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The Abilene ISD Board of Trustees held a regular meeting Monday, Sept. 8 at the AISD administration building. The public is invited to attend any board meeting, and dates are available online at www.abileneisd.org/board.
Superintendent’s Announcements | 6:20
Superintendent Dr. John Kuhn began his announcements by celebrating recent theatre arts honors earned by the district, Craig Middle School, and Cooper High School through the Texas Educational Theatre Association (TxETA). He also previewed a series of upcoming community presentations about the Nov. 4 Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE).
Teaching Minute
Board President Angie Wiley introduced the return of the Teaching Minute video series for season two. The first episode spotlights Mann STEAM Academy theatre teacher Nicole Sutphen Evans and her application of TEKS Readiness Standard C.3A: Create character, environment, action, and theme through using props, costumes, and visual elements collaboratively and safely.
Recognitions | 11:54
TEA Educator Review Committee Representatives
The Board recognized eight AISD educators selected to serve on the Texas Education Agency Educator Review Committee, which helps shape and refine state assessments. By collaborating with nearly 1,000 educators statewide, they contributed to ensuring that Texas assessments remain fair, accurate, and aligned with student learning. Honorees included:
Sabrina Anderson, Abilene High School
Sara Garza, Abilene High School
Brianna Kaiser, Abilene High School
Melanie Koen, Abilene High School
Jordan Parker, Craig Middle School
Jana Walker, Stafford Elementary School
April Brannan, Stafford Elementary School
Barbara Carneiro, Taylor Elementary School
Academic Performance Report | 17:12
Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Patti Blue provided a detailed breakdown of 2024-25 STAAR results, building on her accountability overview during last month’s meeting. She reported that 34 percent of AISD students are currently in A or B seats, keeping the district on track toward its North Star Goal of reaching 75 percent by the 2028-29 school year. Mrs. Blue highlighted areas of growth and identified focus areas for improvement, noting new strategies in place this year, including the addition of a middle school math content consultant who will support campuses this year.
In case you missed it, read a letter from Dr. Kuhn recapping the district’s accountability performance at this link.
Gifted and Talented Program Update | 45:49
Executive Directors Lyndsey Williamson and Kerri Thornberg updated the Board on AISD’s Gifted and Talented program, which serves students in kindergarten through grade 12. Their report highlighted screening processes, campus-level enrichment opportunities, and expanded robotics and honors offerings at the middle school level. At the high school level, students continue to access a wide range of honors and AP courses, with AISD students outperforming state averages on AP exams in several subjects.
TCASE SPED Program Audit Summary | 1:31:54
Dr. Stevanie Jackson, executive director of special education, presented findings from the department’s Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education (TCASE) audit. The extensive review involved visits to 17 AISD campuses, analysis of district documents and 440 survey responses, and input from focus groups and interviews.
The audit highlighted strengths such as strong staffing ratios and consistent compliance with testing timelines, while also outlining short- and long-term areas for growth. Dr. Jackson noted that improvements are already underway, including stronger communication between campuses and the department, expanded staff training on IEP (Individualized Education Program), and the addition of three ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) facilitators. The special education department serves 21 percent of AISD’s student body.
Efficiency Audit | 1:17:57
Jeromy Stephens of EideBailly presented the state-required efficiency audit, conducted in connection with the Board’s call for a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election. The audit compared AISD to peer districts and found the district’s maintenance and operations tax rate to be competitive, with per-student spending below the state average. AISD also earned a Superior FIRST rating for financial management, though the report noted that the district currently sees considerably less local tax revenue compared to peer districts.
Action Items | 2:02:43
The Board approved several items, including a sewer line replacement project at Alcorta Elementary, an update to Policy CV (LOCAL) that raises the approval threshold for construction contracts, and the donation of the former Fannin Elementary campus to a local nonprofit. Trustees also appointed new school marshals and renewed the district’s Good Cause Exception (CKE Legal).