The Taylor ISD Board of Trustees met for its Regular Meeting on September 21, 2026. Highlights from the meeting include:

• THS student Jayden Clarke and MSE music teacher Elaine Edwards receive the 1+ Coin of Excellence 
• THJ Pre-K and Kinder summer readers were recognized for completing their summer learning challenge
• District bond rating upgraded to A+ from an A

RECOGNITIONS 

Priority 2:  Exceptional Workplace Climate - Superintendent Coin of Excellence

This month’s Coin of Excellence recipients are THS senior Jayden Clarke and MSE music teacher Elaine Edwards! 

Jayden Clarke was recognized with the Superintendent’s 1+ Coin of Excellence for his leadership, resilience and commitment to excellence. Despite facing athletic injuries, Jayden has continued to demonstrate an exceptional work ethic while supporting his teammates and challenging himself in the classroom. He is a National Honor Society member taking an all-AP course load, participates in the THS CTE welding and plumbing program and gained hands-on workforce experience this summer with Beyond Wow Plumbing. Jayden’s perseverance and commitment across academics, athletics, CTE and career preparation are a strong example of 1+ in action.

Main Street Elementary music teacher Elaine Edwards was recognized with the Superintendent’s 1+ Coin of Excellence for her creativity, leadership and commitment to expanding opportunities for students. She has strengthened the music program through student-led performances, established the MSE Chorale and launched a new Conjunto ensemble. She has also secured multiple TEE Foundation grants to provide additional musical experiences, instruments and resources for students. Beyond her campus, Elaine mentors fellow Taylor ISD music teachers, helping strengthen music education across the district. Her dedication to creating opportunities, building student confidence and establishing meaningful traditions is a wonderful example of 1+ in action.

Priority 1:  Excellence in Student Outcomes - Recognize THJ Summer Readers

The Board recognized Pre-K and Kindergarten students at T.H. Johnson Elementary who completed their summer reading logs, reinforcing the importance of early literacy and building strong reading habits from the very beginning. Pre-K students were celebrated as Adventure Readers, while kindergarten students earned recognition as Super Readers. The summer reading program encourages families to read and learn together at home, helping students continue developing foundational literacy skills and begin the new school year ready to grow as readers.

Pre-K Adventure Readers include: 

• Raelynn Bullock
• Sean Bullock
• Estella Chairez
• Elliot Dominguez
• Caleb Lilljedahl
• Jude Martin
• Luka Oneal
• Wendy Riley
• Payton Shaw

Kindergarten Super Readers include: 

• Levy Alderete
• Camila Angel
• Ava Baker
• River Brandhagen
• Alexander Carpenter
• Nolan Carr
• Edie Cosme
• Jack David
• Scott Edwardsen
• Marilyn Evans
• Brody Hernandez
• Dream Jordon-Fowler
• Gemma Maya-De La Cerda
• Lydia Maya-De La Cerda
• Carlos Mesta
• Marley Molina
• Cassidy Parry
• Rose Pawlowski
• Allison Portal
• Kayden Sanchez
• Kyle Shannon
• Saylor Sikes

Priority 1:  Excellence in Student Outcomes - Project Lead-The-Way Distinguished Schools

The Board recognized T.H. Johnson Elementary, Main Street Elementary and Naomi Pasemann Elementary for each being named a 2026 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Launch Distinguished School. 

This national recognition celebrates schools that expand access to high-quality STEM learning through hands-on experiences that build creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills. 

Through PLTW Launch, Taylor ISD elementary students are applying their learning to real-world challenges while developing a strong foundation in STEM. The recognition reflects the dedication of our STEM teachers, campus leaders and students to providing innovative learning opportunities from an early age.

Priority 1: Excellence in Student Outcomes - College Board Awards

The Board recognized Taylor High School students who earned academic honors through the College Board National Recognition Program. The program recognizes high-achieving students for strong academic performance, including success on the PSAT and AP exams. These honors celebrate students who have demonstrated academic excellence while representing the communities and backgrounds recognized through the College Board program.

Recipients include: 

• Maezie Allison
• Adit Bhakta
• Maria Chaidez 
• Elaine Hamann 
• Ethan Hamann 
• Billy Harrison
• Athens Lenart
• Caleb Pachicano
• Morgan Patschke
• Edward Robles
• Allan Sanchez
• Samantha Schroeder 
• Davian Tellez
• Arya Roy

REPORTS TO THE BOARD

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

Leslie McCraken with Project Control shared an update on the 2025 Bond program. Design work continues to advance across several 2025 Bond projects. At Taylor High School, the third community engagement session concluded the initial engagement series, with schematic design now underway for the multi-purpose facility and related campus improvements, including circulation, access, parking and drainage. 

At Taylor Middle School, the first schematic design review has been completed, with concepts progressing for STEM, library, robotics, athletics and other campus improvements ahead of the next community engagement session.

The PK-8 STEM projects are also moving forward, with site walks and campus meetings helping refine classroom locations, shared spaces, equipment needs and campus-specific improvements before designs are finalized.

Construction on the projects are expected to start by Summer 2027.

Priority 4:  Efficient Financial Stewardship - Update from Financial Advisor on Bond Sale 

The district’s financial advisor shared that the S&P Global Ratings upgraded Taylor ISD’s bond rating from “A” to “A+,” highlighting several positive indicators for the District’s financial outlook. The upgrade reflects Taylor ISD’s rapidly expanding economic base, projected long-term enrollment growth, stable revenues and strong leadership and management at both the Board and administrative levels. S&P also noted the District’s growing tax base supported by advanced manufacturing, consistent history of positive financial results and strengthened long-term financial planning.

Priority 1 & 2:  Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports Campus Updates - Elementary & Secondary

Principals shared an update on the districtwide implementation of Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS) and efforts to strengthen student engagement, behavior and positive school culture. At the elementary level, Main Street Elementary Principal Kerri Pierce highlighted consistent classroom expectations, social contracts, teacher training, behavior supports and student recognition through Duck Bucks and celebrations, with connections to Leader in Me.

At Taylor High School, PBIS reinforces clear expectations around attendance, dress code, student IDs and personal electronic devices. THS Associate Principal Sean Schobinger said the high school has also seen strong student engagement with Duck Bucks, which students can earn and redeem at the Duck Dynasty store for snacks, Taylor Duck merchandise and other items.

Priority 1:  Excellence in Student Outcomes - Accountability Report 

Chief Academic Officer Megan Zembik reviewed Taylor ISD’s latest TEA accountability results, highlighting the multi-year, districtwide effort that led to a B rating with an overall score of 80. The 2025-26 rating represents a 9-point increase from 2025 and a 16-point increase since 2023, the second-highest overall rating growth among Williamson County school districts during that period. 

Since 2023, all Taylor ISD schools have demonstrated significant academic growth, allowing the district to surpass its improvement goals two years ahead of schedule. Moving forward, the district will focus on sustaining that progress, addressing specific achievement gaps and continuing to strengthen academic growth across elementary and middle school grades.

Campus Academic Recognition

The Board recognized each campus for its significant academic growth over the past four years, presenting certificates of achievement to celebrate the collective effort that contributed to Taylor ISD earning a B rating for the 2025-26 school year. The recognition highlighted the dedication of students, teachers, staff and campus leaders in driving continued academic progress across the district.

CONSENT AGENDA - Approved

1. Minutes 
2. Tax Report 
3. Monthly Financial Report 
4. Request for Purchasing Approval
5. Budget Amendment 
6. Approve School Health Advisory Committee Membership for 2026-2027 - Pulled from agenda & will revisit in October
7. Approve School Safety & Security Committee Membership for 2026-2027
8. Approve Class Size Waiver 
9. Approve TEEF MOU Revision
10. Adopt Policy Update 127 Affecting (LOCAL) Policies:
    1. BJCF(LOCAL): SUPERINTENDENT - NONRENEWAL
    2. CAA(LOCAL): FISCAL MANAGEMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES - FINANCIAL ETHICS
    3. DC(LOCAL): EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES
    4. DH(LOCAL): EMPLOYEE STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
    5. DP(LOCAL): PERSONNEL POSITIONS
    6. DPA(LOCAL): PERSONNEL POSITIONS - PRINCIPALS
    7. DPB(LOCAL): PERSONNEL POSITIONS - OTHER PERSONNEL POSITIONS
    8. EHBB(LOCAL): SPECIAL PROGRAMS - GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS
    9. FFF(LOCAL): STUDENT WELFARE - STUDENT SAFETY

 

NEW BUSINESS

Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Certification of Compliance with Certain Laws Under Texas Education Code 39.008 as Enacted by SB12

The Board approved the district is in compliance with Senate Bill 12, which required compliance beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. 

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

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