Superintendent Quarterly

As we prepare to begin the 2026–2027 school year, I am filled with excitement and optimism for what lies ahead for Ingram ISD. The start of a new school year is always a special time—a fresh beginning filled with opportunity, growth, and the promise of new accomplishments. We welcomed our faculty and staff back on August 3, and look forward to welcoming our students back on August 12, as we embark on another incredible year together.

This year, we are also excited to welcome several new members to the Ingram ISD family. Each individuals brings unique talents and experiences, and I am confident they will embrace our district's vision of "Inspiring Student Success from the Inside Out." Together, we will continue building a culture where every student is challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.

Earlier this summer, our leadership team gathered at Mo-Ranch for our annual retreat. It was a valuable opportunity to collaborate, reflect, and strategically plan for the year ahead. Throughout our discussions, one message remained clear: student success and achievement will always be our highest priority. We reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring that every decision we make is centered on providing the very best opportunities for the students we serve.

I also challenged our leadership team to continue pursuing what has become a hallmark of Ingram ISD—we lead. We are not content to wait for others to blaze the trail. We embrace innovation, seek continuous improvement, and remain committed to being at the forefront of public education. Our success has been built by educators who are willing to think differently, work together, and lead from the front. That commitment will continue to guide us as we move into this new school year.

Thank you for your continued partnership and unwavering support of Ingram ISD. Together, we will make the 2026–2027 school year one filled with meaningful learning, lasting memories, and continued success for every Brave and Warrior.

One of my highest priorities as your superintendent is to foster a culture of transparency and trust. Our community made a significant investment in our students and schools by approving the 2022 Bond, and I believe it is important that you know exactly how those funds have been used and where we stand today.

The 2022 Bond authorized $25 million to address critical facility improvements and campus needs across the district. The original estimated cost for the completed projects was $18,207,400. However, due to rising construction costs, inflation, supply chain challenges, and other market factors experienced nationwide, combined with some projects being originally underestimated during the planning process, the actual cost to complete these projects increased to $24,344,298.

The bond has successfully funded the following projects:

• Elementary classroom expansion
• Elementary gym HVAC replacement
• Football stadium press box
• Tennis courts
• Elementary secure vestibule
• Middle School restroom renovation
• High School Science Wing
• High School roofing
• High School flooring replacement and LED lighting upgrades
• High School security fencing
• High School HVAC replacement
• High School cafeteria expansion
• High School pavilion classroom
• High School agricultural education addition
• New High School band hall
• High School softball field
• High School secure vestibule

These projects have significantly enhanced our learning environments, improved campus safety, modernized aging facilities, and expanded opportunities for our students.

Because the final project costs exceeded the original estimates by $6,136,898, several projects remain unfinished:

• Middle School awning
• Locker room renovations
• High School theatre parking
• Auxiliary gym

The good news is that the district has earned interest on the bond proceeds. We intend to use those interest earnings to diligently complete the remaining projects whenever possible. Based on our current financial outlook, we believe we will be able to complete all remaining projects except the auxiliary gym.

As we have continued to evaluate our long-term facility needs, we have also determined that simply constructing the originally planned auxiliary gym is no longer the best investment for our district. Instead, we are planning for a competition gymnasium that will better serve our students, athletic programs, and community for decades to come. Our current gymnasium has faithfully served our district, and while it has met our needs well, future enrollment, programming, and community use warrant a facility designed to support the next generation of students.

The remaining bond funds are not sufficient to construct a competition gymnasium. Because of this, we will work closely with our Board of Trustees, staff, parents, and community stakeholders to determine the appropriate timing and financial pathway to make this important project a reality.

I want our community to know that every decision we make is guided by responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and by what is in the best interest of our students. Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and investment in our schools. Together, we will continue building a district that serves our students today while preparing for the future.

Following the July 16 flood, Ingram ISD has made tremendous progress in restoring our campuses after heavy rainfall and flooding affected 12 buildings across all three district campuses. In addition to flood damage in several facilities, extensive roof leaks and water intrusion caused significant damage throughout the district. While restoration costs are still being finalized, the district anticipates repair and replacement expenses could reach several million dollars, with insurance coverage varying by building due to deductible requirements.

Our highest priority has been ensuring that students and staff return to safe, welcoming learning environments. Professional restoration crews have worked alongside district employees to remove damaged materials, dry affected spaces, and begin rebuilding classrooms and other facilities. We remain on track to welcome students back on August 12, and we are doing everything possible to minimize disruptions to instruction. While some restoration projects may continue into the school year, contingency plans are in place should any classrooms need to be temporarily relocated.

We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from our students, staff, parents, and community. Hundreds of volunteers stepped forward to help with cleanup efforts, demonstrating the resilience and Warrior spirit that make Ingram ISD so special.

Thank you for your patience, encouragement, and partnership as we continue our recovery. Together, we will ensure our students return to safe schools and continue moving forward as One Warrior Family.

I invite you to join me in the foyer of the ITM auditorium on August 28, 2026, from 7:30–8:30 a.m. for Coffee with the Superintendent. This informal gathering is a chance for me to share updates on what’s currently affecting our school district, and for you to ask any questions or share your thoughts.

I will host these sessions quarterly as a way to stay connected with our community. If you’re unable to attend, please know you can always reach me at jturner@ingramisd.net. I hope to see you there!