Crandall ISD

The June Board Meeting began with the swearing-in of Crandall ISD’s newest K-9 Officer, who will be handled by Officer Sellers. We also welcomed Chris Wallace as the new Head Baseball Coach at Crandall High School.

The district proudly recognized Cody Frazier and Shannon Barnett for their exceptional 11 years of service on the Crandall ISD Education Foundation Board. Their contributions have significantly impacted student opportunities.

Public Hearing
Dr. Goss, Chief Academic Officer, presented Crandall ISD’s federal funding application under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), including:

• Title I, Part A – Improving Basic Programs: $491,889

• Title II, Part A – Supporting Effective Instruction: $126,413

• Title III, Part A – English Language Acquisition: $127,158

• Title IV – Student Support & Academic Enrichment: $34,490

Information Items

• Construction & Bond Update
  Scott Stewart, Executive Director of Transportation and School Planning, provided a progress update on construction projects and bond account balances. Both the Smalley Service Center renovation and the CHS additional wing came in under budget. The next two major projects are the Performing Arts Center and Danny Baker Elementary.

• Crandall ISD Police Department Update
  Chief Payovich presented an end-of-year overview and shared upcoming initiatives for the 2025-2026 school year:

  • Mental health officer certification

  • Trauma-informed training (August)

  • Implementation of the Explosives K-9 Program

  • Student mentorship and engagement strategies

  • Launch of a new strategic planning action plan and goals

  • Officer wellness and ongoing training initiatives

• Staff Retention Overview
  Dr. Holly Keown, Chief of Staff, reported that Crandall ISD’s staff retention rate for the upcoming school year is 85%, an improvement from 78% in the previous two years.

• Monthly Financial Report
  CFO Todd Garrison concluded the meeting with a financial update, continuing the district’s commitment to fiscal transparency.

These updates are designed to keep you informed about important activities and decisions impacting the district.

To stay up to date, visit Crandall ISD Board Briefs

Board Briefs – May Board Meeting Recap

Last night's board meeting opened with a special moment as the Top 10 CHS Graduates and our cadets led the pledges. It was an evening filled with celebrations across Crandall ISD!

🏆 Recognitions (listed in order):

• Shelton Gibbs V

• Samuel Mitchell

• Jonathan Zelkovich

• Luke Abraham

• Pearl Uguru

• Chiazotam Nnadozie

• Peyton Bryant

• Jacqueline Campos

• Will Tipton

• Edison Umeh

Gold Dusters – Showtime International Grand Champions

Eagle Scout Achievements – Nathanael Andy & Grant Yates

Aspiring Pirate Leader Academy – Completer Recognition

• Sarah Blackmon • Tabitha Coleman • Kharen Davis • Kellie Freeman • Meagan Freeman • Gregory Hamilton • Youshonda Henderson-Reid • LaDavia Houston • Cynthia Jones • Ashley Lopes • Serena Mathies • Sarah McSparrin • Kevin Morris • Megan Richards • Veronica Taylor • Shenise Tett

Campus Teachers of the Year

• Dietz: Jillian Davenport

• Martin: Victoria Hartley

• Noble-Reed: Candice Grisham

• Opal Smith: Kharen Davis

• Walker: Cheyenne Simpson

• Wilson: Britney Hardin

• Compass/DAEP: Larissa Myers

• CMS: Alyson Schleter

• CHS: Kendra Wallace

District Teachers of the Year

• Elementary: Cheyenne Simpson

• Secondary: Kendra Wallace
  These two outstanding educators will represent Crandall ISD at Region 10 this July!

Outgoing Board Members

• Thank you to Dr. Sharon Long and Amy Barber for your dedicated service to CISD!

📝 Action Items

• Oath of Office Administered by Judge Shelton Gibbs

  • Ryan Eskridge (re-elected)

  • Chaffani Ward

  • Shad Zamarron

• Election of Board Officers

  • President: Ryan Eskridge

  • Vice President: Justin Strain

  • Secretary: Jennifer Hiser

• Construction Manager Selection

  • Pogue Construction was selected as the Construction Manager for Danny Baker Elementary School and Central Middle School

📘 Information Items

Strategic Plan Presentation
Dr. Murry presented the 5-Year Strategic Plan, which includes:

Vision Statement:
One Community. Every Student. Excellence for All.

Mission Statement:
Crandall ISD will provide a safe and innovative education that empowers every member of the Pirate community to excel in a dynamic world.

Belief Statements:

1. Diversity and inclusion are essential to the success of all.

2. A supportive and involved community is essential to student success.

3. All students deserve to be inspired, encouraged, loved, believed in, and taught more than they were the day before by high-quality staff.

4. All students will experience growth in a safe, challenging, and engaging learning environment.

5. All students are positive and productive members of society who are lifelong learners.

CHS Performing Arts Center (PAC) Construction
Construction on the new CHS Performing Arts Center will begin in June and is expected to last approximately 18 months. A designated work zone will be located behind the high school, with modified entrances and exits during the construction period.

Student Technology Fee (Grades 6–12)
Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, students in grades 6–12 will be assessed a technology fee to cover:

• Use of a district-issued Chromebook and charger

• Basic accidental damage protection (e.g., cracked screen, hardware failure)
  This fee will help offset other school-related costs, and supply lists are being adjusted accordingly.

Counseling Program Update
Counseling Coordinator Shenise Tett shared that Crandall ISD’s Counseling Department follows the Texas Model for a Comprehensive School Counseling Program.
Counselors dedicate 80% of their time to the following four components:

• Guidance Curriculum

• Individual Planning

• Responsive Services

• System Support

Gifted & Talented Program Update
Advanced Academics Coordinator Toni Gibbs provided an update on Crandall ISD’s Gifted and Talented Program, which serves students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. The program continues to focus on identifying and nurturing the potential of high-achieving learners at all grade levels.

Leadership Development Year 1 Update
Executive Directors of Leadership Development Amy McAfee and Angela Wiggins shared a Year 1 update on Crandall ISD’s Leadership Development efforts, including targeted professional development for principals and assistant principals and the launch of the Aspiring Pirate Leader Academy.

Opening 
The meeting began with the Pledges and Presentation of Colors, led by the CHS Student Council and JROTC.

Recognitions

• Teacher Incentive Allotment: 40 CISD teachers were celebrated for earning a TIA designation.

• 2025–2026 Central Middle School: Stephanie Franks, current assistant principal at Noble-Reed, was recognized as the new CMS assistant principal.

• 2025–2026 Head Volleyball Coach: Courtney Posey was announced to lead our Pirates volleyball program.

• New Doctorates in Educational Leadership: Congratulations to Dr. Matt Besherse, Dr. Christy Starrett, Dr. Amber Teamann, and Dr. Jessica Zelkovich on earning their doctoral degrees.

Action Items

• Elementary #7 Naming (coming in a few years): Approved to be named Danny R. Baker Elementary, honoring a long-time Pirate and community contributor. (Watch the tribute video here)

• 2025–2026 Principal Appointment – Noble-Reed: Dr. Angelica Fountain was approved as the incoming principal.

• Performing Arts Center Construction:

     The Board approved the gross maximum price (GMP) for the new Performing Arts Center at CHS — a Bond 2022 project.

• • Construction begins: May 2025 & Estimated completion: December 2026

  • Highlights of the Performing Arts Center (PAC) include:

    • 30,585 sq ft addition with an 814-seat auditorium (see pictures attached)

    • UIL stage with 64’ flyloft, acoustical shells, and scene shop

    • Art gallery, dressing rooms, and storage areas

    • Renovations to 6,970 sq ft of the existing CHS fine arts wing, including practice rooms, offices, and enhanced storage

Information Items

• Child Nutrition Update (Tim Davis):

  • Over 240,000 breakfasts and 500,000 lunches served year to date

  • $800,000 in capital improvements over the last two years (e.g., ovens, walk-in coolers at our oldest campuses)

  • New food offerings and team members celebrated

• Artificial Intelligence in CISD (Dr. Amber Teamann):

  • Presented CISD’s AI beliefs and implementation strategy

  • Discussed MagicSchool AI for teachers, with PD sessions coming this summer

• Curriculum Update (Dr. Charlene Goss):

  • Shared recent assessment data and updates on:

    • Instructional staff roles and responsibilities

    • Awareness and feedback of curriculum resources

    • Strategic campus support and refinements

• Athletics and Facilities Planning (Dr. Christy Starrett):

  • Previewed gym/field usage needs with the opening of our second middle school in 2025–26

  • Noted increased field/gym demand with three secondary campuses

  • Shared collaboration with Coach Hardin and local leagues to address scheduling amid rapid growth

March Board Brief

Pledges of Allegiance

• Crandall Middle School (CMS) and JROTC led the pledges, followed by an incredible performance from the CMS Folklorico Dance Group.

Student & Staff Recognitions

• Crandall High School (CHS) Cheer was recognized for their historic six-time UIL State Championship title and their #2 ranking in the nation.
• City Manager Jerry Dean was honored for his years of dedicated service to our community and his upcoming retirement.
• Crandall ISD’s Purchasing Department earned the Award of Merit for 2025, recognizing their commitment to excellence.
• Jason Bowie, Crandall ISD’s talented photographer, received nine photography awards from TSPRA, a testament to his skill and dedication.

Public Hearing: Annual Federal Report & TAPR Reports

• A public hearing was held to review the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) and other annual federal accountability reports for the 2023-24 school year. These will be emailed to all parents and staff on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
  📄 You can find all reports accountability and assessment.

Consent Items

• Approval of the K-9 Unit to our CISD Police Department
• Approval of the Middle School Architect for future district planning

Information Items

• Monthly Curriculum Report – Chief of Academics, Dr. Goss provided updates on curriculum and instruction progress.
• Elementary #7 Proposed Timelines – CFO Todd Garrison shared the projected timelines for the district’s next elementary school.
• Safety & Security Grant Spending – Executive Director of Emergency Operations, Keith Chapman detailed how grant funding has been utilized to enhance district safety measures.
• Technology & Cybersecurity Update – Executive Director of Technology, Dr. Teamann presented an overview of district technology progress, initiatives, and cybersecurity strategies.

Action Items

• May 2025 Election Cancellation – Amanda Roberts, Director of Communications & Special Projects, brought forward an order to cancel the May 2025 election due to unopposed candidates. The governing body approved the order, and the following candidates will be seated without opposition:
  
  Shadrach Zamarron: Position 3, 3-year term
  Ryan Eskridge: Position 4, 3-year term
  Chaffani Ward: Position 5, 1-year term

Thank you to all our leaders for their dedication and commitment to CISD. We look forward to the continued success of our students, staff, and community.

The next regular board meeting is April 14 at 7 p.m.

Board Brief

Pledges of Allegiance

• A special thank you to Opal Smith Elementary students for leading the pledges with Pirate pride.

District Leadership Announcements

For the first time in CISD history, key leadership roles have been separated.

Athletic Department

• Kyle Hardin – Athletic Director
• Darrell Lewis – Assistant Athletic Director & Head Football Coach

Fine Arts Leadership

• John Nutt – Fine Arts Director
• Greg Hamilton – Head Band Director

This change allows Kyle Hardin and John Nutt to focus on expanding and enhancing the programs under their leadership. With the district's rapid growth, their dedicated leadership will have a significant impact.

Campus Leadership Updates

• Chris Wilson – Assistant Principal, Martin Elementary
• Paige Cherry – Principal, Crandall Middle School #2 (opening 2025-26)

Life Saver Awards

• Shannon Banks, Shyvonne Coulter, and Officer Jeremy Clark were recognized for stepping up when a colleague needed help.

Special Recognition

• Congratulations to Amber Teamann for receiving the Employee Support of the Guard & Reserve Award.

Crandall ISD Education Foundation Grant Winners

• Walker Elementary and Crandall Middle School were awarded a combined total of $14,072.25 in grant funding.

Approved Board Items

• 2025-26 District Calendar – see calendar in English and Spanish here. 
• Rezoning and restructuring plan – More details will be shared soon now that the plans have been approved. Learn more here.
• Superintendent Contract Extension

Thank you to all our leaders for their dedication and commitment to CISD. We look forward to the continued success of our students, staff, and community.

The next regular board meeting is March 3 at 7 p.m.

Board Brief

Pledges of Allegiance

• A special thank you to Walker Elementary students and the CHS JROTC for leading the pledges with Pirate Pride.

Performances

• We appreciate the CHS Band and CHS JROTC for sharing their hard work through music and performance in honor of Board Appreciation Month.

Board Recognition

• School Board Appreciation Month – Watch the special thank you video here: Watch Now.
• The Walker Elementary students presented the board with a small token of our appreciation. 
• Early Graduates – Congratulations to Fernando Escobar Contreras and Cinthia Gonzalez on their early graduation!

Information Items

• Chief of Academics, Dr. Charlene Goss, provided the Board with a curriculum and instruction update, highlighting strengths and areas of focus following the completion of District Checkpoint #2.
• Director of Communications, Amanda Roberts, presented three draft calendar options and shared results from the community and staff calendar survey for the 2025-26 school year. View the options here: calendar options.
• Director of Student Enrollment, Matt Besherse, outlined proposed rezoning plans for elementary and middle schools. More information is available at rezoning information.
• Chief of Operations, Christy Starrett, presented a proposal to restructure grade levels, establishing a second middle school for grades 6-8 at the current Freshman Center, with 9th grade returning to the high school.
• The random search process will begin at CHS this semester. More details can be found here: Random searches.
• Chief Financial Officer, Todd Garrison, provided an update on the selection process for an architect for Crandall Middle School #2 and the committee involved in the project. The proposed opening for the new middle school is 2028. Monthly financial reports were also reviewed.

Thank you to our district leaders for their dedication and commitment to CISD. We look forward to continued success for our students, staff, and community.