Mindy Ardeneaux Tolleson

The board recognized a high school salutatorian and a student lifeguard for heroic actions. They held a public hearing for the budget and proposed tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year. Discussions included information regarding state accountability ratings and progress under the strategic plan. Various approvals were granted, including investment and financial reports, vendor proposals for professional services and construction, Partners in Education donations, and a 4-H faculty agreement. The board established a memorandum of understanding with the local college regarding academic courses and updated public information act nonbusiness days. They also rescheduled several upcoming board meetings, adopted updates to local policies, and approved the employee handbook, school calendar, budget amendments, an engagement letter for auditing services, and a compensation plan.

The board conducted a public recognition for outstanding students and held a closed session for discussions regarding legal, real estate, contractual, personnel, and security matters. A public hearing was conducted for the proposed budget and tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year. Key approvals included the monthly investment report, various service and insurance vendor proposals, donations, adjunct faculty resolutions, policy updates, library acquisition lists, and the employee handbook. The board also approved the monthly financial report, expenditures, final budget amendments for the current fiscal year, the budget for the upcoming year, an audit engagement letter, and a comprehensive compensation plan.

The strategic plan for Texarkana Independent School District is to develop and empower every individual through innovative and varied opportunities, enabling them to lead and excel in a global society, fostered by strong family, community, and staff partnerships. Key objectives include enhancing academic performance with engaging and career-focused experiences; ensuring well-maintained, safe, and modern learning environments and facilities; providing comprehensive social-emotional support; strengthening parental and community involvement through resource access; developing ethical digital citizenship and equitable technology access; and maintaining a professional, high-performing, and diverse human resources staff.

The Board of Trustees held a special meeting that included an open forum for public participation. The primary item of business was a board workshop featuring continuing education training on Evaluating and Improving Student Outcomes and Team of 8 training, conducted by a representative from the Region VIII Education Service Center.

The board conducted an oath of office ceremony for new members, recognized various student achievements in academic and extracurricular programs, and received updates regarding dual credit, the Digital Academy of Texas, and class of 2026 milestones. The Board elected new officers for the upcoming school year and held a public forum. Key approvals included monthly financial reports, various vendor proposals for building and services, Partners in Education donations, policy revisions including FDA(LOCAL), an amended District of Innovation Plan, school calendars for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 terms, and the 2026-2027 budget. Additionally, the board processed personnel resignations, retirements, and new assignments.