October 20, 2026 Board Briefs
The Taylor ISD Board of Trustees met for its Regular Meeting on October 20, 2026. Highlights from the meeting include:
- TMS student Keighla Ramirez and CDC staff member Cadence Weidler received the Superintendent 1+ Coin of Excellence
- Taylor ISD earns the Workforce Development Initiative Award from MASBA: School Board Members for Latino Equity
- TEE Foundation awarding grants to educators across the district
RECOGNITIONS
Priority 2: Exceptional Workplace Climate - Superintendent Coin of Excellence
This month’s Coin of Excellence recipients are Taylor MS 8th grader Keighla Ramirez and Child Development Center educator Cadence Weidler!
Keighla was recognized for her leadership and involvement across soccer and dance while keeping high grades to be in the National Junior Honor Society. She’s also known for having a great character, and being a great friend to those around her. As a well-rounded student, we’re excited to follow her journey as she moves into high school and beyond!
Child Development Center educator Cadence Weidler was recognized for the care and dedication she serves our youngest Ducks with. She works with our infants at the CDC, meaning she sees some of the very first and most important moments for our tiny Ducks. She’s known for her encouragement and patience, and dedication to our students.
Thank you both for being excellent examples of what it means to go above and beyond and be 1+!
Priority 2: Exceptional Workplace Climate - Principal Appreciation Recognition
October is National Principal Appreciation Month, and the Board took the time to recognize our six principals for their outstanding commitment to our schools and their tireless efforts to ensure our students and staff succeed. Chief Academic Officer Megan Zembik and the Board presented each principal with a gift in recognition of their dedication to Taylor students. Thank you for all you do every day!
Priority 1: Excellence in Student Outcomes - MASBA Workforce Award
Taylor ISD was recognized with the MASBA Workforce Development Award for its outstanding Career Technical Education program that spans 10 pathways at Taylor High School, and counting. What stands out is that the CTE connection stems down to Taylor Middle School and our elementary schools as well, starting the path to a career choice very early on.
At the middle school level, students from each THS pathway visit with middle school students, sharing information about the pathway classes, certifications they can earn, and career paths they can take immediately after high school. This informs middle school students about CTE programming as they go into the spring to select their very first high school classes, and CTE interests. And at the elementary level, students are engaging in dedicated Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) rotations that focus on critical thinking, hands-on play-based learning, and engaging students with the early concepts of engineering in age-appropriate lessons.
The district was selected from the award after being nominated and competing against districts in the same category from across the country, indicating the significance of this award and the sizable impact TISD’s programs have on Taylor students.
Priority 3: Strong Partnerships - TEE Foundation Grant Presentation
TEE Foundation Executive Director Anita Volek presented the latest round of TEE grant recipients across the district. These grants are for projects that directly impact student learning inside and outside of the classroom, through incentives, hands-on learning, and unique experiences that prepare students for their goals in the future. Here are the grant recipients:
- Kimberly Nelson: Two grants for Taylor Middle School Choir, including sound equipment and concert attire - A combined $6,094
- Lynn Burns: Chess sets, card games and board games for the Taylor High School library - $230
- Emily Bishop: A garden for the Life Skills classes at Taylor High School - $1,250
- Steven Vigil and David Campise: Materials for students in the Taylor High School CTE Plumbing pathway to build a tiny home on a trailer - $24,727
- Melody Sauer: A 40-inch gathering drum for T.H. Johnson Elementary - $1,267
- Tina Cravens: A hands-on math learning kit for Main Street Elementary - $670
- Leslie Gonzales and Shann Best: Student attendance incentives at Taylor High School - $1,475
Volek added that so far this year, the foundation has received more grant applications than in the entire previous school year combined.
REPORTS
Priority 4: Efficient Financial Stewardship - 2025 Bond Program Schematic Design Update
The Board of Trustees received an update from VLK Architects on plans to create modern STEM learning spaces at T.H. Johnson, Main Street, and Naomi Pasemann elementary schools as part of the 2025 Bond program.
Chief Academic Officer Megan Zembik also shared the district's vision for STEM education, emphasizing opportunities to combine rigorous classroom instruction with hands-on learning experiences. These spaces will enhance STEM learning the district already provides, with concepts introduced at an early age, encouraging critical thinking and creativity, and allowing students to explore connections across science, technology, engineering, mathematics and the arts.
The Board reviewed preliminary designs for all three campuses, with an estimated project cost of $2.9 million. The proposed timeline calls for construction to begin in summer 2027, with the goal of having the spaces ready for the fall 2027 semester, pending design approval and bidding.
Priority 1: Excellence In Student Outcomes - Preview of Universal Screener & Beginning of Year Data
Zembik presented the results of the district's beginning-of-year literacy and numeracy screenings, which establish a baseline for measuring student academic growth throughout the school year.
The results showed encouraging year-over-year improvement, with all four campuses increasing the percentage of students performing at the Meets Grade Level standard in math, while three of four campuses showed gains in reading language arts (RLA). These improvements indicate that more students are beginning the school year performing at grade level.
The district also highlighted how i-Ready's personalized learning pathways help teachers identify specific areas where students may be struggling and provide targeted instruction and interventions early in the school year. This data-driven approach allows educators to respond to individual student needs and support continued academic growth.
Priority 1: Excellence In Student Outcomes - Emergent Bilingual Program Update
Zembik also provided an update on Taylor ISD's bilingual and ESL programs, which support students in developing English proficiency and achieving academic success.
Recent STAAR results show bilingual students continuing to close achievement gaps with their monolingual peers, with Algebra I performance meeting or exceeding that of their peers. The district is also strengthening these programs through teacher certification support, expanded summer learning opportunities and family engagement initiatives, including Biliteracy Night and adult ESL classes. These efforts help support student achievement while building stronger connections with families.
Priority 1: Excellence in Student Outcomes - Student Engagement Committee Update
CTE Director Steven Vigil, Fine Arts Director Tara Granberry, Athletics Director Earven Flowers, and Teaching & Learning Director Abby Turner presented on how the district is measuring students engaged in high-quality experiences outside of the classroom, in clubs, extracurricular activities, leadership and service, career readiness, academics, fine arts, and athletics.
The group laid out the overall goal of getting students involved and connected to school, and even looking to create groups for students already participating in certain hobbies or activities, who are not currently in club. Early counts show that many students are involved in two, three or more activities. By keeping track and creating a system, the district will help ensure students are involved, connected with their peers, and provide support to programs that students are truly interested in.
Priority 2: Exceptional Workplace Climate - Teacher Incentive Allotment Update for 2026-27
Chief of Human Resources and Student Supports Jennifer Patschke presented an update on the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), a state program designed to reward effective teachers and provide opportunities to earn higher salaries while remaining in the classroom.
Through existing and proposed designations, 55% of eligible Taylor ISD teachers have earned or are being considered for a TIA designation, providing opportunities for additional compensation based on student academic growth and classroom performance.
The presentation also outlined how teachers qualify for designations through student growth measures and classroom observations. Under the updated allotment amounts, teachers earning a Master designation may qualify for up to $30,000 in additional annual compensation from the state, an increase from the previous school year. The program reflects Taylor ISD's continued efforts to recognize effective teaching, reward student growth, and retain talented educators.
Priority 1-4: District & Campus Improvement Plans
Patschke presented an update on the district and campus improvement plans, which align with Taylor ISD's Strategic Plan and its goals for student achievement and success. These plans outline targeted strategies, priorities and measurable goals to guide continuous improvement, strengthen instruction and support student growth across the district.
CONSENT AGENDA - Approved
- Minutes
- Tax Report
- Monthly Financial Report
- Request for Purchase Approval
- Budget Amendment
- Quarterly Investment Report
- Approve District and Campus Improvement Plans
- Approve Boys & Girls Club MOU
- Approve School Health Advisory Committee Membership for 2026-2027
- Approve Bilingual Exceptions and ESL Waiver
- Approve Taylor Middle School & STEM Schematic Design - pulled out for future consideration
New Business
Consideration and Possible Action to Delegate authority to Superintendent to accept donations between October 20, 2026 - January 19, 2027 - Approved
The Board delegated authority to the superintendent to accept any donations on behalf of the Board through Jan. 19, 2027.
Consideration and Possible Action regarding RFP Vendor selection and purchase of Taylor High School cooler and freezer including delegation of authority to the Superintendent or her designee to execute same - Approved
The Board approved delegating authority to the superintendent to help the Child Nutrition Department remove old equipment, purchase new equipment, and install it over the coming winter break.
Items for Discussion
Discussion and Consideration of 7-Eleven Development Near Taylor High School
The Board of Trustees heard a presentation from Executive Director of Maintenance and Operations Ron Verano and a developer regarding a proposed 7-Eleven convenience store and gas station near the intersection of FM 973 and Wesley Miller Lane. Because the proposed location is within 300 feet of Taylor High School, the development requires Board consideration. The presentation was an informational item that did not require board action at this time.
You can watch the full recording of the meeting on YouTube at this link.
Follow us on social media: Facebook / Instagram