July 30, 2026 5:00 PM - Regular Meeting

• Prayer was led by president Adam Soto. 
• Pledge led by Veronica Salazar. 

Highland Scholarship

Jaiclyn Isaguirre and Christian Mendoza were recognized as Highland Scholarship recipients.

GPA and Class Ranking Discussion

The Board discussed GPA, class ranking, and the impact of dual credit and dual enrollment coursework. It was noted that all PHS and PCHS students have an equal opportunity to compete for class rank. Course selection is an important factor, and every grade contributes to a student's overall GPA and class ranking.

The Board also discussed that, unlike many school districts with collegiate high schools that limit or prohibit participation in athletics and extracurricular activities to focus exclusively on academics, PCHS allows students to participate in athletics and extracurricular activities while pursuing rigorous college-level coursework.

Approval of Abstinence Curriculum for the 2026-2027 School Year

Mr. Rodney Wallace discussed the recommendation to continue the abstinence curriculum for the 2026-2027 school year. He shared that teen pregnancy rates have declined since the curriculum was implemented and noted that district staff are not permitted to ask students whether they are pregnant.

Mr. Wallace stated that the SHAC Community Committee voted to recommend continuing the curriculum and brought the recommendation to the Board for consideration.

Board Discussion

Board Member Chelsea Hatch asked whether student participation in the curriculum could be tracked.

Mr. Wallace explained that the curriculum is completed online as part of the freshman health course. Assignments are graded within the program, and teachers receive the grades for recording. He noted that, due to student privacy protections, teachers do not have access to all student responses because some activities allow students to enter personal information.

Board Member Sabrie Villegas asked what support is available for students beyond the freshman year.

Mr. Wallace responded that students have access to community resources in Plainview and Hale County. He also noted that Mrs. Chandler, the district's Health Services Nurse Manager, is available to assist students and connect them with appropriate resources when needed.

TASB Local Policy Update 127

Dr. Sanchez discussed TASB Local Policy Update 127 and recommended that the Board retain Policy DJ (Local), which provides a 15-year experience credit for employees with a gift.

Compensation Salary Plans for the 2026-2027 School Year

Mrs. Brandy Merrick reviewed the proposed compensation plans for the 2026-2027 school year. She explained that teachers coded as 087 would receive a step increase on the salary schedule in accordance with the State of Texas teacher compensation funding. As a rural district, Plainview ISD received additional state funding designated specifically for teachers coded as 087.

Mrs. Merrick noted that she worked with TASB to develop the district's salary schedule and shared that while many districts cap their salary schedules at 20 years of experience, Plainview ISD's schedule extends to 30 years.

Mrs. Merrick explained that the state funding did not include pay increases for employees who are not coded as 087. She stated that providing a 1% pay increase for those employees would cost approximately $200,000, while a 2% increase would cost approximately $400,000, resulting in a deficit budget unless staffing reductions or other budget adjustments were made.

Board Discussion

Board Member Sabrie Villegas asked whether any approved increase would apply only to the current school year and requested additional information regarding projects that contributed to the district's budget deficit.

Dr. Sanchez reviewed recent capital and facility expenditures that impacted the district's finances, including improvements to athletic and career and technical education facilities, roofing repairs, HVAC replacements, plumbing repairs, pump station installations, and costs associated with the Guardian Program. He explained that many of these expenses were unexpected, some resulted from weather-related events, and several were not covered by insurance because deductibles were not met.

Board Member Sabrie Villegas expressed support for providing a salary increase to employees who did not receive the state-funded teacher raise, citing increases in insurance costs and the cost of living. She also stated that she did not want to place the district in a financial hardship, noting that some school districts have experienced significant financial challenges resulting in closures or state intervention. She emphasized the importance of balancing support for employees with maintaining the district's long-term financial stability.

Dr. Sanchez reiterated that the state's additional funding was restricted to teachers coded as 087 and was not available for other employee groups.

Board Member Adam Soto commented that all employees deserve a pay increase.

Mrs. Merrick clarified that any proposed increase would apply to returning employees who are not coded as 087.

Board Member Sylvia Delagarza expressed concern about approving a recurring salary increase given the district's history of unforeseen expenses and emphasized the need to remain fiscally responsible while continuing to support employees.

Board members discussed the option of delaying action until updated enrollment numbers were available. Administration stated that revised financial information and enrollment data could be reviewed later in the fall, along with the possibility of other employee incentives should the district's financial position improve.

At the conclusion of the discussion, Dr. Sanchez thanked the Board for its thoughtful consideration and productive discussion regarding employee compensation and the district's financial outlook.

After further deliberation, the Board voted to approve the compensation plans as presented, with no additional salary increase for employees not coded as 087. The Board expressed its intent to revisit employee compensation later in the fall after reviewing updated enrollment and financial information.

Reducing Student Screen Time

Dr. Sanchez discussed the district's initiative to reduce unnecessary student screen time and increase meaningful interaction between students and teachers. He stated that the increased reliance on technology following the COVID-19 pandemic has changed classroom instruction and emphasized the importance of returning to practices that promote greater student engagement with teachers and peers.

Dr. Sanchez shared that the district has already reduced unnecessary screen time at the intermediate level by increasing opportunities for students to read, write, and demonstrate their work through traditional instructional methods. He stated that these instructional changes contributed to improved academic performance and helped increase campus accountability ratings.

Dr. Sanchez also referenced Richardson ISD, noting that it had previously struggled academically but experienced significant academic improvement after implementing similar instructional practices that reduced reliance on technology. He added that Richardson ISD serves a student population with demographics similar to Plainview ISD and noted that the district utilizes the i-Ready program, which was developed to support student learning.

Mrs. Rachel Long explained the district's instructional philosophy by distinguishing between "learning with a computer" and "learning from a computer." She stated that technology should be used as a tool to support learning through activities such as creating presentations, conducting research, and collaborating with classmates, rather than serving as the primary method of instruction. She emphasized the importance of developing students' communication and collaboration skills through increased interaction with teachers and peers while using technology to enhance, rather than replace, classroom learning.

Board Discussion

Board Member Tiffany Wilhelm asked whether reducing screen time would impact students receiving services through 504 plans or Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Mrs. Rachel Long responded that the initiative would not impact 504 or IEP accommodations. She explained that if a student's plan identifies technology or other specific accommodations as necessary, those supports will continue to be provided. She emphasized that the district's priority is always to do what is best for students and meet their individual needs.

Dr. Sanchez added that accommodations for students receiving services through special education programs, including applicable accommodations related to assessments such as STAAR and other required supports, would continue to be provided.