The Van Alstyne ISD Board of Trustees met Monday, Nov. 9, to recognize outstanding students and staff, review academic improvement plans, receive an update on Elementary School No. 4 and consider several action items.

Student and Staff Recognitions

Partin Elementary Student Leadership Team

Members of Partin Elementary's Student Leadership Team led the pledges and invocation. The students also shared how their leadership program supports school assemblies, kindness initiatives and community service projects.

VAHS All-Girls Welding Team

The Board recognized four Van Alstyne High School students who represented the district at the Help-A-Child welding build-off in Sulphur Springs.

The team included Camila Martinez, Kadence Kolar, Reagan Harris and Hadley Epting. Welding instructor Mr. Epting highlighted the students' dedication, including early-morning practice sessions to prepare for the competition.

Above and Beyond Award

Partin Elementary teacher Natalie Ramsey received the district's Above and Beyond recognition for her commitment to student success, willingness to implement new instructional strategies and support of fellow educators.

Elementary School No. 4 Construction Update

Superintendent Dr. David Brown provided an update on planning for the district's fourth elementary school.

Preliminary site work and design activities are underway, with the project scheduled to move through two bidding phases in early 2027.

According to the construction timeline presented to the Board, construction is scheduled to begin May 3, 2027, with the goal of opening the new campus in fall 2029.

Plans also include separate traffic circulation areas for buses and parent vehicles, along with design adjustments informed by the district's experience opening Williams Elementary.

District and Campus Improvement Plans Approved

The Board unanimously approved the district's 2026–2027 District and Campus Improvement Plans.

District administrators and campus principals presented strategies focused on improving student achievement, strengthening instructional practices and providing targeted support to students.

Among the priorities discussed were:

• Using MAP Growth assessment data to identify learning gaps and monitor student progress.

• Expanding targeted interventions in reading and mathematics.

• Strengthening collaboration among teachers, instructional coaches and student-support personnel.

• Improving attendance, student engagement and campus culture.

• Supporting college, career and military readiness at the high school level.

The plans establish measurable goals and strategies to guide instructional improvement throughout the 2026–2027 school year.

The complete District Improvement Plan and individual Campus Improvement Plans will be made available for public review on the district and campus websites.

Child Nutrition Pay Scale Adjustments

Trustees unanimously approved adjustments to the district's paraprofessional salary scale aimed at improving recruitment and retention of Child Nutrition employees.

The approved changes include a $2-per-hour increase for cafeteria managers and a 75-cent-per-hour increase for cafeteria food service workers.

The adjustments will be funded through the district's Child Nutrition fund balance.

Employee Retention Incentive Reaffirmed

The Board revisited and approved a resolution concerning the district's previously budgeted one-time $500 employee retention incentive.

The incentive, which was included in the district's approved budget, is scheduled for distribution in December 2026 and recognizes employees for their continued service to Van Alstyne ISD.

District of Innovation Plan Reviewed

Assistant Superintendent Ryan Coleman presented the district's annual District of Innovation Plan review.

The plan provides flexibility from certain state education requirements to better meet local district needs.

Topics discussed included the school calendar, class-size flexibility, teacher certification requirements and educator appraisal systems.

The district will continue reviewing its plan to ensure compliance with changes in state law and education regulations.

Board Operating Procedures Updated

Trustees unanimously approved revisions to the district's Board Operating Procedures.

The updated procedures establish expectations for Board governance, communication, meeting practices and trustee responsibilities.

The revised procedures are scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Additional Board Actions

The Board also approved several additional items, including:

• Instructional materials: $8,604.64 for shipping costs associated with instructional materials.

• Library materials: Authorization to purchase library books following the required public review period.

• Banking authorizations: Updates to authorized signers for district accounts.

• Consent agenda: Approval of the previous meeting's minutes.

VAISD Earns Superior Financial Accountability Rating

During a public hearing, the district presented its 2025–2026 Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) report, based on audited financial data from the 2024–2025 fiscal year.

Van Alstyne ISD earned a score of 96 and a Superior Achievement rating, the highest rating classification available under the state's financial accountability system.

The district has maintained the state's highest financial accountability classification for 23 consecutive years.

The report evaluates school districts on financial management, fiscal responsibility, reporting requirements and other accountability measures.