Palmer Independent School District

The board received campus reports and a status update on continuing education requirements for trustees. Actions taken included the approval of an interlocal agreement for health benefits, a library management services contract, and certification for instructional materials. The board also authorized the filing of FCC Form 471 for service funding and approved the use of a statutory exception regarding school bus seat belt requirements due to budget limitations. Additionally, the board approved ACH transfers for vendor payments and reviewed superintendent reports regarding enrollment numbers, building permits, and district updates on the teacher incentive allotment process.

The board reviewed several agenda items, including campus reports and a presentation by Mentor's Care. Key actions taken included the approval of the spring library book order and the cancellation of the May election for unopposed board candidates. The board authorized changes to representatives on various district commercial and investment accounts. Additionally, the board approved Memorandums of Understanding with the Ellis County JJAEP and Tarleton State University for dual-enrollment programs. The superintendent provided updates on enrollment statistics, housing permits, teacher incentive allotment status, and future planning efforts, including bond planning, demographic studies, and discussions regarding district facilities and bus fleet regulations.

Key discussions included a demographics presentation from Zonda Demographics projecting 2.5% growth over 5 years and 4% over 10 years, bringing enrollment potentially to 1,900 students. The board reviewed the TAPR and Annual Report contents. Actions taken included the approval of the 2026-2027 School Calendar, the 2026-2027 HB3033 Non-Business Day Calendar, a Missed School Days waiver, and resolutions concerning paying non-exempt employees during closure and addressing SB 11 regarding student prayer and Bible study. The board also approved an amendment to the JJAEP MOU regarding student reservation capacity and an Interlocal Agreement for the Region 10 ESC Multi-Region Purchasing Cooperative for Child Nutrition services. Personnel matters, including resignations and assignments, were discussed, and the Superintendent reported on current enrollment, city permit activity, the status of the HVAC energy savings program, discussions with the City of Palmer regarding property use, and preparations concerning potential student protests.

The meeting included campus and athletics reports, where growth in numbers and strong student sportsmanship were noted. The Board of Trustees received special recognition for their service. Key business actions involved the approval of the Ideal Impact Services Agreement and its associated Payment Plan Agreement. The Board also granted authority to the Superintendent to negotiate and potentially purchase up to $100,000 per unit for six portable classrooms for the Elementary campus. Resolutions were approved concerning the appointment of CAD as Agent in the Property Value Study and the approval of the 2026 Board of Trustee Election Notice and Order. The consent agenda included the approval of financial reports and amendments. Superintendent updates covered the financial forecast, enrollment figures (1,394 current vs. 1,358 last year), progress on a new Palmer Pride video, upcoming bond election work, and the notification that the school calendar would be presented in February. The Board held a closed session to discuss personnel matters, followed by the approval of the Superintendent's contract extension.

The special meeting included a call to order led by an invocation from a guest. The agenda consisted of an Open Forum session followed by Business items, specifically a pre-meeting discussion of an agenda item.