Waxahachie Independent School District

The meeting reconvened into open session with the Superintendent's report, which included a presentation acknowledging January as School Board Appreciation Month and showing a student video expressing gratitude. Key discussion items covered enrollment data as of December 19th, noting an enrollment of 11,159 and an ADA of 10,416 (95.24% attendance rate). Updates were provided on the 2023 bond construction projects, including pouring track surface at the Coleman track and field, progress at Waxahachie Creek facility sections (A1 and A2), and planning for subsequent large concrete pours for locker rooms. Roofing at Waxahachie Creek is scheduled to start in February. The presenter also confirmed that the drawings for the barn construction project are pending architect seal before going out for bid. A significant portion of the meeting involved an informational review of proposed local policy updates, often necessitated by recent legislative sessions, focusing on changes to board meeting notification timelines (72 hours vs. three business days), agenda submission deadlines (10 calendar days), roll call voting requirements, public participation time adjustments, contracted services restrictions (regarding DEI/instructional activities), and updates to background check terminology. Further policy review touched upon display requirements, technology resource language concerning AI, the renaming of the Department of Information Resources to the Texas Cyber Command, faculty standards regarding private space usage, and an increase in the competitive purchasing threshold under Facilities Construction from $50,000 to $100,000. Finally, employment requirements updates regarding administrative personal services approval were discussed.

The meeting primarily consisted of recognizing student and department achievements. Recognitions included numerous high school football players receiving all-district and academic honors, the swim team placing third at the district meet with several regional qualifiers, and accolades for the WHS sports medicine department student trainers, including one named THSCA academic all-day team member. The fine arts department saw significant recognition, including Finley Junior High choir students making the Region 20 all-region choir despite a performance cancellation due to weather, the Cherokee Charmers receiving recognition with one member named All-State dancer and THSCA academic all-state second team member, and two Wachi High School choir students making the TMEA all-state bass choir, a first in school history. Additionally, the Wachi High School band, including All-State and area musicians, and the Wachi Global High School esports team, champions of the Play Versus Mario Kart 8 Central competition, were celebrated. The session concluded with plans for refreshments.

This plan outlines Waxahachie ISD's strategy to achieve full compliance with teacher certification requirements by the 2029 academic year. It focuses on reducing the number of uncertified teachers by 4% annually from Fall 2025. The strategy includes targeted support for uncertified teachers, strategic partnerships with educator preparation programs, proactive recruitment to strengthen the future teacher pipeline, and continuous monitoring and accountability to ensure all students are taught by appropriately certified educators.

The board meeting included an open forum and an executive session convened under Texas Government Code section 551.001. Key action items involved consideration of a level three employee grievance appeal, where the board upheld the administrative decision at level two and denied requested remedies, and scheduled a future discussion on special education and 504 compliance. The board also approved the hiring of Mr. Lawrence Williams as the new head football coach and boys athletic coordinator for Waxahachie High School. Superintendent report updates covered steady enrollment figures (11,158 as of January 30), upcoming district recognitions, and key spring dates including graduations and spring break. The construction update for the 2023 bond detailed progress on the Coleman track and field, with painting scheduled soon, and significant construction milestones at Waxahachie High School across various areas (A through J), including pouring slabs and performing external fireproofing. Additionally, the report covered summer work plans involving extensive maintenance projects funded by Proposition C (flooring, HVAC, tile, etc.) and future work like classroom painting and LED upgrades. The final report included an overview of the Fall 2025 Zonda demographics report, noting slight upticks in unemployment in the DFW Metro area.

The meeting commenced with the approval of previous minutes. New members were introduced, including the Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Leadership and Lieutenant Derek Young of the police department. Updates were provided regarding the Ellis County Prom Popup event scheduled for February 23rd and 24th, which involves providing formal wear and educational components to North Texas students. The counseling update focused on the progress of the "Choose Love" program across grades PreK-8, highlighting current units on gratitude and random acts of kindness, and plans for community outreach. The security update reported continued success with drug detection dogs resulting in few findings. The health update detailed drug testing results, noting 100% negative results for junior highs in November but three THC positives in high schools, leading to a new protocol emphasizing community service instead of drug education for positives. Concerns regarding widespread flu activity in Region 23 were also raised. The community involvement section announced that signups for 'Deer Day' on March 6th would open in February, and noted a donation link for sponsoring books. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation on the current human sexuality curriculum, "Choosing the Best," detailing its history, funding through EMAT, and the logistical challenges arising from the state switching from an opt-out to an opt-in requirement in 2022, prompting a discussion about exploring alternative options for teaching human sexuality.