidance Counselor--U.S. Government, Ft. Hood, Texas and Yongsan, Korea Drug and Alcohol Counselor-U.S Government, Fort Hood, Texas Therapist for the Bair Foundation, Waco, Texas In 2000, she embarked upon a new career-Charter School Administrator. Ms. Thompson has worked diligently to improve the educational skills and quality of life for her diverse student population. Having worked twelve years as the Director for The Richard Milburn Academy of Killeen, Rose retired in 2012. Nowadays, she spends her time writing poetry, working with children and serving on the Board of Trustees for The First Tee, an organization created to teach children about the game of golf while instilling in them core values. While Ms. Thompson has enjoyed a successful career, she has reared a loving family: Teffanie White, her only daughter is also employed by Richard Milburn. But, her pride and joy are reserved for her two grandchildren: Imhotep and Halima White. When asked, what is your legacy? She smiled and quoted the profound motto she created, "Our Children are at Reach, Not at Risk." She is guided by GOD and pursuing peace for all children.

Mr. Mike Peebles

Mr. Mike Peebles joined the RMA Board in 2002, bring with him a lifelong career in Texas-based education of over 40 years. A graduate, and die-hard fan of The University of Texas at Austin, Mr. Peebles was both a classroom teacher and a coach before joining Education Service Center 17 in Lubbock. There, he would serve in several roles, including as the Chief Operations Officer. In 2004, Mr. Peebles returned the his beloved Austin, TX to work at ESC 13 (not to mention be closer to the Darrell K Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium and his Longhorns!)

Mr. Ernest Chambers

Mr. Ernest Chambers attended Baylor University for his Bachelor and Graduate work and attended UT - Austin for his Post-Graduate studied. Mr. Chambers describes his lifelong career in education as a public school teacher with experience included: English, American history, world history, general science, physical education, coaching athletics at the junior high school and high school levels and sixth grade in elementary school. Once he entered public school administration, his experience included: elementary school principal, grades 1-6, and curriculum director, grades 1-12. From 1967 to 1989, he served as a Division Director for the Texas Education Agency where he holds the following two assignments as his greatest achievements. * From 1967-1984 he assisted with the planning, establishment, and direction of the state's twenty regional education service centers. •From 1984-1993 he had state-wide responsibility for helping public school personnel and the general public understand and comply with the requirements of state statute and State Board of Education rules governing students' participation in extracurricular activities, popularly known as the "No Pass, No Play Rule."

Dr. Francis White

Dr. Francis White serves as RMA Schools' Board Treasurer. He is a published author, career-educator, and currently holds the role of Associate Professor of Educational Leadership & Counseling at Prairie View A&M University. He studied at Auburn University and Virginia Poly-Tech where he earned his ED.S. in Counselor Education and ED.D. in Counseling & Student Personnel, respectively. In addition to his nearly sixty years of professional experience in the field of education, Dr. White has committed his time to over a dozen additional professional organizations, committees, and services.