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The Taylor ISD Board of Trustees met for its Regular Meeting on Sept. 22. Highlights from the meeting include:
- Taylor HS senior Caleb Alderete is the first Superintendent 1+ Coin of Excellence student recipient
- Taylor MS teacher Terrie Holmstrom is the Superintendent 1+ Coin of Excellence staff recipient
- Rice & Gardner provided a final update on the 2022 Bond projects as they were completed on time and under budget
- An independent financial audit highlights the district’s strong financial stewardship
RECOGNITIONS
Superintendent's 1+ Coin of Excellence Recipients
September marked the official launch of the district’s re-imagined Superintendent 1+ Coin of Excellence that aligns with the district’s 1+ mission of going above and beyond for every student, every day.
To mark the new branding, the district also expanded the recognition program to students! The district’s first Superintendent 1+ Coin of Excellence student recipient was Taylor HS senior Caleb Alderete. Caleb has been a Duck his entire life, and is now a senior leader at the high school. He reads the morning announcements as the voice of THS, and holds leadership positions in the band where he is a percussionist. Keep an eye out for him in the front ensemble!
The September Superintendent 1+ Coin of Excellence staff recipient was Taylor MS Terrie Holmstrom, a special education teacher. She has served in various positions at TISD over the past 30 years, and was essential in opening the district’s Child Development Center. TMS Principal Jamie Moller introduced her, adding how Ms. Holmstrom has been absolutely helpful during her transition to principal.
T.H. Johnson Super Readers
The Board recognized our Super Readers at T.H. Johnson ES, meaning students who completed their summer reading log and turned it in at the start of the school year. This was part of the district’s THJ Quack Pack program which seeks to motivate families and their students to continue learning during the summer months in preparation for kindergarten.
Every student who completed the reading log received a superhero mask and cape, and a super special duck! Each duck was lovingly hand made by our Director of Teacher and Learning’s grandmother.
The Board honored 21 students for achieving Super Reader status.
REPORTS
2022 Bond Project Showcase
Rice and Gardener presented their final update on the 2022 Bond as all the projects were completed on time and under budget. In fact, after initial budget review, Rice and Gardener said the district will receive more than $7 million back from the bond — thanks to the responsible financial stewardship of valuable tax dollars.
The district completed the entire scope of work listed in the 2022 Bond, and was able to complete additional maintenance and smaller projects at schools, like a new playground at T.H. Johnson ES, a library renovation at Main Street ES, and much more to bring the facilities up to standard for students and teachers.
See the Duck Digest: 2022 Bond Completion Edition at this link: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/5f94680041.html
You can see the full list of projects completed here:
The amount will now go into reconciliation to finalize the amount the district will receive back.
Efficiency Audit
The Board heard the latest efficiency audit from an outside public accounting firm and highlighted a few unique features about the school district. The audit reviewed the district’s financial management, staffing, student outcomes, and use of resources. Key findings show that Taylor ISD has maintained a strong fund balance with a “Superior” rating in the state’s financial accountability system.
The audit also noted higher-than-average teacher turnover and a student population with significant needs, including 69% economically disadvantaged and 21% English learners. The report notably showed that the district’s expenditure per student is higher than peer districts and the state average, because of the higher-needs population. Even then, the report indicated the district’s revenue per student was lower than peer district and the overall state average.
STEM Update
This school year, Taylor ISD added three new STEM teaching positions at the elementary level to expand science, technology, engineering, and math opportunities for students. Each elementary student now receives dedicated STEM instruction every week during rotations, with lessons incorporating the nationally recognized Project Lead the Way curriculum.
These classes not only spark curiosity and hands-on learning but also lay the foundation for advanced pathways in middle and high school, including Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. In addition, students are gaining access to STEM enrichment activities and competitions, and we are already seeing growing interest in related programs across the district.
Accountability Report
The Board heard about the district’s improved 2024-2025 accountability rating of a “C” and how all schools have shown academic progress since the implementation of a new accountability rating system by the Texas Education Agency. All campuses demonstrated growth, while Legacy ECHS maintained its “A” rating at 97/100.
The district has improved academic performance by an entire letter grade, with Chief Academic Officer Megan Zembik highlighting the commitment of teachers, leaders, and students to achieve this success and continue moving forward.
Personal Communication Devices
Secondary principals, along with Director of Student and At-Risk Programs Daniella Ogundare, shared that the implementation of the HB 1481 Personal Communication Devices Ban has gone smoothly across campuses. Since the policy took effect, schools have seen higher levels of student engagement in the classroom, fewer disruptions, improved focus, and more face-to-face interaction during non-instructional time.
Principals recognized the importance of early communication about the new law, and parent support the success of implementing the district’s new policy in accordance with state law.
ParentSquare
The Board heard about the district’s new parent communication tool, ParentSquare. The tool allows parents to connect with their schools and teachers directly in a Facebook-style news feed. It also reduces barriers to school-home communication as parents can set their preferred home language, notification preferences, and easily connect with teachers on a one-on-one basis.
1+ Initiative
Dr. Garcia highlighted the district’s new 1+ initiative that launched this school year, saying the goal is for students to demonstrate more than a years’ growth in academics and in extracurricular activities. It’s a districtwide effort to prepare students for their place “at the front of the line” of opportunities once they graduate, Dr. Garcia said.
The initiative includes a dedicated logo and a motto crafted in collaboration with school leaders:
In Taylor ISD, 1+ is our commitment to going above and beyond for every student every day. Through high quality experiences, a relentless pursuit of excellence, and a drive to succeed, we are building a legacy of student success.
NEW BUSINESS - APPROVED
Consideration and Possible Action to Approve the Amendment of the District of Innovation Plan
CONSENT AGENDA - APPROVED
- Minutes
- Tax Report
- Monthly Financial Report
- Purchasing Approval
- Approve SHAC Membership
- Approve Bond Counsel Agreement w/ Walsh Gallegos
- Student Code of Conduct 2025-2026
PERSONNEL ITEMS FOR ACTION - APPROVED
- Election of Personnel
- Notification of Election of Personnel under District of Innovation (DOI) for the 2025-2026 School Year
