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February 5, 2026

January 29, 2026 Board Briefs

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The Taylor ISD Board of Trustees met for a Regular Meeting on Jan. 29. Highlights from the meeting include:

  • 11 Taylor Middle School band students earned spots in the All-Region Band
  • Students and staff celebrate the Board of Trustees for School Board Appreciation Month 
  • Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen shares annual State of the District
     

RECOGNITIONS

Board Appreciation Month Recognition
In celebration of January being School Board Appreciation Month, Taylor ISD schools put together gift baskets for each trustee. Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen recognized each trustee, and Naomi Pasemann Elementary Assistant Principal Day Strong read remarks about each trustee’s dedication to student and staff excellence. 

A young girl sits at a table with a nameplate, an adult stands behind her. Three women sit at a table during a school board meeting. A group of people sit at a table, possibly at a school board meeting. Mr. Ortiz guides two students reading the mission and vision

Priorty 1: Superintendent’s 1+ Coin of Excellence - Student 
Naomi Pasemann Elementary fifth grade student Graham Holden was named the January 2026 Superintendent’s 1+ Coin of Excellence recipient for students in January. NPE Principal Cynthia Proctor said Graham embodies the spirit of 1+ both inside and outside the classroom.  

“Graham has a true heart of gold, consistently seeking opportunities to lead with a servant’s heart. This isn’t just about following rules; it’s about proactively looking for ways to elevate others and our campus community,” Principal Proctor said. 

“He is dedicated, works hard every day, and is a friend to all. Graham is actively involved in various activities on campus, demonstrating leadership not only in academics but also in character. Graham sets a profound example for his peers, proving that leadership is defined by the impact you have on others. He makes our school better simply by being here.”

Graham is the first elementary recipient of the recognition and is also known to be an awesome big brother to his younger siblings. 

A group of people, including children, stand together in a room with a wooden backdrop.

Priority 2: Superintendent’s 1+ Coin of Excellence - Staff
For the staff 1+ Coin of Excellence, there were two teachers recognized for their work through the UT Austin THRIVE Program, which is a mentorship program for new teachers. Both Ms. Skylar Koontz and Ms. Amy Terrazas were named this month’s honorees. 

You have been nominated for your unwavering commitment to our students’ learning and their emotional well-being. You both embody our mission to inspire, equip, and empower. You both don’t just teach lessons; you are building a legacy for the Taylor community,” Principal Proctors said. 

“You both show up every day ready to tackle any task laid before you, often staying late into the evening to cheer on our students at various programs and activities. You are building leaders by being leaders yourselves,” she added. 

A group of diverse people stand together in a well-lit room. A group of people stand together, posing for a photo in a room with a wooden panel.

 

You can watch the full video surprise for all three of our honorees below. 

Priority 1: Excellence in Student Outcomes - TMS Band Students - Region Band
Superintendent Garcia and the Board of Trustees recognized 11 Taylor Middle School students for earning spots in the region honor bands. These students rehearsed and prepared pieces to perform before a panel of judges, who then ranked all participants across the region. 

Our middle school students represent a handful of selected musicians selected based on their skills and performance during the blind auditions. 

Honorees include: 

Honors Band
Jasmine Suarez - 6th Chair overall Flute
Abner Adams - 5th Chair overall Percussion 

Symphonic Band Band:
Josue De Hoyos - 10th Chair Trombone
Jacob Guerrero-Ortiz - 3rd Chair Euphonium

Concert Band:
Allyson Alvarez - 12th Chair Bb Clarinet
Michael Regalado - 9th Chair Trombone
Adelita Hernandez - 1st Chair Percussion
Abraham Calzada - 4th Chair Percussion
Christian Torres - 8th Chair Percussion
Nichole Gonzalez-Huerta - Alternate Bb Clarinet
Anahi Hernandez - Alternate F Horn

Congratulations to these students for going above and beyond and representing Taylor ISD with pride! 

Board of Trustees with TMS region band students

Priority 3: Strong Partnerships - TEE Foundation Grant Check Presentations
The TEE Foundation presented three Taylor ISD staff members with grants to fund projects to enhance the student experience across the district. 

Grant winners include: 

  • Rochelle Snearl - NPE - $1650 - “From Austin to NPE: Live Exploration of Orchestra”
  • Daniella Ogundare - Opportunity Center - $3150 - “The Great Outdoors”
  • Shawn Lance - Opportunity Center - $900 - “Safe Spaces, Stronger Students”

A group of people pose with a large check in a meeting room. Board of Trustees with TOC Coordinator Shawn Lance  Board of Trustees with Director of Student Services Daniella Ogundare

REPORTS 

Priority 1-4: 2026-2027 District Calendar Update
Chief Academic Officer Megan Zembik presented an update on the district calendar development process, reviewing initial survey results on what parents, staff members, and the community prefer on school calendar. Based on this input, two calendar options will be presented to the broader community for a vote. Both options must meet required guidelines, including state mandated instructional minutes, school year length, and designated instructional dates.

Survey feedback showed overall satisfaction with this year’s calendar, with a majority of respondents indicating a preference for using a similar model moving forward. Following the community vote, results will be brought back to the DEIC for review and discussion before a final calendar recommendation is made to the Board in February.
 

Priority 4: Efficient Financial Stewardship - 2026-2027 Budget Workshop
Chief Financial Officer Jina Self reviewed the district’s budget priorities, emphasizing the goal of maintaining strong financial integrity while maximizing the effective use of all available resources. The presentation outlined key budget considerations and how they align with the district’s scorecard, which includes four priority areas and 12 strategic goals.

The Board also reviewed required budget factors that impact financial planning, including average daily attendance, state mandates, and rising costs driven by inflation. These include increases in fuel, property expenses, insurance, and other daily operational commodities. Together, these considerations help guide responsible budgeting decisions in support of district priorities and long term stability.
 

Priorities 1-4: Superintendent's State of the District 
Superintendent Garcia-Edwardsen presented her annual State of the District, presenting the progress Taylor ISD has made over the past year on its four priorities: Student, Staff, Stakeholder, and Stewardship. 

You can watch the presentation on YouTub at this link.

NEW BUSINESS

Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Drymalla Amendment - Approved
This amendment requires the contractor to certify that no lead exists in the potable water system installed under the project. This is part of the 2022 Bond closeout process. 

Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Selection of Contractor for Job Order Contracting Work - Approved
This action allows the district to continue upgrading safety and security measures at Main Street Elementary using funding left over from the completion of 2022 Bond projects. 

Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Architectural & Engineering RFQ Ranked Selections #1 & #2 - Approved
VLK Architects was selected as the first choice for architectural and engineering services to begin work on the 2025 Bond projects, and Huckabee was selected as the second choice. This approval allows the superintendent to begin negotiations.

Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) RFQ Ranked Selections #1 & #2 - Approved
White Construction was the first choice for general contractor and Bartlett Cocke was the second option. The board vote allows the superintendent to begin negotiations. 

Consent Agenda – Approved

  • Minutes
  • Tax Report
  • Monthly Financial Report
  • Quarterly Investment Report 
  • Purchasing Approval
  • Approve Post-Legislative Non-Business Days Resolution for Calendar Year 2026
  • Approve Incentive Pay Resolution Revision 
  • Approve Update of Authorized Representative Add Form for First Public Lone Star Investment Pool
  • Approve Order of Election for 2026 Board of Trustee Election for Place 1 and "At-Large" to be held on May 2, 2026
  • Approve Joint Election Agreement and Contract For Election Services for May 2, 2026 Election

PERSONNEL ITEMS - Approved

  • Resignation of Personnel
  • Election of Personnel

You can watch the full meeting at this link.

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