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The Abilene ISD Board of Trustees held a combined workshop and regular meeting Monday, Oct. 5 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

Group Medical Insurance 2027-28

The Board of Trustees discussed the district’s initial 2027-28 group medical insurance plan options during a presentation by Chief Talent Officer Alison Sims. The presentation included an overview of the district’s current medical plans and enrollment, along with a comparison of current plan costs and rates available through TRS-ActiveCare.

Trustees discussed the possibility of returning to TRS-ActiveCare, which uses regional pricing to determine plan costs. If the district elects to join TRS-ActiveCare, it would require a five-year commitment. The district must make a decision by Dec. 31.

A potential recommendation regarding the district’s 2027-28 medical insurance plans is expected to be presented to the Board during the November meeting.

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)

AISD curriculum leaders provided an overview of the assessments used throughout the school year to monitor student progress and inform instructional planning. The presentation explained the purpose of each assessment, how and when assessments are administered, and how educators use the results to identify student needs and tailor instruction to support individual learning and growth.

Regular Meeting

Superintendent’s Announcements

Superintendent Dr. Joe Waldron shared district updates, including upcoming events and professional development for trustees at the Texas Association of School Boards convention this week in Houston.

Dr. Waldron also introduced Momentum, Abilene ISD’s new monthly newsletter, available to parents and staff through ParentSquare and by subscription for community members.

Finally, Dr. Waldron celebrated a 100% first six-week passing rate among Abilene High and Cooper High volleyball and cheer students and shared that more than half of AISD secondary students participate in athletic extracurricular activities.

Board President’s Announcements

Board President Blair Schroeder highlighted resources available to help families and community members stay informed about the work of the Board as part of its ongoing commitment to transparency.

He also pointed to the publicly available Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), which outline what students are expected to learn in Texas public schools and provide families and community members with access to information about classroom instruction.

“Good public conversations start with good information,” Mr. Schroeder said. “Whether you want to know what we're considering, or how our students are performing, or what our policies state, it’s important for you to know how to find that information.”

Board meeting agendas, supporting documents, and meeting recordings are available on the district website at www.abileneisd.org/board.

Teaching Minute

Abilene ISD’s Teaching Minute video series continued with a visit to Lauren Cole’s classroom at Purcell STEM Academy, where first-grade students practiced representing and solving addition and subtraction word problems with whole numbers up to 20.

Ms. Cole demonstrated how she incorporates hands-on learning and the engineering design process into math instruction. The lesson also highlighted Purcell’s STEM learning model and its emphasis on creating cross-curricular connections among math, science, reading and other subjects.

Recognitions

David Raughton, Stafford Elementary Custodial Supervisor
Stafford Elementary School Principal Christina Dooley recognized Stafford’s custodial supervisor, David Raughton, for going above and beyond in his service to the campus. Mrs. Dooley praised Mr. Raughton for the commitment and care he shows the campus and its staff, including recently stepping in to support a staff member during a time of need.

TEA Educator Review Committee
Six Abilene ISD educators were recognized for serving on Texas Education Agency assessment review committees this summer. They joined nearly 1,000 educators from across Texas to review test items and provide feedback supporting the development of STAAR, STAAR Alternate 2, and TELPAS assessments.

Recognized educators included:

• Sandy Henry, Abilene High School

• Kerry Holland, Clack Middle School

• Carlos Montez, Craig Middle School

• Jordan Parker, Craig Middle School

• Cristi Doll, Bassetti Elementary

• Barbara Carneiro, Taylor Elementary

Their service provided valuable insight into the state assessment development process while giving Abilene ISD educators a voice in assessments administered to students across Texas.

Public Hearing: School Improvement Plans

Chief Academic Officer Lyndsey Williamson led a public hearing on school improvement plans for Bowie STEM Academy, Clack Middle School, and Madison Middle School. The Texas Education Agency requires improvement plans for campuses based on certain accountability ratings or grant requirements. Each plan establishes measurable strategies for strengthening instruction and improving student achievement. Members of the public can view all plans at this link.

Report: Academic Performance

Mrs. Williamson also shared results from beginning-of-year MAP and mCLASS assessments in reading and math for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Campus and district instructional leaders are reviewing the results to identify areas for growth, adjust instruction and plan targeted interventions as needed.

Students will complete the assessments again at the middle and end of the school year to measure progress and inform continued instructional planning.

Report: District Marketing

Chief Communications Officer Dr. Jordan Ziemer and Assistant Director of Communications Kaitlin Paonessa presented an overview of Abilene ISD’s marketing efforts. The report highlighted the department’s strategic focus on student enrollment and retention, employee recruitment, family and community engagement, and increasing awareness of district programs and opportunities.

The presentation also reviewed results from recent campaigns supporting registration, enrollment, and employee recruitment, as well as efforts to strengthen the district’s brand across Abilene and the Big Country.

Board Action

• 2026-27 Bilingual Education Exception and/or English as a Second Language (ESL) Waiver Application to the Texas Education Agency (TEA): The Board approved the district’s application for bilingual education exceptions and ESL waivers following its annual evaluation of student academic progress and English language development within the program.

• TEA Class Size Waiver and Compliance Plan: The Board approved the district’s application to TEA for class size waivers for 48 elementary classes.