Killeen Independent School District

The Board of Trustees held a workshop meeting to address several key agenda items, including public forums regarding SB 11, coaching standards, and student-athlete emotional safety, as well as presentations on the Communities In Schools program. The Board honored various students and staff members for achievements in theater, CTE, and school counseling. Action items included recognizing March 2026 as Arts in Our Schools Month, renewing a good cause exception for House Bill 3 armed security requirements, and a resolution regarding SB 11 daily prayer time. Additionally, the Board recommended Third Future Schools as a Texas Partnership operating partner for Manor Middle School and reviewed the annual comprehensive financial and compliance reports. A strategic prioritization session focused on transformational governance and aligning leadership around student outcomes was also conducted.

The meeting featured public forums regarding coaching personnel, proposed scheduling changes, and equity in leadership positions. Action items included the approval of the order for the May 2026 board election, recognition of National Career and Technical Education Month and National School Breakfast Week, and approval to apply for an Active Attack Response Equipment Grant. Information items discussed were the System Scorecard on student success, the evaluation of an operating partner for Manor Middle School, updates on the STEM program and double-block instruction models, a proposal for delaying teacher certification requirements, and the determination of scholarship award amounts.

Key discussions included public forum presentations concerning a Level III grievance, the need for paid maternity leave for educators, and concerns over student disciplinary actions related to self-defense claims. The Board entered closed session to discuss security, legal counsel consultation, real property, personnel matters, and student-identifiable information. During open session, the Board accepted several recognitions, including student artists, the Harker Heights High School Football team, and various academic achievers, alongside a formal recognition of the Board Clerk. Action items included the consideration of the Education Service Center Region 10 Child Nutrition Interlocal Bid Participation Agreement, approval of the Internal Audit Plan of Work and Cost Proposal for Fiscal Year 2026, and resolutions authorizing the Superintendent as an authorized signer and approving facsimile signatures for financial documents. Additionally, the appointment of an election agent for the May 2, 2026, election was approved. An information item updated the Board on the SB 1882 Texas Partnership process status. Future agenda requests focused on a district-led security audit, academic performance updates, and policy clarifications regarding summer school and disciplinary alternatives. Finally, the Board took action to propose the termination of the 2025-2026 professional term contract for Ryanne Byrne following closed session deliberations.

The meeting involved multiple closed sessions for consultation with legal counsel regarding the Local Innovation Plan, board operating procedures, pending litigation, real property deliberations, and discussions concerning personnel and student matters. During open session, honors and recognition were extended to student-athletes for THSCA Academic All-State honors, graduates of the KISD TEACH program, and Dr. Janelle Muhammad, Rancier Middle School Principal, for being named Texas Middle School Principal of the Year. The consent agenda included approving minutes from prior meetings in December 2025 and considering items related to the Public Information Act and a reciprocal use agreement. Action was taken to recognize February 2nd through 6th, 2026, as National School Counseling Week. Information items included an update on the SB 1882 Texas Partnership public process, presentation of the Quarterly Investment Report ending November 30, 2025, and a comprehensive briefing on the current and future use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the district, including legal and ethical considerations. Trustees also discussed future agenda items, reflecting on staff performance and the importance of student success momentum.

The meeting commenced with a closed session addressing a Level III Parent Grievance, consultation with legal counsel regarding a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) assignment, and deliberation on security devices. In the open session, the Public Forum featured a retired educator presenting concerns regarding employee chastisement and student well-being following a substitute teaching assignment. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an information item concerning the Campus Instructional Specialist & Instructional Coach Program Change Timeline, which detailed a strategic shift to enhance core content expertise in instructional leadership roles, especially for campuses rated C, D, or F, citing post-pandemic STAAR performance plateaus. Another key discussion involved the 2024-2025 Summer Learning Programs and the proposed structure for 2025-2026, reviewing mandated learning for various student groups and options for elementary, middle, and high school remediation and advancement courses. The Board also received an update on School Improvement Support at Hay Branch Elementary School, highlighting strong community engagement and academic growth amidst a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students. Furthermore, a Fall Demographic Update projected continued enrollment declines over the next decade due to statewide trends, influencing long-range facilities planning. The final open session agenda item addressed participation in the Education Service Center Region 10 Child Nutrition Interlocal Bid Agreement. The meeting concluded with a final closed session covering legal consultation, real property deliberation, and personnel matters, followed by consideration and denial of a Level III Parent Complaint appeal.