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Taylor Independent School District

Intentionally empowering the whole child

In The Loop Staff Newsletter - October 2026

Posted Date: 10/09/26 (04:44 PM)


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In The Loop With Taylor ISD

Staff Newsletter

October 9, 2026

Superintendent Message

Dear Taylor ISD Team,

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is walking through our campuses and seeing our work come to life. I see our teachers and staff using thoughtful, intentional instruction, teams working together to meet individual student needs, and students receiving the personalized education, attention, and care they need to succeed. These moments remind me that the systems we've worked so hard to build are making a real difference.

Our district's B rating, representing 16 points of growth over four years, reflects the strategic work, instructional alignment and collaboration happening across Taylor ISD. That progress is getting noticed! This week, we were honored to be selected for a visit from Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath, giving us an opportunity to showcase our district wide instructional systems.

While we have much to celebrate, we can't take our foot off the gas. Our B rating is a milestone, not the finish line. We must stay focused, continue strengthening our systems and build on the momentum we've worked so hard to create.

At the same time, I recognize just how much this work asks of each of you. I hope Fall Break gives you an opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend meaningful time with the people and activities you enjoy. 

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our 1+ Mindset. I'm incredibly proud of this team and excited about what we'll accomplish together.

Quack, quack - time to relax!

Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen, Ph.D.
Taylor ISD Superintendent
 

Around the District

Taylor ISD Partners with ACC to Expand STEM Opportunities

Taylor ISD is opening new doors for students through a partnership with Austin Community College District, expanding the Electronic Technology pathway at Taylor High School to include college-level coursework in semiconductor technology, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.

Students can earn dual credit, work toward an ACC Level 1 Certificate and build stackable credentials while still in high school. The pathway creates multiple opportunities after graduation, from entering the workforce or pursuing an apprenticeship to earning an associate degree or transferring to a university to pursue engineering and other STEM degrees.

As Central Texas continues to grow as a hub for semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries, this partnership gives Taylor ISD students a head start on the education, skills, and careers of the future.
Read More About the Program
 

$13 Million in Potential Benefits for Taylor ISD Students and Schools

Through a recently approved development agreement between a new company and the City of Taylor, Taylor ISD could receive $13 million in donations to support student programs, scholarships, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and the TEE Foundation.

Although the district is outside the project's taxing boundary, the developer included Taylor ISD in the agreement, recognizing the importance of ensuring our students benefit from the growth happening in our community.

This represents an opportunity to invest in our students' futures and ensure they are among the first to benefit from Taylor's continued growth.

Read comments from Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen and Board President Marco Ortiz below.
Read the Comments Here
 

Taylor ISD Earns Outstanding Workforce Development Award!

Taylor ISD has been recognized by MASBA: School Board Members for Latino Equity with the Outstanding Workforce Development Initiative Award!

This award celebrates our CTE programs and the opportunities they provide through industry certifications, dual credit, internships, apprenticeships, and industry partnerships. Our progress speaks for itself! College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) has climbed to 89%, and 200 students earned at least one Industry-Based Certification last school year.

Congratulations to our students, staff and community partners who make these opportunities possible!
 

Holding on Staff Housing Program

Taylor ISD has been exploring potential staff housing opportunities through conversations with Upward Communities. After further discussion, the district has decided to pause this exploration to learn more about the program and revisit the possibility in the near future.

We appreciate the interest and valuable feedback shared by our staff throughout this process. While there are no immediate plans to move forward, Taylor ISD remains committed to exploring opportunities that could help make housing more accessible and affordable for our employees in the future.
 
THJ Hispanic Heritage Month
NPE Hispanic Heritage Month celebration
Loteria Night at MSE

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month Across Our Schools

Main Street Elementary, Naomi Pasemann Elementary, and T.H. Johnson Elementary celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring the rich cultures, histories and traditions of Hispanic and Latino communities! At MSE, families gathered for a fun-filled Lotería Night, while NPE and THJ joined in the celebrations with activities recognizing the cultures and heritage represented across our schools.

Thank you to our teachers and staff for creating meaningful opportunities for students and families to connect, learn, and celebrate the traditions that make Duck Nation special!
 

2025 Bond Update: Community Helps Shape the Future

Planning and design are underway for Taylor ISD's voter-approved $147 million bond! Through a series of community engagement sessions, students, families, staff, and community members shared their ideas and vision for the Taylor High School multipurpose facility and Taylor Middle School renovations. This feedback will help guide the design of spaces that support student learning and reflect the needs of our growing community.

As projects move forward, the webpage below will provide updates, timelines, and opportunities to follow the progress of the 2025 Bond.
2025 Bond Webpage
 

STEM in Action at Taylor ISD!

Representatives from Project Lead The Way (PLTW) recently visited Taylor High School and Taylor Middle School to see STEM learning in action!

At THS, students showcased their engineering and problem-solving skills, while TMS students demonstrated their learning in computer logic and coding. The visit also highlighted how our teachers are connecting classroom experiences to future college and career opportunities.

We're proud to showcase our work as a Project Lead The Way model school and the incredible learning happening across our campuses as we prepare students for the future!
 

Fall Break is Here!

Fall Break is next week! We hope all Taylor ISD staff enjoy some well-deserved time to rest, recharge, and spend time with family and friends.

As you make plans for the remainder of the school year, don't forget to check out the Taylor ISD Vacation Planner for upcoming holidays, breaks, and important dates. It's a great resource to help you plan ahead!

📅 View the Academic Calendar and Vacation Planner at the link below.

Enjoy your Fall Break, Duck Nation! 🦆
Calendar & Vacation Planner
 

Stay Connected with Taylor ISD

Don’t miss important updates, events, celebrations, and news from across Taylor ISD!

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