Kate Authier

This document outlines Waxahachie Independent School District's District of Innovation Plan. The plan details exemptions from specific provisions of the Texas Education Code to foster innovation and enhance local decision-making across key areas. These areas include the uniform school calendar, teacher appraisal processes, teacher certification requirements, probationary contracts, access to instructional materials and syllabi, the number of teacher conferences, GPA calculation, acquisition of library materials, local school library advisory councils, and local grievance procedures. The overarching vision is to cultivate an environment where innovation thrives and growth is limitless, providing flexibility to better serve its students and community.

The meeting commenced with the declaration that five trustees were present and the meeting was duly called and posted as required by law. The agenda included a closed session. The primary action item involved consideration for naming Kathy Roodri, Ellis County Appraisal District Chief Appraiser, as the agent for Waxahachie ISD for the purpose of filing a self-appeal related to 2025 property value study values received from the Texas Comptroller's Office. The board voted unanimously to approve this action.

The meeting reconvened into open session with the Superintendent's report, which included a presentation acknowledging January as School Board Appreciation Month and showing a student video expressing gratitude. Key discussion items covered enrollment data as of December 19th, noting an enrollment of 11,159 and an ADA of 10,416 (95.24% attendance rate). Updates were provided on the 2023 bond construction projects, including pouring track surface at the Coleman track and field, progress at Waxahachie Creek facility sections (A1 and A2), and planning for subsequent large concrete pours for locker rooms. Roofing at Waxahachie Creek is scheduled to start in February. The presenter also confirmed that the drawings for the barn construction project are pending architect seal before going out for bid. A significant portion of the meeting involved an informational review of proposed local policy updates, often necessitated by recent legislative sessions, focusing on changes to board meeting notification timelines (72 hours vs. three business days), agenda submission deadlines (10 calendar days), roll call voting requirements, public participation time adjustments, contracted services restrictions (regarding DEI/instructional activities), and updates to background check terminology. Further policy review touched upon display requirements, technology resource language concerning AI, the renaming of the Department of Information Resources to the Texas Cyber Command, faculty standards regarding private space usage, and an increase in the competitive purchasing threshold under Facilities Construction from $50,000 to $100,000. Finally, employment requirements updates regarding administrative personal services approval were discussed.

The meeting primarily consisted of recognizing student and department achievements. Recognitions included numerous high school football players receiving all-district and academic honors, the swim team placing third at the district meet with several regional qualifiers, and accolades for the WHS sports medicine department student trainers, including one named THSCA academic all-day team member. The fine arts department saw significant recognition, including Finley Junior High choir students making the Region 20 all-region choir despite a performance cancellation due to weather, the Cherokee Charmers receiving recognition with one member named All-State dancer and THSCA academic all-state second team member, and two Wachi High School choir students making the TMEA all-state bass choir, a first in school history. Additionally, the Wachi High School band, including All-State and area musicians, and the Wachi Global High School esports team, champions of the Play Versus Mario Kart 8 Central competition, were celebrated. The session concluded with plans for refreshments.

This plan outlines Waxahachie ISD's strategy to achieve full compliance with teacher certification requirements by the 2029 academic year. It focuses on reducing the number of uncertified teachers by 4% annually from Fall 2025. The strategy includes targeted support for uncertified teachers, strategic partnerships with educator preparation programs, proactive recruitment to strengthen the future teacher pipeline, and continuous monitoring and accountability to ensure all students are taught by appropriately certified educators.