Board Meeting Updates

The Carroll ISD Board of Trustees met Monday, October 5, for a Special Board Workshop Meeting. The evening included recognition of outstanding teachers, staff and students, an update from Board President Cam Bryan regarding District surplus property, and approval of the 2026-27 District and Campus Improvement Plans.

Recognitions

Inspire Excellence Awards

The Board celebrated outstanding Carroll ISD educators and employees through the October #InspireExcellence Awards, sponsored by EECU.

Lorren Dutcher, Special Education Teacher at Durham Intermediate School, was recognized as an #InspireExcellence Teacher of the Month. Durham Principals Andrea Powers and Paul Pinson presented the recognition.

Jessica Bora of Carroll High School was recognized as the Secondary #InspireExcellence Teacher of the Month, presented by CHS Principal Patrick Holladay.

Katerina Grigoryan, CHS Counselor, was recognized as the October #InspireExcellence Employee of the Month.

National Merit Semifinalists

Carroll Senior High School Principal Shatina Lewis recognized CSHS students named National Merit Semifinalists, celebrating their outstanding academic achievement and success in the National Merit Scholarship Program. This year's cohort celebrates 30 Dragon seniors.

President’s Report

Board President Cam Bryan provided an update regarding the District’s surplus property at East Highland Street and North Carroll Avenue and addressed misinformation circulating about the property.

President Bryan explained that Carroll ISD conducted a competitive process to identify the best opportunity for the property and determined that Touchmark’s proposal for a continuum-of-care senior living community represented the best bid and overall opportunity for the District. He also clarified that Texas law limits the District’s ability to disclose details of other proposals while the current process remains ongoing. Once that process is complete, the District can provide additional information as legally permissible and appropriate.

The proposed development is now moving through the City of Southlake’s formal planning process. Bryan emphasized that Carroll ISD does not control the City’s zoning or development decisions and that the Board will allow the current process to run its course before determining any potential next steps. He reiterated the Board’s responsibility to be good stewards of District property and make decisions based on the long-term interests of Carroll ISD, taxpayers, and the community.

2026-27 District and Campus Improvement Plans

Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Gina Peddy returned to highlight the 2026-27 District Improvement Plan and Campus Improvement Plans, previously presented to the Board and developed through the District and Campus Improvement Committees in alignment with Carroll ISD’s Strategic Plan.

The District’s top priority remains strong instruction and student growth, with an emphasis on preparing students for their future. Key areas of focus include:

• Strong Instruction & Student Growth: Maintaining high expectations while supporting continued academic growth for every student.
• Focused Resources: Aligning resources with the areas that most directly support teaching and learning.
• Purposeful Technology: Reducing unnecessary technology use, establishing age-appropriate expectations and providing parent choice regarding technology.
• Future-Ready Learning: Expanding opportunities connected to career pathways, leadership, and real-world learning.

Following the presentation, the Board unanimously approved the 2026-27 District and Campus Improvement Plans.

Important Links

Full Board Meeting [VIDEO]
President's Report [VIDEO]
Full President's Report [TEXT]

 

Recap from the September 28, 2026 Regular Board Meeting

Recognitions

The Board recognized Johnson Elementary School as the Campus of the Month. JES students helped celebrate their campus by reciting a poem about what it means to be a JES Dragon and why Johnson Elementary feels like home to them.

The Board also recognized Lori Heil, a longtime substitute at Johnson Elementary, as the Dragon Super Substitute of the Month.

Personnel Report

Following Executive Session, the Board unanimously approved the Personnel Report as presented.

Committee Reports: Transition Team Updates

Trustees provided updates from the teams working through the District’s upcoming transition involving the campus realignment plan.

Board Vice President Andrew Yeager reported on the CISD Programs Transition Team, led by Assistant Superintendent Brian Nickel. The team is examining areas that affect the academic and non-academic experience of fifth-grade students, including field trips and the use of Canvas. Yeager thanked the community members participating in the process.

Board Secretary Christy Stacy reported on the Curriculum & Instruction Transition Team, led by Gina Peddy, which has held detailed discussions about curriculum adjustments associated with fifth-grade students remaining at elementary campuses.

Trustee Mandy Reece provided an update from the Legacy Transition Team, including discussions about preserving Durham’s legacy by renaming the CISD Administration Building in honor of Durham.

Trustee Eric Lannen reported on the Human Resources Transition Team, which is working with principals on staffing logistics as the transition approaches.

Board President Cam Bryan discussed the work of the Facilities Transition Team, including facility modifications needed to accommodate the transition and Durham’s closure.

Vice President Yeager also reported on the Special Programs Transition Team, led by Patti Parsons, which is approaching the transition with student needs first and incorporating parent input as it evaluates staffing and space needs.

Trustees emphasized that the transition-team process has been approached thoughtfully, with intentional coordination and overlap among the teams' goals.

President’s Report

Board President Cam Bryan provided an update on the District’s management of surplus real property, emphasizing the Board’s responsibility to evaluate properties no longer needed for educational operations and determine how those taxpayer assets can best serve the District.

Bryan reported that the District has closed on the sale of the former Dragon Stadium property to the City of Southlake, which will preserve the property as community green space. He also reported that a former CISD building is currently under contract, with closing anticipated before the end of the year, and that additional properties are in process or under contract.

Bryan said converting unused properties can generate revenue for the District and emphasized the Board’s responsibility to strategically manage CISD assets not only for current needs, but also for future students and families.

Read the full President's Report here.
Watch the President Report portion of the Board Meeting video here.

Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Glenn highlighted the exciting start to the school year and celebrated the recent presentation of Carroll ISD’s 10th UIL Lone Star Cup.

Dr. Glenn also discussed the District’s continued focus on financial stewardship. Carroll ISD’s annual audit is underway, a process he said is important to maintaining trust and transparency with staff and the community. He noted that the District has adopted balanced budgets for the past two years, adopted a No-New-Revenue tax rate for three consecutive years and continued paying down debt.

Dr. Glenn also thanked community partners, parents and booster clubs for their support in helping renovate the girls’ basketball and volleyball locker rooms, emphasizing the importance of being good stewards of District resources while keeping the focus on students.

2026-27 District and Campus Improvement Plans

Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Gina Peddy gave a presentation on the 2026-27 District Improvement Plan and Campus Improvement Plans, outlining priorities designed to build on Carroll ISD’s strong academic performance while supporting continued student growth.

Learning and Development: The District’s overarching goal is to provide strong, innovative educational experiences and supportive learning environments for all Dragons. Priorities include:

• Providing high-quality instruction in every classroom
• Ensuring students receive the appropriate level of challenge and support
• Using data to identify what students know and what they need next
• Preparing students for college, careers and life beyond Carroll ISD
• Continuing to develop the skills and expertise of teachers and leaders Updated 9.28.2026 DIP and CIP B…

Preparing Students for the Future: The District plans to expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities through increased participation in work-based learning, internships, industry certifications and career pathways. The plan also calls for stronger partnerships with local businesses, colleges and community organizations and more opportunities for real-world problem-solving and collaboration. Updated 9.28.2026 DIP and CIP B…

Campus and District Priorities: Areas of focus for 2026-27 include:

• Accelerating student growth and achievement, particularly from Approaches to Meets and Meets to Masters
• Strengthening differentiation, intervention, enrichment and rigorous instruction
• Increasing student ownership of learning through goal setting, progress monitoring and reflection
• Strengthening collaboration, curriculum alignment and instruction
• Supporting positive learning environments and improving student attendance
• Supporting staff, including a New Teacher Academy at Eubanks Intermediate
• Preparing elementary and middle schools for the changes coming in the 2027-28 school year while maintaining strong campus cultures Updated 9.28.2026 DIP and CIP B…

Educational Technology: The presentation also highlighted progress in the District’s effort to make technology more intentional and keep teachers at the center of instruction. Accomplishments include:

• Establishing age-appropriate screen-time limits by grade level
• Providing parents an opt-out option for digital instructional resources
• Reducing the instructional digital resource list by 87% — from 1,236 resources to 165
• Reducing technology spending by 8% from 2025-26 and 28% from 2024-25
• Blocking additional websites that do not contribute to the educational experience

The District’s instructional approach emphasizes technology as a supplemental resource, balanced with writing, discussion, collaboration, problem-solving, hands-on activities and face-to-face learning.

Consent Agenda

The Board approved the Consent Agenda as presented, which included meeting minutes, updates to previously approved out-of-state student travel, the monthly financial report, a facility-use agreement with community athletics renters and several donations.

The Board accepted four donations totaling $71,056:

• Class 1 Inventory LLC, Jorge Alvarez and the Alvarez Family: $30,000
• Johnson Elementary School PTO: $20,172
• Carroll Athletic Booster Club: $18,124
• Southlake Association for Gifted and Talented: $2,760

Following approval of the Consent Agenda, the Board returned to Executive Session, concluding the public portion of the meeting.

Watch the full meeting video here.

Recap from the September 14, 2026 Carroll ISD Special Board Workshop Meeting

Recognitions

The Board was proud to recognize three outstanding members of Dragon Nation through the District’s #InspireExcellence program.

#InspireExcellence Teachers of the Month

The Board recognized Walnut Grove Elementary School teacher Tammy Koh as the September 2026 #InspireExcellence Elementary Teacher of the Month. WGES Principal Dr. Meredith Davis presented the recognition.

The Board also recognized Carroll High School teacher Kacy Duren as the September 2026 #InspireExcellence Secondary Teacher of the Month. CHS Principal Patrick Holladay presented the recognition.

#InspireExcellence Employee of the Month

The Board recognized Carroll Senior High School Principal’s Secretary Debra Reynolds as the September 2026 #InspireExcellence Employee of the Month. CSHS Principal Shatina Lewis presented the recognition.

Consideration and Possible Action

Personnel Report

No action was taken on the Personnel Report following Executive Session.

Pending Litigation

The Board unanimously authorized the Board President and Superintendent to facilitate the dismissal of P.H. v. Carroll ISD, et al., Civil Action No. 4:24-cv-0951-P, as discussed in closed session.

Information Items (No Action Taken)

Human Resources Department Report

Executive Director of Human Resources Melanie Kibodeaux presented an overview of the Carroll ISD Human Resources Department, including current staffing, employee education levels, compensation, contract workers, substitute teachers, recent accomplishments, and ongoing initiatives.

Carroll ISD currently employs 1,106 staff members, including 668 professional employees, 169 paraprofessionals, 240 auxiliary employees, and 29 childcare employees. Among District employees, 182 hold master’s degrees and nine hold doctoral degrees. The average teacher salary is $70,570, while the average paraprofessional salary is $28,463.

The report also highlighted several positive staffing trends. Carroll ISD is operating without classroom certification waivers for the second year in a row, and the number of outside contract workers has declined from 35 in 2023-2024 to one in 2026-2027. Once a candidate’s background check is cleared, Human Resources can process an employment recommendation within 48 hours or less.

Additional updates included:

• Continued positive feedback regarding campus leadership and the District’s new-hire processes.

• Ongoing efforts to move Human Resources forms and employee records to a digital format, improving turnaround times and reducing paperwork.

• Creative staffing efforts to ensure transportation routes remain covered.

• Previously approved employee compensation increases, including a flat $5,000 increase for several specialized professional positions, a 3 percent midpoint increase for other professional employees, and a 5 percent midpoint increase for clerical, paraprofessional, and auxiliary employees. Bus drivers and bus aides received a $1 hourly increase.

• Implementation of the approved blackout calendar, local leave buyback program, and retirement incentive program.

Looking ahead, the Human Resources Department will continue evaluating compensation structures to ensure Carroll ISD remains competitive with surrounding districts while further streamlining its processes.

This was an informational item, and no Board action was taken.

Discussion and Action Items

Cancellation of the November 3, 2026 General Election

Deputy Superintendent of Business and Finance Chase Park presented an order canceling Carroll ISD’s November 3, 2026 Trustee General Election because the candidates for Trustee Places 1, 2, and 3 were certified as unopposed.

The following candidates were certified as unopposed:

• Place 1: Christina “Christy” Stacy

• Place 2: Eric Lannen

• Place 3: Miranda “Mandy” Reece

The cancellation was presented in accordance with Sections 2.051-2.053 of the Texas Election Code.

The Board unanimously approved the motion.

Academic Planning Guide Technology Policy Changes

Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Gina Peddy presented several changes and clarifications to the technology guidelines included in the Academic Planning Guide and Grading Guidelines approved by the Board in August.

Peddy began with an update on the District’s technology opt-out provision. More than 150 students began the school year opted out of classroom technology use. That number has since declined to fewer than 15 students.

Now that the guidelines are in practice, the District identified several areas requiring additional clarification:

Dragon Den Parent Opt-In: Parents may opt in to allow their students to use District-approved devices during Dragon Den to access required digital textbooks and instructional materials or complete assigned work. This instructional use will not count toward the District’s screen-time limits.

Bring Your Own Device for Grades 5-8: Beginning in August 2027, Bring Your Own Device, or BYOD, will no longer be permitted for students in grades 5-8 during the school day. When technology is required for instruction, students will use District-provided devices.

Privacy Screens: Effective immediately, privacy screens will not be permitted on student devices.

The updates to the Academic Planning Guide were unanimously approved by the Board and the meeting was adjourned.

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IMPORTANT LINKS

• President's Report: Read here.
• President's Report Video: Watch here.
• Full Board Meeting Video: Watch here.

Recognitions

The Board was proud to recognize outstanding members of Dragon Nation:

Kerrin McDevitt was recognized for earning the Congressional Award Gold Medal, one of the highest honors presented by the United States Congress to young Americans. Carroll Senior High School Principal Shatina Lewis presented the recognition.

"...earning the Gold Medal requires an extraordinary level of sustained commitment in four areas: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and exploration," said Lewis. "Over the course of her journey, Kerrin has completed more than 600 hours of voluntary public service in her community. As part of her personal development goal, she constructed three flag retirement boxes and placed them in accessible locations throughout our community so that worn American flags can be retired respectfully. I think it is especially meaningful that she completed that project in 2026, as our country celebrates its 250th birthday."

The Carroll Senior High School Lady Dragon Golf Team was recognized for earning the silver medal at the State Golf Championship, celebrating another outstanding season for Lady Dragon Golf. Director of Athletics Jenny Suitor recognized the Lady Dragons for their exceptional performance at the state tournament, honoring team members Tyler Burtnett, Stephanie De Marco, Olivia Neal, Savannah Taggart, Aubrie Nolen, and Gia Ahlowalia.

Consideration and Possible Action

The Board unanimously approved the Personnel Report as presented following Executive Session.

President's Report

Board President Cam Bryan congratulated students, teachers, staff, and families on a successful start to the 2026-2027 school year and celebrated the announcement that Carroll ISD and all 11 campuses earned an A rating from the Texas Education Agency.

President Bryan also congratulated Trustees Christy Stacy, Mandy Reece, and Eric Lannen, who will each return for another term of service after drawing no opponents for the November election.

He also provided an update regarding Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) funding. The Board plans to request an additional $500,000 in TIRZ funding from the City of Southlake during the next budget cycle to support capital maintenance and infrastructure improvements at Eubanks Intermediate, Dawson Middle School, Old Union Elementary, and Dragon Stadium.

President Bryan emphasized that the proposed projects are intended to preserve the safety, functionality, and longevity of existing public facilities. He also shared that the Board has requested a comprehensive accounting of the TIRZ's history, including Carroll ISD tax increment contributions, expenditures, current reserves, and projects funded since the District began participating in the TIRZ in 1998.

Superintendent's Report

Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Glenn thanked principals, teachers, support staff, and employees across the District for a successful first week of school, noting the positive energy across Carroll ISD campuses.

Dr. Glenn celebrated the District's A rating and A ratings across every campus while noting that traditional growth metrics do not always fully capture the achievement of students who are already performing at high levels.

He also discussed Carroll ISD's continued evaluation of technology in the classroom. The District's technology budget has been reduced by approximately 28 percent since 2024-2025, reflecting a broader effort to spend strategically while prioritizing resources that most directly support student learning.

Dr. Glenn also shared that the District continues to closely monitor enrollment as Carroll ISD remains an attractive destination for families and emphasized the District's responsibility to protect the programs, expectations, and traditions that make Carroll ISD exceptional.

Public Hearing: 2026 Tax Rate

Deputy Superintendent of Business and Finance Chase Park presented the proposed 2026 tax rate for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

The tax-rate adoption process included publication of the public hearing notice on June 4, receipt of certified property values from the Tarrant Appraisal District on July 24, submission of the Local Property Value Study on August 1, and adoption of the tax rate on August 17.

The proposed total tax rate was $0.9269 per $100 of taxable valuation, consisting of an M&O rate of $0.6853 and an I&S rate of $0.2416. The reduction from the prior year comes from a $0.0025 decrease in the I&S rate.

The 2026-2027 rate represents:

• The lowest tax rate in Carroll ISD history.

• The third consecutive year the District has adopted a rate below the No-New-Revenue Rate.

• A total tax-rate reduction of approximately $0.3417, or 26.9 percent, since FY2022.

Information Items (No Action Taken)

24/7 Call-A-Doc Telehealth Services

Assistant Superintendent of Administration Brian Nickel presented information regarding a potential partnership with 24/7 Call-A-Doc, a telehealth platform that could provide students, families, and staff with virtual access to licensed healthcare professionals as an additional resource alongside existing District counseling and support services.

The proposed program would be contingent upon federal funding. District administration would review funding requirements, privacy and security provisions, and operational considerations before any future implementation.

No Board action was taken on this informational item.

Discussion and Action Items

Student Code of Conduct and Student Handbook

Assistant Superintendent of Administration Brian Nickel presented the 2026-2027 Student Code of Conduct and Student Handbook for approval following the Board's initial review on August 3.

Updates reflect recent commissioner rulings and interpretations of legislation from the 89th Texas Legislature, including provisions intended to ensure parents receive the rights afforded under Senate Bill 12. Additional minor language revisions were made to reflect the most current legislative guidance.

The Board also discussed personal communication device expectations on school buses. These matters will continue to be addressed administratively rather than placing responsibility for enforcement on bus drivers.

The Board unanimously approved the 2026-2027 Student Code of Conduct and Student Handbook as presented.

2026 Tax Rate

The Board unanimously adopted a total 2026 tax rate of $0.9269 per $100 of taxable valuation, which is below the District's No-New-Revenue Rate.

President Bryan commended the Finance and Administration team for six consecutive years of lowering the District's tax rate and for reaching a rate below the No-New-Revenue Rate for three consecutive years. He also recognized the Board's continued work to strengthen the District's overall financial position.

Board Vice President Andrew Yeager additionally recognized Mr. Park and the Finance Department for their work on behalf of the District.

Energy Rate Renewal

Mr. Park presented the District's electricity procurement strategy for facilities not served by Tri-County Electric. Carroll ISD's existing contract for those facilities runs through May 2030 at approximately $0.03694 per kWh. With future electricity costs projected to increase, the District has been evaluating options for securing future rates, including a strategy that allows rates to be locked in incrementally over time.

The Board unanimously approved delegating authority to District administration to negotiate and secure the District's next electricity contract.

District Partnership Agreements

The Board considered several community partnership agreements designed to provide additional opportunities for students while generating revenue that flows back into District programs. Partnerships discussed include organizations such as ULETE, Southlake Tennis, 1956 Pizza, and additional community partners.

Trustees noted that these partnerships can provide revenue, support improved facility maintenance, and strengthen relationships with local businesses and organizations.

The Board unanimously approved the partnership agreements as presented.

Academic Planning Guide and Grading Guidelines

Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Gina Peddy presented updates to the 2026-2027 Academic Planning Guide and Grading Guidelines.

Approved changes include:

Off-Campus Physical Activity (OCPA): Students may now combine verified participation hours from multiple District-approved providers within the same qualifying activity, providing families greater flexibility while maintaining eligibility, documentation, and accountability requirements.

Grading and Assessment: Updated guidelines establish clearer minimum and maximum expectations for grades within designated categories, helping promote consistency across classrooms and ensuring students have multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery.

GPA and Class Rank: Procedures were updated to align with GPA standardization requirements enacted by the 89th Texas Legislature for students entering seventh grade and beyond.

Educational Technology and Screen Time: The District adopted new grade-level expectations designed to minimize student screen time and reinforce that teachers, direct instruction, discussion, books, writing, and hands-on learning remain central to classroom instruction. Technology will serve as a supplemental resource rather than the primary method of instruction.

The guidelines establish maximum classroom screen-time expectations ranging from no screen time in PK-K to limited daily or class-period use in later grades, while prioritizing paper-based instruction whenever practical. Parents will also have an option to opt their student out of screen time entirely.

Artificial Intelligence: Students in grades PK-8 may not use generative AI for instructional assignments, research, projects, classroom activities, or homework. Students in grades 9-12 may use generative AI only when expressly authorized by a teacher for a specific assignment. Unauthorized AI use or submitting AI-generated work as original work will be treated as academic dishonesty.

Advanced Academic Credit for Extracurricular Participation (AACE): The new AACE provision recognizes students who demonstrate sustained participation in rigorous extracurricular programs. Qualifying activities may include athletics, band, cheer, theater, UIL speech and debate, robotics, choir, and Emerald Belles. Students must participate in the same qualifying organization for four years and may earn only one AACE. Students who meet the criteria outlined in District policy may receive 10 weighted points toward their GPA in recognition of their sustained commitment and participation.

The Board unanimously approved the updated Academic Planning Guide and Grading Guidelines as presented.

You can find the press release regarding the new ed tech guidelines here.

Consent Agenda

The Board unanimously approved the Consent Agenda as presented.

Among the items approved was a $12,000 donation from ASAP, LLC/Landon Esquivel to support parking lot improvements at Rockenbaugh Elementary School.

Recap from the August 3, 2026 Carroll ISD Regular Board Meeting

Recognitions

The Board was proud to recognize several outstanding members of Dragon Nation:

The Carroll ISD Communications Department Summer Interns were recognized for their outstanding work supporting the District's Communications Department throughout the spring and summer. The Board honored Sophia Mirza, Kathir Dev, Cristan Paredes, and Alexander Oehlerts for helping tell the Carroll ISD story and serving the community through a variety of communications initiatives.

Carroll ISD Principals were recognized for an exceptional achievement in school safety after every campus successfully passed the Texas Education Agency's Intruder Detection Audit during the 2025-2026 school year. This marks the first time in District history that every campus met this standard. The Board thanked principals and campus leadership teams for their unwavering commitment to maintaining safe learning environments for students and staff.

Consideration and Possible Action

The Board approved the Personnel Report as presented during Executive Session.

President's Report

Board President Cam Bryan welcomed students, staff, and families to the start of the 2026-2027 school year, expressing excitement for another year of excellence in Carroll ISD.

President Bryan congratulated the District's Communications Department summer interns for their valuable contributions over the past several months and thanked them for helping keep the Carroll ISD community informed and connected.

He also commended Carroll ISD principals for their leadership in achieving a historic milestone by successfully passing every TEA Intruder Detection Audit across the District, reaffirming the Board's commitment to student and staff safety.

Looking ahead, President Bryan introduced the Board's upcoming discussions surrounding proposed updates to the District's educational technology standards. He emphasized Carroll ISD's continued leadership in thoughtfully reducing classroom screen time while prioritizing teacher-led instruction, books, handwriting, classroom discussion, and hands-on learning. He noted that technology should remain a purposeful instructional tool that supplements - not replaces - high-quality teaching, and reaffirmed the Board's commitment to ensuring every decision supports the best possible learning environment for students.

Superintendent's Report

Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Glenn welcomed students, staff, and the Carroll ISD community to the new school year and highlighted several priorities for the year ahead.

He celebrated Carroll ISD's continued recognition as one of Texas' premier school districts, including the District's historic 10th UIL Lone Star Cup Championship, and reaffirmed the District's commitment to maintaining excellence in academics, athletics, and fine arts.

Dr. Glenn also emphasized Carroll ISD's continued focus on responsible financial stewardship, noting that the District remains committed to investing in students while carefully managing taxpayer resources.

Additional updates included:

• Introduction of ParentSquare, the District's new unified communications platform designed to simplify communication between schools and families.
• Carroll ISD's continued success in attracting and retaining outstanding educators, with strong applicant pools and the addition of many talented new teachers for the 2026-2027 school year.
• Upcoming recommendations to further refine the District's educational technology standards and thoughtfully reduce student screen time while supporting meaningful learning experiences.

Information Items (No Action Taken)

The Board received several informational updates.

Student Code of Conduct and Student Handbook

Assistant Superintendent of Administration Brian Nickel presented proposed updates to the 2026-2027 Student Code of Conduct and Student Handbook. Proposed changes include:

• Enhanced school safety and student discipline procedures.
• Updates to align District policies with recent changes in Texas law.
• Expanded information regarding parent rights.
• Additional guidance surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), including appropriate use and disciplinary consequences for misuse.
• Expanded language addressing social media bullying and personal communication devices.
• Updates to threat assessment procedures, student use of District technology, and disciplinary consequences related to technology misuse.

Academic Planning Guide and Grading Guidelines

Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Gina Peddy presented proposed updates to the District's Academic Planning Guide and grading guidelines, including:

Off-Campus Physical Activity (OCPA)

• Provides greater flexibility by allowing participation hours from multiple approved providers within the same activity while maintaining eligibility requirements and accountability standards.

Grading Categories and Assessment Expectations

• Establishes clearer expectations for grading practices, including minimum and maximum assessment requirements, to improve consistency, fairness, and transparency across all campuses.

Class Rank and GPA

• Updates GPA calculations and class rank procedures to comply with new state law while providing greater consistency and clarity for students and families.

Educational Technology

• Establishes age-appropriate classroom screen time expectations by grade level, reinforces teacher-led instruction, and emphasizes technology as a supplemental instructional resource that supports - not replaces - quality teaching.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Establishes districtwide expectations for responsible AI use by students and employees, limits generative AI use by grade level, reinforces academic integrity standards, and clarifies that unauthorized AI use constitutes academic dishonesty.

Future Partnership Agreements

Deputy Superintendent of Business and Finance Chase Park presented several proposed partnership agreements for Board consideration, including:

• Continuing the District's partnership with 1956 Pizza, which provides on-campus lunch options for Carroll Senior High School students while donating a portion of proceeds to support student meal assistance.
• Consideration of a partnership with Southlake Tennis Center, allowing students to receive instruction while generating additional revenue for Carroll ISD.
• A proposed partnership with ULETE.
• A proposed agreement with Vertical Raise to improve consistency and structure for fundraising efforts across the District.
• An update regarding the District's ongoing review of its partnership with Performance Course.

Energy Rate Renewal

Mr. Park also presented information regarding the renewal of the District's electricity contract for campuses and facilities not served by Tri-County Electric Cooperative, including Carroll High School, Carroll Middle School, Johnson Elementary, Rockenbaugh Elementary, Dragon Stadium, and several additional District facilities. The current contract rate remains in effect through 2030, with District leadership continuing to evaluate future opportunities to reduce utility costs.

Discussion and Action Items

Employee Handbook

The Board approved the 2026-2027 Employee Handbook as presented by Executive Director of Human Resources Melanie Kibodeaux. Updates include revised blackout dates and new provisions allowing eligible employees to buy back unused vacation days.

Bond Refunding Authorization

The Board of Trustees approved an order authorizing the issuance of up to $15 million of Carroll ISD U/L Tax Refunding Bonds, Taxable Series 2026, presented by Deputy Superintendent of Business and Finance Chase Park.

This refinancing strategy allows the District to restructure outstanding debt, enabling Carroll ISD to insert an additional debt service payment into FY2026-27 to qualify as scheduled debt service for the fiscal year, and retain the maximum amount of Additional State Aid for Homestead Exemption (ASAHE) tied to a school district's Interest and Sinking debt service fund in Texas.

District leaders noted this is the first time Carroll ISD has utilized this financing strategy. Since 2020, the Board has reduced the District's outstanding debt by nearly $300 million, continuing its commitment to responsible financial stewardship and reducing the tax burden over time.

Consent Agenda

The Board approved the Consent Agenda as presented, including several generous donations benefiting Carroll ISD schools and students. Donations were received from:

• Walnut Grove Elementary PTO
• Southlake Chamber of Commerce
• Carroll Athletic Booster Club
• Dragon Cheer Booster Club
• Carroll Senior High School PTO

Watch the full board meeting video [HERE]
Read the full agenda [HERE]
Read the President's Report [HERE]