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The Abilene ISD Board of Trustees held a combined workshop and regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 7.
Board Workshop Discussions | Workshop Recording
Cell Phone Policy Update: The district continues to explore a revision to its high school cell phone policy. The Board heard an update on the results of a teacher survey about cell phones as well as research on other district policies and a pilot program at the Woodson Center for Excellence. The Board asked administration for a clear policy recommendation to be presented at a meeting later this fall.
Policy DEC (Local): The Board also heard a suggested change to the district’s regulation for payments to employees who provide early notice of retirement. The proposal would increase compensation for remaining Local Sick Days and add a lump sum payment for employees with 20 or more years of service to the district. Approval of this proposal will be contingent upon possible Board action this fall.
Graduation Dates: Administrators discussed an adjustment to 2025 graduation dates and times with the Board. The new schedule shifts both Saturday ceremonies to occur in the morning. Graduation ceremony dates and times are as follows:
Cooper High School: May 23, 8 p.m.
ATEMS: May 24, 8 a.m.
Abilene High School: May 24, 10 a.m.
Superintendent’s Announcements | 03:02
In his announcements, Superintendent Dr. John Kuhn announced the premiere of a new video series called The Teaching Minute. The monthly video series spotlights a student learning outcome and its real application in AISD classrooms.
“Student outcomes are taking center stage in our board meetings,” Dr. Kuhn said. “I just want to let you know that as we look ahead to the future of Abilene ISD, we will continue to put student outcomes first and foremost, and that will be a big part of our conversation.”
This month’s Teaching Minute features Austin Elementary School teacher Kari McQueen and her application of TEKS Math Readiness Standard 3.2A.
Recognitions | 07:29
Abilene ISD students, community volunteers, and staff members were recognized by the Board of Trustees for their accomplishments and contributions during the October meeting.
National Merit Scholarship Commended and College Board Students
Two Abilene ISD students were recognized for earning a National Merit Letter of Commendation and twenty-five other students were recognized for receiving College Board National Recognition. Learn more about these impressive academic accomplishments at this link.
TxETA Outstanding District Award
For the first time in the program's history, the Abilene ISD Theater program was awarded the Outstanding District distinction by the Texas Educational Theatre Association (TxETA). Click here to read more about this recognition.
Hardin-Simmons University B.E.S.T. Award
Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement for Hardin-Simmons University Laurie Harris introduced Abilene High School’s Jennifer Jordan as the recipient of the Baptist Educators Serving Texas (B.E.S.T.) Award. The B.E.S.T. Award recognizes Christian educators who excel in their field.
School Health Advisory Council
Director of Health Services Angela Valentine introduced the members of the 2024-25 School Health Advisory Council (SHAC). The SHAC is a school board appointed group made up of parents, community members, and district staff who assist the district in ensuring that local community values are reflected in health education instruction. They make recommendations to the board on topics such as mental health services, nutrition, and physical activity. Learn more about SHAC and its members here.
Head Start Policy Council
Director of Early Childhood Julie Wilson introduced the members of the Head Start Policy Council for their volunteer services. The policy council is made up of early head start, head start, and pre-kindergarten parents who meet monthly to learn about program updates, discuss and approve program decisions and gather input on campus events. Thank you to the members listed here for serving on this council.
CHAMPS Report | 37:22
Members of the Student Services team provided an update on CHAMPS, a classroom management framework produced by the Safe and Civil Schools program. The district is in its ninth year of using the program, which is intended to help teachers take a proactive, positive, and instructional approach to behavior. CHAMPS Coaches Susan Piersall and Wendy Moreland provided an overview of the program and its implementation in AISD schools. AISD teachers also provided first-hand accounts of their experiences with CHAMPS during the report.
Bilingual/ESL Program Effectiveness Report | 55:36
Executive Director of Innovation and Program Development Karen Munoz provided an update on the district’s Emergent Bilingual programs. As of Oct. 7, 1,272 students were enrolled in one of the following programs:
Dual Language: Ortiz Elementary School serves as the home of AISD’s one-way Dual Language Program, which is intended to help students acquire English as a second language by alternating instruction between English and the students’ primary language. The program primarily serves Spanish-speaking students in kindergarten through 5th-grade. This year the district added a Swahili Dual Language Program for pre-kindergarten students.
Newcomer Centers: Thomas Elementary School, Clack Middle School, and Craig Middle School serve as home campuses for AISD’s Newcomer Centers. Participating students are new to the country and receive approximately two hours of dedicated instruction and support.
English as a Second Language: All AISD campuses provide English as a Second Language support to qualifying students who are not involved in the Dual Language or Newcomer programs.
Action Items | 1:23:41
The Board approved the nomination of John Stearns, a past AISD Board President, who will hold one seat on the Taylor County Appraisal District Board of Directors, beginning Jan. 1, 2025. Before taking action, the Board heard a report during the workshop portion of the meeting from the appraisal district’s chief appraiser Gary Earnest. For more information visit www.taylor-cad.org.
The Board approved a modification to the 2024-25 school year calendar to include one additional day of staff development on Feb. 14, 2025. The day will also serve as a student holiday. An updated calendar is available