Denise Carrington Ayres

The Board of Trustees convened to discuss several key items, including the approval of library materials recommended by the school library advisory council. The workshop also featured a progress update on the district's strategic plan, focusing on the SWOT analysis results and gathering feedback on the strategic objectives. Additionally, the board discussed potential updates to the mission and vision statements and reviewed the proposed values and belief statements.

The Board engaged in a workshop focused on the theme of educational innovation as part of the ongoing strategic planning process. Key discussion points included exploring new definitions of innovation within learning environments, analyzing student engagement and future-ready experiences, and discussing the potential for specialized academy models to increase student retention and choice. The board also reviewed the importance of hands-on learning, real-life application, and the logistical challenges associated with diversifying educational delivery methods to better prepare students for the modern workforce.

The meeting commenced with recognitions, including the Lake Belton High School automotive students, numerous Texas Music Educators Association All-State honorees in Band, Choir, and Jazz, and student athletes named to the Texas High School Coaches Association Academic All-State Football teams. The Lake Belton High School varsity football team was recognized as a finalist for the National Football Foundation National Academic Excellence Award. Career and Technical Education (CTE) state qualifiers from Business Professionals of America and HOSA were celebrated, alongside the Journey of a Graduate Milestones Award recipient and the Congressman John Carter CTE Award recipient. Mrs. Gabby Manibusan was recognized as the Temple Rotary Educator of the Month, and Belton New Tech @Waskow was named to the 2025 AP School Honor Roll. The CTE department, recognized as a CTE District of Distinction, was showcased, and Johnson Brothers Ford was recognized as a community partner. The Communications Department won four State Awards from TSPRA. Action items included the approval of the Issuance of 2025 Bonds and Refunding of Bonds Series 2015 and 2016, resulting in projected taxpayer savings exceeding $760,000. The Board also approved a resolution declining to adopt a policy mandating a period of prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious text, affirming that existing policy already protects students' rights to religious expression. Consent agenda items approved included financial reports, budget amendments, expenditures over $50,000, service bids, change orders, and close-out approvals for bond projects. The Board also acted on appointments for the May 2, 2026 General Election judges and considered updates to local district policies.

The meeting included several recognition segments: the Phlebotomy Program at Belton High School, the Belton Champions Special Olympics Bowling Team, National Merit Commended Scholars from Lake Belton High School, the Lake Belton High School Stampede Marching Band for advancing to the State Contest, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) District of Distinction honor for the second consecutive year, the Finance Department's multiple awards for financial integrity and reporting, Temple Rotary Educator of the Month Heath Conde, the Health Services Department showcase, community partner Baylor Scott & White Healthcare, and special recognition for Paraprofessional Lori Curry for administering the Heimlich maneuver to a choking student. Action items approved included School Improvement Plans, such as the Southwest Elementary Turn Around Plan, and the Teacher Incentive Allotment Spending Plan. Reports covered Goal 1 progress regarding strategic partnerships. Consent agenda items approved included the Unaudited Financial Report for October 31, 2025, Gifts, Grants, and Bequests, Budget Amendment #2 for 2025-2026, expenditures over $50,000, supply/equipment bids, the Learning Acceleration Support Opportunities Grant Application, a resolution regarding votes for the Tax Appraisal District of Bell County, selection of a construction delivery method for an elementary school HVAC replacement, and a utility easement agreement.

The meeting recognized elementary students who were finalists in the Holiday Card Contest and celebrated 112 middle school students who earned all-region honors in band and orchestra. Congratulations were extended to a Lake Belton High School freshman for becoming the first runner to qualify for the state cross-country meet. The Journey of a Graduate Milestones Award was presented to an eighth-grade student for exceptional perseverance. The board recognized an AVID educator as the Temple Rotary Educator of the Month and another teacher as the Belton Rotary Educator of the Quarter. The Special Programs team, supporting over 2,900 students with disabilities, was featured in the department showcase. Grace Art Gallery was recognized as a Big Red Community Partner. Key action items approved included the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar and new course offerings for the secondary level. The Goal 3 Report, focusing on attracting, retaining, and supporting employees, was presented. Consent agenda items approved included the unaudited financial report for November 2025, Gifts, Grants, and Bequests, Budget Amendment #3 for 2025-2026, various expenditures over $50,000 including software and service renewals, bid results, appointments, and change orders related to the Delta Facility Bond Project, along with the second reading and approval of five local policy updates.