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The Abilene ISD Board of Trustees held a combined workshop and regular meeting Thursday, April 2 at the AISD Administration Building. Board meetings are open to the public, and community members are invited to attend in person or watch online through AISD Live. Future meeting dates are available at www.abileneisd.org/board.
Board Workshop
Student Nutrition Department Report
Director of Student Nutrition Kandace Grenwelge shared updates on the department’s efforts to promote healthy meals across the district. Students can look forward to new menu items coming soon, including the return of square pizza (a highly-requested favorite), along with other options like pickle pizza, expanded taco and enchilada offerings, Chinese entrees with fortune cookies, and a KFC-style bowl.
The department is also expanding nutrition education and student taste-testing to guide menu decisions, with plans to include parents and campus leaders on taste-testing committees. Mrs. Grenwlege shared that the team remains focused on increasing student participation in school breakfast and lunch programs.
Regular Board Meeting
Superintendent’s Announcements | 5:51
Superintendent Dr. John Kuhn began the meeting with highlights from recent district experiences and upcoming events. He read a letter from Lovejoy ISD educator Brice McCasland, who recently served as a judge for the Abilene Education Foundation’s Young Masters Exhibition. McCasland praised the impact of AISD’s fine arts programs and the strong support shown by students, families, and the community.
Dr. Kuhn also reflected on a recent visit to the Dallas Holocaust Museum with Mrs. Jennifer Jordan’s class, noting the meaningful learning experiences taking place beyond the classroom. He closed with a preview of upcoming events and a reminder of the district’s focus heading into the final stretch of the school year: finishing strong, supporting students, and maintaining momentum.
Teaching Minute | 11:31
In a new episode Teaching Minute, Alcorta Elementary kindergarten teacher Abby Cummins focused on TEKS Readiness Standards 2F and 2H as her students learned numbers to 20 and explored one more and one less.
Recognitions | 13:40
Abilene High School State Diver
The Board recognized Lucas Lee, a senior Abilene High School athlete and ATEMS student for his success at the state Swim & Dive meet. Lucas placed at the state diving championship for the second consecutive year, after joining the swim team just three years ago.
Employee Award Recipients
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: Gregory Cruse, Transportation
Paraprofessional: Ebonie Stewart, Abilene High School
Student Support: Hannah Horton, Stafford Elementary School
Substitute: Valeri Aich, Clack Middle School
New Teacher: Aislinn Queen, Cooper High School
Teacher: Mallory Moser, Stafford Elementary School
Teacher: Darrion Moore, Madison Middle School
Click here to read more about the award categories and recipients.
TEA Educator Committee
The Board recognized four 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:
Dr. Margaret Hope, Secondary ELA Coordinator
Sabrina Anderson, Abilene High
Sandy Henry, Abilene High
Cristi Doll, Bassetti Elementary
Consent Agenda
2026-2027 ADSY Calendar: As part of Stafford’s recent Resource Campus Designation through the Texas Education Agency, the Board approved an Additional Days School Year (ADSY) calendar. The calendar includes four additional instructional days built into the school year and six optional days following the end of the traditional school year ends. Click here to see the calendar.
The Board also approved the following items in the consent agenda: budget amendments, February financials, March Board meeting minutes, the acquisition of library materials, and roofing and flooring repair projects.
Report: How Data Drives Instruction at the Campus Level | 41:28
District Curriculum and Instruction leaders shared how AISD teachers and content coordinators use data to inform instruction in real time. Throughout the year, teachers and campus leaders analyze assessment results to plan targeted responses that meet student needs.
This collaborative approach strengthens alignment across classrooms and campuses, improving outcomes for every student.
Board members heard examples of this collaboration in action through multiple perspectives, including from Reading Language Arts Coordinator Dr. Margaret Hope and Madison Middle School eighth-grade teachers Lacy Henderson and Jennifer Mansker.
Dr. Hope also shared an overview of recent work supporting teachers ahead of spring STAAR assessments, including professional development, data analysis, and action planning.
Board Action | 1:01:53
Month of the Military Child Proclamation: The Board approved a proclamation recognizing April as the Month of the Military Child. The proclamation reaffirms the district’s commitment to supporting military-connected students and families and ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed. Click here to read the proclamation.
SB 546 Three-Point Seat Belts: The Board approved a recommendation to notify the state that the AISD cannot meet the May 31, 2026 Senate Bill 546 seat belt requirement to equip all school buses with three-point seat belts due to projected costs exceeding $9 million.
Superintendent Contract: Following the state-mandated 21-day waiting period, the Board approved the contract appointing Dr. Joseph Waldron as the new AISD superintendent. Dr. Waldron will serve as Superintendent Designate through the end of May, completing the transition as Dr. John Kuhn concludes his service to the district.