ALL THE BUZZ

Dear Caldwell ISD Community,

As we close another incredible school year at Caldwell ISD, we are especially proud to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026. This year, 117 seniors crossed the graduation stage, and 94% of our graduates earned the distinction of being college and/or career ready. Their success is a reflection of years of hard work, the support of their families, and the dedication of our outstanding staff. We are excited to see all that this special group of Hornets will accomplish in the future and thank our entire Caldwell ISD community for another great year.

Sincerely,

Dr. James Barton

Superintendent, Caldwell ISD

May 18, 2026 Board Brief

The Board meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM followed by the pledge and prayer, led by Craig Ayers.

Recognize Students & Staff

The following athletic accomplishments were recognized:

Softball District Awards:

Offensive MVP → Samone Clark

Newcomer of the Year → Mesha Johnson

2nd Team Pitcher → Brynn Morton

2nd Team Catcher → Kaylee Crump

2nd Team Outfielder → Molly Meadows

2nd Team Infield → Jaelynn Gest

Honorable Mention → Tatum Supak

Honorable Mention → Alyssa Reyes

Honorable Mention → Hailey Reyes

Tennis Regional & State Qualifiers:

Landon Vykukal → Regional and State Qualifier - Achieved Top 8 in 4A State Boys Singles

Felipe Gaucin → Regional Qualifier in Boys Singles

Kylie Vogler and Cayden Zboril → Regional Qualifier in Mixed Doubles

Golf Regional Qualifiers:

Cooper Schluens and Jordyn Hafernick

Bea English, CJH Principal, recognized the following students and staff for their accomplishments in the local VFW Auxiliary Contests:

VFW Post No. 4458 Auxiliary Recognitions:

Grayson Behler → Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest

Emma Davis → Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Award

Cody Savell → Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher of the Year and District Teacher of the Year

Additionally, Tammie Novosad, CISD Director of Communications, took a moment to recognize all of the Retirees from each campus.

Board of Trustees Discussion

Reorganization of the Board:

The board completed its reorganization and re-elected its current officers. William Foster will continue as board president, Vicki Ochs as vice president, and Pam Evans as secretary.

Public Hearing

Seatbelts:

A public hearing was held regarding Senate Bill 546, which requires school buses to be equipped with three-point seatbelts. Heather Escalante, CISD Deputy Superintendent, shared that while Caldwell ISD currently has several compliant buses, fully retrofitting or replacing the remaining fleet would cost approximately $1.8 million and is not financially feasible at this time without significantly impacting the district’s fund balance and long-term bus replacement plan. It was also noted that the buses used most frequently on daily routes are already seatbelt compliant and emphasized that school buses remain one of the safest forms of transportation for students.

Public Input

There was no public input this month.

Superintendent’s Report

Enrollment Report:

The enrollment of Caldwell ISD is currently 1,840 students.

Cade Lake Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration Drive:

Trustees heard an update regarding a recent Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration Drive held in the Cade Lakes community. In addition to registering new students, Dr. Barton shared that the event provided an opportunity to connect with families, build relationships, and strengthen trust within the community.

Graduation Activities/Itinerary:

Dr. Barton shared a schedule of Graduation and end-of-year events happening across the district, inviting board members to attend.

Superintendent Coin:

Dr. Barton presented the Superintendent’s Coin to graduating Student Advisory Council seniors, Chloe Taylor and Het Pate, in recognition of their leadership, service, and contributions to Caldwell ISD.

Informational Reports

Student Advisory Committee Report:

The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) shared key findings from the districtwide Student Feedback Form completed by students in grades 4–12. The presentation highlighted student perspectives on school safety, learning, belonging, and future readiness, providing valuable insight into the student experience across Caldwell ISD. Their full presentation can be viewed HERE.

Finance Reports:

Mrs. Escalante, CISD Deputy Superintendent, presented the April Financial Reports. The full report can be viewed HERE.

SHAC Update:

Trustees received an update from the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC), which helps ensure community values and parent input are reflected in areas such as health education, physical education, and student wellness. Erin Supak, CISD Chief Academic Officer, also shared updates related to new parental consent requirements from the 89th Legislative Session and discussed plans to improve communication and digital permission processes through ParentSquare moving forward. You may view the full presentation HERE.

The Use of AI:

Trustees heard a presentation regarding the district’s ongoing work surrounding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Susan Groce, CISD Director of Curriculum, shared that Caldwell ISD views AI as a research and learning tool designed to support instruction and innovation while continuing to prioritize student-led, inquiry-based learning and critical thinking skills. You may view the full presentation HERE.

New Business (Action Items)

Consider and Approve Tax Rate Hearing Notice:

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved to publish the presented Notice of Public Meeting to Discuss Budget and Proposed Tax Rate. The hearing will be held June 22, 2026 at 6:00 pm.

First Reading: Standard Operating Procedures:

Trustees held a first reading of the Board Standard Operating Procedures, which serve as guiding principles for board operations and governance. No changes or discussion were presented during the meeting. A copy of the current SOP can be found on the district website HERE.

Consider and Approve Future Board Meeting Dates:

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the list of future meeting dates, which are located on our website HERE.

Consider and Approve Seatbelt Resolution:

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved a seatbelt resolution acknowledging that Caldwell ISD will continue working toward compliance with state requirements as financially feasible.

Consider and Approve Retention Resolution:

Trustees unanimously approved an employee retention resolution providing a $250 stipend to full-time employees in good standing who are returning next year, made possible by a 1% increase in districtwide attendance which resulted in additional revenue.

Consent Agenda

Meeting Minutes:

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the meeting minutes.

The Board went into Executive Session at 7:19 PM. After the closed session, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to uphold the Level II administrative decision that was discussed in the closed session.

The Board Meeting adjourned at 9:23 PM.

If you missed the 2026 Caldwell High School Graduation Ceremony, you can view the livestream on our Caldwell ISD YouTube channel or click the image below.