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The Taylor ISD Board of Trustees met for its Regular Meeting on June 23. Highlights from the meeting include:

• The Board approved phase one of raises for the 2025-2026 school year
• The Board approved a balanced budget of $43.8 million
• Reports on academic performance of the past school year

Read the full recap below.

RECOGNITIONS

Superintendent Coin of Excellence

Jeff Ostendorf received the July 2025 Superintendent Coin of Excellence, awarded for his hard work and dedication over the past 13 years as a leader in the maintenance and operations department. He cares deeply about his work and always supports his team, ensuring that various aspects of support operations run smoothly in support of student and teacher success. 

REPORTS

2022 Bond Update

All remaining phases of the 2022 Bond are 99% complete. Remaining items include:

• Road behind Main Street ES that leads to Mallard Lane
• Landscaping at Taylor MS 
• Minor projects at Taylor HS, MSE, and the new support operations facility

All projects at Naomi Pasemann ES and T.H. Johnson ES are complete.

Recap of Community Advisory Committee Bond Recommendation

Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen shared a brief review of the Community Advisory Committee’s bond recommendation. Proposed updates include:

Campus updates and student-focused spaces:

• Taylor HS Phase I 
  • Multipurpose fine arts facility
  • Black box theater and classroom 
  • Dressing rooms
  • Dance room for cheer, dance, and color guard
  • Offices and locker rooms
  • Renovations to existing fine arts spaces 
  • Parking 
• Taylor MS Phase I
  • 9 renovated science labs
  • Locker room and weight room renovations and additions 
  • Track and turf improvements, including bleachers 
  • Level cafeteria floor to increase capacity
• Building refresh 
• Fire system throughout building 
• New parking 
• PK-8 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) learning spaces
• Technology and safety and security upgrades 
• Capital improvements 

District-wide infrastructure and planning

• Comprehensive design and planning
• Land acquisition to meet future enrollment growth and community development needs
• Transportation 

The CAC recommended to the Board of Trustees calling for a bond in the amount of $147 million. 

Student Achievement 
The board heard from Chief Academic Officer Megan Zembik on the academic growth seen across the district this past school year. She shared preliminary STAAR scores and highlighted notable gains in College, Career, and Military Readiness, with the district now at 86%. 

She also touched on curriculum updates and instructional walkthroughs that are key to student success. She spoke about the implementation of strategies and collaborative work done throughout the year and early summer to continue supporting students and teachers. 

Safety and Security 

Chief of HR and Student Services Jennifer Patschke presented on safety and security updates noting that TISD:

• Passed all door audits conducted by the Texas Education Agency 
• Completed all compliance requirements 
• Successfully implemented Communities in Schools program 

NEW BUSINESS

Consider and Approve the 2025-26 District Contribution to Employee Health Insurance Premiums and Benefits Package
The board approved raising the 2025-2026 district contribution for employee health insurance and employer-provided benefits packages to $511.03 to continue covering the full cost of health insurance for employees. 

This represents a $40 increase in health coverage on behalf of the school district. Additionally, the benefits package provided to employees at no additional cost includes basic life insurance, critical illness, telehealth, and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Consider and Approve action regarding a resolution approving a one-time incentive payment to district staff, subject to passage of a VATRE measure

The board approved a one-time $1,000 incentive payment to full-time employees and a one-time $500 incentive payment to part-time employees if a Voter Approved Tax Rate Election (VATRE) is called by the Board and passed by voters in November 2025. 

If the VATRE passes, the amounts will be paid in January 2026.

Consider and Approve 25-26 Teacher Payscale & Stipend Package

The board approved the 2025-2026 teacher pay scale and district stipend package, the first of two phases in the compensation plan. The compensation package includes raises mandated and funded by House Bill 2 as well as raises for teachers not included in the bill.

The second phase addressing compensation for nurses, counselors, librarians, paraprofessionals, support operations staff, administrative professionals, and non-teacher staff, will be brought before the Board in July.

You can read more about the raises at this link.

Consider and Approve the 2025-2026 Proposed Taylor ISD Budget

The Board approved a balanced budget of $43.8 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

 

Consider and Approve action to delegate authority to Superintendent to accept donations during the summer holiday - Approved

Consider and Approve Board Meeting Dates for July 2025-June 2026 - Approved

Consider and Approve action regarding selection of Contractor for Job Order Contracting work - Approved

Consider and Approve action to select vendor for power washing at Taylor Middle School and Naomi Pasemann Elementary School - Approved

CONSENT AGENDA - Approved 

• Minutes 
• Tax report 
• Monthly financial report
• Final 2024-2025 purchasing approval
• FInal 2024-2025 budget amendment 
• Successful transition education program 
• City of Taylor school resources officers MOU 
• Annual review board operating procedures 
• TEA waiver for the 2024-2025 school year 
• TEA waiver for the 2025-2026 school year

PERSONNEL ITEMS - Approved

You can watch the full meeting at this link.