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The Abilene ISD Board of Trustees held a regular meeting Monday, June 8 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. An updated list of future meeting dates is available now at www.abileneisd.org/board.

Leadership Transition & Installation of Newly Elected Board Members

The June Board meeting marked a leadership transition for Abilene ISD as trustees honored outgoing and newly elected Board members, recognized outgoing Superintendent Dr. John Kuhn, and officially welcomed Dr. Joseph Waldron as AISD’s new superintendent.

Trustees Cindy Earles (12 years of service) and Bill Enriquez (10 years of service) were recognized for their contributions to the district and community by Texas State Representative and former Abilene ISD trustee Stan Lambert, as well as Taylor County Judge Phil Crowley. Rep. Lambert highlighted Mrs. Earles’ advocacy for teachers and public education, as well as Mr. Enriquez’s longstanding support of career and technical education programs. Judge Crowley, an AISD alumnus, also presented a county proclamation honoring their service.

Rep. Lambert administered the oath of office to newly elected trustees Alana Jeter and Amanda Pittman, along with reelected trustee Dr. Danny Wheat. As a final token of appreciation, Mrs. Earles, Mr. Enriquez, and Dr. Kuhn were also presented handmade gifts created by The LIFT in recognition of their service.

The Board concluded the transition by recognizing Dr. Kuhn’s leadership and accomplishments during his tenure as superintendent. Dr. Kuhn expressed his confidence in Dr. Waldron’s leadership, while Dr. Waldron shared his gratitude for the opportunity to serve and his excitement to continue the district’s positive momentum.

Updated Organization of Board of Trustees
Following the installation of new trustees, the Board reorganized officer positions for the coming year:

• Blair Schroeder, President

• Dr. Taylor Tidmore, Vice President

• Rodney Goodman, Secretary

• Angie Wiley, Assistant Secretary

• Dr. Danny Wheat, Member

• Amanda Pittman, Member

• Alana Jeter, Member 

Superintendent’s Announcements | 2:14

During his first official superintendent's announcements, Dr. Waldron recognized the successful completion of graduation ceremonies across the district and thanked the many staff members who helped make commencement celebrations possible for students and families.

He also recognized the district's PEIMS team for being honored by Region 14 Education Service Center for outstanding service during the 2025-26 school year.

Additionally, Dr. Waldron shared a letter from Jane Beard, executive committee president of Abilene Heritage Square, recognizing members of the Abilene High School JROTC program and Chief Master Sergeant Lovegreen for their service during the organization’s recent donor dinner. In her letter, Mrs. Beard praised the students for their professionalism, volunteerism, and the positive way they represented both their school and the district.

Recognitions | 5:45

Abilene High School State Golf Competitor

The Board recognized Abilene High School junior Grant Duwe for his historic season on the golf course. Duwe earned the title of regional champion and became the first boys golfer in Abilene High School history to qualify for the UIL State Golf Tournament.

Abilene High School State Track Competitor

The Board also recognized Abilene High School graduate Jaden Jackson for his success in track and field. This spring, Jackson qualified for the UIL State Track and Field Championships for the second time during his high school career. He currently holds three Abilene High School track and field records. Jackson will continue his academic and athletic career at Abilene Christian University.

Abilene High School Softball Team
The Board recognized the Abilene High School softball team and Head Coach Jenna Aguirre following another successful season. The team advanced to the regional semifinals and was led by a senior class in which all five seniors earned Academic All-State honors.

The 2026 varsity AHS softball team included: Bella Rocha, Elani Flores, Jurdin Reed, Leilani Valero, Mariah Estrada, Alicia Gutierrez, Avah Reyes, Jewels Holt, Brieyonna Reed, Andria Starks, Elissa Flores, KK Gonzales, Jazlynn Johnson-Burns, Lilyanna Pachicano, Ariah Barnett, Claire Seago

Region 14 Nurse of the Year

The Board recognized Sarah Alexander, nurse at Alcorta Elementary School, for being named Region 14 Nurse of the Year.

Director of Health Services Angela Valentine read a nomination letter written by Alcorta Elementary School Principal Melissa Speegle, recognizing Nurse Alexander for her consistent demonstration of exceptional expertise and her dedication to ensuring the medical and emotional needs of students are addressed promptly, thoroughly, and compassionately. 

Consent Agenda | 19:10

• 2026-27 Martinez Elementary ADSY Calendar: As Martinez Elementary prepares to launch its Accelerating Campus Excellence (ACE) model in 2026-27, the Board approved an Additional Days School Year (ADSY) calendar. The calendar includes four additional instructional days built into the school year and six optional days after the traditional school year ends. Martinez joins Stafford Elementary as the second AISD elementary school to utilize an ADSY calendar. 

Report: STEM/STEAM Campus Update

Chief of Strategic Operations Jay Ashby and campus leaders from Bowie STEM Academy, Purcell STEM Academy, and Mann STEAM Academy shared updates on the district's STEM and STEAM initiatives.

Bowie STEM Academy Principal Janaye Wideman and Purcell STEM Academy K-1 Principal Justin Rosenquist highlighted the planning and preparation completed ahead of the campuses' official STEM launches in 2026-27, including visits to peer schools, development of a shared instructional framework, staff professional learning, and the design of STEM-focused learning experiences.

Mann STEAM Academy Principal Chad Drake reflected on the campus's first year of implementation. Mr. Drake described the success and future expansion of new STEM-focused electives. Notably, the campus participated in multiple project-based learning opportunities this year which culminated in family engagement events throughout the school year. Early benchmark data shows notable improvement in student achievement.

Mr. Ashby shared that the district's STEM and STEAM approach emphasizes problem solving, design thinking, collaboration, and real-world learning while creating a K-12 pathway that aligns with future opportunities at The LIFT and ATEMS.

Board Action | 1:19:47

• School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) Annual Report: Director of Health Services Angela Valentine shared an overview of the School Health Advisory Council’s work and recommendations during the 2025-26 school year. Following the report, the Board approved the adoption of the Monique Burr Foundation's Child Safety Matters curriculum for elementary students to support updated Senate Bill 9 requirements related to student safety and wellness education.