Shawn Simmons

The meeting included an Executive Session for personnel matters, which was followed by the opening ceremony and a brief period for public forum comments. Under the Consent Agenda, the Board approved monthly financial reports, acceptance of donations, renewal of a student teacher placement agreement with Western Governor's University, and the PIA Non-Business Day Calendar for 2026. New Business items included the administration of the Oath of Office for a new Trustee, consideration of revisions to local board policies DCA, EB, and EEB, and approval of Resolution #01192026-1 regarding the annual review of the District's Investment Policy. The Board also granted final approval of the 2024-2025 annual audit, adopted an order calling for a Trustee Election on May 2, 2026, and approved an ordinance calling a bond election for the same date. Further actions included approving the January library book list and the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar, approving a right-of-way deed to the Town of Ponder for road construction, and approving the addition of Special Education positions for the 2026-2027 school year and all professional hires for the 2025-2026 school year.

This Family Engagement Plan for Ponder ISD outlines the mutual responsibility of families, schools, and communities in fostering student learning and achievement, family well-being, and continuous development for children, families, and educators. The plan is structured around six core strategies: facilitating family-to-family support, establishing a network of community resources, increasing family participation in decision-making, equipping families with tools to enhance and extend learning, developing staff skills in evidence-based practices, and evaluating family engagement efforts for continuous improvement. The overall goal is to ensure every child is encouraged, supported, and challenged to achieve their highest potential.

The meeting included student recognitions and a public forum. The board considered monthly reports, district finances, acceptance of donations, and administrator contracts. They discussed a transportation report, campus principals' updates, athletic director's report, technology director's report, and district operations. New business included bids for a replacement steamer, district budget amendments, a resolution for Denton County Central Appraisal District Board of Directors, approval of the Integrated Pest Management Plan, approval of book lists, and approval of TASB Board Policy Update 126. The superintendent provided updates on bond and construction projects, and the board discussed personnel matters, including resignations, new employment, and the addition of a Director of Special Education.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session concerning personnel matters, followed by Student Recognitions for achievements in Band, Choir, and as PES Lion Leaders. Key actions taken during New Business included the approval of a joint elections agreement and contract with Denton County Elections Administrator for the May 2, 2026 election. The Board also voted to render a finding that good cause did not exist for a teacher's contract abandonment, authorizing a complaint to SBEC. Additionally, the Board approved the House Bill 3 Goals and Plans for the 25-26 school year, approved the Targeted Improvement Plan for Ponder Elementary School, approved a resolution for a land swap with Tabor 380 Development, revised Board Policy FL(LOCAL), approved updated District Hiring Pay Scales for 2026-2027, and approved contract renewals and additions for central administration and professional/paraprofessional positions for the upcoming school years. The Consent Agenda included approval of monthly reports covering District Finances, acceptance of donations, and approval of recommended books.

The meeting included student recognitions, monthly reports on district finances, and consideration of donations. The board discussed and approved action items from the executive session, a land sale/exchange with Alluvium Development, the purchase of two Ram 3500 trucks for the Ag Department, and district budget amendments. An MOU with the Town of Ponder to create a Student Resource Officer position was approved. The superintendent provided updates on bond and construction projects, and the board considered new hires for the 2025-2026 school year and an additional paraprofessional position at Ponder Elementary School.