TISD Board of Trustees Recognizes Student Leadership, Celebrates District Progress, and Approves Key Items for 2026-2027

Texarkana, TX—The June 30, 2026, regular meeting of the Texarkana Independent School District Board of Trustees began with the recognition of two Texas High School students for exemplary leadership, service, and courage.

Texas High School Salutatorian Sanders Wiggins was recognized for being named one of the Top Five Students in Texas by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals through its Teens Serving Texas Award. The statewide honor recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and service beyond the classroom.

Throughout high school, Sanders has completed more than 2,000 hours of community service and founded As You Go, a nonprofit organization that creates 3D-printed prosthetic arms for individuals in developing countries, with recipients in countries including Vietnam and Uganda. He has also led numerous community service initiatives, mentored younger students, and played a key role in reviving the district's bonfire pep rally, which brought together more than 1,000 students, families, and community members.

The Board also recognized Texas High School sophomore Aiden Kendricks for his heroic actions while serving as a lifeguard at the Waterpark. Just days into his new role, Aiden noticed a young child struggling in the water and, without hesitation, jumped into the pool and rescued the child. His quick thinking, training, and selfless actions exemplify the leadership and responsibility that Texarkana ISD strives to instill in its students.

As part of the Superintendent's Report, Dr. Doug Brubaker shared encouraging early indicators of progress under the district's Imagine 2026 Strategic Plan. Recent projected state accountability ratings indicate that Texarkana ISD is projected to improve its overall district accountability rating by a full letter grade. Texas Middle School was also highlighted for significant projected growth, including a scale score increase of more than 20 points and gains across several key academic categories.

Dr. Brubaker noted that the projected improvement reflects years of intentional work by the Board of Trustees, educators, staff, students, families, and community partners. Since launching the Imagine 2026 Strategic Plan, TISD has implemented strategic investments in curriculum, instructional coaching, staffing, technology, and early learning opportunities designed to improve student outcomes and expand opportunities for students across the district.

The Board approved the annual resolution and agreement recognizing Bowie County 4-H as adjunct faculty for the 2026-2027 school year. This partnership allows students to continue participating in educational programs and activities offered through Texas 4-H.

Trustees also approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Texarkana College to provide College Preparatory Mathematics and English courses for students who have not met college readiness benchmarks on the TSI, ACT, or SAT examinations. Successful completion of these courses will allow students to satisfy college entrance requirements and reduce the need for remedial coursework during their freshman year of college.

Additionally, the Board approved the annual Employee Handbook, the revised Standard Board Operating Procedures, the campus library acquisition lists recommended by the Local School Library Advisory Council, and the designated non-business days under the Texas Public Information Act for the 2026-2027 school year.

Chief Financial Officer Anita Clay presented several financial items to the Board for approval, including the monthly financial report, final budget amendments for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the proposed 2026-2027 district budget.

Sherri Penix, Deputy Superintendent, presented the TISD Compensation Plan for the upcoming school year. The approved compensation plan includes step increases for eligible teachers, nurses, and librarians, salary increases for professional, paraprofessional, auxiliary, and technology employees, and targeted equity adjustments for selected positions to maintain competitiveness in the regional labor market. Additionally, the district's contribution toward employee health insurance premiums will increase from $373 to $406 per month for participating employees.

The next regular meeting of the TISD Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, when the Board will consider the proposed tax rate for the 2026-2027 budget.