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The Abilene ISD Board of Trustees held its first regular meeting of 2026 at the AISD Administration Building on Monday, Jan. 12. School Board meetings are open to the public, and the community is invited to attend in person or stream meetings online via AISD Live. Future Board meeting dates are available on the AISD website at www.abileneisd.org/board.
Superintendent’s Announcements | 3:30
Superintendent Dr. John Kuhn began the meeting by inviting Deputy Superintendent Dr. Joe Waldron to provide an update on a gas line repair at Crockett Early Head Start. After a small gas leak was identified during a routine safety test related to nearby Atmos Energy work, the building was closed as a precaution while repairs were completed. The issue was resolved Tuesday evening, and the campus reopened to students and families Wednesday, Jan. 14, thanks to the diligent efforts of the Abilene ISD facilities team.
In honor of School Board Recognition Month, Dr. Kuhn shared a brief history of school boards and their elections, followed by a note of appreciation for the leadership and service of the Board of Trustees.
“We are grateful for your leadership in upholding our local tradition of independent school district success and for the countless hours you give to our schools,” Dr. Kuhn shared.
Recognitions | 8:36
School Board Recognition Month
To mark School Board Recognition Month, Executive Director of Communications Dr. Jordan Ziemer highlighted this year’s theme, “Our Future is Public,” and pointed out the gifts of appreciation displayed at the Board members’ seats, including hand-crafted items made by Career and Technology Education students at The LIFT.
The recognition continued with an outstanding performance by the Abilene High School Pure Gold Choir, directed by Mrs. Wendy Weeks. In his introduction of the choir, Dr. Ziemer shared that two of the members were recently named to the TMEA All-State Choir: Jackson Liske and Olivia Ransford.
National Board Certified Teachers
Two Abilene ISD educators were honored for earning the distinction of National Board Certified Teachers, one of the highest professional distinctions in education. Stephanie Southard and Carolyn Brooks each earned the certification by dedicating more than 400 hours of work beyond their school days – analyzing student learning, reflecting on their own instructional practices, and demonstrating their impact through extensive written submissions.
Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Patti Blue congratulated Ms. Southard and Ms. Brooks for their perseverance, professionalism, and leadership as standout educators in AISD.
Employee Awards
The Board also recognized the second round of AISD Employee Award recipients for the 2025-26 school year. Nominated by their peers, Employee Award winners are chosen for their dedication to exhibiting AISD’s Strategic Priorities: establishing a culture of collaboration, cultivating learning engagement, developing strategic partnerships, and providing opportunities for all students.
Employee Award recipients recognized by the Board this month include:
Auxiliary: Nicole Lopez, AISD Administration Building Print Shop
New Teacher: Darby Ice, ATEMS
Paraprofessional: Jackie Anderson, Clack Middle School
Student Support: Wendy Moreland, AISD CHAMPS Coach
Substitute Teacher: Amy Jeansonne, Abilene High
Teacher: Madison Subia, Madison Middle School
Click here to read more about the award categories and recipients.
Board Action | 55:42
District Financial Compliance Report | Eide Bailly representative Jeromy Stephens provided an overview of the district’s Financial Compliance Report following an annual audit. He explained that the clean audit demonstrated no material weaknesses or deficiencies in operation or compliance. More information is available on the district’s Financial Services webpage, and the community is invited to learn more about finances in AISD by visiting budgetblueprint.abileneisd.org.
Appointment of New School Marshals | The Board approved the appointment of new school marshals, as discussed and determined during closed session.
Public Hearing on the 2024-25 Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) | 1:09:55
Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Patti Blue led the district’s annual public hearing on the 2024-25 Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR). The annual report provides a wide range of information on the performance of students in every Texas school district, as well as extensive information on school and district staff, programs, and student demographics. Visit the TEA website to learn more.
Ms. Blue highlighted areas of interest related to the Board’s goals in math, literacy, and college, career, and military readiness. Notably, AISD’s percentage of college ready students increased from 46% in 2022-23 to 70% in 2023-24.
Behavior Support Report | 1:22:14
Associate Superintendent for Student Services Dr. Gustavo Villanueva presented an overview of the district’s multi-tiered system of supports for positive student behavior. He explained that all students receive Tier 1 universal supports through campus culture programs and social-emotional learning curriculum.
Students needing additional assistance receive Tier 2 targeted supports, with district Behavior Liaisons working collaboratively with teachers and administrators to address student needs. Tier 3 intensive supports provide individualized services through specialized programs, including Kinder Transition classes, STEPs classes, and the Student Achievement Program (SAP) at Hartford Learning Center.
AISD social workers support students across all tiers by connecting families with community resources and providing individual and group services.
“We believe that students thrive when schools are safe, structured, and supportive,” Dr. Villanueva said.
Goal Progress Monitoring Report | 1:44:53
The Board heard a Goal Progress Monitoring Report on AISD’s Bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Patti Blue outlined how the district supports English language development across listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Mrs. Blue noted that enrollment in AISD’s Bilingual and ESL programs has increased each year since 2019-20, with 1,337 served during the 2025-26 school year. She also reviewed state-established English Language Proficiency standards, program supports available to students during the testing process, and the district’s instructional goals for language mastery.