Tiffany Best-Jolly

This meeting served as a review session prior to the regular meeting. Administrative reports included an update from the Human Resources Department on recruiting efforts and the Superintendent's report noting a successful 'Meet the Mavs' event and recognition planned for a Hero Student. Consent Agenda items introduced for the subsequent regular meeting included minutes from the January meeting, various donations to Athletics, JROTC, Admin (for a scholarship), and MHS, and the presentation of unreconciled monthly financial reports for January 2026. Items requiring discussion and action for the regular meeting covered consideration of the resolution regarding Senate Bill 11 (prayer and Bible reading policy), potential land donation near MHS from the County, the Marshall ISD School Calendar for 2026-2027, MavPath Spring 2026 Tuition Payment, wage payments during school closings (January 26-28, 2026), and the 2026-2027 Signing Incentive for New Teachers.

The meeting commenced with organizational proceedings, including the invocation and pledges. Several staff members and a student were recognized for outstanding achievements: Yvonne McCarty for the Extra Mile award, Z'travian Smith for saving a choking teacher, Melissa Hammers for the TAEA District of Distinction honor, and Dr. Charlotte Leon for the CTAT CTE District of Distinction Award. The Superintendent's Report noted schedule changes due to Spring Break and provided updates on athletic success. Key actions included the approval of several consent agenda items, such as accepting various donations and presenting financial reports for January 2026. Action items involved declining to adopt an additional policy regarding Senate Bill 11, approving the donation of land from the Harrison County Criminal District Attorney's Office, approving the 2026-2027 School Calendar, approving wage payments during school closings, approving the MavPath Spring 2026 Tuition Payment, approving the 2026-2027 Signing Incentive for New Teachers, and approving Casey Slone as the General Contractor for flooring renovations at MEGS and DAEP, and for painting/renovations at MJHS, SH, and PTY projects. The Board also conducted closed sessions concerning personnel matters and attorney consultation, taking subsequent action to approve personnel recommendations.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and an acknowledgement of compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. Key agenda items included recognizing student pledge leaders and presenting the Extra Mile Award to a principal for her dedication and long tenure. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the 2024-2025 fiscal year audit report, which resulted in an unmodified (clean) opinion. Financial discussions confirmed a strong fund balance of over $21 million, even after transferring $6 million to the construction fund for stadium and district improvements. The audit also noted that revenue exceeded budget by over $2 million, and expenditures were under budget by nearly $4 million. Further details covered property tax collection rates, noting 99.2% collection overall, and a review of the cafeteria fund balance, which remains solvent but requires adherence to new reserve requirements.

This meeting served as a review of the agenda items intended for the subsequent regular meeting. Administrative Reports were presented, including the Superintendent's Report with district updates. Consent Agenda items introduced for the regular meeting included the minutes from the November meeting and financial matters such as donations received from various entities for FFA activities, campus activities, trophy case doors, and attendance incentives, along with unreconciled monthly financial reports and cash balance reports for December 2025. Items requiring discussion/action for the regular meeting included consideration and approval of a District Waiver for Teacher Certification Requirements and consideration/approval of the Financial Report and Independent Auditor's Report for 2024-2025, as well as participation in the Texas SmartBuy Membership Program.

The Board meeting included the recognition of an outstanding employee, Ms. Radhiya Johnson, who received the Extra Mile Award. The MHS Class of 1975 presented a check for $3335.00 to purchase new trophy case doors at Marshall High School. Administrative reports covered a Proclamation for Board Appreciation Month, presentation of the Audit Report for the 2024-2025 School Year, and a Notice of Intent to Apply for the 2026-2027 Active Attack Response Equipment Grant Program. Key financial actions included the approval of the Financial Report and Independent Auditor's Report for 2024-2025, approval of various donations, and approval of participation in the Texas SmartBuy Membership Program. Action items addressed the approval of the contract for Election Services with Harrison County, appointment of the Early Voting Clerk, approval of the Early Voting Calendar, and the Order Calling a Board of Trustee Election for specific districts. The Board also approved a District Waiver for Teacher Certification Requirements, and approved the addition and updates to several LOCAL Policies based on the District's DOI plan. A significant capital expenditure was approved for the reconstruction of Maverick Drive using excess bond funds. The Board convened in closed session for personnel matters and attorney consultation before reconvening to approve personnel matters as recommended.