The Board Brief - July 28, 2026

Trustees approved an employee compensation package for the 2026-2027 school year that includes a 1% general pay increase for all employees, raises the district's minimum wage to $14 per hour while maintaining pay band stratification, and provides an additional $50 per month to help offset rising costs. The starting teacher salary will increase to $59,400.

The compensation package reflects the district's continued commitment to investing in employees while maintaining long-term financial stability despite ongoing financial challenges, including declining enrollment and reductions in federal Impact Aid.

On Tuesday, trustees adopted the 2026-2027 Killeen ISD Student Code of Conduct, which outlines expectations for student behavior and supports safe, orderly learning environments across the district.

The annual update includes revisions related to personal communication devices, technology use, and disciplinary procedures. The code reinforces the district's expectation of a cell phone-free school day and clarifies that students may not use personal communication devices, including cell phones, smart watches, tablets, earbuds, headphones, AI glasses, and other electronic devices, on school property during the school day. The update also prohibits metal water bottles on all campuses, including elementary schools.

Trustees recognized Jaylynn Bennett of Harker Heights High School for earning a highly competitive internship through NASA’s STEM Enhancement in Earth Sciences (SEES) program.

Selected from thousands of applicants nationwide, Bennett was one of only 118 students chosen to participate in the prestigious internship. During the program, she worked alongside NASA scientists, engineers, and aerospace professionals while conducting authentic research and gaining hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Trustees recognized Sarah Duffy and Alexandria Hernandez for successfully completing Killeen ISD’s Teacher Residency Program in partnership with Texas A&M University–Central Texas. Throughout the past year, Duffy and Hernandez worked alongside veteran educators, gaining valuable classroom experience while building meaningful relationships with students. Beginning this August, both will join Nolanville Elementary as certified teachers. Their success reflects Killeen ISD’s commitment to developing and retaining high-quality educators while strengthening the future of the teaching profession.

Trustees recognized the Killeen ISD Finance Department for earning the Association of School Business Officials International's Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 34th consecutive year.

The prestigious award recognizes school districts that demonstrate the highest standards of financial reporting, transparency, and accountability. Chief Financial Officer Kallen Vaden, along with Melanie Jones and Terri D'Spain, accepted the recognition on behalf of the Finance Department.

Trustees recognized Killeen ISD Athletics for being named a Texas Way District of Distinction for the 2025-2026 school year by the Texas High School Coaches Association.

The prestigious honor recognizes school districts that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to character, sportsmanship, and leadership through their athletic programs. Killeen ISD was one of just 39 districts statewide to earn the distinction. Executive Director for Athletics Latisha Williams, along with Director for Athletics Matthew Manning and Assistant Director for Athletics Kevin Lawler, accepted the recognition on behalf of the district's athletics program.

Trustees recognized the Community Relations Department for being named the 2026 Lemonade Day Fort Hood Area Partner of the Year, an honor recognizing the district's commitment to expanding entrepreneurship opportunities for students. Led by the Killeen ISD Community Relations Department, the district increased participation in Lemonade Day from approximately 60 student entrepreneurs last year to more than 400 this year. Executive Director of District and Community Relations Dr. Angenet Wilkerson accepted the recognition on behalf of the department and district.

Trustees also recognized the Sunshine Sippers from Meadows Elementary for earning the Best Lemonade Presentation Award at the 2026 Lemonade Day Fort Hood Area Lemmy Awards. The following students were recognized: Adalyn Spencer, Ayva Mathews, Divina Rodriguez, Melissa Oliveira, and Kasie Stephens, under the guidance of mentors Katrina Schoenrock and Kara Spencer.

Trustees recognized 23 Killeen ISD campuses that were named Capturing Kids' Hearts National Showcase Schools for the 2025-2026 school year. The national designation recognizes schools that foster safe and welcoming learning environments in which strong relationships, positive culture, and high expectations help students succeed. Executive Director of Student Support Services Micah Wells accepted the recognition alongside campus leaders and representatives. The following schools earned National Showcase School designation:

• Cedar Valley Elementary
• Clear Creek Elementary
• Clifton Park Elementary
• Dr. Joseph A. Fowler Elementary
• Harker Heights Elementary
• Haynes Elementary
• Iduma Elementary
• Live Oak Ridge Middle School
• Maude Moore Wood Elementary
• Mountain View Elementary
• Nolanville Elementary
• Oveta Culp Hobby Elementary
• Pathways Academic Campus
• Peebles Elementary
• Pershing Park Elementary
• Rancier Middle School
• Reeces Creek Elementary
• Richard E. Cavazos Elementary
• Saegert Elementary
• Skipcha Elementary
• Timber Ridge Elementary
• Trimmier Elementary
• Venable Village Elementary

Trustees recognized Killeen ISD for earning the national Family Engagement Champion Award, honoring the district's commitment to building meaningful partnerships between schools and families. The recognition was awarded for the successful launch of the Parenting Partners program at 46 campuses during its first year, helping strengthen connections between home and school while empowering families to become active partners in their children's education.

Parenting Specialist Andrea Dykes, along with several Killeen ISD parent liaisons, accepted the recognition on behalf of the district's Federal and State Department.

Trustees recognized Jaeyoung Cho of Harker Heights High School for earning Outstanding Performer honors at the University Interscholastic League Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest, the highest individual recognition awarded at the state competition. Selected from thousands of student musicians across Texas, Jaeyoung earned the distinction for his exceptional cello performance. Orchestra Director Joshua Kroft accepted the recognition alongside Jaeyoung.

Trustees recognized seven Killeen ISD theatre programs that earned statewide designations from the Texas Educational Theatre Association in recognition of excellence in theatre education, student performance opportunities, leadership development, and overall program quality.

The following campuses earned the Exemplary Campus designation:

• Chaparral High School
• Union Grove Middle School
• Dr. Jimmie Don Aycock Middle School

The following campuses earned the Outstanding Campus designation:

• Ellison High School
• Harker Heights High School
• Killeen High School
• Nolan Middle School

Trustees recognized Killeen ISD dance programs for earning an impressive collection of state and national championships during the 2025-2026 competition season, showcasing excellence in performance, teamwork, and leadership.

Ellison High School was recognized for multiple individual and team championships. Individual state and national champions included: Brianna Brower, Trinity Williams, Zuleyca Lopez Kelley, Callie Walker, and Madison Walker. Under the direction of Jennifer Zehr, the Ellison Emeralds captured an American Dance/Drill Team National Championship and multiple state championships, while the Ellison Jewels, under the direction of Savannah Carr, earned the American Dance/Drill Team Junior Varsity State Championship.

The Harker Heights High School Rosettes Junior Varsity, under the direction of Krislyn Bark and Amy Drozd, earned two Grand Champion titles at the HTEDance and Spirit Group National Competition.

The Chaparral High School TopCats earned Danceline USA state championships in both the Small Officers and Small Team divisions.

Lydia Bryant from Union Grove Middle School earned the American Dance/Drill Team Middle School Soloist State Championship, while the Union Grove Middle School Golden Belles, under the direction of Kristin Wilkerson, earned Best Overall Middle School Officers, Best Overall Middle School Team, and Platinum Middle School Team honors.

• Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding with Central Counties Services for the 2026-2027 School Year
• Consideration of Paraprofessional District Teaching Permits for KISD TEACH Participants

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