February 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Regular Meeting

Per the Texas Education Agency: 

The Texas Academic Performance Reports (TAPR) pull together a wide range of information on the performance of students in each school and district in Texas every year. Performance is shown disaggregated by student groups, including ethnicity and socioeconomic status. The reports also provide extensive information on school and district staff, programs, and student demographics.

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.

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.

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)

Please note the Middle of Year Updates for District Improvement Plan, Shepherd Primary Campus Improvement Plan, Shepherd Intermediate Campus Improvement Plan, Shepherd Middle School Improvement Plan and the Shepherd High School Campus Improvement Plan. 

• Board Policy DEA(LOCAL) states that during an emergency closure, all employees shall continue to be paid for their regular duty schedule unless otherwise provided by Board Action. Following an emergency closure, the Board shall adopt a resolution or take other Board action establishing the purpose and parameters for such payments. 

• As a result of the emergency closure due to the Winter Storm on January 28, 2026, Shepherd ISD closed schools in the best interest of staff and student safety. 

• As required by Board Policy, the attached resolution is presented before the board to compensate employees for the days off work during these closures.

• Shepherd ISD will have all teacher certification candidates certified in all foundation classrooms by FY 2029-2030.

• Shepherd ISD will ensure that an average of 20% of all uncertified teachers become certified each year, ensuring that all certificates are valid by FY 2029-30.

• All foundation candidates will pursue an individualized personal plan to become an intern, student teacher, probationary teacher, and eventually a standard-certificated teacher.