Carol Henard

The board conducted a closed session to evaluate school leadership personnel. Action items included extending the contracts of several staff members and adopting a formal determination that the district's budget does not allow for the purchase of school buses equipped with three-point seat belts. The board also accepted an Order of Election for the upcoming trustee general election, approved a delay for the teacher certification plan, established HB 3 board goals, declined a statutory resolution regarding SB 11, and updated policy regarding GPA credits for junior high courses. Additionally, the board reviewed reports on student enrollment, personnel updates, and various academic testing schedules.

The Schools FIRST Public Hearing was convened, during which Superintendent Ashmore announced that Wellington ISD received an "A" for "Superior Achievement" and a district score of 100 for the 2023-2024 school year under the Schools FIRST financial accountability system. Required disclosure documents were available for viewing. The public hearing was closed with no comment from the public.

The Wellington Independent School District's 2025-2026 District Improvement Plan outlines a commitment to providing a safe, quality education and fostering lifelong learning. Key strategic goals include maximizing student educational potential and academic performance across all subjects, delivering a well-balanced curriculum with innovative techniques, providing tailored services for gifted and talented students, ensuring a high school graduation for all students, enhancing parental engagement, developing job skills through career and technical education, and maintaining a positive and safe learning environment.

The Wellington Independent School District Board of Education convened to discuss several key items. The board addressed the hiring of personnel, specifically Jessica Thomas, to teach part-time. They considered and acted on the property insurance renewal with PEAT for the upcoming school year and approved travel reimbursement rates. The proposed tax rate for 2025 was discussed and set, and a public hearing was scheduled to discuss the proposed budget and tax rate. Additionally, the Employee Handbook, Student Handbook, Student Code of Conduct, and Athletic Handbook were reviewed. The School Safety & Security Committee members were also reviewed. The Superintendent's report included updates on new hires, safety equipment purchases, participation in the TIA program, and campus maintenance. The Principals' reports highlighted faculty preparations for the new school year, training sessions, and volunteer efforts. The AD reported on the start of Skyrocket football and cross country.

The meeting commenced with a Public Hearing on the WISD Annual Performance Report, during which the Superintendent reviewed components including the 2024-2025 Texas Academic Performance Report, 2023-2024 Financial Actual Information, incident reports, and higher education academic statistics. Action was taken to approve the school audit for the 2024-2025 school year, which resulted in a clean audit with an unqualified opinion. Following a closed session to evaluate the superintendent, the Board voted to extend the Superintendent's contract through June 30, 2029, authorizing the Board President to sign. Review items included the District Improvement Plan, and the Superintendent reported on staff resignations and upcoming Team of Eight training.