MISD approves four-day calendar for 2025-26
A public hearing meeting of the Marlin ISD Board of Directors was held Feb. 17 at the Marlin Middle Library with President Billy Johnson presiding. The Board of Managers present were Kathleen Barrett, Rosalyn Dimerson, Misty Ehlers, Winnette Outland, Byrleen Terry and Dr. Henson, Superintendent of Schools. Marsha Ridlehuber was not in attendance.
Niki Edwards presented the MISD 2023-2024 Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) indicating meets requirements. Edwards pointed out STAAR gains and weaknesses in reading, math and social studies skill areas and how areas of opportunities and intervention plans will be addressed.
The regular meeting immediately followed. Dr. Stacy Parker announced the Lone Star Governance Student of the Month as Tiana Martinez and Lone Star Governance Teacher of the Month, Taylor Travis. She teaches Principles of Ag and serves as an FFA advisor.
The Board went immediately into closed session. After returning from closed session, the meeting resumed with Superintendent’s Reports.
Jesse Bustamante provided updates on the high school, Career Tech building, and new gym. Bulldog #2 will be placed at the entryway in front of the gym. Bustamante also noted due to the weather and shipping of supplies, press box delays at Legion Field.
An overview of the district’s Strategic Compensation update was presented by Karla Sparks, Regional Assistant Superintendent of Talent, ESC Region 12. Effectiveness and total compensation were addressed. Following the presentation, Niki Edwards spoke of various benchmark areas and emphasized the importance of decoding plus comprehension, lesson plans aligned to the district curriculum and continued family support focusing on students reading at home.
Dr. Stacy Parker shared the Class of 2025 graduation date is June 12. Currently, there are 53 seniors with 49 on track. Each senior has an individualized checklist graduation plan. Twenty-two credits are required for graduation and 96 percent or higher for student attendance. The upcoming senior parent night is March 24.
Norman Jones, Executive Director Human Resources, provided an overview of the 2025-2026 salary schedule based on 187 working days. At least three athletic stipends were removed and one DAEP Coordinator was added. Dr. Henson noted, if necessary for budgeting, that athletics would be the first place he would cut and academics, last.
The District Performance Audit Findings were presented by a consultant from the Audit Accounting Firm. His findings included the district is doing well and was impressed how the district met challenges and the progress of hiring certified teachers. Dr. Stacy Parker provided the district financial report. She outlined areas of revenue to include local tax collections, state revenues (based on attendance) and miscellaneous federal revenues. Sources of expenditures were explained.
Marlon Thomas, Moore Co. representative, presented the design and placement of furniture in the cafeteria, meeting, art lab and classroom areas of the high school. Jesse Bustamante presented a $350,000 maintenance job order from local contract vendor, Sanchez Driveways, for asphalt work.
Norman Jones presented the 2025-2026 school year calendar. After having considered recommendations from the community and established committee, 57 percent chose a four-day school year starting August 11, 2025, and ending May 29, 2026.
Other consent agenda items were the (a) Order of General Election for May 3, 2025, (b) Board Policy Manual provided by the Texas Association of School Board (TASB), Financial Ethics to IP, special programs, conduct on school premises and (c) the approval of Board minutes: Jan. 13 and Feb. 3, 2025. Rosalyn Dimerson moved to approve the consent agenda items, seconded by Byrleen Terry. The next school board meeting is March 10 at 5 p.m.