Taylor Independent School District

The Taylor ISD Board of Trustees met for a Regular Meeting on March 30, 2026. Highlights from the meeting include:

• TMS student Lilly Farris and teacher Star Upton earn Superintendent’s 1+ Coin of Excellence
• More than 20 THS band and choir students recognized for earning spots in state competitions
• Additional sign-on bonuses approved for certified teachers in high-need areas

PUBLIC HEARINGS

Public Hearing on the Texas Academic Performance Report
Chief Academic Officer Megan Zembik presented an overview of the district’s annual Texas Academic Performance Report, highlighting key measures of student achievement and progress.

The district’s accountability rating improved from a D to a C, with student growth in reading and math closely tracking state performance. Graduation rates continue to rise, and College, Career, and Military Readiness has shown strong double-digit gains. The district also earned an A rating for Superior Achievement in financial accountability.

RECOGNITIONS

Priority 1: Superintendent’s 1+ Coin of Excellence - Student

Taylor Middle School eighth grade student Lilly Farris was named the March 2026 Superintendent’s 1+ Coin of Excellence Recipient.

Lilly recently made TISD history by being the first middle school student to compete at the state level at the Texas Science and Engineering Fair at Texas A&M University. She placed in the Top 20 at state in the Engineering Technology, Statistics & Dynamics category with her project "Comparing Weight Capacity Across Bridge Designs."

She’s also in theater, and earned an All Star Cast award for her performance as Peter Pan in “Peter & Wendy” at the UIL One Act Play Competition. 

Priority 2: Superintendent’s 1+ Coin of Excellence - Staff

TMS teacher Star Upton was named the March 2026 Superintendent’s 1+ Coin of Excellence recipient for her commitment to going above and beyond for all her students. She’s known as a relationship builder, always putting students first, and mentoring other educators as well.

Priority 1: THS Area & All-State Band 

The Board recognized Taylor High School band students who qualified for Area and the All-State Band earlier this year. Students recognized included: 

All-State Band

Isaac Martinez - Percussion

Area-Qualifiers

• Caleb Alderete - Percussion
• Everett Logan - Trumpet 
• Ethan Green - Trombone
• Ben Gregory - Trombone 

Priority 1: THS All-State Choir

The Board also recognized three THS choir students who qualified for state, including: 

• Matthew Hernandez
• Ethan Green 
• Zevyn Torrez

Priority 3: TEE Foundation Grant Winners 

Executive Director of the TEE Foundation, Anita Volek, was joined by foundation members to present the latest round of TEE Foundation grant winners including: 

• Iris Bunton & Renee Schneider - THJ - $1,300 for Ducks Discover Africa
• Victoria Reyes - THS - $700 for High School Dance Field Trip
• Albert Sheffey - TMS - $2,000 for Bringing History to Light: Artifact Display
• Cindy Terrazas, Abby Turner & Andy Basche - THJ - $2,751 for Pre-K Quack Packs

  

 

Priority 1: THS UIL Solo & Ensemble Qualifiers

The recognitions for the THS band continued as more than 15 students earned spots at the UIL State Solo & Ensemble Competition. These students rehearsed selected pieces in preparation for a performance before a judge or panel of judges, who graded them on their performance. Those who earned top marks, moved onto the state competition, which will be held in May. 

The state qualifiers include: 

• Caleb Alderete (two ensembles)
• Marissa Eddleman 
• Nathalie Cruz 
• Jackson Havens
• Abriella Gonzales
• Ethan Green
• Colton Johnson
• Tristan Kelley
• Isaac Martinez (soloists as well)
• Hailey McLendon
• John Meller (two ensembles)
• Logan Morris
• Morgan Patschke 
• Orianna Ramirez  
• Edward Robles (soloists as well)
• Keira Rodriguez (two ensembles)
• Colton Rojas

Priorities 1-4: 2025 Citizen of the Year - Marco R. Ortiz 

Master Trustee and TISD Board President Marco R. Ortiz was recognized for being named the 2025 Citizen of the Year by the Taylor Rotary Club. The honor highlights President Ortiz’s commitment to seeing students succeed, but also his broader involvement in Taylor over the years.

He was awarded the honor at the annual Taylor Chamber of Commerce Awards, making him the second TISD trustee to earn the honor. Board Vice President Shorty Mitchell was named Citizen of the Year in 2010.

President Ortiz received a framed photo from the celebration, featuring a copy of the written nomination on the back.

REPORTS 

Priority 4: Efficient Financial Stewardship - Delegation of Bond Sale - Dan Wegmiller w/ Specialized Public Finance & Melissa Leal w/ Cantu Harden Montoya

Mr. Wegmiller gave a presentation on the steps to sell bonds approved by the community in November 2025. He explained the board delegates approval power to the superintendent and the board president to actively sell bonds for the 2025 Bond program. 

 

Priority 1: Excellence in Student Outcomes - Communities in Schools 2024-2025 Annual Impact Report
Taylor ISD received an update on the impact of its partnership with Communities in Schools (CIS), which provides campus-based support to help students overcome challenges and stay engaged in learning. With full-time staff on each campus, CIS delivers individualized services through one-on-one support, small groups, and campuswide programming.

This year, CIS provided more than 8,000 service hours to TISD students, supporting academic success, attendance, and behavior. Outcomes show strong results, with 100% of participating students remaining in school, 99% promoted or graduating, and 94% showing improvement in at least one area of need.

The program is supported through a combination of district investment and external funding, allowing TISD to expand services and better meet the needs of students across the district.

 

Priority 4: Efficient Financial Stewardship - Optional and Ground Lease Agreement with Diamond Towers V LLC - Diamond Communications

The Board received an update on a proposed partnership to install a cellular tower near Taylor High School to improve connectivity for both the campus and surrounding community. The project would help address current gaps in cell and internet service, enhancing access within approximately a two-mile radius.

At least one carrier has expressed interest, with discussions underway for additional providers. If approved, the project would move through city permitting, with an estimated timeline of about one year before becoming operational.

 

Priority 4: Efficient Financial Stewardship - 2026-2027 Budget Workshop #3

Chief Financial Officer Jina Self provided an update on the district’s budget development process, anticipating a balanced budget for the 2026-2027 school year. Campus and department budgets were finalized by the end of March, with ongoing review of salaries and stipends.

While the district has seen an increase in fund balance, it is also managing rising costs related to inflation, underfunded mandates, and required expenditures.

Next steps include the annual audit, presentation of a preliminary budget in May, and final adoption in June.

 

Priority 4: Efficient Financial Stewardship - Technology Refresh - Jamie Sellers

Technology Director Jamie Sellers shared a plan for a student and staff device refresh to address aging technology that is impacting classroom instruction and increasing maintenance needs. Current devices are approximately six years old and have exceeded their expected lifespan.

Staff feedback identified performance and reliability as top priorities for supporting student learning. The proposed plan would provide MacBook devices for students in grades 3-12 and iPads for Pre-K through grade 2.

The district also anticipates offsetting costs through a device buyback program. The proposal aligns with the district’s Expenditure Projection Plan (EPP), which tracks long term maintenance and operational costs on items like computers, HVACs, band instruments, and other potentially high-cost items. 

 

Priority 2: Exceptional Workplace Climate - Upward Communities
The Board received a presentation on a potential staff housing partnership aimed at supporting teachers and essential workers with access to high-quality, attainable housing within the community.

The proposed model is privately funded and would not require public funds, with a long-term lease agreement between the district and the developer. The approach includes the development of purpose-built housing for educators, with the district maintaining the ability to prioritize staff for residency.

 

CONSENT AGENDA - APPROVED

• Minutes 
• Tax Report 
• Monthly Financial Report 
• Purchasing Approval 
• Approve Scholarship Committee for 2025-2026
• Approve IMA Allotment and TEKS Certification
• Approve Credit Limit Increase on District Credit Card 
• Approval of Certification of Unopposed Status for Trustee Election for District 1 and "At-Large"
• Approval of Order of Cancellation of the Taylor ISD Trustee Election for May 2, 2026 and Declaring Unopposed Candidates Elected to their respective Districts/Places
• Approval of an Order Authorizing the Issuance, Sale and Delivery of Taylor Independent School District Unlimited Tax School Building Bonds, Series 2026 and Approving Other Matters Incident and Related Thereto
• Adopt Revision to Policy CH & CV LOCAL
• Adopt Revision of Local Policies to Align with Taylor ISD District of Innovation Plan:

• EB(LOCAL)
• DBA(LOCAL
• DK(LOCAL)
• DCA(LOCAL) - DELETE
• EEB(LOCAL) - DELETE
• EFB(LOCAL)
• DGBA(LOCAL)
• FNG(LOCAL)
• GF(LOCAL)

 

NEW BUSINESS 

Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Referral Bonus for Teachers, Paraprofessionals and Support Operations Staff

Chief of HR and Student Services Jennifer Patschke presented the next phase of recruitment incentives aimed at attracting high-quality staff. The proposal includes referral bonuses of up to $1,500 for employees who help recruit teachers and paraprofessionals.

Incentives would include $1,500 for referrals of TIA-designated teachers, $1,000 for teacher candidates, and $500 for paraprofessional and support staff positions. This effort is designed to strengthen recruitment and bring strong talent into the district.

 

Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Special Education Stipends for the 2026-2027 School Year

Patschke also shared updated stipend amounts for special education staff for the upcoming school year. The proposal includes $5,000 stipends for Life Skills and Behavior teachers, and $2,000 stipends for Resource and Inclusion certified teachers. These updates aim to support recruitment and retention in high-need areas, benefiting educators interested in applying with the district and supporting those who are already in the district.

 

Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Sign-On Bonus for High Need Areas 

The Board also approved proposed sign-on bonuses to support recruitment in key, high-need areas. The plan includes $5,000 sign-on bonuses for PK-12 core content teachers, as well as up to $1,000 for bus drivers with a CDL and $500 for monitors who obtain their CDL and transition into driver roles. 

 

Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Drymalla Final Change Order and Final Pay App - Approved 

The Board approved the final Drymalla change order and pay application, marking the final payment for all project work in relation to the 2022 bond now that work is complete. 

 

Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Professional Services RFQ Selections - Approved

The Board approved the selection of professional services for the 2025 Bond program, which now allows the district to develop service agreements with firms in each category, including surveying, geotechnical/materials testing and others.

 

You can watch the full meeting at this link.

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