May 20, 2024 Board Recap

The Prosper Independent School District Board of Trustees met for a regular Board Meeting on Monday, May 20, 2024.

On May 10, the Board canvassed the May 4, 2024 election returns and certified that incumbent Bill Beavers and David Webb won their respective places.

For Place 4, Incumbent Bill Beavers received 2,022 votes and Lanford Rodgers received 845 votes. Mr. Beavers received at least a plurality of votes and was therefore re-elected to his third term on the Board.

For Place 7, Kristin Meier received 939 votes, David Webb received 1,699 votes, and Drew Wilborn received 266 votes. Mr. Webb received at least a plurality of votes and was elected to his first term on the Board.

Both were sworn in on May 20, 2024.

After closed session, the Board approved a new slate of officers:

President Bill Beavers

Vice President Dena Dixon

Secretary Jorden Dial

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Greg Bradley presented a recommendation for the Richland High School attendance zone. Dr. Bradley proposed that the school would open with 9th and 10th graders in Fall 2025 and would take students mostly from the western side of the district. Richland High School will provide relief to Prosper High School and is projected to open with nearly 1,100 students.

District, Board asks for feedback from families

The Board is holding a feedback meeting on Wednesday, June 5, at 6 pm in the Prosper High School cafeteria. Families are invited to hear a more detailed presentation about Richland High School's attendance boundaries. The Board will then have roundtable discussions to allow personal conversations with families and community members. A more detailed map will be available online soon.

Board to approve in June

The District will then take the feedback into consideration as it presents the final attendance boundary plan at the June 17 Board meeting.

PROSPER HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER STATE CHAMPIONS

Season Highlights

• Overall season record: 26 wins - 2 losses - 2 ties

• Scored 105 goals

• Opponents only scored 23 goals on us

• First time in PISD and PHS history a soccer team made it to the state tournament

Team Members

Cam Brandt

Ella Brinkerhoff

Ellie Christiansen

Reagan Cox

Addy Cox

Lauren Edler

Isa Fregoso

Ava Germany

Addi Gonzalez

Lola Gregory

Khloe Griffith

Olivia Hess

Molly Hodges

Josie Juvera

Piper King

Madison Logeman

Maddie Mahon

Rhia Mahon

Emma Mahowald

Maggie Manning

Berklee McAllister

Brooklyn Miller

Trinity Morken

Trinity Morrow

Reagan Roberts

Beya Rosales

Reagan Rose

Tracey Smith

Michi Steinhilber

Brooklyn Stilson

Ashley Thomas

Sam Tovar

Charlie Tuzzolino

Izzy Wilson

Taylee Wood

Schuyler Yaroma

Coaches

Matt Dickinson Laura Mauldin

Since 1926, Mahard Egg Farm has been a cornerstone of Prosper, Texas, supplying eggs to chain food stores, food service supply companies, and distribution warehouses across Texas and Oklahoma. Now, as the legacy of the Mahard family intertwines with the modern needs of the community, a historic building once home to the Mahard Egg Farm retail shop has found new purpose.

The Mahard family has deep roots in Prosper, not only as successful entrepreneurs but also as dedicated supporters of Prosper Independent School District. Jim Mahard served as President of the Board of Trustees for three years in the early 1950s, while Ernest Mahard contributed as a Trustee from 1959 to 1961.

In 2021, Prosper ISD made a significant move by acquiring the Mahard Egg Farm retail shop located on First Street. Rather than letting the building fade into obscurity, the District decided to repurpose it, turning it into a hub for community services. The building now houses the Family Resource Center, providing vital support to families in need, alongside additional office space for administrative functions.

Despite the transformation, the building retains a connection to its past. People still flock to the location to purchase eggs, honoring the longstanding tradition that the Mahard family established decades ago.

Representing the Mahard family are Kaitlin Mahard and Emily Van Derlinden, ensuring that the values and history of Mahard Egg Farm remain integral to the fabric of Prosper.

As Prosper ISD continues to evolve to meet the needs of its residents, the repurposing of the Mahard Egg Farm retail shop stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of a family deeply woven into the town's history.

The legacy of Virgie Witt Smothermon, a cherished figure in the Navo/Prosper community, is set to be immortalized with the naming of a school in her honor. Born in 1908, Virgie's profound impact on education and her unwavering commitment to her community have made her a revered figure among residents of Prosper.

Virgie's ties to the Prosper community run deep. She married H. Len in 1933, and together they raised their family, with all four children attending Prosper schools, as did their grandchildren. Virgie's dedication to education was unparalleled, as she spent three decades teaching in Prosper schools, beginning in the early 1950s.

While Virgie initially taught homemaking, it was her tenure as a first-grade teacher that truly defined her legacy. Her nurturing spirit, coupled with her passion for instilling the foundational skills of reading and writing, left an indelible mark on every student who passed through her classroom doors.

Despite facing a debilitating condition that confined her to a wheelchair, Virgie's resilience and unwavering dedication to her students remained steadfast. Her selflessness and tireless efforts to ensure the success of her students made her a beloved figure in the Prosper community and an inspiration to all who knew her.

The decision to name a school after Virgie Smothermon reflects the profound impact she had on generations of Prosper students and her significant contributions to education in the community. As her name graces the walls of a school, Virgie's spirit will continue to inspire future generations of students, reminding them of the importance of compassion, perseverance, and dedication to excellence in education.

Representing the Smothermon family in this momentous occasion are Cathy and Danny Gibson, who continue to honor Virgie's memory and celebrate her enduring legacy.

With the spirit of adventure and a nod to tradition, Richland High proudly presents the Richland Raiders!

The Raider, a symbol deeply rooted in the American frontier spirit, embodies the ideals of honor, resourcefulness, and a sense of adventure. Much like the wrangler forging new paths on the frontier, the Raider represents the students' journey of overcoming challenges and embracing new opportunities.

One of the standout design features is the Richland R, crafted with a beveled effect that adds depth and dimension to the typography. This design choice not only reflects the school's commitment to excellence but also conveys a sense of solidity, strength, and craftsmanship.

Inspired by the Rock Hill High School shield, the Shield serves as a powerful emblem of unity, resilience, and tradition. Its shape embodies the collective spirit of the Richland community, coming together to support one another and overcome any obstacle that comes their way.

As the Richland Raiders prepare to embark on their journey, they carry with them the values and ideals represented by their mascot and design features. With honor, resilience, and a sense of adventure, they are ready to make their mark both on and off the field.

The unveiling of the new mascot marks an exciting chapter in the history of Richland High School, signaling a bright future filled with endless possibilities. Richland High School is set to open in Fall 2025.

Jim Bridges, a respected figure in the Prosper community, is being honored for his unwavering dedication and tireless service to Prosper Independent School District with the naming of a new middle school in his honor. With a tenure of over a decade, Jim's commitment to education and his passion for promoting excellence have made a lasting impact on the District.

Jim and his wife Sally raised two Prosper High School graduates as Jim began his tenure on the Board in 2010. Over the years, he served in various roles, demonstrating his leadership and dedication to the District. His positions included Trustee for one year, Secretary for three years, Vice President for four years, and President for another four years.

During his time in office, Jim's vision and guidance helped guide Prosper ISD through periods of growth and change, ensuring that students received the best education possible. His leadership was marked by a steadfast commitment to the District's values and a relentless pursuit of excellence in all aspects of education.

After a brief break, Jim returned to the Board as a Trustee for the 2023-2024 school year, showing his ongoing dedication to serving the Prosper community and its students.

Throughout his years of service, Jim's impact extended far beyond the boardroom. He was a familiar presence at school events, always ready to assist and support students in their academic and extracurricular activities.

As Jim Bridges is recognized for his years of devoted service to Prosper ISD, the community looks back on the significant impact he has had and the legacy he leaves behind. His leadership, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to excellence will continue to inspire future generations of students and educators in Prosper ISD for years to come.

Prosper High School Gold Medals

• Devi Priya Chanda

• Jayden Smith

• Emily Zhang

• Olivia Crooks

• Adrianna Liu

• Bryan Nam (two Gold Medals)

• Johannah Paolo

• Ruy Liao

• Erin Young

These students achieved these honors under the guidance of their art teachers.

• Brian Pierce

• Aimee Hinshaw

• Violet Delaney

Rock Hill High School Gold Medals and Gold Seal

• Cheyenne Jackson

• Naavya Dangi (2 Gold Medals)

• Claire Fassett

• Kaden May

• Jo Eun Park

• Elizabeth Hill

• Griffey Kanzier

• Yuhan Liu - Gold Seal
  
  

These students achieved these honors under the guidance of their art teachers.

• Crimson Scott

• Rebekah Hurst

• Karalee Scott

Walnut Grove High School Gold Medals

• Addison Gagliano

• Anna Wren

• Aubrey Porter

• Deepshika Dulum

• Michael Catarineu

• Reina Bellard

• Emily Lanning

• Rebecca Levine

These students achieved these honors under the guidance of their art teachers.

• Janette Church

• Gina Mock

Eagle Scouts

The Eagle Scout is the highest achievement of rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America. Since its inception in 1911, only four percent of Scouts have earned this rank after a lengthy review process.

• Kaleb Roan

• Aleksander Stephenson

• Brendan Donnelly

• Logan Fields

• Thejas Prakash

• Braydyn Cyranowicz

• Michael Duffy

• Ethan Cuevas

Girl Scout Gold Award

The Gold Award, created in 1916, is the highest achievement within the Girl Scouts of the USA, earned by Senior Ambassador Girl Scouts. Only 5.4% of eligible Girl Scouts successfully earn the Gold Award.

• Erica Fahrenthold

• Mackenzie Ayyob

• Zeeya Merchant

Season Highlights: They set The Standard

• 8 tournament wins

• Two, 2nd place finishes

• Two, 3rd place finishes

• District Championship

• Regional Championship

• Bronze Medal at State Tournament

Team Members

• Ryan Shellberg

• Austin Randall

• LT Harris

• Collin Alstrin

• Grant Clapp

Coach

• Sarah Fulfer

• Owen Horsley
  Coach: Brian Smith

• Gold 100m Dash, Wheelchair Division

• Gold 400m Dash, Wheelchair Division

Meet highlights

• Athlete of the Meet

• In the 100m, Owen came from behind to win State in the last 10 meters.

• In the 400m, he led wire to wire in a strong performance.

• In both events, Owen set new personal bests.

• Skylynn Townsend
  Coach: Zach Morgan

• Gold Long Jump

• Gold Triple Jump

Season Highlights

• Long Jump and Triple Jump District, Area and Regional Champion

• Her Triple Jump PR is #6 all time in Texas

• 2024 PISD Femal Athlete of the Year

• Nike Indoor National Champion - Triple Jump

• Texas Relay Champion-Long Jump and Triple Jump

The administration provided a report on Bond 2019 / 2023 construction projects.

The administration provided an enrollment update.

The administration provided a report on the district's Curriculum and Instruction program.

The Board approved the following action items:

• changes to Board policy
• sale of land to TXDOT
• awarding the contract for paving at Reynolds Middle School and Prosper High School
• MOU with the Town of Prosper related to Legacy Drive
• the design contract for Legacy Drive

• One person spoke during the non-agenda public comment segment.
• One person spoke during the agenda item public comment segment.

• The Board approved hiring contract personnel as presented.

• May 20 - Regular School Board Meeting
• May 22 - Prosper High School Graduation, Children's Health Stadium, 7:30 pm
• May 23 - Rock Hill High School Graduation, Children's Health Stadium, 7:30 pm
• May 24 - Walnut Grove High School Graduation, Children's Health Stadium, 7:30 pm

• Videos of Board meetings are posted within 7 days of the Board meeting.
• Board Meetings are also streamed live.
• Live Stream/Video Archive

Public Comment Form

The Prosper ISD Board of Trustees welcomes public comment at Board meetings. In order to provide an efficient process at the Board meetings, we ask that individuals complete the Public Comment Form and submit it no later than noon on the day of the meeting. The Notice of Meeting/Agenda is posted 72 hours in advance of the Board meeting.

From left: Board Member Tommy Van Wolfe, Board Member Jim Bridges, Board President Bill Beavers, Board Vice President Dena Dixon, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Holly Ferguson, Board Member Garrett Linker, Board Member Kelly Cavender, and Board Secretary Jorden Dial

Visit the Board of Trustees website.