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Whitehouse ISD Board Notes

Posted Date: 01/13/26 (03:18 PM)


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Board Notes

January 12, 2026

Call Meeting to Order

III. CLOSED SESSION AS AUTHORIZED BY THE TEXAS OPEN MEETINGS
ACT, TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE, SECTION 551.001, ET SEQ.,
CONCERNING PURPOSES PERMITTED BY THE ACT INCLUDING:
A. 551.074 Deliberate the Appointment, Employment, Evaluation,
Reassignments, Duties, Discipline, or Dismissal of a Public Employee or
to Hear a Complaint or Charge Against an Employee
1. Consideration of Superintendent Evaluation
2. Consideration of Superintendent/Board Goals
3. Consideration of Superintendent Contract
4. Discussion of Personnel

Open Forum

We had no participants in Open Forum

Recognition

Coach Newton introduced Bret Gilchrist (Coach Gilly) to the board. Coach Gilly was selected as the new Head Football Coach for Whitehouse High School. District leadership shared excitement about welcoming Coach Gilly to Whitehouse ISD and highlighted his passion for student-athlete development, leadership, and building strong relationships within the school and community.

School Board Appreciation Month

January is School Board Appreciation Month, and Whitehouse ISD is proud to celebrate what we believe is the best school board in the state. Students across all campuses participated by writing thank-you cards to express their appreciation, and several elementary campuses joined together to create a special video message for our Board.

You can view the video here.

PUBLIC HEARING

Texas Academic Performance Report

Dr. Taylor presented an overview of the Texas Academic Performance Report, highlighting several key data points that reflect the academic successes taking place across our district. The presentation showcased areas of growth and progress for Whitehouse ISD students.

INFORMATION ITEMS

A. SCHOOL START TIMES

Dr. Taylor presented information to the Board regarding a potential adjustment to start and dismissal times for elementary campuses (Pre-K–Holloway) and secondary campuses (WJHS–WHS). Under the proposal, elementary campuses would see little change, with a start time of approximately 7:45 a.m. and dismissal around 3:15 p.m., while secondary campuses would shift to a later start time of approximately 8:15 a.m. and dismissal at around 3:50 p.m.

This adjustment could provide several benefits, including expanded opportunities for students across secondary campuses, alignment with research highlighting the benefits of additional morning sleep for secondary students, improved facility utilization, a two-tiered bus system (keeping elementary and secondary students separate), and reduced traffic congestion near Holloway and Whitehouse High School.

The district also recognizes potential challenges associated with this change, such as the need for afterschool care, early drop-offs, and adjusting to a new schedule. Feedback on this proposal was gathered from a variety of stakeholders, including parents, students, the transportation department, and principals. Overall, the response was positive, with a shared understanding that the district should continue exploring this option.

B. Intent to Apply

2026-2027 Traffic Safety Program Driver Education Training Initiative Grant

ACTION ON CLOSED SESSION

A. Consider Approval of Superintendent Evaluation (ACTION APPROVED)
B. Consider Approval of Superintendent/Board Goals (ACTION APPROVED)
C. Consider Approval of Superintendent Contract (ACTION APPROVED)

ACTION

A. Consent Items

1. Consider Approval of Board Meeting Minutes (ACTION APPROVED)
2. Consider Approval of Monthly Financial Reports (ACTION APPROVED)
3. Consider Approval of Tax Report (ACTION APPROVED)
4. Consider Approval of Quarterly Investment Report (ACTION APPROVED)
5. Consider Acceptance of Donations (ACTION APPROVED)
6. Consider Approval of Budget Amendment (ACTION APPROVED)
7. Consider Policy Update 126 Affecting LOCAL Policies as follows (ACTION APPROVED):
• BE(LOCAL): BOARD MEETINGS
1B. C. • BED(LOCAL): BOARD MEETINGS - PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
• CJ(LOCAL): CONTRACTED SERVICES
• CJA(LOCAL): CONTRACTED SERVICES - BACKGROUND
CHECKS AND REQUIRED REPORTING
• CLE(LOCAL): BUILDINGS, GROUNDS, AND EQUIPMENT
MANAGEMENT - REQUIRED DISPLAYS
• CQB(LOCAL): TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES - CYBERSECURITY
• CQD(LOCAL): TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES - ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE
• CSA(LOCAL): FACILITY STANDARDS - SAFETY AND
SECURITY
• CV(LOCAL): FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION
• DBD(LOCAL): EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS AND
RESTRICTIONS - CONFLICT OF INTEREST
• DEC(LOCAL): COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS - LEAVES AND
ABSENCES
• DFBB(LOCAL): TERM CONTRACTS - NONRENEWAL
• DGBA(LOCAL): PERSONNEL-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS -
EMPLOYEE COMPLAINTS/GRIEVANCES
• DH(LOCAL): EMPLOYEE STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
• EEP(LOCAL): INSTRUCTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - LESSON
PLANS
• EFA(LOCAL): INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES -
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
• EHBAF(LOCAL): SPECIAL EDUCATION - VIDEO/AUDIO
MONITORING
• EIA(LOCAL): ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT -
GRADING/PROGRESS REPORTS TO PARENTS
• FA(LOCAL): PARENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• FEF(LOCAL): ATTENDANCE - RELEASED TIME
• FFAC(LOCAL): WELLNESS AND HEALTH SERVICES -
MEDICAL TREATMENT
• FFB(LOCAL): STUDENT WELFARE - CRISIS INTERVENTION
• FFF(LOCAL): STUDENT WELFARE - STUDENT SAFETY
• FFG(LOCAL): STUDENT WELFARE - CHILD ABUSE AND
NEGLECT
• FNG(LOCAL): STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES -
STUDENT AND PARENT COMPLAINTS/GRIEVANCES
• FO(LOCAL): STUDENT DISCIPLINE
• GF(LOCAL): PUBLIC COMPLAINTS
• GKA(LOCAL): COMMUNITY RELATIONS - CONDUCT ON SCHOOL PREMISES
8. Consider Revision to Policy CPC (LOCAL) - Office Management: Records Management (ACTION APPROVED)
9. Consider Approval of New High School Courses
(ACTION APPROVED)

B. Consider Approval of School Calendar for 2026-2027 School Year (Action Approved)

You can view our 2026-2027 calendar at www.whitehouseisd.org/calendars.

C. Consider Approval of Financial Audit Report (Action Approved)

Our tax consultants gave a brief presentation on where we stand financially as a district. Their results indicated we are in a great financial position!

D. Consider and Take Action on Trustee Election

The Board considered and took action with respect to an interlocal agreement between the district and Smith County for the May 2, 2026 Trustee Election and authorize the superintendent to execute the interlocal agreement for conducting elections (Action Approved)

E. Consider Action on Applying for Delay of Requirements.

The Board considered approval of a resolution regarding intent to apply for a delay
of implementation of the requirements of section 21.0032(a) of the Texas Education Code (Action Approved)

Order Board of Trustee Election

Order Trustee Election for May 2, 2026 (Action Approved)

Reports of the Superintendent

A. Board of Trustees Election Process Update
B. Passport to my Future Program Update

 

Adjournment

Want to know more?
You can view this board meeting in full on our Whitehouse ISD School Board YouTube channel.