Seen and Heard at the October Board Meeting

October 20, 2025 – The Amarillo ISD Board of Trustees opened the meeting with Superintendent Dr. Deidre Parish introducing the District’s new Chief of Police, Ramey Rice, who was sworn in on September 29. Chief Rice, a Midwestern State University graduate, has served in school-based law enforcement since 2015 and joined AISD Police in 2023. He introduced Captain Marcos Vaquera, newly appointed to the Department’s leadership team.

Board President Doyle Corder recognized Chief Rice and Officer Yadira Arroyo with Life-Saving Commendations for their quick response and heroic actions during recent medical emergencies. Their dedication exemplifies the professionalism and service standards of the AISD Police Department.

In recognition of National Principals Month, Mr. Corder also presented a Board Proclamation honoring Amarillo ISD’s principals for their leadership, vision, and impact on student success. You can read the full and official proclamation here.

Director of Counseling and College, Career, and Military Readiness Tracey Morman provided a report on postsecondary opportunities available to AISD students, including dual credit courses, OnRamps through University of Texas, Advanced Placement, and the International Baccalaureate diploma program. She highlighted increasing student participation and partnerships with Amarillo College, West Texas A&M University, Clarendon College, and the University of Texas, as well as updates on the Thrive Scholarship Program and National Merit Scholars in Amarillo ISD.

The Board also received a financial update on the impact of House Bill 2, which will bring approximately $23.7 million in new funding to AISD for 2025-2026. These funds support teacher and staff retention, school safety, and other state allotments. The District’s budget is based on a projected enrollment of 28,771 students and an Average Daily Attendance (ADA) of 25,937. Trustees also received a health insurance update and learned that a second Request for Proposals (RFP) for a fully funded medical plan to begin on July 1, 2026, will be released after the previous RFP yielded no bids.

In compliance with House Bill 121, the Board approved a Good Cause Exception Resolution reaffirming AISD’s use of the School Defender Program as the alternative security plan, citing statewide shortages of funding and qualified personnel. AISD continues to utilize AISD police officers, Amarillo Police Department school liaison officers, and contracted off-duty officers to maintain a safe and secure school environment.

Finally, the Board expressed appreciation to donors who gave to the District and its schools this month. A total of 38 gifts totaling $55,626 were given from: Zone Nutrition; Teresa and Sam Harris; Tyler and Trudy Keeling; Randall Master Gardeners; Amarillo Economic Development Corporation; Road 2 Hope; Andrea’s Project; The Acai Bar; Teamsters Local Union No. 577: Al Brito; Drum Corps International; Nest Insurance Agency; Catholic Charities; Atmos Energy; Gray County Buyers Club; Amarillo Education Foundation; Amarillo Area Foundation’s Brantley Family Donor Advised Fund; Amarillo National Bank; Angie and Rita Delgado; Ridgecrest PTO; Walmart: Georgia Street; Allen’s Mechanical, Windshield’s Unlimited; Vessel of Humanity and Compassion, Inc.; Fiber Light; Tony and Janice Young; Reserve at 47; Diversified; Happy State Bank; Gene Messer Ford Amarllo; Anonymous Donor; Windsor PTA; Hattie Carter; and Elite Limousine and Event Center.

Seen and Heard at the September Board Meeting

September 8, 2025 – The Board meeting began with an update on State accountability ratings presented by Amy Sellmyer, Director of Grants, Compliance, and Accountability. After delays tied to a lawsuit, the Texas Education Agency released both 2024 and 2025 ratings at once to provide a full picture. AISD results showed steady progress in STAAR Performance from a 78 (2024) to 80 (2025); College, Career & Military Readiness (CCMR) saw an increase from 87 to 89, a Graduation Rate from 93.3% to a 96.4%, bringing an overall District rating from a “C” (78 in 2024) to a “B” (80 in 2025). Some highlights that were reported were the following:

• 25% of campuses improved their ratings.
• 77% of campuses stayed the same or improved.
• 5 campuses jumped two letter grades.
• 7 campuses saw double-digit growth in scores.
• Travis 6th Grade Campus and Bowie Middle School showed the greatest gains.
• AISD’s “A” campuses are Paramount, South Lawn, Olsen Park, Sunrise, Woodlands, Pleasant Valley elementaries, and de Zavala Middle School.

The meeting continued with Trustees setting the 2025 tax rate at $0.8712 – the lowest in nearly two decades. Based on local property values, AISD projects $10.78 billion in taxable value, representing the total revenue the District expects to receive from local taxpayers for the 2025-2026 school year, assuming full collection.

In other business, Trustees approved amending the District of Innovation Plan, which allows AISD exemptions from state laws in three areas: grievance policies, local school library advisory council requirements, and acquisition of library materials. Details about the District of Innovation plan can be found on the AISD website here. Finally, the Board acknowledged and thanked those who gave gifts and donations to various schools this month. A total of $5,182.46 worth of donations were given from Cenikor, Korina Hernandez, Amarillo Area Corvette Club, Carolyn Davis, Atmos Energy, Amarillo National Bank, Directions Behavioral Health PLLC, Jennifer Lucero, and Asher Point Independent Living of Amarillo.

Seen and Heard at the August Board Meeting

August 11, 2025 – Superintendent Dr. Deidre Parish shared the success of the first Annual FamFest at Dick Bivins Stadium. The event brought all contract staff together to celebrate the new school year, establish belonging, strengthen connections, and enjoy time as one AISD family. One key highlight was the debut of Staff Infection, which was a band made up of AISD staff, that had the crowd cheering and dancing. Dr. Parish extended her thanks to the planning team and everyone who made the event a memorable kickoff.

In line with the Board’s priority of safety and security, a public hearing was held on AISD’s Internet Safety Plan. Federal rules require schools receiving E-rate discounts to maintain policies that block or filter harmful online content. Chief Technology Officer Trevor Babbitt confirmed no changes are needed since the district already follows these requirements and continues to work hard to keep students safe online.

The meeting continued with Trustees adopting a revised 2025-2026 Student Code of Conduct, which reflects some of the changes in education-related laws brought about by the 89th Texas Legislature. The Board also approved revisions to local policies related to accounting audits, instructional resources regarding library materials, and the use of personal telecommunications/electronic devices.

In looking ahead, the Board took the first step toward improving the transportation department by selecting an architect to design a new facility at AACAL. Plans include converting classroom space into transportation offices, expanding parking for buses and staff vehicles, and adding shop bay doors. This step does not require District funds yet but will provide clearer cost estimates for future consideration. The project aims to improve safety and help retain transportation staff by addressing facility needs.

Finally, the Board expressed appreciation for gifts and donations totaling $10,931, given to various schools from Palo Duro High School Booster Club, WM Symposia Inc., David Lindberg, Diversified Interiors of Amarillo, Jud Hightower with Andrus Brothers Roofing, Tony Harper with Western Bowl, Westgate Computers, S&S Nails, Brennan Byrd with Sonder Landscape, and United Supermarkets on Soncy.

Seen and Heard at the July School Board Meeting

July 14, 2025 – The July Board meeting began with an update on the District’s cell phone policy for the 2024-2025 school year. Amarillo High School Principal Andrea Pfeifer and Houston Middle School Principal Brad Phillips presented data showing the school year’s renewed focus on the policy that resulted in an eightfold increase in office referrals for cell phone violations compared to the previous year, but also a decline in more serious disciplinary issues like fighting, defiance, bullying, and vaping.

Amarillo ISD had set a goal to reduce disciplinary incidents from 16,043 to 15,883 for the school year. Instead, it saw an even bigger improvement, with total incidents dropping to 14,568. Principals reported that staff are seeing positive changes in student behavior and performance. The “Off and Away” message used across campuses through the Safe and Civil program to promote positive behavior and a respectful environment has helped reinforce the policy. While the recently passed House Bill 1481 aligns with AISD’s policy, it will require some adjustments moving forward, but overall, principals reported that students are interacting more positively without phones as a distraction.

The meeting continued with the Board electing Trustee Beilue to represent AISD at the upcoming Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Delegate Assembly. Mr. Beilue will be helping to advocate for the District’s priorities in the overall direction of the Association.

In other business, Trustees approved several local policy updates, including changes tied to legislative action from the previous session and other updates recommended by TASB to align with current state rules, agency publications, and common district practices.

Finally, the Board acknowledged and thanked those who gave gifts and donations to various schools this month. A total of $5,933.19 worth of donations were given from Landergin PTO – Ghost Squad, Park Hill Fellowship Church, and St. Andrews Episcopal Church.