PfISD Administration Report

*Haga clic en "Translate" arriba para español.

*Vui lòng nhấp vào "Translate" ở trên để có tiếng Việt.

• Radical Transparency - unprecedented levels of accessibility to information
• Keeping Trustees and Stakeholders connected with the work of the Administration
• Staying cohesive from the Boardroom to the Classroom
• Keeping us open and learning, together!
• Continuous improvement in all that we do

The new Pflugerville ISD Administration Report is a groundbreaking initiative designed to promote transparency and create an unprecedented level of accessibility to information. This report is strategically aligned with the district's mission and goals, ensuring that every stakeholder is informed about the administrative decisions, board meeting outcomes, and district-wide initiatives that impact the educational environment.

The report aims to align the district's strategic efforts seamlessly across all levels by bridging the gap between the boardroom and the classroom to support student success and community trust. It serves as a comprehensive resource for parents, students, teachers, and community members, reflecting Pflugerville ISD's commitment to open communication and collaborative governance. Through this initiative, the district seeks to support student success and foster a sense of community trust by keeping all parties well-informed and engaged in the educational process.

We appreciate the public comments shared by the Women’s Empowerment Group at WHS and look forward to working collaboratively to address their concerns. To support students’ needs, the campus principal and the district’s nursing Coordinator, have ensured that all elementary, middle, and high school students have access to an unlimited supply of feminine products through the Nurses’ Office.

As a follow-up, to the groups recent requests for feminine products in bathrooms at middle and high schools, the district conducted a cost-impact analysis for the potential installation of the dispensers and the purchase of compatible feminine products, as our current stock is not suitable for dispensers.The approximate cost to install dispensers in female bathrooms *MS/HS) is roughly $75,000, and a recurring annual cost of approximately $3,900 for feminine products.

Health education is a vital part of our students' overall development and well-being, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to make informed, healthy choices. In Pflugerville Independent School District, health instruction spans multiple grade levels, covering essential topics outlined in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards. The curriculum is carefully structured to support students' physical, mental, and social well-being at different stages of their development.

Middle School Health Education (Grades 6-8)

• 6th Grade: Health TEKS in 6th grade are covered through advisory lessons and are presented by various instructional staff. Topics include understanding physical and social changes, resilience, medication use and misuse, tobacco and vaping, managing health conditions, and more. The curriculum also addresses critical mental health aspects, including bullying, suicide prevention, and self-management strategies for long-term health. The Me & You Too program, which covers sexual health instruction, is delivered by PE and Dance teachers in the spring semester.
  
  

• 7th and 8th Grades: Health TEKS are further expanded in advisory lessons and through science classes, where sexual health TEKS are taught using the Big Decisions program. These lessons address healthy relationships, substance misuse, addiction effects, self-esteem, peer influence, resilience, bullying, and safety. By building upon foundational skills introduced in 6th grade, students gain deeper insights into managing their emotions, thoughts, and relationships.

The PfISD community including families, students, and citizens was invited to preview the health curricula that are being utilized across all middle schools. Additionally, families are provided with an opt-out option if they do not wish their student to participate in the maturation/sexual health education lessons. Opt-out notification is provided from the campuses and from the district level.

High School Health Education

Health education in high school offers flexibility and depth. Starting with the class of 2029, all high school students must complete one of the following courses to graduate: Money Matters, Dollars & Sense, Professional Communications, General Employability Skills, or Health I. Health I is widely chosen and is available as an elective in both middle school (8th grade) and high school, providing an important continuity of health education.

Health I Course:

• Offered in 8th grade and as a high school elective, this course comprehensively covers all TEKS for health education. The Health I course is one semester.

• Six weeks of the curriculum focus on sexual health. Families have the option to opt out of this unit, and alternative content that addresses risky behaviors in a broader context is provided. As of the 2024-2025 school year, seven students have opted out.
  
  

Enrollment Data:

• Health I course enrollment demonstrates strong participation across our campuses, with hundreds of students actively engaged each semester.

• Similar to the middle school vetting process, the PfISD community including families, students, and citizens was invited to preview the health curricula that are being utilized across all high schools.

• Additionally, families are provided with an opt-out option if they do not wish their student to participate in the maturation/sexual health portion of the lessons. Opt-out notification is provided from the campuses and from the district level.

Importance of Health Education

Health education is crucial for fostering lifelong healthy habits and preparing students to navigate complex social and health-related challenges. By addressing topics such as mental health, substance misuse, sexual health, and safety, we empower students with the tools to make informed decisions, build resilience, and understand the importance of both physical and emotional wellness. Through continuous instruction from middle school through high school, PfISD is committed to supporting students’ growth into healthy, responsible adults.

We are pleased to announce the Pathways to Careers course, dedicated to providing students with essential insights into in-demand career paths and helping them make informed decisions about their future education and career trajectories. This course equips students with the practical knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to explore diverse career fields and educational pathways.

Through a blend of experiential learning—including virtual reality experiences, field trips, and skill-building exercises—students will gain exposure to various professions, develop critical career-readiness skills, explore the advanced academic, college, and career programs available at high school, and create a personalized graduation plan to guide their high school and postsecondary journey.

Key Benefits of the Pathways to Careers Course:

• Exploration of Career Options: Students gain insight into different career clusters and learn about future career opportunities in high-demand industries.

• Interactive and Engaging Learning: Through group projects, field trips, and hands-on activities like building projects and making commercials, students can immerse themselves in real-world experiences.

• Development of a Personalized Graduation Plan: During the course, students will be guided through the creation of their personalized graduation plan, helping them to strategically plan their high school and postsecondary education and activities.

This course awards 1.0 high school credit and fulfills a local graduation credit requirement, making it an invaluable step toward both personal growth and academic success.

Opt-Out Option

We recognize that each family has unique educational preferences. If you choose not to have your child participate in the Pathways to Careers course, please inform us by February 26, 2025, by submitting the opt-out Google Form that will be provided. Opting out will not impact your child’s academic standing, and an alternative elective will be arranged based on your student’s course selections.

The Pflugerville ISD Early College High School (ECHS) at Pflugerville High School (PHS) offers students a unique opportunity to get a head start on their college education within a supportive, community-focused environment. Based on Texas Education Agency guidance, PfISD chose a “School-Within-a-School” model, allowing students to remain connected to PHS while completing college coursework. This approach provides dual benefits: students can enjoy the rich experiences of high school, including access to athletics, fine arts, and elective programming, while also pursuing college credit.

PHS was selected as the ECHS location due to its central location and capacity to support the expected student cohorts without requiring extensive new resources. Partnering with Austin Community College (ACC), the district has secured cost-effective options for students, as ACC waives tuition for up to 60 credit hours for those within the ACC service area, which includes all PfISD students. Additionally, PHS’s existing administrative and counseling team will serve ECHS students, allowing the program to maximize resources efficiently.

This model embodies the district’s commitment to broadening access to college, particularly for students who may benefit most from early college exposure. Through ECHS, Pflugerville ISD is helping students build academic skills and confidence while providing a cost-free pathway to higher education success.

If you would like to learn more about the PfISD Early College High School, please join us for an upcoming information meeting at the following campuses:

• ECHS/P-TECH Parent Information Session

• P-TECH In-Person Meeting January 14, 2025 @ 6:00 PM in CHS Library

• ECHS/P-TECH Parent Information Meeting on Zoom in February

• ECHS In-Person Meeting on March 11, 2025 @ 6:30 PM in PHS Cafeteria

• ECHS and P-TECH applications

• Open: January 14, 2025

• Close: April 1, 2025

• Purpose: Subscription renewal request for grades K-5.
• Cost: $82,281
• Funding Source: Instructional Materials Allotment (IMA) & General Fund
• Vendor: Learning A-Z
• Rationale: This is an annual request. Learning A-Z provides resources to expand literacy instruction. This is a request to renew the district's access to the Reading and Science materials. Classroom teachers, special education teachers, and interventionists utilize the books and resources to support their students’ current reading and language needs. Reading A-Z provides more than 2,500 downloadable books in English and Spanish to be used during small-group guided reading instruction. Reading A-Z books and teaching materials (specific to each book) offer a large range of grade-level books to be used with our PreK-5 grade students. The support and resources enrich the experience and thrill of reading because teachers choose text to engage students’ interests. In addition, the non-fiction books allow the integration of science and social studies during their literacy block. Materials are used as supplemental resources for reading science K-5 content text; access to vocabulary activities; science inquiry lesson ideas; and concept diagrams. The purchase includes 490 Reading A-Z classroom licenses and 164 Science A-Z classroom licenses.

• Purpose: Independent commissioning services for the renovations of the Curriculum & Technology (former Albertson’s) Building Renovations.
• Cost: $80,150
• Funding Source: 2018 Bond
• Vendor: TEESI Engineering
• Rationale: Independent commissioning services will be provided, as required by the City of Pflugerville Code, for the Curriculum & Technology Building renovations. This will cover HVAC and control systems, electrical and lighting controls, and domestic hot water boiler systems.

General Fund

As of the end of October, two months into the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the general fund revenue has reached $17.5 million, which is 13% of the budgeted $289 million. This represents an 11% increase in revenue compared to the same period last year.

October expenditures totaled $26.4 million, bringing the year-to-date spending to 16% of the total budgeted expenditures of $297.5 million. This reflects a 1% increase in spending compared to the same period last year.

Food Service

In October, the Food Service department generated $1.8 million in revenue, reaching 25% of its $14.2 million budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Expenditures for the department also totaled $1.8 million, representing 23% of the department’s total budgeted expenditures of $14.2 million.

Debt Service

The Debt Service Fund received $125,800 in revenue from tax collections and interest, with a $400 expense for debt service fees. Due to the low level of revenue and expenses to date, these activities have had minimal impact on the overall budget percentages for the fund.

Tax Collections

Local tax collections are currently at 0.12% of the total $290.8 million levy. Although collections for 2024 tax year have begun, the majority of the current revenue consists of collections from prior years.

Our annual Pflugerville ISD Front Porch Visits to all 34 district campuses and support facilities were an incredible success! Each October, our dedicated Human Resources team hits the road to connect face-to-face with staff across the district, answering questions about open enrollment, leave, certifications, compensation, and more. These visits are more than just a chance to provide information; they’re a way to build relationships, offer support, and show our gratitude for the amazing work our staff does each day. This year, we were thrilled to see so many of our incredible team members. Thank you for welcoming us to your campuses and making this year’s Front Porch Visits a memorable one!

The November Professional Employee of the Month is Sarah Morale from Weiss High School. Sarah was a great hire by the district. Just being around her, you get the sense of a person who has a lot of pride in her job and responsibilities, both as a case worker in the Special Education Department and as a coach with girls’ athletics. As a coach, she has made quite an impression on the girls in the athletics program. However, she takes even more pride in her position as a case worker, she goes out of her way to follow up on her students, advocates for them, and realizes that her voice has to make a difference for her students. She doesn’t just show up and through the motions of work but cares about her students and the athletes at Weiss.

Being new at Weiss, PfISD and Special Education can be overwhelming and frustrating but Sarah has yet to show any frustrations or complaints about the situations that arise. Both the softball and basketball teams participate in Fall Leagues after school on Mondays. Sarah does everything possible to make it to both events when she can split up time. She cares a lot for the student-athletes. She is an amazing individual and an excellent role model for the young ladies at Weiss High School. She is an outstanding teacher, coach, and case worker, and she is dedicated to the students, the families, and the district.

The November Support Employee of the Month is Elijah Moua, Day Custodian from Mott Elementary. Elijah is a team player to the utmost extent. He does a spectacular job keeping our school clean and safe. He is quick to answer calls for custodial emergencies and always available to help.

He is pure sunshine! He knows all the staff by name, greets everyone, and always has a smile on his face. He takes a great deal of pride in his work, even with tough jobs. Everything he does is done with a smile. He is the kindest person around.

Elijah soars in the stratosphere when it comes to going above and beyond his duties. Elijah knows ALL the students’ names, greets them, and will independently handle situations when students are having a moment or need something. He will escort younger students to class, help them open doors, and find the materials they are looking for. He is 100% part of the campus team. He works with general education students and special education students, serving all of them with care and dignity.

During presentations, assemblies, or shows, he is always here, supporting the greater campus community. He’s also created vocational teams with 4th and 5th grades to help clean the cafeteria during lunch rotations. The students LOVE working with him to the extent they ask to stay and continue helping in lieu of recess. He is a JOY to have with us. It’s rare to find someone like Elijah in this world. He is an extraordinary person. He has built a great relationship with our staff and our students, and Pflugerville ISD is very thankful for his great dedication to our students, the staff, and our district.

The November Guest Educator of the Month is Traci Williams, working at Spring Hill Elementary. Ms. Williams (Ms. W.) has been such a team player that the students and parents didn’t realize she was a guest educator and assumed she was a full-time member of our classroom staff. Ms. Williams has such a great attitude and always keeps a smile on her face, despite the challenges of working with a large group of Littles.

She is someone who remains calm and approaches behavior with a collected demeanor. Ms. Williams learned my schedule right away and followed through with my strategies and approaches without my needing to direct her to do so. She accepts feedback and implements it right away. She is amazing and has gone out of her way to build a rapport with each of our students. We love her so much; that we’ve offered her a full-time position in our classroom which she accepted.

We are very fortunate to have her in our district and, furthermore as part of our past Guest Educator Team. Pflugerville ISD is very thankful for her dedication to our students, staff, and this district.

The Weiss High School Weight Room broke ground 11/11. Site survey taking place week of 11/11. The project’s kick-off meeting was conducted on October 8 and bi-weekly meetings will commence immediately. Construction is expected to last approximately 10 months.

The combined dedication and hard work of our HVAC, Plumbing, Grounds, Locksmith, Maintenance, and Electrical Departments led to the remarkable achievement of completing 2,332 work orders from September 1 to November 11, 2024. Each team played a vital role in ensuring our facilities remain safe, functional, and welcoming for students and staff. Their commitment to excellence, teamwork, and attention to detail make a lasting impact on our district every day. We are incredibly proud and grateful for their efforts in creating an optimal learning environment across Pflugerville ISD!

The Phase 3 playground upgrades have progressed beautifully, staying well ahead of schedule. Currently, the project is 30 to 45 days ahead, and we anticipate all playgrounds will be completed before Winter Break 2024. Impressively, the entire project is set to finish 60 to 90 days ahead of schedule, all while coming in under the budget initially projected in 2022. This achievement reflects outstanding planning, teamwork, and commitment to creating safe and enjoyable spaces for our students across Pflugerville ISD. We’re thrilled to see these new playgrounds ready for our students to enjoy even sooner than expected!

The district has seen an increase in enrollment growth for the 2024-25 school year. The district has seen little to no movement in enrollment since the COVID pandemic as referenced in the data below and this growth is a welcomed surprise. This growth represents approximately 200+ students above our budget forecast. The data below does represent our current “snapshot” data and is still under review. We currently account for an increase in student enrollment above our demographer’s forecast and will have a more accurate number once we return from the winter break.

All Traka key management systems are now fully installed, marking a significant step forward in our campus security efforts. Training sessions on managing these systems, which will be used by substitutes and other contractors, are scheduled for completion before Winter Break, ensuring a smooth and effective rollout.

The installation of impact-resistant safety film on doors and windows remains on track for completion by spring 2025, adding another essential layer of protection to our facilities.

Phase 3 of the district-wide compartmentalization project is actively underway at one of our high schools, and we remain optimistic about reaching the substantial completion target by December 2024. Looking ahead to Phase 4, we are beginning to review additional campus security enhancements. This phase will focus on campuses that already have a strong security foundation but could benefit from minor updates. These ongoing efforts underscore our commitment to creating safe, secure environments for our entire Pflugerville ISD community.

Connally High School is approaching an incredible milestone—30 years of service to our community! In honor of this achievement, we are committed to planning a thoughtful modernization of CHS. Staff and students alike have noted a strong need for various upgrades, from refreshing surface elements like tile and paint to reimagining key administrative and instructional spaces, including labs, offices, the cafeteria, library, athletics, and fine arts areas.

Recently, a committee of staff from Operations, Athletics, Fine Arts, and CHS collaborated to select the right partner for this vision, interviewing Bond-approved architects for the project. DLR was unanimously chosen to help guide our district in envisioning a more modern CHS. Although the 2022 Bond provides limited funding for large-scale modernization, our team, in partnership with DLR, will embark on a collaborative planning process. This will include input from teachers, students, parents, and community members to shape a vision that brings CHS into the 21st century. Realizing this vision will require a phased approach, and we are excited to begin renovations informed by feedback from our visioning committee.

The next step in this journey will be a high-level overview presentation of our vision for Connally High School, which we’ll share with the Board of Trustees at their December 2024 workshop. Representatives from our Construction and Operations team, along with architects from the DLR Group, will provide insights into the vision and initial plans to transform Connally High School into a modernized, inspiring space for future generations.

New Construction

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center is currently awaiting permitting approval from the City of Austin and Travis County. We will likely stay in this holding pattern for several more months and hope to break ground on the campus in 2025.

Teacher Housing

The latest survey results for the Teacher Housing initiative have been reviewed and a copy of the results has been provided to the City of Pflugerville staff. An initial review of the survey results indicates an increased need for housing from our teaching staff as compared to the 2023 survey. We have also received some new renderings from Page Architects and will continue to provide feedback regarding the design.

We are still working on the proposed site across from the Pfield while we review additional sites owned by the district as alternatives. Our next steps include the development of a district Housing Board that will be charged with the review of a number of regulations and standards for the future complex and residents.

The Pflugerville Independent School District (PfISD) has embarked on an inclusive and forward-thinking journey to shape the future of education within the district through its Strategic Plan Visioning Task Force. This initiative brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including parents, community members, business leaders, administrators, teachers, Board members, and students, all of whom are collaborating to create a well-rounded, community-focused vision for PfISD. Central to this visioning process is the development of key findings on instructional delivery and support, actionable strategies to reach district goals, and the creation of a "Profile of a Learner" that will define the competencies and attributes PfISD aims to foster in its students.

The Task Force launched its series of eight planned meetings in October, and sessions will continue through January.

October 24, 2024
Dr. Shepherd kicked off the initial session by welcoming members and emphasizing the importance of their work. Members shared their highest aspirations for PfISD students, reaching a consensus on key themes that capture the community's vision for student success. The task force discussed their own memorable learning experiences to pinpoint core educational values that should shape the district’s future direction. A "Word/Concept Wall" was created, showcasing crucial ideas to be foundational for the strategic plan.

November 5, 2024
Facilitated by education leader Thomas Murray, the second meeting encouraged members to reflect on the highest aspirations and values from the previous session, examining how these could inform PfISD’s strategic priorities. The group explored how positive school culture and community involvement could enhance student outcomes and support long-term success. This session underscored the importance of shared district values in framing the strategic plan’s direction.

November 12, 2024
In this session, members engaged in a "Data Dive," reviewing district data on budget, climate, and staff insights, among other areas, to understand PfISD's strengths and areas for growth. Each group identified key district strengths and concerns, providing valuable insights into the district’s current standing. Additionally, a "Thought Exchange" exercise allowed members to discuss critical themes, deepening their shared understanding and refining the task force’s vision for PfISD’s future.

Looking Ahead
The Task Force will continue to meet regularly, with future sessions including discussions with educational experts to shape a Profile of a Learner and actionable directions that align educational goals with real-world skills. As this process unfolds, it will serve as a pivotal guide for PfISD’s strategies, ensuring that students' needs are met through a commitment to excellence, innovation, and community involvement for the next five years.

Pflugerville ISD has successfully completed the public submission period for naming the newest facility at 1601 W. Pecan, set to open at the end of 2025. This facility will serve as the new home for the district’s curriculum and technology departments, provide space for professional development, and house the network operations center.

The public Naming Survey, which closed on Friday, November 15, 2024, received nearly 300 name submissions. The strong response demonstrates significant community interest in contributing to this important decision.

In accordance with Board Policy CW (Local), submitted names are being evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Historical, geographical, or community sites

• Significant individuals or families who have made meaningful contributions to public education in the district

• Significant state or national figures

• Names that describe the program housed in the facility or its function

The Facility Naming Committee, consisting of Trustees Chevonne Lorigo-Johst, Vernagene Mott, and Charlie Torres, along with the Superintendent’s designee, will convene the week of November 18 to review the submissions. The committee will recommend a name for the Board to discuss on December 5, followed by Board approval on December 12.

This process aligns with district policies and the commitment to engaging the community in meaningful ways.

TASA/TASB TxEdCON is an annual conference hosted by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) and the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). This event brings together education leaders from across Texas to discuss emerging trends, challenges, and innovative solutions in public education. The conference offers a wide range of sessions, networking opportunities, and resources tailored for superintendents, administrators, board members, and other educational professionals. It is designed to foster professional growth, collaboration, and learning to better serve Texas students and communities.

The information below represents the Pflugerville ISD Board of Trustees' session attendance and reflections.

• TRUSTEE DANIEL:

• John Maxwell iLead - Developing positive culture, character, & leadership-Was interested to hear how this was implemented at the very early ages, like first grade, teaching children character

• Five Essential Tips for Handling Serial Community Complainers & Grievants-very interesting case study about litigation with a constructor and use of social media to apply pressure to a district and how they responded

• From soup to Nuts: Engaging Professional Partners in CTE Programs-PBK designed facility that looks much like the one we are constructing. Gave me some perspective on our own program.

• Jose Hernandez: Reaching New Heights-probably the most inspirational session I attended. Liked his approach to overcoming a challenge, loved his story.

• John Maxwell: Leadership: Change Your World-liked his take on ethics

• TRUSTEE MAYER

• Keeping Children First in the Community

• Children First. ALWAYS

• Student Ambassadors: Kids have more influence over kids than adults do. That is a mic drop. This has been an internal way to manage behaviors and set higher behavior expectations. Children who were troubled have also joined the program and turned out to be role models. Being seen and recognized as a student ambassador is a very sought-after and cool accomplishment.

• Student ambassadors got involved with local community groups like Rotarians, etc.

• Examples of all the arenas the Ambassador program engagement and involvement:

• Bryan ISD Build, Texas. A&M Big Event, project-based learning and community- based that also helps with campus improvement; education foundation hosts hometown reunion, and Educators Society Gala, run by the ambassadors, Kids in DAEP or troubled earn placement as student ambassadors, Junior student achievement, Student ambassador parent, free entry to district events; Juniors get to run out on the fields with the players
  
  

• Charting a Course: Special Education Discipline for School Leaders

• Special Ed kids are protected by federal law

• Interesting fact shared: 42% admin report being verbally harassed, threatened, or bullied parents

• Expulsion is making a comeback even with manifest determination

• Manifest Determinations are anecdotally being perceived to be diluting the pool of students that really need the protections. There is no actual data on this due to privacy laws.

• Chapter 37 is coming back and the area of the disciplinary code being evaluated is looking to impart parent responsibility for childs behavior. Important to note that this code doesn’t always or can apply to SPED Students.
  
  

• SBAN Luncheon

• Representative King was the keynote, shared his projections of the upcoming session, his goals, where he started and his allyship to public education. He campaigned for the House of Representatives due to his district being on the first recapture districts. He told his wife, “Don’t worry, I am going in to get our 4 million dollars, and I will be done. 12 years later, he is still here after the Governor tried to run him out this past time.”

• Decoding Special Education: Cultural Competency, Good Governance Advocacy through Reimagining Presentation and training I conducted along with Trustees Alicia Markum, Round Rock ISD, and Anna Smith, Leander ISD. All parents of students with Disabilities. It started with a history of special education on a federal level and then a state level and illustrated the pathway to the crisis we are in now. Describe some of the hard truths about our understanding or lack thereof of people/children with disabilities. Dove into data to support the timeline and its impact, and we talked about the effects of disabilities on parents and caregivers. Finished up with tools to navigate and tell your district's story of the shortfalls in your general fund. Special Education isn’t a place or proximity; it is a resource. A resource for children to access their education. A child isn’t “IN” special education; they are students who “receive” it. All our students are general education students first.
  
  

• Jean Mayer, TASA/TASB Report 2024

• General Session: Jose Herandez

• It’s an incredible life story about having a goal and never giving up. No matter how many times you may be rejected or fail.

• Equipping General Educators to Teach Students with Disabilities

• Here’s more background on special education and stats on how many students are mainstreamed: We are one of the only first-world countries that doesn’t require teachers to be certified in SPED, even as general education or subject matter expert educators. The focus was setting goals to create an agency for general education teachers to instruct and manage children with disabilities in their Classrooms.

• The 89th Legislative Session: the impact on Latino Students

• It covered interim charges in both the Senate and the House, and I learned that none of them, or most, have prioritized Hispanic students and their needs. It was a “call to action” and illustrated the massive gaps. Political discussion had to a certain measure. Powerful conversation and presentation lead by Dr. Mary Gonzalez, Executive Director of Mexican American School Board Association. Also discussion of SPED bill drafted by a House member that was voted out due to Governor’s initiative for Vouchers.

• General Session: John Maxwell, Texas iLead Curriculum

• Values are the foundation: Values are the principles that guide a person's decisions and behaviors, and they form the foundation of a team or organization. Nice pairing and compliment to Q’s news memo authored by our Superintendent.

• Delegate Assembly

• Very successful showing and representation of delegates from around the state. I had the honor and privilege to represent Pflugerville ISD since being appointed to the LAC (Legislative Advisory Committee representing Region 13) to be present to vote and advocate for the legislative priorities we laid out through the TASB grassroots process. Priorities were voted in favor by 97.6% across the entire state.

The Pflugerville ISD Board of Trustees is presenting a resolution in response to the State Board of Education’s (SBOE) proposed amendments to trustee training requirements. These amendments would introduce new eligibility criteria for school board trainers, including mandatory background checks, limit training eligibility solely to individuals (thus excluding organizations), and prohibit "political advocacy" during training sessions.

Historically, organizations such as the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) have

played a critical role in providing valuable training and professional development for school board trustees, significantly enhancing governance and leadership in public education. Excluding these organizations could limit access to comprehensive and high-quality training resources, reducing trustees’ capacity for effective governance.

The proposed requirement for individual background checks, particularly for large

organizations, presents financial and logistical challenges and raises concerns regarding the potential misuse of personal data by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Additionally, the prohibition on “political advocacy” during training lacks a clear definition, potentially stifling essential discussions and open dialogue about advocacy responsibilities.

This resolution opposes the SBOE's amendments as currently written and urges the Board to work with stakeholders, including school districts and trusted organizations like TASB, to create fair, effective training standards that meet the needs of trustees and the public education system. This resolution affirms the Board’s commitment to maintaining diverse, high- quality training options that support the ongoing development of trustees and to upholding open dialogue and advocacy as essential components of trustee training.

Upon adoption, a copy of this resolution will be forwarded to the SBOE, TEA, and other

relevant entities to advocate for policies that strengthen school board governance and trustee effectiveness.