August 21, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Regular Meeting

Presentation of the work that is being done in Shepherd ISD moving toward a Strategic Compensation plan and the potential impact on teacher recruitment and retention. (P2: 2.1.4)

Annually, contracts are recommended and approved by the Superintendent.  Previously the Board voted to give the Superintendent the hiring authority over these employees. 

• Chapter 21 of the Texas Education Code (TEC) requires specific full-time professional and administrative employees and school nurses to be employed by a probationary or term contract. These contracts are often referred to as Chapter 21 contracts. The law mandates specific rights and administrative procedures for each type of Chapter 21 contract. term contract employees' statutory due-process rights above and beyond that provided by the U.S. Constitution before terminating, discharging, or non renewing those employees.  

• A probationary contract is for one year only; it may be renewed for two additional one-year periods. Discharge can occur for failure to meet the accepted standards of conduct for the profession.  Board action is not appealable.

•  A term contract may not exceed five school years. The discharge must be for reasons contained in the district policy. The teacher/administrator is entitled to a school board hearing. The decision can be appealed.

• Non-Chapter 21 contracts are given to people in positions that do not require certification or are on a DOI exemption (Local Certification)

• NSPIRE candidates - these people are not yet certified and are in our NSPIRE program and not subject to Chapter - 21 rules and regulations.

Please see the following list attached for contract recommendations made by the Superintendent.

• It is recommended that the Board approve the General Waiver for Lea Wyers as Assistant Principal

• She has graduated with her degree, but has not completed the certification, she is currently seeking certification 

• It is recommended that the Board approve the TTESS Approvers List

• Updating the list to include Matthew Fowler, Amanda Haynes, Lea Wyers

• The TTESS Timeline has already been approved by Board April 23, 2025

See pages 5 and 7. Proposed changes marked in yellow.

• Add the Job Title of Athletic Secretary. This position primarily supports the Athletic Department.  

• Add the Job Title of Attendance Clerk. This position primarily supports the High School.

• Add the Job Title of ARD Facilitator. This will be a neutral impact financially as we have been using contracted services to address the position.

• Adjustment of title to change LSSP to School Psychiatrist. This adjustment was made because of the state legislative changes.