Gregory Bowhuis

The document outlines the proceedings for the MC Harris Spring Graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026, held on March 5, 2026. Key components included acknowledgments to the Brian ISD Air Force Junior ROC, Fatima Perez Torres, and Buddy McGawan. The ceremony involved introductory remarks, pledges to the United States and Texas flags, prayer, and introductions of the Board of Trustees and district administration. Recognitions were given to MC Harris staff, faculty from various Brian ISD campuses, students who attended since kindergarten (totaling 52 graduates), students entering university/college/trade school (38 students), students enlisting in the military (3 students), veterans/active military members, and students designated as college, career, military ready, or first-generation students to attend post-secondary education. Student speakers Maria Hernandez and Damontree Franklin delivered appreciation speeches to their teachers and supporters. The ceremony concluded with the certification of the graduating class and the presentation of diplomas.

The meeting commenced with recognition of the Education Foundation's Alternative Certification Scholarship recipients, totaling $45,000 awarded to nine educators. Following this, state wrestling athletes from Rudder and Bryan High School were celebrated for their performance at the state tournament, including a state champion from Bryan High School. Subsequently, National Merit finalists from Rudder and Bryan High School were recognized for achieving this distinction, which is awarded to less than 1% of high school seniors. A showcase teacher, Helen Ford, was honored for her role in teacher mentorship and retention, specifically her contribution to Lead Forward Consulting's platform for novice teachers. The session concluded with updates on Campus Improvement Plans for four elementary schools (Bowen, Fannon, Henderson, and Houston), focusing on academic, behavioral, and emotional engagement strategies within their plans.

The meeting featured several spotlights, including celebrations for newly designated TIA teachers across recognized, exemplary, and master levels, highlighting substantial state funding allocations for these educators based on student growth and performance. Additionally, Ms. Alisandre Kay was recognized as the February Intermediate Teacher of the Month for her dedication to new arrival center students. Mr. Simon Aosta was named the February Auxiliary Employee of the Month for his diligent work at the central distribution warehouse. A Community Partnership Award was presented to members of the NAACP and related organizations for their extensive support, including funding a Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest and facilitating a field trip to San Antonio for students. Public comment included an individual expressing opposition to resolutions 13A and 13B, citing concerns over potential bullying and procedural issues regarding the timely availability of the resolution text to the public. The agenda also included consideration of a board resolution recognizing Black History Month.

The meeting began with student presentations from Henderson Elementary leading the pledges. Key agenda items included rescheduling the spotlight recognition for the Bryan College Station Chamber of Commerce community partnership award due to a scheduling conflict with the Junior Leadership Brazos students. Brian Collegiate High School was recognized for receiving extraordinary national recognition through the national AVID office, being nominated for a national site team award. Updates were provided on the current year budget forecast, the sale of the old grounds building on Highway 21, and the early notice of resignation incentive program. The Intergovernmental Committee report focused heavily on the need for enhanced baseball and softball facilities in the area, with presentations from Destination Bryan and the city of College Station. The Executive Committee discussed budget status, procurement architect selection, and future construction delivery methods. Campus improvement plan updates were presented for Brian Collegiate High School, Mc Harris High School, Sadbury Intermediate, and Ruer High School, detailing focus areas like rigor (AVID implementation), data literacy (including efforts to increase TSIA math passing rates), and campus culture (school families, support classes, clubs). Principals from these four campuses provided detailed reports on their Critical Focus Areas.

The meeting covered an update on the academic calendar development for the 2026-2027 school year, presenting two options to the community for feedback, noting key differences in start dates and November staff development days. A detailed update on Advanced Academics services was provided, outlining programs for gifted and talented students (including Explorer Academy, cluster classrooms, push-in/pull-out services) and advanced coursework (AP, IB, dual credit, Aspire Academy). The presentation also detailed professional development requirements for GT teachers, the role of AVID strategies across the district, and the structure of the highly gifted Explorer program, which involves self-contained classrooms and specialized training for teachers. Discussions also clarified transportation policies for specialty programs.