Sweetwater ISD Board Actions at February 11th Meeting
The Sweetwater Independent School District Board of Trustees covered a wide range of topics during its regular meeting on Feb. 11, from celebrating student achievement to approving next year’s academic calendar and moving forward on bond-funded construction projects.
The meeting was held at the Puckett-Dudensing CTE Building and called to order at 5:29 p.m. by Board President Mark Garcia, who confirmed a quorum was present. Trustees in attendance included Jeff Allen, Dennis Cumbie, Kelly Sheridan, Tasha Soto, Brenda Valdez and Reggy Spencer, with Domingo Castillo absent. Community members and district staff were also present.
During the public forum, Paula Kisinger introduced herself as the new chief appraiser for the Nolan County Central Appraisal District. While the appraisal district operates separately from the school district, its property valuations play a critical role in determining local school funding because property taxes are a primary source of revenue for Texas public schools. Kisinger encouraged trustees to contact her with any questions regarding property appraisals and valuations.
In recognition of National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, trustees received a presentation highlighting district CTE programs. CTE Director Marina Wilcox outlined current student projects across multiple departments.
A highlight of the evening was a presentation by Officer Traven Berrie and his K-9 partner, Dasha. Officer Berrie collaborated with graphic design and DECA students to create an anti-bullying book designed for students in grades Pre-K through third grade. DECA students Allie Thompson and Sophia Vela shared details about their state-qualifying project based on the book.
Officer Berrie explained plans to continue the book series and seek donations so that every elementary student and campus library can receive a copy. The project demonstrates how CTE programs provide real-world learning experiences that combine community partnerships, marketing skills and student leadership development.
Superintendent Reggy Spencer provided an update on bond projects. The district gymnasium is approximately 95 percent complete, with new rails installed and roofing trim nearing completion.
Additional projects moving forward include playground shade structures at East Ridge, new marquee signage at the high school, and paving work in the courtyard area between the two agriculture shops. Bond projects are funded through voter-approved bonds, which allow districts to finance major facility improvements over time.
Trustees unanimously approved the 2026–27 academic calendar. The calendar was adjusted to shorten fall break and align it with the football open week, a move designed to minimize instructional disruption while maintaining community traditions. The motion passed 6–0.
School calendars must meet state requirements for instructional minutes while balancing holidays, staff development days and extracurricular schedules.
The board also unanimously approved submitting a bad weather waiver application to the Texas Education Agency. Because of weather-related disruptions earlier in the year, students will now attend school on two previously scheduled staff development days — Feb. 17 and April 6.
The waiver allows districts to remain in compliance with state instructional time requirements without extending the school year further into the summer.
Spencer reported that Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) data has been validated at approximately $250,000. The TIA program provides additional compensation to teachers based on student growth and classroom performance. Teachers receiving those funds will be recognized in May.
The district also received a LASO grant, which provides state funding for targeted academic supports. Students have been informed about potential financial incentives tied to improved test scores.
As part of the middle school Turnaround Plan, the state education commissioner approved two new instructional positions focused on math and reading intervention. Spencer also noted that district principals would be visiting Floydada to observe instructional practices, and the district is considering implementation of the engage2learn professional development program to strengthen classroom instruction.
Additionally, daycare furniture originally purchased with assistance from SEED has been donated to a newly formed daycare, as the district no longer needed certain items such as baby beds.
Trustees entered closed session at 6:21 p.m. to discuss personnel matters, as permitted under the Texas Open Meetings Act. After returning to open session at 6:47 p.m., the board approved administrator contracts as presented in a 5–0 vote.
The board also approved the consent agenda, including monthly minutes and financial reports.
Trustees scheduled a special called meeting for March 2 at 8:30 a.m. to finalize plans to submit to the Texas Education Agency, followed by the regular March board meeting at 5 p.m. the same day.
The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Overall, the Feb. 11 meeting reflected continued progress on facility improvements, strategic academic initiatives and student-centered programs, while trustees addressed both routine governance responsibilities and long-term planning for the district’s future.