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The Abilene ISD Board of Trustees held a combined workshop and regular meeting Thursday, March 5 at the AISD Administration Building. Board meetings are open to the public, and community members are invited to attend in person or watch online through AISD Live. Future meeting dates are available on the AISD website at www.abileneisd.org/board.
Board Workshop
Senate Bill 546: Three-Point Seat Belts
The AISD transportation department provided an overview of Senate Bill 546, which requires school buses to be equipped with three-point seat belts by May 31, 2026.
Assistant Transportation Director Zach Sneed shared that the total estimated cost to bring the district’s fleet to full compliance is approximately $9 million.
Superintendent Dr. John Kuhn emphasized his confidence in the safety of the buses in their current state and the district’s commitment to adhering to the requirements of SB 546 while considering the fiscal implications of long-term management of the district’s fleet.
Due to the significant financial impact, the district plans to apply for a state waiver to delay the compliance deadline while exploring long-term transportation solutions.
Career and Technical Education Update
Executive Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Lucille Fullen shared an update on Abilene ISD’s CTE programs.
Mrs. Fullen shared that the district has seen significant growth in the number of Industry-Based Certifications (IBCs) earned by students:
2022-23: 207 certifications earned
2023-24: 399 certifications earned
2024-25: 541 certifications earned
The CTE department is currently conducting a program audit and comprehensive local needs assessment to evaluate strengths and identify opportunities for future growth.
Holland Medical Update
Dean of Holland Medical Ginger Held shared an update on the district’s medical pathways program and provided an overview of the programs and course offerings available to students, including:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
Pharmacy Technician
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
DNS Health Science exploratory courses
Many of the courses also offer dual credit opportunities, allowing students to earn college credit while completing their coursework. Mrs. Held shared that enrollment in the program continues to grow, with more than 180 students projected to participate next year, the highest enrollment in Holland Medical’s history.
Science and Planetarium Update
sScience Curriculum Coordinator Jason Barber shared how the science department supports teachers through professional development, collaboration, and instructional resources that strengthen science learning across all grade levels.
Mr. Barber also manages the Morgan Jones Planetarium, which serves AISD students and the wider community. Every 2nd, 5th, and 7th grade student in AISD visits the planetarium annually for grade-level science lessons and star room sessions. High school students also have the opportunity to participate in specialized astronomy programming.
The planetarium offers public shows 2-3 times per month, with most sessions reaching 90% capacity or higher. Follow the Morgan Jones Planetarium on Facebook or purchase tickets to upcoming shows on the AISD website.
Regular Board Meeting
Superintendent’s Announcements
Superintendent Dr. John Kuhn opened the meeting by recognizing several recent student achievements across the district:
Three Abilene High School debate students advanced to the National tournament
Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) students qualified for the national competition in Oregon
SkillsUSA competitors qualified for the state trades competition in Corpus Christi
Congratulations to these students for representing Abilene ISD at the state and national levels!
Teaching Minute
This month’s Teaching Minute featured Matt Marchbanks, an 8th-grade U.S. History teacher at Mann STEAM Academy. His lesson covered TEKS Readiness Standard 8(B) and 10(B), which uses discussion and analysis to understand Civil War history and sectionalism, including the political and cultural forces that shaped the chapter of the nation’s history.
Recognitions
All-State Choir Students
Two Abilene ISD students were recognized for being named to the Texas All-State Choir.
Executive Director of Fine Arts Clay Johnson shared that more than 70,000 students across the state audition for the opportunity, and only 2.6 percent are selected. Students who earn All-State honors participate in a multi-day clinic and concert with world-renowned clinicians at the Texas Music Educators Association conference.
Olivia Ransford, a sophomore at Abilene High School, was selected for the Alto 2 section of the Treble Choir
Jackson Liske, a senior at Abilene High School, was selected for the Bass 1 section of the Tenor-Bass choir
The AHS choir directors are Wendy Weeks and Remel Derrick. Congratulations to these outstanding students!
Goal Progress Measures
District curriculum leaders presented several updates connected to the Board’s student achievement goals, including reading and math MAP assessments, the mCLASS math pilot assessments, and pre-k progress monitoring through the Children’s Learning Institute (CLI) system.
These tools provide teachers with insight into student learning in reading, math, and early childhood development. The results help teachers adjust instruction, provide targeted small-group support, and monitor growth throughout the school year. Assessment results are also shared with families to help parents understand their child’s progress and support learning at home.
Call for Quality Schools Update
Executive Director of Innovation Jay Ashby provided an update on the district’s Call for Quality Schools process. Mr. Ashby shared that the initiative supports the district’s North Star Goal, which aims for 75% of AISD students to attend A- or B-rated campuses by the end of the 2028-29 school year.
The district received one application through the SB 1882 process from Cisco College. After review, the evaluation committee recommended not moving forward with the proposal through SB 1882, but expressed interest in continuing to explore a partnership with Cisco College outside of the program.
Mr. Ashby shared that the district continues to research other successful Advanced Academics SB 1882 school models across the state and country in order to expand opportunities for AISD students.
Policy Update 126
Associate Superintendent for the Development of Human Resources Alison Sims provided a detailed overview of policy updates resulting from the most recent Texas Legislative Session.
Highlights include updated cybersecurity, safety and security, and employment policies. A complete overview of the policy updates is available at this link.
Budget Calendar
Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Hinds presented the budget development timeline for the upcoming fiscal year.
Mrs. Hinds shared that the district will use a zero-based budgeting approach this year. The new system will ensure that every expense must be reviewed, justified, and approved to ensure it is necessary and aligned with district goals.
Board Action
Certification of Unopposed Candidates: The Board certified candidates for AISD Board of Trustees Places 4, 5, and 6 as unopposed.
Cancellation of Election for Abilene ISD School Board Trustees: Because all three positions were uncontested, the Board approved the cancellation of the election for Trustee Places 4, 5, and 6.
Renaming of Thomas Elementary: Trustees approved the renaming of Sam Thomas Elementary School to Sam Thomas Learning Center. Programs currently located at the Hartford Professional Learning Center will relocate to the Thomas facility, which offers updated indoor learning spaces and enhanced campus security.
Amendment of Budget for VATRE Funds: The Board also approved amendments to the budget related to VATRE funding, which will result in a balanced budget for FY 2026.
