June 22, 2026 Board Briefs
The Taylor ISD Board of Trustees met for its Regular Meeting on June 22. Highlights from the meeting include:
- The Board approved raises, longevity stipends, and a one-time impact payment for all teachers and staff for the 2026-2027 school year
- The Board approved a balanced budget of $49.6 million
- Academic reports show growth across the district
Read the full recap below.
Public Hearings
- Public Input for Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) federal grant funds
- Public hearing for budget adoption
Recognitions
Priority 2: Exceptional Workplace Climate - Superintendent Coin of Excellence
The June 2026 Superintendent’s 1+ Coin of Excellence recipient is Ashley Doss. Ashley is the district’s Communications Specialist, working across campuses to share the story of what it means to be a Taylor Duck.
“Ashley, you’re a 1+ because of your care, your dedication, your leadership, and your overall love for Taylor ISD,” said Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen.
Watch the full video surprise at this link.
Priority 1: Excellence in Student Outcomes - THS Baseball & Softball
Taylor High School softball and baseball players were recognized for their district distinctions for the 2025-2026 school year. Distinguished players include:
Softball
- Anaia Arroyo - 1st Team All District
- Payton Burrow - 2nd Team All District
- Alayna Ortiz - Honorable Mention
- Chandler Woodruff - Honorable Mention
- Kennedy Pleasants - Honorable Mention
- Mia Bendure - Honorable Mention
Baseball
- Mason Synvison - 1st Team All District
- Angel Rodriguez - 2nd Team All District
- Tayden Talley - 2nd Team All District
- Brody Wygant - 2nd Team All District
- Kingston Baran - Honorable Mention
- Mario Newman - Honorable Mention
- Brayden Ochoa - Honorable Mention
Priority 1: Excellence in Student Outcomes - THS Band & Choir
More than a dozen THS Band and Choir students were recognized for competitions at the UIL state competitions in May, representing Taylor ISD on the state level and bringing home top ratings. Honorees include:
THS Choir - Division II State Rating
- Ethan Green
- Matthew Hernandez
- Zevyn Torres
THS Band
Gold Medal
- Edward Robles
Silver Medal
- Isaac Martinez
Bronze Medal
- Caleb Alderete
- Nathalie Cruz
- Marissa Eddleman
- Jackson Havens
- Colton Johnson
- Isaac Martinez
- Hailey McLendon
- John Meller
- Orianna Ramirez
- Keira Rodriguez
- Colton Rojas
Priority 3: Strong Partnerships - TEE Foundation Grant Presentation
Executive Director of the TEE Foundation, Anita Volek, was joined by foundation members to present the latest round of TEE Foundation grant winners:
Karla Capilla, Clara Lopez, Lucia Arellano - T.H. Johnson Elementary - Summer School Field Trips - $2,265
Reports
Priority 4: Efficient Financial Stewardship - Bond Update - Project Control
Aaron Mullins with Project Control provided an update on progress related to the 2025 Bond program, including preliminary design work completed with staff across the district and preparations for the next phase of community engagement through VLK Launch.
VLK Launch will provide opportunities for community members to learn about project progress and share feedback on how future learning spaces should function. Community input gathered during this process will help guide project priorities, refine scope, and align budgets as planning moves forward.
Following the engagement process, the district will finalize project scope and budget alignment before fully entering the design phase. Current preliminary timelines indicate construction for the Taylor High School Multi-Purpose Facility, Taylor Middle School renovations, and STEM renovations could begin by mid-2027.
Priority 1 & 2: Academic Achievement Update
Chief Academic Officer Megan Zembik presented an overview of recently released STAAR results, highlighting areas of growth across the district and opportunities for continued improvement.
Taylor High School showed gains in English, Algebra, and Biology, while Legacy Early College High School continued its strong performance across all subject areas. The district also shared continued progress in College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR), with Taylor ISD projected to achieve a CCMR score of 93 in 2026.
At Taylor Middle School, students demonstrated notable gains in eighth-grade math and social studies, sixth-grade reading, and Algebra I. Reading performance improved across all grade levels, reflecting the district’s focused efforts to strengthen literacy outcomes.
Elementary campuses also showed growth in reading, math, and writing, with more students reaching higher levels of achievement and exceeding state expectations in some areas.
Most grade levels showed improvement in writing, with the Extended Constructed Response (ECR) scores making gains across the district. Intentional, rigorous writing practices will continue through the next school year, with targeted support.
Zembik shared that while positive growth continues across campuses, efforts will remain focused on strengthening instruction, improving math and writing outcomes, and ensuring consistent implementation of curriculum to support continued student success.
Priority 1: Excellence in Student Outcomes - Curriculum Update
Zembik also shared updates on the district’s summer curriculum writing process, an annual effort designed to ensure consistency and alignment in instruction across all classrooms. Teachers from across the district collaborate to develop and refine curriculum resources for the upcoming school year, providing a clear instructional framework for campuses and classrooms.
The curriculum is finalized and shared with teachers before the start of the school year, allowing staff time to review, plan, and focus on effective day-to-day instruction. This work also supports teacher collaboration, instructional planning, and campus leadership efforts to strengthen teaching and learning across the district.
Priority 1 & 2: Instructional Walkthrough Update
Zembik reviewed updates on instructional walkthroughs, a process in which campus leaders regularly visit classrooms to observe teaching practices and student learning in support of instructional excellence.
During the 2025-2026 school year, the district implemented an improved collection and review process, resulting in 2,929 classroom walkthroughs completed, an increase of 949 from the previous year. These observations allow school leaders to work alongside teachers to strengthen instruction and ensure students are engaged in meaningful learning experiences.
Walkthrough data showed strengths across the district in lesson design, student engagement, and instructional planning.
Priority 1: Excellence in Student Outcomes - Safety & Security - Audio Enhancements Purchase
Executive Director of Maintenance & Operations Ron Verano presented on Audio Enhancements, a campus safety communication product that enables enhanced safety and security through centralized camera operations, exterior door monitoring, campus mapping, and overall campus emergency management. The system builds into existing systems and can expand based on future needs.
Priority 2 & 3: Staff & Family Survey Results
Chief of Human Resources and Student Supports Jennifer Patschke presented results from the district’s 2025-2026 student and family surveys. This marks the second year of districtwide survey implementation, allowing Taylor ISD to compare results and track progress over time.
Survey results showed positive growth across both employee and parent feedback. Employee pride in working for Taylor ISD increased to 85%, up 13 percentage points from the previous school year. Areas identified for continued focus include campus culture, employee workload, and strengthening behavioral support systems.
Parent survey results also showed growth across all measured areas, and 79% of responses reflected increased overall satisfaction with Taylor ISD. Future focus areas include strengthening communication, increasing intentional technology integration, and continuing to enhance academic rigor across classrooms.
Priority 4: Efficient Financial Stewardship - Reduction of Cost and Enhancing Revenue Streams
Chief Financial Officer Jina Self walked through cost saving measures the district implemented over the past fiscal year in an effort to maximize the use of tax dollars on student achievement and district operations. There were savings through the use of state-approved purchasing cooperatives for bulk pricings, competitive purchasing and discounts, recapturing refunds from employees, and bulk purchases for software licensing.
Over the course of the year, the district ultimately saved $384,546.
Additional savings will be captured in the short term through:
- Extended warranties for instructional technology
- Districtwide LED lighting replacements
Consent Agenda
9.A. Minutes
9.B. Tax Report
9.C. Monthly Financial Report
9.D. Approve Final 2025-2026 Purchasing Approval
9.E. Approve Final 2025-2026 Budget Amendment
9.F. Approve Successful Transition Education Program (JJAEP) MOU
9.G. Approve City of Taylor School Resource Officer (SRO) MOU
9.H. Approve TEA Waivers
- Low Attendance Day(s) for 2025-2026 school year
- Modified Schedule State Assessment Testing Days Waiver for 2026-2027 & 2027-2028 school years
- Staff Development Waiver for the 2026–2027 school year
9.I. Approve Edwell Partner MOUs
9.J. Approve revision to Policy BE(LOCAL)
9.K. Approve Board Meeting Dates for July 2026-June 2027
9.L. Approve Innovative Course Proposal
Items For Discussion
10.A. Review Annual Opt Out for Homeschool
Athletics Director Earven Flowers presented information on SB 401, the UIL Equal Access Program, which allows homeschool students to participate in UIL activities through the school district in which they reside.
Through the program, eligible homeschool students living within Taylor ISD boundaries may participate in district UIL athletics, fine arts, and academic activities, expanding opportunities for students while broadening participation across programs.
To participate, homeschool students must meet the same eligibility requirements as enrolled students, including UIL academic standards and grade-level proficiency requirements.
New Business
11.A. Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Compensation Package - Approved
The Board approved a compensation package for all Taylor ISD employees for the 2026-2027 school year. The Board approved:
- 2% raise off the midpoint for employees on the teacher and administrative pay structures
- $1.00/hour increase for employees on the Clerical and Paraprofessional pay structures
- $1.50/hour increase for employees on the auxiliary pay structure
11.B. Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Compensation Resolution for 2026-2027 School Year
The Board also approved a $2,500 one-time impact incentive to full time employees, and $1,250 to part time employees to be paid in late October 2026. An additional $500 one-time retention incentive was approved for full time employees, and $250 for part time employees that will be paid out in January 2027.
These payments demonstrate the district and board’s commitment to Priority 2: Exceptional workplace climate in support of teachers and staff that make student success possible.
Read the full press release on the compensation package at this link.
11.C. Consideration and Possible Action to Approve the 2026-2027 Proposed Taylor ISD Budget
The Board approved a balanced budget for the 2026-2027 school year of $49.6 million. You can find the new budget summary at this link.
11.D. Consideration and Possible Action to Approve 2026-2027 Employee Compensation Manual
The board approved an updated compensation manual for the 2026-2027 school year that reflects the approved pay increases for all employees, and brings the starting teacher salary to $55,000 before any stipends, sign-on bonuses, and $6,480 in health benefits.
This increase also raises base salaries for experienced teachers:
- $62,685 - 5 years of experience
- $66,362 - 10 years of experience
- $71,236 - 15 years of experience
- $74,326 - 20 years of experience
Salaries and benefits increase once additional stipends, bonuses, and health benefits are applied. See the compensation manual for a list of stipends at this link.
Among the benefits approved was the longevity stipend that rewards employees for their years of service to Taylor ISD.
Employees will receive $500 for every five years (milestone years) of service to the district. For example:
- 5 years = $500
- 10 years = $1,000
- 15 years = $1,500
- 20 years = $2,000, etc.
The stipend will be paid in May of the year an employee completes a milestone year of service.
11.E. Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Annual Renewal of Good Cause Security Resolution - Approved
The Board approved the district’s annual resolution related to school safety officer requirements. Taylor ISD continues to maintain school resource officers at Taylor Middle School and Taylor High School, while utilizing trained security personnel at elementary campuses. This annual action allows the district to remain in compliance with state requirements while continuing to provide safety and security support across all campuses.
You can request an audio recording of the June 22, 2026 Board meeting by contacting Vicki Roth at vroth@taylorisd.org.