Garrison Independent School District

The board meeting involved receiving departmental reports from the Principal and Superintendent covering activities like student athletics, upcoming testing, and various administrative updates. The board voted to cancel an upcoming school board election due to a lack of opposition and approved the 2026-2027 Substitute/Extra Duty Pay Scale. Additionally, the board rejected all received bids for a cafeteria restroom remodel project. In a closed session, the board discussed personnel matters, resulting in the approval of employee worksheets for the 2026-2027 school year, the acceptance of several staff resignations, and the hiring of new personnel on probationary contracts.

The board meeting commenced with the establishment of a quorum and an invocation. The Superintendent's Report included an update on the calendar showing 195 minutes remaining for the 2025-2026 school year, confirmation that the 2026-2027 calendar was voted on by staff, and updates on facility projects, noting that the cafeteria restroom project would go out for bid and the baseball/softball fields were expected to be ready for home games. A key action item was the approval of a resolution regarding wage payments during the emergency school closing of January 26-28, 2026. The board then entered closed session to discuss professional personnel matters, specifically the Athletic Director/Head Football Coach position, and real property. Upon returning to open session, the board accepted the resignations of three personnel members—Travis Weeks, Michael Armand, and Julie Kilcullen—all effective at the end of the 2025-2026 school year.

The meeting commenced with the establishment of a quorum and an invocation. Student representatives from Elementary UIL academic champions were recognized. Key agenda items included receiving and approving minutes from previous sessions, reviewing bills and accounts, and presenting the budget report. The Board approved Budget Amendment Request #1 for the 2025-2026 School Year and accepted a donation of a freezer from Lady Dog Backers for the softball locker room. Principal reports detailed Elementary UIL success, middle school basketball championships, and ongoing testing/CTE showcase events at the high school level. The Superintendent's report touched upon the Cafeteria Restroom Project, Farm Fresh Challenge, Softball/Baseball Field Update, Teacher Incentive Allotment, and upcoming election cancellation. The Board passed a resolution to permit the continued policy requiring districts to provide an opportunity for personal religious reflection (SB11) and approved the 2026-2027 School Calendar. During closed session, discussions involved professional personnel recommendations (including Campus Administrators, Athletic Director/Head Football Coach, and various directors) and real property matters. Upon returning to open session, the Board approved the 2026-2027 exempt employee raise worksheet and approved employment contracts for Kerry Therwhanger for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year and for the 2026-2027 school year.

The strategic plan for Garrison Independent School District outlines key goals for academic achievement, student safety, facility maintenance, and extra-curricular program development. It focuses on sustaining a high academic rating through an aligned curriculum, ensuring student safety via communication and secure access, providing safe and well-maintained facilities that foster student development, and developing competitive extra-curricular programs. The overarching mission is to equip students with the skills necessary to compete, contribute, and meet the challenges of a changing, complex society.

The meeting commenced with the establishment of a quorum. Key discussion points included the Superintendent's report, which covered updates on the Baseball/Softball field, the Reunification Plan, and MS Gym Restrooms. The board entered a closed session to discuss superintendent recommendations regarding professional personnel. Upon returning to open session, the board unanimously approved the recommendation to hire Shawn Holmes on a dual non-chapter 21 100-day contract.