The Van Alstyne ISD Board of Trustees approved the district’s 2026–27 budget and tax rate Monday night while also considering changes to student handbooks, reviewing staffing and exit survey data and updating Board operating procedures.
Trustees also received updates on the district’s Gifted and Talented program and Communications and Community Engagement Plan during the August 17 regular meeting.
VAISD recognizes longtime service to district
The Board recognized former trustees Randall Morgan and Debbie Nance, each of whom recently concluded 15 years of service on the Van Alstyne ISD Board of Trustees.
Nance’s 15 years as a trustee followed 30 years as a teacher in Van Alstyne ISD, marking a combined 45 years of service to the district.
VAISD also recognized former Chief of Police Jeff Burge for his service and commitment to the district. Burge helped establish the first police department in Van Alstyne ISD and was recognized for the lasting impact of his work to support the safety of students and staff.
The recognitions provided an opportunity to thank all three for the roles they have played in serving VAISD students, staff and the Van Alstyne community.
Board approves 2026–27 budget, tax rate
The Board voted 7–0 to approve the district’s 2026–27 budget, which includes a projected deficit as VAISD continues to navigate the financial impact of rapid growth and the opening of an additional elementary campus.
During discussion, district administration explained that opening a new school creates significant one-time expenses while also spreading existing enrollment across additional campuses. The district has built its fund balance in part to prepare for periods such as this as new facilities open and enrollment catches up with available capacity.
District leaders also discussed the impact of state funding and enrollment growth that has not occurred at the pace previously projected, although recent enrollment numbers have shown improvement.
The approved budget does not include reductions to student programs or staff services. District leaders expressed optimism that continued enrollment growth could help move the district back toward a balanced budget as new campuses fill.
Trustees also unanimously approved a total tax rate of $1.1687 per $100 of property valuation, consisting of a $0.6687 Maintenance and Operations rate and a $0.50 Interest and Sinking rate.
Student handbooks approved following discussion
The Board approved the district’s 2026–27 handbooks by a 6–1 vote following discussion of several provisions, including consequences for DWI/DUI offenses in the Athletic Code of Conduct and the role of attendance and discipline in cheerleading tryouts.
The Athletic Code of Conduct reduces the competition suspension associated with a DWI/DUI offense from one year to two weeks. Other consequences remain in place, including required drug testing, loss of driving privileges on campus, participation in a drug and alcohol awareness program and additional conditioning requirements. Students must complete applicable requirements before returning to competition.
The change generated discussion among trustees about how to balance accountability with the goal of keeping students connected to school activities.
Concern was expressed that a two-week suspension may not be sufficient for a serious offense, with longer suspensions suggested during the discussion.
Administration emphasized that school consequences represent only one component of the consequences a student may face and said the district’s approach should focus not only on punishment, but also on changing behavior and keeping students connected to coaches, teammates and other positive influences.
Trustees also discussed the use of attendance and discipline as factors in cheerleading tryout scores. Questions were raised about consistency with other extracurricular programs and whether the criteria create equity concerns.
Administration explained that cheerleading presents different considerations because teams are selected in part by outside judges and because attendance can directly affect a squad’s ability to practice and safely perform stunts. Only unexcused absences are included in the attendance calculation, and students are provided their attendance and discipline scores before tryouts.
Coaches are considering potential adjustments to the selection process for future years, including the weight assigned to attendance and discipline and opportunities for coaches to have greater input in team selection.
Board reviews staffing, exit survey data
Trustees also reviewed staffing changes and employee exit survey data from the previous school year.
The district reported 42 resignations and eight retirements, along with 33 internal teacher moves associated with the opening of an additional elementary campus and 45 new teaching or professional positions.
Information gathered from resignation letters showed employees left for a variety of reasons, including accepting positions in other districts, relocation, career advancement, staying home with children, leaving the education profession and health-related reasons.
Exit survey results provided additional insight into employees’ decisions to leave and their experiences within the district. Among respondents, 30% cited accepting a position in another district as a reason for leaving, while 21% cited retirement. Additionally, 24% cited concerns regarding the climate or atmosphere within the community as a factor in their decision to leave.
Survey results also showed that approximately 61% of respondents rated their satisfaction with curriculum at a four or five on a five-point scale, approximately 59% gave the same rating to curriculum-related professional development, 82% reported satisfaction with technology and 61% rated supervisor satisfaction at a four or five.
Discussion following the presentation focused on both the results and opportunities to strengthen the district’s exit survey process. Questions were raised about whether former employees view internally administered surveys as fully anonymous and whether all departing employees receive an opportunity to participate.
Trustees discussed the possibility of using an independent third party for future surveys and gathering additional written feedback. Administration also discussed collecting secondary email addresses to ensure departing employees can still receive surveys after their district email accounts are deactivated.
Trustees requested additional information on teacher turnover trends over the past five years and district efforts related to employee retention. The topic is expected to return for additional discussion.
Board operating procedures updated
Trustees voted 7–0 to approve revisions to Board Policy BE(LOCAL) and the Board Operating Procedures.
The changes establish a more consistent regular meeting schedule and create a uniform deadline for agenda-item requests: noon on the 14th calendar day before a regular or special meeting.
The revised procedures also clarify the process through which two Board members may jointly request in writing that an item be placed on an agenda for Board consideration.
Additional potential revisions were discussed but not included in Monday’s action. Those include establishing timelines associated with requests for special meetings and agenda items, as well as creating a systematic schedule for reviewing local Board policies.
Those items are expected to receive further discussion during future Board training.
GT program outlines changes for 2026–27
As part of the Administrator’s Report, trustees received an update on the district’s Gifted and Talented program and changes planned for the 2026–27 school year.
The district has added a GT component to the District Improvement Plan and is expanding professional learning designed to help staff identify characteristics of gifted learners, including students who may be twice exceptional.
At the conclusion of the previous school year, VAISD served 263 identified GT students, including 59 students identified during the year and 40 identified as twice exceptional.
Other initiatives include an annual program evaluation, a GT advisory committee with community participation, expanded parent resources, quarterly student progress reports and the use of the Renzulli Learning platform to provide additional enrichment opportunities.
The district is also exploring opportunities to expand GT experiences for students in grades 7–12 beyond honors, Advanced Placement and dual credit coursework as part of longer-term planning.
Communications plan emphasizes transparency, consistency
Trustees also received an overview of the district’s Communications and Community Engagement Plan.
The plan identifies the district website as VAISD’s central source of information, with email, social media, the district’s mobile app and other communication channels used to connect families with more detailed information.
The plan also establishes a process for communicating during evolving situations that prioritizes timely acknowledgment followed by the release of verified information, while accounting for legal requirements involving student and employee privacy and information that could affect an ongoing investigation.
Other priorities include increasing the frequency of district updates, highlighting student and staff stories, improving consistency across district and campus communications, expanding use of the VAISD mobile app and creating additional opportunities for direct community engagement.
Additional Board action
Trustees also:
- Approved $7,606.49 in additional IMAT funds for non-consumable science supplies.
- Approved the 2026–27 Hazardous Routes Resolution, with the addition of Mantua students walking to Williams Elementary.
- Approved TASB Policy Update 127.
- Approved teacher appraisers and the 2026–27 appraisal calendar.
- Approved the district’s calendar of non-business days under the Texas Public Information Act.
- Approved changes to authorized bank account signers.
- Approved the district’s safety audit survey completed by Chief Milner and previously approved by the Safety and Security Committee.
- Approved the TPS property and casualty insurance proposal for 2026–27.
- Approved the consent agenda.