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Cougar Community Newsletter
February 21, 2025
February 19, 2025 - Jarrell ISD Board of Trustees Meeting
Cougar Champions
Our Cougar Champions of the month were recognized for their outstanding work.
- Jarrell Elementary School: Benjamin Wolter (Student), Officer Michael Loney (Staff)
- Igo Elementary School: Valeria Peguero Marquez (Student), Holly Espinoza (Staff)
- Double Creek Elementary School: Easton Ragsdale (Student),Cindy Fernandez (Staff)
- Jarrell Middle School: Caroline Beaudoin (Student), Jennifer Frazier (Staff - Not Present)
- Jarrell High School: Kamgo Weko (Student), Ian Quisenberry (Staff)
Benjamin Wolter
Jarrell Elementary School
Officer Michael Loney
Jarrell Elementary School
Valeria Peguero Marquez
Igo Elementary School
Holly Espinoza
Igo Elementary School
Easton Ragsdale
Double Creek Elementary School
Cindy Fernandez
Double Creek Elementary
Caroline Beaudoin
Jarrell Middle School
Kamgo Weko
Jarrell High School
Ian Quisenberry
Jarrell High School
Board Briefs
*All presentations are attached below*
Communication and Informational Items:
- Superintendent Dr. Toni Hicks presented monthly student outcomes
- Assistant Superintendent Laura Buckley presented this month's Student Voice
- CTE Coordinator Paul Boff presented Future Programming and Designation
- Chief Financial Officer Robert Navarro presented a Finance Update
- Assistant Superintendent Bob Mabry presented a review and discussion about Policy 124 and Local Updates
- Sledge Engineering presented the monthly 2023 Bond Update
-Action Items:
In addition to approving the consent agenda, the Board of Trustees:
- Approved new Attendance Zones for Jarrell Middle School and Jarrell Ranch Middle School
- Approved 2023 Bond Admin Annex Roof & Solar Guaranteed Maximum Price
Communication & Informational Presentations
Action Items Presentations
Legislative Priorities
At Jarrell ISD, we strive to create an innovative education environment that meets the needs of all students. State funding is critical to achieving that goal. Our legislative priorities for the Texas 89th Legislative Session call on our state leaders to invest in public education to enhance educational equity and increase teacher compensation and support. More of our priorities are outlined below and can be downloaded.
Fund Schools First
Texas school districts haven't received an increase in the basic allotment since 2019. Below are facts and figures of how it's impacting Jarrell ISD.
Jarrell ISD Board of Trustees Seeking Volunteers to Fill Place 2 Vacancy
The Jarrell ISD Board of Trustees is seeking volunteers to fill the vacant position on the Board in Place 2. To fill the vacancy, the Board will appoint someone to serve in Place 2 until that position is up for election in November 2025.
Interested candidates must apply and live in Place 2, which includes neighborhoods west of I-35, near Double Creek Elementary School and Jarrell High School. An address search can be found using this map. Click on the magnifying glass and enter your address to see if you qualify.
If you want to serve on the Board, contact Diane Hodde, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, at diane.hodde@jarrellisd.org for more information. A subcommittee of current Board members will interview interested individuals and bring one finalist to the Board for approval at a future meeting.
Crystal Phalen previously represented Place 2 but resigned in November 2024.
The deadline to submit applications is Friday, February 28, 2025, at 3:00 pm.
Did you Hear?
We're hosting a job fair.
Watch this video to see why living in Jarrell and working at Jarrell ISD is a great career move.
Career and Technical Education State Award
Jarrell ISD was named a District of Distinction by the Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT) for our Career and Technical Education programs. The prestigious honor recognizes excellence in education. Only 38 districts in the State of Texas received this recognition.
Click on the link to learn more about our CTE courses.
Last week, Rep. John Carter recognized JHS Senior Lindsey Salinas for her outstanding achievement in our Health Sciences program of study.
At his State of the State address earlier this month, Governor Greg Abbott celebrated Raya Rabold. She graduated from JHS in 2024. The Governor recognized Raya for her incredible and award winning welding projects. She's 18 and on her way to making $85,000 a year as a welding inspector.
Lindsey Salinas and Rep. John Carter
Raya Rabold at the State of the State address in January.
Raya earned her Industry Based Certification (IBC) in welding while in high school.
Attention Parents
Updated Attendance Zones
Over several months, a committee of staff, parents, and community members analyzed growth data, student capacity, and logistics to create new attendance zones for Jarrell Middle School and Jarrell Ranch Middle School. The committee devised four separate plans. Once the plans were drafted, the committee decided Plans 1 and 2 wouldn't support long-term needs. Plans 3 and 4 were presented to the community on December 18, 2024, for them to vote. After reviewing those results, the committee decided to create a fifth plan. On January 10, 2025, Plans 3,4 and 5 were presented to the community for another vote. The community overwhelmingly supported Plan 5, which the school board approved.
Jarrell Education Foundation Fundraiser
Visit the Jarrell Education Foundation website to learn more about donations or becoming a member. Below, you can watch the JEF Grant Patrol surprise 2024 winners and see donor dollars at work.
District Champions
Congratulations to the girls Varsity basketball team. They had a terrific season and are the District Champions.
Student Council Food Drive
The high school Student Council is hosting its annual food drive. Students can drop off donations during the 5th period. Community members who want to help can drop off their donations at the high school's front office. Please tell them it's for the Student Council Food drive.
Mark your Calendars
JHS FFA Vet Clinic
Our Jarrell FFA students will host pet vaccine clinic on Wednesday, March 5th at 5:00 pm. The event is at Jarrell High School. The images below have information about cost and the animals they'll treat.
Parent Reunification and Emergency Operations
In the event of an emergency, it's vital that we have your up-to-date contact information. 15% of our parent population has incorrect contact information on file. It's critical we have your correct address, email address, and phone numbers. Please log in to the Ascender - Parent Portal to verify that your information is accurate.
In addition to having your correct information on file, filling out a Parent Reunification Card is vital for an emergency. Click on the link below to learn more about our Parent Reunification Plan.
Safety Tip Line
Jarrell ISD Police Department
You can also contact the Jarrell ISD Police Department for assistance or to report concerns and criminal activity.
Smart Tag Resources
Athletic Events
Clear Bag Policy
Got celebrations to share? Send them to Nicholas.Spinetto@jarrellisd.org.
About Jarrell ISD
Email: communications@jarrellisd.org
Website: www.jarrellisd.org
Location: 504 N 5th Street, Jarrell, Texas 76537
Phone: 512-746-2124
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JarrellIndependentSchoolDistrict
Instagram: @Jarrell_ISD
Twitter: @Jarrell_ISD