Rice Independent School District

During the regular session, the Board established a quorum and called the meeting to order following the Pledge of Allegiance. A closed session was held to discuss personnel matters, specifically the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of public employees or officials. In the subsequent regular session, the Board took several actions: they approved a motion to hire Jacob Pierson as the new Athletic Director/Head Football Coach for Rice ISD. Furthermore, the Board accepted the certification of unopposed candidates for the upcoming May 2, 2026 Rice ISD Board of Trustee Election and subsequently passed a motion to cancel that election. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

The meeting commenced with the establishment of a quorum and the Pledge of Allegiance. Discussions in the regular session included Public Comment, School Board Recognition, and a Holiday Season Recap. A closed session was held to discuss personnel matters concerning appointments, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of public employees or officials; deliberate regarding security devices or audit, deployment, or specific occasions for implementation of security personnel, critical infrastructure, or security devices; and to conduct the Superintendent's formal evaluation. Upon reconvening, the Board unanimously approved the Superintendent's contract. The agenda also covered review of November 2025 and December 2025 Financial, Tax, Payroll Check Payment, Board, and Check Payments Reports. The Consent Agenda, including minutes from prior meetings in November and December 2025, was approved. Action items involved approving the Order of Board of Trustee Election scheduled for May 2, 2026, approving the contract with Navarro County for the election, renewing the District of Innovation Plan for 2026-2031, reviewing a 4-Day Instructional Week Survey, and approving the Rifle Resistant Grant Resolution and establishing Non-Business Days pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act. The session concluded with a Superintendent's Report covering enrollment and upcoming conference/professional development dates, followed by adjournment.

The meeting included a discussion on personnel matters, security updates, and a financial audit for 2024-2025.

The committee meeting included discussion and updates on current projects, security concerns, and the results of the state-conducted EOP audit by the Texas School Safety Center.

The meeting included a public comment session and an ECC project update by Jackson Construction. The board convened in a closed session to discuss personnel matters and safety & security updates. The board also reviewed principals' and directors' reports, including financial, tax, and board reports for August 2025, as well as check payments. The School Health Advisory Council's recommendation for curriculum materials related to the prevention of child abuse, family violence, dating violence, and sex trafficking was approved. The board also discussed the nomination for the Board of Directors of Navarro Co. Appraisal District, District of Innovation Renewal, and Fairway Outdoor Lease Agreement. The Superintendent's report included updates on enrollment and the October 20th PD Day.