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The Abilene ISD Board of Trustees held a combined workshop and regular meeting Monday, Nov. 9 at the District Support Center (241 Pine Street). The AISD community is invited to attend meetings in person or watch online through AISD Live. A list of future meeting dates is available at www.abileneisd.org/board.
Workshop
2027-28 AISD Academic Calendar
During the November Board Workshop, trustees received an update on the development of the 2027-28 academic calendar. The process began in September with meetings of the Calendar Committee and District-Wide Consultation Committee (DWCC), resulting in two proposed calendar options.
During the week of Nov. 2, AISD surveyed employees, families, and students to gather feedback on the two options:
First Day of School: Aug. 18, 2027
Last Day of School: May 25, 2028
First Day of School: Aug. 11, 2027
Last Day of School: May 18, 2028
Both options include 172 student instructional days, five staff workdays/student holidays, seven staff development days, and three alternative staff development days.
Survey results and committee recommendations will be presented to the Board for consideration and possible approval on Dec. 7.
Regular Meeting
Superintendent’s Announcements | 4:27
Superintendent Dr. Joseph Waldron opened his announcements by highlighting upcoming Veterans Day celebrations across AISD campuses, reiterating the district’s commitment to honoring veterans and supporting military-connected students and families. He also reminded families and staff of the upcoming Thanksgiving break.
Dr. Waldron concluded his announcements by inviting Assistant Director of Athletics Aaron Roan to the podium to recognize the coaching staff at Madison Middle School. The recognition followed a personal testimonial message from Madison parent Amy Farina, who shared the positive impact the football coaches have had on her son, Gabe, and his teammates.
“We often recognize coaches for wins and championships, but I believe what this staff has accomplished deserves just as much recognition,” said Mrs. Farina. “They have taught an entire group of young men lessons about empathy, character, and leadership that will extend far beyond the football field.”
Teaching Minute | 12:27
This month's Teaching Minute features ATEMS teacher Tracy Long and his aerospace engineering students. In the lesson, students built prototypes of backpacks for use aboard the International Space Station, learning to evaluate and improve their designs. The project is preparing students for a competition this spring through the Aldrin Foundation's Aerospace Satellite Cubed Program, where they will build functional satellites and launch them aboard a weather balloon from Shotwell Stadium to collect data from the edge of space.
Recognitions | 14:42
National Merit Commended Students
The Board recognized Abilene High School students Corbin Barbarick and Asher Jessup for being named Commended Students in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, recognizing their outstanding academic achievement on the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
CTAT CTE District of Distinction
The Board also recognized AISD’s Career and Technical Education program for being named a District of Distinction by the Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT), placing the district among the top CTE programs in the state. Director of Career and Technical Education Lucille Fullen noted that the recognition “highlights the dedication of our teachers, our counselors, and our support staff who pour their expertise and passion into preparing students for real-world success every day.” Click here to read more about this recognition.
Employee Awards
The Board also recognized the first round of Employee Awards recipients for the 2026-27 school year, 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: Misty Miller, Transportation
Teacher: Starla DeLaGarza, Bonham Elementary
New Teacher: Carly Hale, Bassetti Elementary
Paraprofessional: Joseph Anderson, Austin Elementary School
Substitute: Laura Daulton, Mann STEAM Academy
Student Support: Dawn Stearns, Visual Impairment Teacher
Click here to read more about the award categories and recipients.
Report: Academic Performance | 36:50
Chief Academic Officer Lyndsey Williamson presented an update on instructional leadership and coaching in Abilene ISD by providing an in-depth look into the district’s partnership with Big Rock Educational Services. The partnership, which is entirely paid for through a three-year Texas Education Agency (TEA) LIFT grant, supports teachers and campus leaders in implementing high-quality instructional materials through collaborative lesson planning, classroom observations, and real-time feedback.
Mrs. Williamson compared the instructional coaching process to coaching a football team. She explained that, just as coaches develop game plans, observe practices, analyze performance, and make adjustments, instructional leaders use similar strategies to strengthen classroom instruction. Teachers prepare and rehearse lessons, coaches observe instruction and student engagement, and both work together to review evidence of student learning and refine future lessons.
Tools like classroom culture walks help leaders distinguish between student compliance and engagement, with a goal to consistently achieve at least 90% meaningful engagement in every Abilene ISD classroom. More than 3,000 classroom culture walks have already been completed this year, and Mrs. Williamson noted a documented positive trajectory in meaningful engagement across all elementary schools.
Mrs. Williamson ended her report by emphasizing AISD’s overarching goal to honor teachers' hard work with focused support that helps every student learn at grade level and reach their full potential.
Board Action | 1:15:30
Group Medical Insurance for 2027-2028: Following an update from Chief Talent Officer Alison Sims, the Board adopted a resolution authorizing the district to return to TRS Active Care beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. Additional information about TRS Active Care plans and options will be provided to all staff by the Abilene ISD Benefits office in the near future.