Stream the Meetings | View the Agendas | Learn More About the Board
In August, the Abilene ISD Board of Trustees conducted a workshop on Aug. 7, a regular meeting on Aug. 11, and a special budget and tax rate meeting Aug. 14. Read below for a recap of the Board’s work to support AISD students, staff, and schools.
Regular Board Meeting
Superintendent’s Announcements | 05:10
During his announcements, Superintendent Dr. John Kuhn shared his recent appointments to two state-level public education organizations. He joined the Board of Directors for the Texas Schools Alliance, representing the state’s largest districts and allowing superintendents to collaborate on policy to strengthen student outcomes. He was also appointed to the Advocacy Committee for the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA), promoting public school successes and engaging in statewide discussions affecting districts and communities.
Recognitions | 06:25
Abilene ISD Teachers of the Year
The Board honored AISD’s 2025-26 Teachers of the Year, previously recognized at the Abilene Education Foundation’s Teachers in the Limelight Celebration:
Elementary Teacher of the Year: Jennifer Crisp, Taylor Elementary School
Secondary Teacher of the Year: Krista Conner, Craig Middle School
Read more about Jennifer Crisp and Krista Conner on our website.
Abilene ISD Employee Awards
The Board also recognized the third round of Employee Awards recipients, celebrating staff who demonstrate a commitment to collaboration, classroom engagement, and strong community-school partnerships.
Employee Award recipients recognized by the Board this month include:
Auxiliary: Raul Martinez, Warehouse Delivery Worker
New Teacher: Tiffany Wright, Bonham Elementary School
Student Support: Mary Vermillion, Mann Middle School Nurse
Substitute Teacher: Jody Reese, Taylor Elementary School
Click here to read more about the award categories and recipients.
Academic Performance Report | 32:30
Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Patti Blue shared preliminary 2024-25 accountability successes ahead of the public release on Aug. 15. Highlights include:
Abilene High School’s upward trajectory to a B rating
Significant progress toward College, Career, and Military Readiness at all three high schools
Craig Middle School’s increase to a B rating
Purcell Elementary’s 19-point rating increase in one school year
Seven AISD campuses receiving A or B ratings
Current accountability data shows that AISD schools are making huge strides toward achieving the district’s North Star Goal, which aims for 75 percent of AISD students to attend A- or B-rated campuses by 2028-29.
In case you missed it, read a letter from Dr. Kuhn recapping the district’s performance at this link.
2025-26 Student Code of Conduct & Policy FNCE(LOCAL) | 40:05
The Board approved updates to the Student Code of Conduct and Policy FNCE(LOCAL) as part of the agenda for their meeting on Aug. 14. Associate Superintendent for Student Services Dr. Gustavo Villanueva presented these updates, which cover personal electronic devices, artificial intelligence use, and an expanded role for campus behavior coordinators. The adoption of Policy FNCE (LOCAL) follows a state mandate to establish a policy restricting the use of student personal electronic devices during the instructional day. However, AISD chose to strengthen its bell-to-bell cellphone ban in support of healthy learning environments and good digital habits prior to this mandate. More information is available at www.abileneisd.org/cellphones.
Regular Meeting Action Items | 50:36
2025-26 Employee Compensation Plan: The Board approved the 2025-26 employee compensation plan, which includes HB 2-funded teacher raises ($2,500 for 3-4 years of experience and $5,000 for 5+ years), plus $500 for teachers with 1-2 years of experience not covered by HB 2. The plan also provides a 2% general increase for administrative professionals and technology paygrades 4-7, a 4% increase for technology paygrades 1-3, auxiliary, and clerical staff, along with market adjustments and stipends for high-need positions.
The Board also approved the 2025-26 Hazardous Bus Routes,the Bank Depository Contract, and Policy EFB (Local) to form a School Library Advisory Council pending further guidance from the state.
Special Called Board Meeting
Public Hearing on 2025 Budget & Tax Rate | 6:07
Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Hinds presented the 2025-26 budget and tax rate at the district’s annual public hearing. The proposed budget reflects a $3.4 million deficit, a $9.5 million improvement from last year, due to cost savings and staffing adjustments.
Hinds also presented proposed tax rates for fiscal year 2025-26. She noted that an additional six cents on the maintenance and operations (M&O) tax rate would generate $10 million in new state and local funding, eliminating the budget deficit. The adjustment would be made possible by a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE). Either way, Ms. Hinds noted that the average AISD property owner would see a decrease in the school tax rate and the average annual property tax payment. Additionally, the district is applying $3 million in hold harmless funds to reduce debt, lowering the I&S rate by eight cents.
To learn more about how Abilene ISD develops its budget, visit budgetblueprint.abileneisd.org.
Special Budget and Tax Rate Meeting Action Items | 43:27
2025-26 Tax Rate: The Board approved setting the M&O tax rate at $0.7421 per $100 valuation (pending voter approval via the VATRE) and the I&S tax rate of $0.2159 per $100 valuation for a total tax rate of $0.9580, a decrease from fiscal year 2024-25.
Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election: The Board approved a resolution and Order of Election for an Abilene ISD Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election for November 4, 2025.
2025-26 Student Code of Conduct: The Board approved the 2025-26 Student Code of Conduct, which includes local and state-required updates.
Local Policy FNCE: The Board approved Local Policy FNCE, prohibiting the use of personal electronic devices during the instructional day, as required by state law.
The Board also approved amendments to the 2024-25 budget and the adoption of the 2025-26 budgets for the General Fund, Student Nutrition Fund, Debt Service Fund, and Internal Service Fund.