Happy Fall! As we move into October, it’s encouraging to see our students and staff making continued progress. Our fall sports and fine arts programs are doing well, putting Taylor on the map across the state. As the competitions ramp up, I’m excited to see our students rise to the challenge and have fun along the way as they reflect our 1+ mindset.
This is one of the biggest weeks of the school year, where we welcome back our proud Taylor ISD alumni for Homecoming Week. It’s a time to come together and celebrate the rich history and traditions that bind generations of Ducks together in a truly special way. I’ve seen our students dress up for school spirit days and it was great seeing so many of you at the community pep rally! I’m excited about joining the Alumni Lunch to hear incredible stories from our Exes, and bring our soon-to-be graduates one step closer to alumni status!
Next week, we’ll bring that focus back to the present and into the future as I host our first Informational Session on the Bond (Prop A) and School Funding Election-VATRE (Prop B) on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Taylor Middle School. Come learn more and tour the school with us. You can find the details and upcoming event dates below.
Thank you all for being a part of the Taylor ISD family! Together, we’re building a stronger, brighter future for all of our students, and it takes all of us!
~Jen
Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen, Ph.D.
Taylor ISD Superintendent
Around the District
It’s Homecoming Week in Taylor ISD!
We’re ready to celebrate Homecoming, and we invite Duck families, community members, and alumni to join the fun!
🏐 Friday Night Lights – Homecoming Edition
Cheer on the Lady Ducks volleyball team vs. Jarrell at 5:30 PM, followed by the Ducks football team as they face Austin Northeast at 7:30 PM. Don’t miss the action and the chance to show your Duck pride!
🌟 Superintendent’s 1+ Coin of Excellence 🌟
This month, we celebrate Taylor Middle School’s Terrie Holmstrom as our staff recipient of the Superintendent’s 1+ Coin of Excellence! With more than 30 years of service in Taylor ISD, Ms. Holmstrom continues to make a lasting impact as a special education teacher. Principal Jamie Moller shared that she has been an invaluable support during her transition, exemplifying leadership and dedication.
We also recognized the district’s first student recipient, Taylor High School senior Caleb Alderete! Caleb embodies the 1+ mindset by going above and beyond as percussion captain and band council president, writing and arranging music for the band, and competing at the regional and state levels.
Please join us in celebrating Ms. Holmstrom and Caleb for their outstanding dedication and contributions to our students, staff, and community!
You can nominate a student and staff member to receive the next Superintendent’s 1+ Coin of Excellence at these links:
Auditorium to serve student curricular and extracurricular activities
Collaborative and flexible classroom and support spaces
Rehearsal and instructional spaces for programs such as UIL, music, dance, theatre, and other student groups.
General-use common space suitable for student exhibitions, student competitions, student performances, professional development, and community events
Taylor Middle School: Renovations and Additions (Upgrade to Current Educational Standards)
Science classroom and lab renovations and additions
Classroom renovations
Traffic flow and parking upgrades
Safety infrastructure
Cafeteria renovations
Campus modernization and technology infrastructure
Track and field enhancements less than 1,000 seat capacity – bringing up to current safety standards
Physical Education and Athletic renovations and additions
Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM) Spaces PK-8 (Upgrade to Current Educational Standards)
Renovations to create S.T.E.M.-focused instructional spaces at elementary and middle schools
Supports student participation in robotics, science fairs, and innovative project-based learning
📹 Learn more about the November 2025 Bond and School Funding Election directly from Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen by watching the video below.
Projected Total Tax Rate
If both propositions are approved by voters, the total school tax rate for 2025–26 is projected to be $1.06, about 4¢ lower than last year’s rate of $1.10.
Voting Information
Make a plan to participate in the November 2025 Election.
Early Voting: October 20 – 31, 2025
Election Day: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
For polling locations and hours, visit the Williamson County Elections Office or find links on the district’s informational website at www.taylorisd.org/VOTE.
Visit www.taylorisd.org/VOTE to learn more about Taylor ISD’s November 2025 Bond and School Funding Election, view project details, and read answers to frequently asked questions.
Learn more about the bond and school funding election
Taylor ISD is committed to keeping our community informed about Prop A (Bond) and Prop B (School Funding Election – VATRE). We’re hosting multiple opportunities this month for families and community members to ask questions and learn how tax dollars support our students and classrooms.
💡 Taxpayer Tuesdays
When: Tuesdays starting Oct. 7, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: TISD Central Office
What: Quick, informative sessions on how public schools are funded and how Taylor ISD uses tax dollars. Hear directly from CFO Jina Self and Dr. Garcia and bring your questions!
☕ Java with Jen
When: Thursdays starting Oct. 9 (times vary)
Where: Curbside Coffee
What: Grab a coffee and chat with Dr. Garcia about the upcoming election, learn more about Taylor ISD, or just stop by to say hi!
📚 Informational Sessions
Oct. 15 at 5 p.m. – Taylor Middle School Library RSVP
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