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In December, the Abilene ISD Board of Trustees held a workshop meeting on Thursday, Dec. 4 and a regular meeting Monday, Dec. 8. The Board Recap series provides a high-level look at the Board of Trustees’ work to support AISD. The public is invited to attend all board meetings, and future meeting dates are available on the AISD website at www.abileneisd.org/board.
Board Workshop
EIC Local Policy Updates
Executive Director of Secondary Education Lyndsey Williamson recommended revisions to Policy EIC (Local) to align with the district’s new 9-week grading period and update the list of course exclusions used in GPA calculations. The proposal removes “any credit recovery courses” from the exclusion list, ensuring students are able to replace a failing grade with a new earned grade when they successfully complete credit recovery.
2026-27 Calendar Development Process
Associate Superintendent for the Development of Human Resources Alison Sims presented results from the districtwide survey of students, families, and staff regarding the 2026-27 academic calendar. Calendar Draft C received the highest support from all three groups, and the Districtwide Consultation Committee (DWCC) unanimously endorsed Draft C for Board consideration. If you would like to review Draft C, visit our Calendars webpage.
Purchasing Cooperative Fees Paid by AISD
Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Hinds provided an overview of fees paid by AISD for participation in purchasing cooperatives. She noted that these cooperatives support the district by securing competitive pricing and streamlining purchasing processes.
District of Innovation Plan
The Board received an update on the development of the district’s District of Innovation (DOI) Plan. Mrs. Alison Sims reported that the DOI committee has met and approved the updated plan, which is now posted on the AISD website for the required 30-day review period ahead of the Board of Trustees’ vote in January.
Resource Campus Designation
Executive Director of Innovation Jay Ashby and Stafford Elementary Principal Melissa Scott presented the district’s efforts to pursue a Resource Campus Designation (RCD) for Stafford Elementary, aimed at strengthening student outcomes, accelerating school improvement, and gaining additional resources.
A key requirement for RCD eligibility is adopting an Additional Days School Year (ADSY) with extended learning time. Mr. Ashby and Mrs. Scott shared an updated calendar that was developed based on survey feedback from staff and families. The updated calendar included ADSY days on Feb. 13 and 16 and two additional days of instruction after Memorial Day on May 26 and 27. The updated calendar would not affect any other schools in the district.
Regular Board Meeting
Superintendent’s Announcements | 3:30
Superintendent Dr. John Kuhn reflected on the role of public education in Abilene in his remarks, emphasizing that strong schools are essential to the community’s long-term stability and success. He reminded attendees that supporting public education is an investment in Abilene’s future, not simply an operating cost.
“When we’re talking about our schools in Abilene, we’re talking about the most essential tool we have for ensuring that this town remains strong, stable, and true to its character moving into the future,” he said.
Dr. Kuhn affirmed AISD’s commitment to challenging, supporting, and preparing every student. He also highlighted positive examples of student character, sharing that AISD teams continue to earn UIL Good Sportsmanship recognition. A recent report from officials after the Abilene High–Lubbock Monterey game praised AISD Athletic Director Coach Garfield and his staff for professionalism and hospitality throughout the season.
Teaching Minute | 9:30
In this month’s Teaching Minute video series, Heather Goodwin, a first-grade bilingual education teacher at Martinez Elementary, highlighted her lesson on TEKS Math 1.7N, which focuses on using standard units to measure objects. Her students engaged in a hands-on activity designed to develop their understanding of measurement concepts.
Mrs. Goodwin also explained how the campus language allocation plan supports learners: math instruction is delivered in English, but students are encouraged to explain their thinking in Spanish if they are more comfortable. She then translates their responses for the class, ensuring full participation and understanding.
Recognitions | 12:00
TAEA District of Distinction
The Board recognized Abilene ISD visual arts educators for earning the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) District of Distinction for the fifth consecutive year. This honor reflects the work of AISD’s 30 art educators and the creativity of more than 9,000 student artists, placing the district’s program among the top eight percent in Texas.
Fine Arts Coordinator Brady Sloan-Dunan shared that in order to achieve the distinction, the district met a rigorous 14-point rubric, showcasing participation in local exhibitions, community service, visual arts scholastic events, field experiences, and cross-curricular projects.
CTAT 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.
Texas Tennis Association Coaches of the Year
The Board also celebrated two AISD tennis coaches recognized by the Texas Tennis Coaches Association for their outstanding leadership and impact on student athletes.
Catherine Wilson, Head Tennis Coach at Craig Middle School, was named the 2025 TTCA Middle School Coach of the Year (3A and above). Executive Director of Athletics James Garfield shared, “In her five years at Craig, Coach Wilson has transformed the program through her passion for the sport and her commitment to developing young athletes both on and off the court.”
Stacy Bryan, Abilene High School, was named the 2025 TTCA 5A Region 1 Coach of the Year. Coach Garfield shared, “With 21 years of experience at AHS, Coach Bryan is widely respected across Texas for her integrity, leadership, and mentorship. Colleagues describe her as a cornerstone of AISD tennis and a coach who consistently builds excellence and character among her athletes.”
Public Hearing for the 2024-2025 Financial Accountability Rating System of Texas (School FIRST) | 1:30:46
The Board received the district’s annual report under the State’s Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST), which is designed to ensure that public school districts are accountable for strong financial management and continuous improvement. As required, AISD held a public hearing, advertised the hearing, distributed the report, and reviewed the rating system along with any factors that influenced scoring.
FIRST ratings are based on data from PEIMS and the district’s annual financial audit. The 2024-25 rating reflects 2023-24 financial data, and AISD once again earned a Superior Rating, continuing a 14-year streak. This year’s score increased by four points, rising to a 94. AISD earned full points in several key areas, including fund balance, cash on hand, and clean, on-time audits.
Academic Performance Report | 1:39:52
Elementary Reading and Language Arts (RLA) Coordinator Mandi Joiner shared an update on the new Bluebonnet RLA curriculum. AISD received a Texas Education Agency (TEA) Strong Foundations Planning Grant in 2024-25 to purchase and prepare for the curriculum, and this year’s Implementation Grant is providing additional support to ensure an effective rollout.
Teachers completed summer and fall training and are supported by RLA Circle Coaches and two grant-funded coaches who assist with planning, data analysis, and classroom modeling. Each campus also selected Bluebonnet Ambassadors to help lead implementation.
Mrs. Joiner shared Quarter 1 findings, noting strong consistency across campuses, increased student engagement, and growing knowledge coherence. Follow the Reading Language Arts Facebook page for classroom highlights from across the district.
Pre-K Children’s Learning Institute | 1:53:12
Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Pattie Blue and Director of Early Childhood Julie Wilson presented an overview of AISD’s progress monitoring strategies for AISD’s youngest students at Crockett Early Head Start and Long Early Learning center. AISD uses the Children’s Learning Institute (CLI) Online Progress Monitoring Tool to measure key school-readiness skills in areas such as social–emotional development, language and literacy, cognition, and physical development. Data from CLI helps communicate academic goals to parents, inform professional development, shape lesson plans, and guide instructional material decisions.
Consent Agenda | 1:29:38
The Board approved the 2026-27 Academic Calendar (Draft C) after reviewing feedback from the DWCC and survey responses from students, staff, and family members.
The Board also approved an Additional Days School Year (ADSY) calendar for Stafford Elementary School, extending instructional days to support stronger instruction, expanded intervention blocks, and improved school culture systems as the district pursues a Resource Campus Designation for Stafford.
Other items on the consent agenda that were discussed during the Dec. 4 workshop meeting include, EIC (Local), EIA (Local), and approval of a resolution regarding employee compensation during inclement weather closures.
Board Action | 1:01:03
SLAC Chairperson Approval: The Board approved Eric Lemmons as the School LIbrary Advisory Council Chairperson as recommended by the SLAC during the Nov. 17 meeting.
Acquisition of Library Materials: The Board approved the Fall 2025 Library Material Ordering List for procurement as recommended by the SLAC.
Challenged Library Materials: The Board approved the SLAC’s recommendations regarding removing, reclassifying, or returning challenged library materials. The council reviewed 27 titles, with each book read by at least four members and discussed at the Nov. 17 meeting. Materials approved for removal will be taken out of campus collections and deleted from the district catalog. Remaining titles will be reviewed at the December SLAC meeting, with final recommendations going to the Board in January to meet the required 90-day timeline.