The Taylor ISD Board of Trustees met for its Regular Meeting on May 19. Highlights from the meeting include:

• The Community Advisory Committee recommended calling for a $147 million bond to improve secondary schools and plan for future growth.

• The Board approved a competitive $10,000 sign-on bonus for new Taylor Middle School teachers with three or more years of experience, along with a $5,000 sign-on bonus for TMS teachers with zero to two years of experience – all in core and high needs areas.

• The Board approved raising the teacher referral bonus to $1,000 and opening the bonus opportunity to all TISD staff. 

• The district recognized exemplary educators and students, including THS teacher Vicki Rowe, student-athletes, CTE students, top scholars, and many more.

 

Read the full recap below.

SPECIAL ACTION ITEMS

Board Assistant Secretary Cheryl Carter was sworn in after winning reelection earlier this month. Trustee Joseph Meller and Board President Marco Ortiz were also sworn in as both ran unopposed. 

RECOGNITIONS

Superintendent Coin of Excellence & H-E-B Lifetime Achievement Award

Taylor HS teacher of 20 years, Vicki Rowe, received the Superintendent Coin of Excellence to honor her service to generations of Taylor ISD students. With more than 40 years in education, Mrs. Rowe epitomizes what it means to dedicate one’s life to students and their success.

Earlier this month, Mrs. Rowe was honored with the H-E-B Lifetime Achievement Award, selected from submissions across the entire State of Texas.

Board Years of Service Awards

TISD launched a new award for the Board of Trustees to celebrate their years of service in five-year increments. On Monday, Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen awarded three members of the board: 

• Trustee Shorty Mitchell - 20 years of service
• Board President Marco Ortiz - 10 years of service
• Secretary Jim Buzan - 5 years of service

Campus & District Teachers of the Year

Taylor ISD’s 2025 campus and district Teachers of the Year were recognized at the board meeting for their commitment to educating the next generation of leaders every day. Honorees included:

• Khristian Salters – Main Street Elementary – District Winner
• Karly Vasut – Taylor Middle School – District Winner
• Desire Sheffey – Taylor High School
• Brittni Gola – Naomi Pasemann Elementary
• Lena Stiffney – Legacy Early College High School
• Megan Moss – T.H. Johnson Elementary

Class of 2025 – Top 10%

The Taylor ISD Class of 2025 top 10% were celebrated for their excellence in academics throughout their years in TISD. The Taylor HS valedictorian and salutatorian, Alex Rebolla-Cruz and Taryn Silverthorn, respectively, were also announced at the meeting. Legacy ECHS valedictorian and salutatorian, Cody Polasek and Larkin Abbott, were also recognized.

BBQ Champions - Culinary Arts Students

The Hot Ducks were celebrated for earning top spots at the state BBQ championship and punching their ticket to the national championship for the second year in a row. The team earned 5th place overall at state. The Hot Ducks include Angelissa Aviles, JamiLynn Ortega, Lily Estrada, and Isaac Martinez.

Athletic Academic All-State

Our high school student-athletes were recognized for their commitment to their sport while maintaining high academic standards as well. Honorees included: 

• Elicia Martinez - THSCA Academic All State
• Taryn Silverthorn and Alex Rebollar - THSCA First Team Academic All-State
• Josh Meller - Regional Tennis Qualifier
• Rylee Michna - 4A Girls Singles Tennis State Champion
• Avery Paulsen, Kaleigh Woods, Analisa Arredondo - All-Austin Metro Academic All-State Honorable Mention

TEE Foundation Grant Presentation

TEE Foundation Executive Direct Anita Volek and members of the foundation awarded grants to three winning teams to support education initiatives that enhance the work already happening in the classroom. Winners and their projects include:

• Cindy Terrazas, Andy Basche, and Abby Turner - THJ Kinder Ready Bags
• Renee Schneider and Brenda McNulty - THJ Duck Buck Bookstore Expansion
• Holly Ramirez - MSE Art Easels

REPORTS

Community Advisory Committee Recommendation

Following months of meetings, research, and discussion between 122 parents, business leaders, employees, and residents, the Community Advisory Committee recommended the Board of Trustees call a bond election for $147 million at no impact to the current tax rate. The proposed work includes expanding Taylor High School with a multipurpose fine arts build-out and updating Taylor Middle School’s science areas, athletics, track and field, site work, and building finishes.

The proposal also touches on districtwide infrastructure and planning, including land acquisition for growth, transportation, and more.

2022 Bond Update

Project Control shared an update on the Taylor ISD 2022 Bond, indicating that Phase 2 construction is 97% complete. Remaining work includes the Ag Science space, and the road behind MSE to Mallard Drive.

Phase 3 construction is 99% complete with landscaping at TMS expected to be complete by the end of May. Paving at the maintenance facility is still underway due to previous weather delays. Furniture delivery and install will begin once paving is complete. Maintenance and operations teams are expected to move into the new facility over the summer break.

2024-2025 Budget Workshop Revenue Projections

Chief Finance Officer Jina Self spoke about revenue projections, indicating that if Senate Committee Substitute House Bill 2 passes, it would provide nearly $1.7 million for teacher raises. The estimated cost to the district is $211,000 for employer-paid payroll costs.

She also spoke about the new T.I.A. designation and increasing management support and proposed finance reform for Special Education. 

There are still plenty of additional factors that influence the budget process, including the ongoing Legislation Session, demographic make-up, healthcare rates, and others. 

The next step is to adopt a budget for the 2025-2026 school year. 

Review I&S Tax Rate

Dan Wegmiller, with SPFI, spoke about the district’s debt service tax rate strategy and the work being done to avoid swings to the tax rate. He spoke about the district’s conservative bond structure to avoid pressure on the tax rate, and structuring debt based on conservative tax base growth projections to ensure long-term stability.

Review Professional Development “Get Your Teach On Event”

Chief Academic Officer Megan Zembik presented the professional development program coming to Taylor ISD this fall: Get Your Teach On. The program is made possible by a generous donation by the W.D. Kelley Foundation and will bring a unique, high-impact experience directly to TISD educators.

The program is a leading national teacher conference that brings inspiring speakers and high-energy professional development with a focus on culture and climate transformation.

NEW BUSINESS

Consider and Approve TASB Insurance Renewal - Approved

Consider and Approve Public Hearing Date to Adopt the 2025-2026 Budget – Set for June 23, 2025 at 6:45 p.m. - Approved

Consideration and Approval of Resolution(s) to use future bond funds within the next 18 months to reimburse fund balance expenditures for items related to facility improvements - Approved

Consider and Approve Efficiency Auditor Agreement - Approved

Consider and Approve Sign-On Bonus for High Need Positions - Approved

The Board of Trustees approved a highly competitive $5,000 and $10,000 sign-on bonus for high-need areas. New staff at Taylor Middle School who are certified and teach core content and other high needs areas will receive a $10,000 sign-on bonus if they have three or more years of experience and a $5,000 sign-on bonus for those with zero to two years of experience. 

The district will offer a signing bonus of $1,000 for all other applicants with 0-2 years of experience and $1,500 for applicants with 3 or more years of experience to all classroom teachers (except for TMS teachers) hired on or before August 31, 2025.

Consider and Approve Revision of Referral Incentive Payment Amount - Approved

The Board of Trustees approved a $1,000 referral incentive for all staff who recommends a teacher for hire and receives employment with the district.

CONSENT AGENDA - Approved

• Minutes
• Tax Report
• Monthly Financial Report
• Purchasing Approval
• TEA Waiver for the 2024-25 School Year
• Approve Board Resolution Regarding Wage Payments During Emergency Closure May 2, 2025

PERSONNEL ITEMS - Approved

• Resignation of Personnel
• Election of Personnel

Watch the full meeting at this link: https://www.youtube.com/live/SDehKRZvpPI?si=xZNmDIK0Hc_aGg12