Taylor Independent School District

The Taylor ISD Board of Trustees met for a Regular Meeting on April 20, 2026. Highlights from the meeting include:

• THS student Isaac Perez and NPE librarian Julie Snyder earn Superintendent’s 1+ Coin of Excellence
• Top elementary and middle school science fair students honored for performance at regional and state competitions 

RECOGNITIONS

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

Taylor High School senior Isaac Perez was named the 2026 Superintendent’s 1+ Coin of Excellence Recipient.

Isaac is a shining example of the success of our Career Technical Education programs and community partnerships. He has completed 10 auto certifications, and has already gotten on-the-job training and experience with TISD partner, Guzman Automotive. As he approaches graduation, he plans to work full time at Guzman Automotive, stepping into a career prepared and ready to put his talents to use.

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

Naomi Pasemann Elementary librarian Julie Snyder was named the April 2026 Superintendent’s 1+ Coin of Excellence recipient for her dedication to engaging students and instilling a love for reading. She’s the campus Gifted & Talented sponsor and UIL Academics coordinator, and Reader In Me advocate.

She’s an outstanding staff member who goes above and beyond for all students, and she’s a Taylor Duck alum.

Priority 3: TEE Foundation Grant Presentations

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

• Clara Lopez - Main Street Elementary - Si Se Puede to College: A College Pathway Experience for Bilingual Learners - $902
• Ruth Hernandez, Toni Garcia & Carmelita Gonzales - Taylor Middle School - Education Day at Dell Diamond - $3,258

 

Priority 1: FFA Achievements

Taylor High School student and FFA member Heather Hines was recognized for earning Reserve Champion Pullets at the Williamson County Livestock Association Livestock Show and Youth Fair.

In addition to her success in livestock competition, she serves as an FFA officer, where she helps lead the student organization and supports decision-making efforts. Through these roles, she continues to strengthen her leadership skills alongside her work in agricultural education.

Priority 1: Science Fair Top Students

Many of our elementary students participated in the Elementary Greater Austin Regional Science & Engineering Fair earlier this spring, and several earned 1st Place ribbons for their great scientific inquiries. Our top scientists included: 

• Arianna Gabriel
• Daxon Doss
• Emma Fullenwider
• Jovanni Olvera
• Marion Asher 
• Justin Moore

At Taylor Middle School, three students earned top recognitions. Amy Robles and Jasmine Suarez earned the Superintendent Award at the Greater Austin Science & Engineering Award, and Lilly Farris placed in the top 20 in her division at the Texas State Science & Engineering Fair.

  

Priority 4: Taylor ISD Child Nutrition Department - 2025 USDA Foods Challenge Award

The Taylor ISD Child Nutrition Department received the 2025 USDA Foods Challenge Award and was recognized for the achievement. The USDA Foods Challenge Award recognizes school nutrition programs that successfully utilize 95% or more of their USDA Foods entitlement throughout the school year. 

This award highlights strong menu planning, efficient inventory management, and a commitment to reducing food waste. By maximizing the use of USDA Foods, school districts are able to stretch their budgets further while continuing to provide high-quality meals to students.

Earning this recognition demonstrates dedication, teamwork, and responsible stewardship of resources that directly support student health and the success of the school nutrition program.

REPORTS 

Priority 4: Efficient Financial Stewardship - 2025 Bond Program Update

Aaron Mullins with Project Control presented on the latest developments in the 2025 Bond program. The team is finalizing contracts for construction and professional services, entering early planning and design phases, and assessing potential capital maintenance needs. 

 

Priority 4: Efficient Financial Stewardship - 2025-26 Budget Workshop #4 & Property Value Discussion

Chief Financial Officer Jina Self provided an update on preliminary Williamson County Appraisal District property values, noting that the figures are still early and may change as the county continues its review and refinements. For Taylor ISD’s total market values, commercial property values increased while residential values remained steady, with the median residential value decreasing to approximately $275,000.

Next steps include receiving certified estimates from WCAD, beginning the district’s annual audit process, and moving forward with development of the preliminary budget in May.

 

Priority 1: Multi-Tiered System of Support

Chief Academic Officer Megan Zembik provided an update on the district’s Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and the progress made over the past year. She emphasized the importance of strong Tier 1 core instruction and campuswide systems, which allow Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions to be more targeted, timely, and effective for students who need additional support.

Data shared shows measurable progress:

• More than 70% of students in reading interventions on track for typical annual growth
• More than 80% of students in math interventions on track for typical growth
• More than 50% of students projected to achieve stretch growth beyond one academic year

Ms. Eason, a Main Street Elementary math interventionist, also shared her classroom experience supporting student growth and noted increased consistency and impact compared to previous years. She highlighted the role of PLC collaboration in building alignment across campuses, improving the use of data, and strengthening communication with families about student progress.

 

Priority 2: Registered Teacher Apprentice Program

Chief of HR & Student Supports Jennifer Patschke shared an update on the district’s new Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program. This initiative provides current TISD paraprofessionals the opportunity to begin or continue college coursework to earn a bachelor’s degree and Texas teacher certification, creating a pathway from classroom support roles to certified classroom teachers.

The program offers individualized support for each participant, along with a clear roadmap, mentorship, and guidance throughout the process. Participants remain employed while completing their coursework, and program costs are significantly reduced through funding support that helps offset expenses.

The goal is to build a sustainable “grow-your-own” teacher pipeline by investing in current staff who already understand our students and campuses and are committed to student success.

Funding for the program is supported through a state allotment, which helps cover college costs and required materials for participants completing the program.

 

Priority 4: Technology Refresh Pricing

Director of Technology Jamie Sellers provided an update on the district’s planned technology device refresh for students and staff. The last full refresh occurred six years ago, and ongoing maintenance has extended device use approximately two years beyond the recommended lifecycle.

The proposed refresh will provide updated MacBooks and iPads for students and staff, with a total projected cost of $2.2 million. Through Apple’s buyback program, the district anticipates reducing overall costs by up to $500,000.

Aligned with the district’s Expenditure Projection Plan, this refresh establishes a more consistent replacement cycle moving forward, allowing for improved long-term planning and sustainability of student and staff devices.

 

ANNOUNCEMENT 

Prior to a Trustee Election the Board President Announces Board Member Training Credit Standings

Board President and Master Trustee Marco Ortiz read the number of credits per trustee for required training. No action was necessary. 

 

CONSENT AGENDA - Approved 

• Minutes
• Tax Report 
• Monthly Financial Report 
• Quarterly Investment Report 
• Request for Purchasing Approval 
• Request for Budget Amendment Approval
• Approve Renewal of Total Rider Agreement 
• Approve School Safety and Security Committee for 2025-2026 
• Approve Technology Refresh Purchase
• Adopt Revision to Policy EIA & EIC (LOCAL)

 

NEW BUSINESS

Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Extension for Superintendent Hiring Authority, as Described in Policy DC(LOCAL), from April 21-30, 2026 - Approved

In accordance with Board policy, the Board delegates hiring authority to the Superintendent from May through August during peak hiring season. This action extends that authority by nine days as the district is actively engaged in recruitment and seeks to issue contracts in a timely manner upon candidate acceptance.

Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Diamond Cell Tower Agreement - Approved

Over the past two Board meetings, administration shared information on the proposed cell tower at Taylor High School, including its benefits, financial structure, and operational considerations. The Board approved the agreement with Diamond Towers to improve connectivity at Taylor High School and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Donna Channel Agreement with City of Taylor - Approved

The Board approved a MOU with the City of Taylor to support the Donna Channel Improvement Project. The agreement allows the city to use a portion of district property along Mallard Lane during construction.