The Taylor ISD Board of Trustees met for its Regular Meeting on June 22. Highlights from the meeting include:

• Elementary instructional specialist Stephanie Kaynes recognized with the Superintendent's 1+ Coin of Excellence
• Student survey results highlight continued growth in school safety and belonging
• Attendance goals and support strategies outlined to strengthen student success in 2026-2027

 

RECOGNITIONS

Priority 2: Superintendent’s 1+ Coin of Excellence 

Stephanie Kaynes was recognized as the district's July 1+ Coin of Excellence recipient for her outstanding leadership and dedication to student success. As an elementary instructional coach, Stephanie works alongside teachers to strengthen instruction and support student achievement across the district. 

In addition to her instructional leadership, she has played a key role in expanding and supporting the district's elementary and middle school science fair program, helping create meaningful STEM opportunities for students. Known for her positive attitude and unwavering support of both students and staff, Stephanie exemplifies the spirit of the district's 1+ initiative through her commitment to helping others grow and succeed.

You can watch the video surprise at this link.

 

REPORTS 

Priority 4: Efficient Financial Stewardship - Bond Update - Project Control

Leslie McCraken with Project Control provided a 2025 Bond update, including Board approval of service agreements for architectural, hazardous materials, geotechnical, materials testing, and related purchasing encumbrances.

She also shared that VLK completed the first Launch sessions for Taylor Middle School and Taylor High School, engaging students, staff, families, and community members in the planning process. Additional sessions are scheduled over the next month, with a summary of community input expected to be presented to the Board in August or September.

Construction on the Taylor High School multipurpose facility, Taylor Middle School renovations, and elementary STEM spaces remains on schedule to begin in spring/summer 2027.

 

Priority 4: Efficient Financial Stewardship - Agreement for the Purchase of Attendance Credit

The Board received an update on Taylor ISD's projected recapture status for 2026-2027 and the proposed method for offsetting the anticipated payment through state funding.

 

Priority 1: Excellence in Student Outcomes - Safety & Security/Ensure Safety & Well-Being - Student Surveys 

Chief of Human Resources and Student Supports Jennifer Patschke presented student survey results highlighting continued improvements in school safety and belonging. Survey data showed that 85% of elementary students and 78% of secondary students reported feeling safe at school, while 81% of elementary students and 77% of secondary students indicated they have a strong sense of belonging. The positive trends reflect the district's continued investment in behavior supports at the secondary level and implementation of Leader in Me across elementary campuses.

 

Priority 1: Excellence in Student Outcomes - Increase engagement through well rounded experiences

Patschke also presented student engagement data, highlighting participation in extracurricular activities, academic programs, leadership opportunities, and student organizations. Results showed continued growth at T.H. Johnson and Naomi Pasemann elementary schools, while Legacy Early College High School maintained 100% student participation.

To further strengthen student engagement, the district has established a cross-departmental committee to develop a consistent framework for measuring participation and tracking progress across campuses, supporting continuous improvement in alignment with district priorities.

 

Priority 1: Excellence in Student Outcomes - Attendance Update 

Director of Student Supports and At-Risk Programs Daniella Ogundare presented the district's 2026-2027 attendance plan, establishing a goal of 93.8% average daily attendance. The plan includes enhanced attendance monitoring, targeted interventions, collaboration with Communities In Schools to address attendance barriers, proactive health and custodial practices during peak illness seasons, home visits, and daily family attendance notifications to support consistent student attendance.

 

CONSENT AGENDA – Approved

• Minutes
• Tax Report
• Purchasing Approval Request
• Quarterly Investment Report
• Approve Renewal of Communities In Schools MOU
• Approve The Thinkery MOU
• Approve Annual Review of District Professional Development Plan
• Approve Annual Review of Good Governance Handbook (formerly Board Operating Procedures)
• Approve Annual Review and Updates to Emergency Operations Plan
• Approve Annual Review of School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) End of Year Report
• Approve Student Code of Conduct
• Approve Professional Services Master Agreements for:
  • Raba Kistner
  • EMA Engineering
  • Baer Engineering & Environmental Consulting
• Approve Alternate Architect Contract for McKinney York

 

NEW BUSINESS 

Approve Agreement for the Purchase of Attendance Credit - Approved 

The Board approved the 2026-2027 recapture payment to be offset through a deduction of the Foundation Allotment.

 

Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Resolution to Pay Staff for July 2, 2026 Closure - Approved

The Board approved a resolution to compensate employees affected by the temporary district closure on July 2. The resolution ensures that employees whose positions could not be performed remotely during the closure will receive compensation for the affected workday. This action reflects the district's commitment to supporting employees while prioritizing the safety and security of students and staff during emergency situations.

 

Consideration and Possible Action to Nominate & Elect 2026 TASB Convention Delegate and Alternate - No Action

The Board did not take action on nominating a TASB convention delegate. 

 

Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Endorsement of TASB Region 13 Board of Directors Candidate - Approved

Trustees approved an endorsement for a Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Region 13 Board of Directors Candidate for the trustee from Florence ISD.

 

Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Revision of FD(LOCAL) and FM(LOCAL) (SB 401 Homeschool UIL Participation) - Approved

The Board approved participation in the UIL non-enrolled student policy, allowing eligible homeschooled students to participate in UIL activities. Under the approved policy, students may participate at the campus serving their residential attendance zone, expanding opportunities for local students to engage in extracurricular programs while maintaining compliance with UIL requirements.

 

You can watch the full recording of the meeting on YouTube at this link.

 

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