Early ISD public meetings in 2025

Special Meeting

The Early Independent School District board will hold a special meeting that consists almost entirely of procedural items and a closed session for personnel matters under Texas Open Meetings Act rules. No substantive decisions or public votes are listed on this agenda.

The Board approved the hiring of two individuals on 10-month probationary contracts. These actions were taken following a closed session regarding personnel matters.

• Approved hire of Paul McQueen on a 10-month probationary contract (4-0)
• Approved hire of Kellie Allison on a 10-month probationary contract (4-0)

Regular Meeting

The Board will consider updating district policies to align with 2025 legislation and review the 2024-2025 financial audit. Other agenda items include budget amendments and changes to the District of Innovation document.

• Approval of 2024-2025 Financial Audit
• Discussion of budget amendments
• Amendments to the District of Innovation document
• Policy updates regarding student discipline, safety, and employee conduct
• Approval of November 10, 2025 meeting minutes

The Board approved the 2024-2025 financial audit and amendments to the District of Innovation document. Members also adopted 11 updated local policies resulting from 2025 legislation. The Board approved the November 10, 2025 minutes and the accounts payable report.

• Approved November 10, 2025 board minutes (5-0)
• Approved Accounts Payable report (5-0)
• Approved 2024-2025 financial audit (5-0)
• Approved amendments to the District of Innovation document (5-0)
• Adopted 11 updated local policies regarding employee conduct, instructional materials, student welfare, and discipline (5-0)

Regular Meeting

The Early ISD Board of Trustees will hold its regular meeting on November 10, 2025, to receive reports from district leaders and discuss several key items, including the 2024-2025 financial audit, purchasing a school vehicle, and field improvements for softball and baseball. The board will also review updated policies resulting from 2025 legislation and discuss the superintendent’s evaluation tool.

• Consider and approve Regular Board Meeting Minutes October 27, 2025
• Consider and discuss approving the 2024-2025 Financial Audit
• Consider and discuss purchasing a School Vehicle
• Consider and discuss Softball & Baseball Field Improvements
• Consider and discuss updated policies as a result of 2025 legislation

The Board approved several operational items including the purchase of a school vehicle and athletic field improvements. They adopted a series of updated policies resulting from 2025 legislation and selected a tool for the Superintendent's evaluation. The 2024-2025 Financial Audit was tabled.

• Approved October 27, 2025 Regular Board Meeting Minutes (7-0)
• Approved Accounts Payable as presented (7-0)
• Tabled 2024-2025 Financial Audit until TEA updates compliance module (7-0)
• Approved purchase of school vehicle (7-0)
• Approved softball and baseball field improvements for vendor The Creek (7-0)
• Adopted updated policies for personnel, contracts, cybersecurity, and facilities (7-0)
• Approved use of tool sample 1 with edits for Superintendent's performance evaluation (7-0)
• Entered closed session at 7:05 pm and adjourned at 7:38 pm (7-0)

Regular Meeting

The Board will consider the District and Campus Improvement Plans for the 2025-2026 school year. The meeting includes public hearings on the F.I.R.S.T. Report and the ESL Annual Report.

• Public hearing on F.I.R.S.T. Report
• Public hearing on ESL Annual Report
• Discussion of District Improvement Plan for 2025-2026
• Discussion of Campus Improvement Plans for 2025-2026
• Approval and adoption of HB3 Goals for 2025-2026

The Board approved several key planning documents for the 2025-2026 school year, including the District Improvement Plan, Campus Improvement Plans, and HB3 goals. The Board also approved accounts payable, budget amendments, and the BE (Local) policy draft.

• Approved Regular Board Meeting minutes (Sept 22) and Workshop minutes (Sept 29, Oct 6) (7-0)
• Approved accounts payable as presented (7-0)
• Approved budget amendments as presented (7-0)
• Approved F.I.R.S.T. Report (7-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 District Improvement Plan (7-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 Campus Improvement Plans (7-0)
• Approved ESL Annual Report (7-0)
• Approved and adopted 2025-2026 HB3 goals (7-0)

Board Workshop

The Early Independent School District board will hold a workshop meeting on October 6, 2025, covering routine procedural items such as roll call, invocation, and reports. The only substantive item listed is a legislative update presented by Amy Dodson. No decisions or dollar amounts are specified in the agenda.

The minutes record no substantive decisions, approvals, or denials. The meeting consisted of procedural items and a motion to adjourn.

• Approved motion to adjourn at 7:24pm (7-0)

Board Workshop

The Board will meet for a workshop to discuss district goals and objectives. Members will also consider rescheduling the October 20, 2025, regular board meeting to October 27, 2025.

• Discussion of District Goals and Objectives
• Proposed rescheduling of October 20, 2025 meeting to October 27, 2025
• Closed session for personnel matters, including resignations, new hires, and campus-level staff recommendations

The Board approved the District Goals and Objectives and rescheduled the October 20 regular board meeting to October 27. A proposed update to the Board Operating Procedures Manual was tabled.

• Adopted District Goals and Objectives as written (6-0)
• Moved October 20, 2025 regular board meeting to October 27, 2025 (6-0)
• Tabled update of the Board Operating Procedures Manual (6-0)

Regular Meeting

The Board will consider budget amendments and the renewal of the Walsh Gallegos Retainer Program. Members will also discuss moving regular board meetings to the second Monday of each month.

• Budget amendments
• Renewal of Walsh Gallegos Retainer Program
• Proposed change of regular board meetings to the 2nd Monday of each month
• Attendance waiver for Friday, September 12, 2025, for pep rally events
• Approval of August 18 and August 15, 2025, meeting minutes

The Board approved changes to the meeting schedule, budget amendments, and an attendance waiver for September 12. The renewal of the Walsh Gallegos Retainer Program was tabled for the next meeting.

• Approved August 18, 2025 Regular Board Meeting Minutes (6-0)
• Approved August 15, 2025 Special Board Meeting Minutes (6-0)
• Accepted accounts payable as presented (6-0)
• Approved budget amendments as presented (6-0)
• Moved regular board meetings from the 3rd Monday to the 2nd Monday of each month (6-0)
• Tabled renewal of Walsh Gallegos Retainer Program until next regular meeting (6-0)
• Approved attendance waiver for September 12, 2025 (6-0)

Special Meeting

The Board will hold a special meeting to deliberate and potentially take action on a Level Three Grievance Appeal filed by a parent. The discussion will include a closed session for legal consultation and the grievance appeal before returning to open session for any final action.

• Consideration and possible action regarding a Level Three Grievance Appeal filed by a parent

The Board entered a closed session to consult with legal counsel and deliberate a Level Three grievance appeal filed by a parent. Upon returning to open session, the Board voted to uphold the administration's Level II decision.

• Entered executive session at 18:01 pm (5-0, 1 absent)
• Upheld administration's decision at Level II regarding a parent's Level Three grievance appeal (5-0, 1 absent)
• Approved scheduling a Team of 8 conversation to include a review of Board of Operating Procedures (5-0, 1 absent)

Regular Meeting

The Board will discuss the 2025-2026 tax rate and budget amendments. Other agenda items include reviewing investment reports and considering a resolution regarding parental rights.

• Ordinance to set the 2025-2026 Tax Rate
• Budget Amendments
• 2025-2026 SB 12 Resolution - Parental Rights
• Annual and Quarterly Investment Reports
• Adjunct Faculty Agreement

The Board approved the 2025-2026 tax rate ordinance and a resolution concerning parental rights. Other actions included approving financial reports, the adjunct faculty agreement, and an addendum to the Student Code of Conduct. A proposal to change several 2025-2026 board meeting dates was tabled.

• Approved Ordinance to Set the 2025-2026 Tax rates (7-0)
• Adopted 2025-2026 SB 12 Resolution concerning parental rights (7-0)
• Approved July Board meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved accounts payable (7-0)
• Approved Quarterly and Annual Investment Reports (7-0)
• Returned hiring authority to the school board for 2025-2026 (7-0)
• Approved adjunct faculty agreement (7-0)
• Approved addendum to the Student Code of Conduct (7-0)

Regular Meeting

The Early ISD Board will discuss and likely vote on several handbooks and policies for the 2025-2026 school year, including student and employee handbooks, codes of conduct, meal prices, and technology use policies. The meeting also includes routine reports from district leadership and a potential closed session for personnel matters.

• Consider and vote on 2025-2026 Student Handbook
• Consider and vote on 2025-2026 Employee Handbook
• Consider and discuss 2025-2026 Cafeteria Meal Prices
• Consider and vote on Student Code of Conduct for 2025-2026
• Potential closed session for personnel matters under Texas Open Meetings Act

The Board approved the 2025-2026 employee and student handbooks, student code of conduct, and technology use policies. Other approved items included cafeteria meal prices and several child nutrition program policies. The Board also voted not to adopt a designated period for prayer or religious observation.

• Approved June 23, 2025 Regular and July 7, 2025 Special meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved Accounts Payable as presented (7-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 Cafeteria Meal Prices (7-0)
• Approved Child Nutrition Procurement Procedures Manual and Child Nutrition Program (7-0)
• Approved Child Nutrition Food Services Code of Conduct and Discrimination Complaints Policy (7-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 Employee Handbook and Student Handbooks (7-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 Student Code of Conduct and Technology Use Policies (7-0)
• Voted not to adopt a resolution for a designated period for prayer or religious observation (7-0)

Special Meeting

The Early ISD Board will meet in a special session to consider and discuss changing the date of its July regular board meeting. The agenda contains no other substantive items beyond procedural actions.

The board met for a special meeting to change the date of the July regular board meeting. The motion to move the meeting to July 28, 2025, was approved.

• Approved changing the Regular July Board Meeting to July 28, 2025 (6-0, 1 absent)

Regular Meeting

The Early Independent School District (ISD) board will hold its regular meeting to review reports from district leadership, discuss budget amendments, and consider approvals for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. Items include the district budget, compensation plans, property insurance RFP, and state compensatory education funding. No final decisions are listed in the agenda.

• Consider and discuss approving the Early ISD Budget for the 2025-2026 School Year
• Consider and discuss Early ISD Compensation Plan for 2025-2026
• Consider and discuss approving the State Compensatory Education/Accelerated Instruction Budget for the 2025-2026 School Year
• Consider and discuss approving a Property Insurance RFP
• Consider and discuss designation of fund balance

The Board approved the general budget and compensation plan for the 2025-2026 school year. Other actions included approving budget amendments, a property insurance RFP, and the designation of the fund balance.

• Approved 2025-2026 Early ISD Budget (7-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 Early ISD Compensation Plan (7-0)
• Approved State Compensatory Education/Accelerated Instruction Budget for 2025-2026 (7-0)
• Approved property insurance RFP from TASB (7-0)
• Approved budget amendments (7-0)
• Approved designation of the fund balance (7-0)
• Approved accounts payable (7-0)
• Approved May 19 and June 16, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0)

Special Meeting - Budget Workshop

The Early Independent School District board will convene a special meeting to conduct a budget workshop for the upcoming 2025-2026 fiscal year. The session is procedural and does not include formal decisions or votes.

The board held a special meeting for a budget workshop. No substantive decisions or actions were recorded in the minutes other than the adjournment of the meeting.

• Adjourned meeting at 1:36 pm (7-0)

Regular Meeting

The Early Independent School District board will hold its regular meeting on May 19, 2025, focusing on organizational matters. Key actions include swearing in new board members for Places 3, 4, and 5, reorganizing the board leadership by electing a president, vice-president, and secretary, and discussing budget amendments and requests for tax rate posting. Several reports from district leaders will be presented for informational purposes.

• Swear in new board members for Places 3, 4, and 5
• Elect Board President, Vice-President, and Secretary
• Consider and discuss budget amendments
• Consider and discuss awarding the Security Camera & Vape RFP
• Consider and discuss awarding the Fuel RFP

The Board of Trustees reorganized its leadership and approved several operational contracts. They also authorized the posting of a recommended tax rate and scheduled a budget workshop for June.

• Elected Sandy Benson as Board President (7-0)
• Elected Christina Pruett as Board Vice-President (7-0)
• Elected Robert Welker as Board Secretary (7-0)
• Approved minutes from April 21, 2025, and May 16, 2025 (7-0)
• Approved accounts payable and budget amendments (7-0)
• Awarded Security Camera & Vape RFP to Legacy IT (6-0, 1 abstain)
• Awarded Fuel RFP to Matador Fuel & Lubricants (7-0)
• Approved posting the recommended tax rate (7-0)

Special Meeting

The Board will meet to review and consider accepting the official vote tallies from the May 3, 2025 School Trustee Election.

• Canvass and potential acceptance of May 3, 2025 School Trustee Election results

The Board accepted the canvass of the May 3, 2025 School Trustee Election results. The meeting adjourned at 7:12 a.m.

• Accepted the Canvass of the May 3, 2025 School Trustee Election (6-0, 1 absent)

Regular Meeting

The Early ISD board will hold its regular meeting on April 21, 2025, covering routine reports and discussing several financial and operational items. No major decisions are scheduled, but the board will consider budget amendments, quarterly investment reports, and a depository contract extension.

• Consider and discuss budget amendments
• Consider and discuss approving the quarterly investment report
• Consider and discuss approving the resolution extending depository contract for funds with Texas Bank
• Consider and discuss approving the property and fleet insurance RFP
• Consider and discuss adding one step to pay scales

The Board approved adding one step to employee pay scales and passed several financial measures, including budget amendments and a depository contract extension. The Board also approved the quarterly investment report and a request for property and fleet insurance proposals.

• Approved adding one step to pay scales (7-0)
• Approved budget amendments (7-0)
• Approved accounts payable (7-0)
• Approved Quarterly Investment Report (7-0)
• Approved Resolution Extending Depository Contract for Funds with Texas Bank (7-0)
• Approved RFP for Property and Fleeting (7-0)
• Approved Instructional Materials Allotment TEKS Certification (7-0)
• Approved minutes for March 24, April 3, and April 10, 2025 meetings (7-0)

Special Meeting

The Board will consider approving a Request for Proposals (RFP) for fuel. Additionally, the Board will meet in closed session to discuss personnel matters, including the hiring of a high school principal.

• Approval of the Fuel RFP
• Recommendation to hire a High School Principal
• Discussion on granting the Superintendent hiring authority

The Board approved a multi-year administrator contract for Benjamin Chaplin and granted hiring authority to Superintendent Dr. Otten through August 2025. Additionally, the Board approved a Fuel RFP.

• Approved Fuel RFP (5-0)
• Approved 12-month administrator contract for Benjamin Chaplin for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years (5-0)
• Granted hiring authority to Superintendent Dr. Otten immediately through August 2025 (5-0)

Special Meeting

The Board will meet to consider and discuss a Request for Proposals (RFP) for cameras. The meeting also includes a closed session to discuss personnel matters, including the potential addition of an Assistant Principal for Primary and Elementary for TIA purposes.

• Discussion of Camera RFP
• Consideration of adding an Assistant Principal for Primary and Elementary for TIA purposes

The Board rejected all bids for a camera RFP and decided to reissue the request. Additionally, the Board approved several probationary and administrator contracts for the 2025-2026 school year.

• Rejected all bids for Camera RFP and voted to put the RFP back out (6-0)
• Approved 10-month probationary term contracts for Amber Wilson and Jennifer Haile (6-0)
• Approved 11-month probationary term contract for Brooke Baron (6-0)
• Approved 12-month probationary term contract for Kathleen Burnett (6-0)
• Approved 12-month administrators contracts for Chad Burleson and Leslea Miller for 2025-2027 (6-0)
• Approved 11-month probationary dual assignment contracts for Ryan Todd Jackson, Brian Clark, and Marvin Wilson (6-0)

Regular Meeting

The Board will discuss the 2025-2026 school calendar and budget amendments. Other agenda items include waiver days for bad weather and illness, and a joint election agreement for election services.

• Approval of the 2025-2026 School Calendar
• Budget amendments
• Joint Election Agreement and Contract for Election Services
• Affordable Rental Housing Application
• Hiring of a Primary Principal

The Board approved the Option 1 calendar for the 2025-2026 school year and authorized numerous staff contracts. Other actions included approving budget amendments, graduation requirement changes, and a resolution on payments during school closings.

• Approved Option 1 2025-2026 School Calendar (6-0)
• Approved staff contracts for various term lengths (6-0)
• Approved 2-year administrative contract for Tuesdie Richmond (6-0)
• Approved changes to graduation requirements (6-0)
• Approved budget amendments (6-0)
• Approved Joint Election Agreement and Contract for Election Services (6-0)
• Approved Resolution Regarding Wage and Hourly Payments During School Closings (6-0)
• Approved Staff Development and Bad Weather/Illness Waiver Days for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 (6-0)

Regular Meeting

The Board will review several administrative items, including the TAPR report and the Teacher Incentive Allotment Plan. The meeting also includes discussions on awarding a contract for the Band Hall door and approving a camera RFP.

• Approval of a Camera RFP
• Awarding the Band Hall Door RFP
• Approval of the Teacher Incentive Allotment Plan
• Approval of Core Values
• Discussion of the TAPR Report

The Board approved several administrator and staff contracts, the Teacher Incentive Allotment Plan, and the district's Core Values. A request for proposals for cameras was approved, while no action was taken on the Band Hall Door RFP due to a lack of proposals.

• Approved minutes of the January 27, 2025 meeting (5-0)
• Approved accounts payable (5-0)
• Approved Camera RFP (5-0)
• Band Hall Door RFP: No action taken as no proposals were received
• Approved TAPR Report (5-0)
• Approved Teacher Incentive Allotment Plan (5-0)
• Approved Core Values for Early ISD (5-0)
• Approved contracts for Emily Fulton, Randall Case, Marvin Rick Wilson II, Kimberly Leigh, Kim Schultz, and one-year extensions for T.J. Esparza, Treva Gambrell, Kathy Herring, Tuesdie Richmond, Julie Schafer, and Robert Schafer (5-0)

Regular Meeting

The Early ISD Board will review routine reports and discuss several items, including budget amendments, quarterly investment reports, and audit engagement letters. The board will also consider ordering a school trustee election for May 3, 2025, and appointing an election judge. Additionally, the board will deliberate on awarding three RFPs for access control, band hall doors, and safety fencing.

• Consider and discuss budget amendments
• Consider and discuss ordering a school trustee election on May 3, 2025
• Consider and discuss appointing Brenda Arp as election judge
• Consider and discuss awarding the Access Control RFP
• Consider and discuss awarding the Safety Fencing RFP

The Board approved the Superintendent's evaluation and extended their contract and salary through June 30, 2028. Other key actions included ordering a school trustee election for May 3, 2025, and awarding several facility contracts.

• Extended Superintendent's contract and approved salary through June 30, 2028 (7-0)
• Ordered School Trustee Election for Place 3, 4, and 5 on May 3, 2025 (7-0)
• Appointed Brenda Arp as Election Judge for May 3, 2025 election (7-0)
• Awarded Access Control RFP to Legacy IT (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Awarded Safety Fencing RFP to Harris & Sons (7-0)
• Approved re-issuing the Band Hall Door RFP with updated requirements (7-0)
• Approved 2024-2025 Audit Engagement Letter with Bolinger, Segars, Gilbert & Moss, L.L.P. (7-0)
• Approved budget amendments, accounts payable, and Quarterly Investment Report (7-0 each)