The Board Brief - April 28, 2026

At Tuesday’s Board meeting, trustees approved a determination under Senate Bill 546 that full implementation of three-point seat belts on all school buses is not feasible within the district’s current budget. Approximately half of KISD buses are already equipped with three-point seat belts, with an estimated $10.2 million needed to retrofit and replace remaining buses. This action allows the district to meet state reporting requirements while continuing to explore funding options before moving forward with full implementation.

Trustees recognized students from Killeen ISD’s 18+ Transition Program for representing the district at the Work-Based Learning Vendor Event during the Texas A&M Transition Conference.

Under the leadership of Jacquelyn Bellard-Mouton and teacher Devon Zimmerman, students operated their business, Tailor Made Soda, creating customized drinks and gaining hands-on experience in a real-world setting. The following students were recognized: Darrian Hudgins, Sa’Nia Hicks, and Garrett Kerschner (Chaparral High School). Their work reflects the real-world skills being developed through KISD’s Transition Program as students prepare for life beyond graduation.

At the Association of Future Educators state competition where thousands of students from across Texas participated, four KISD students earned national qualification after receiving exceptional scores on their projects and presentations.The following students were recognized: Aliyza Ramirez (Harker Heights High School), Alannah Bush (Shoemaker High School), Yanely Calvillo (Ellison High School), and Maddie Harvey (Chaparral High School). Students were guided by TAFE advisor Tina Tamplen.

Trustees recognized three students selected to perform in the OAKE National Honor Choir, an elite ensemble made up of some of the most gifted young vocalists in the country. Sophia Molina and Ruben Gomez (Pershing Park Elementary) and Ryan Sparks (Audie Murphy Middle School) represented Killeen ISD at the national conference in Chicago last month. With the support of music teacher Jordan Coe, these students earned this opportunity through months of preparation, performing alongside top young vocalists from across the nation.

Finn Brantley, a student at Chaparral High School artwork was selected to be featured in the Texas Art Education Association’s Youth Art Month Spring Exhibition, held at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin. Finn’s piece, Chrono, was chosen from student works across Texas for this prestigious statewide exhibit. This achievement highlights the artistic talent of KISD students and the opportunities available for them to develop their skills and share their work beyond the classroom.

Trustees recognized Kandie Knight and Tyler Desmarais (Ellison High School), coached by Lisa Duncan, along with Alexis Plewacki (Early College High School), coached by John Maxwell, for advancing to the Texas State High School Bowling Championships and competing against top bowlers from across the state. Reaching the state level reflects the commitment these students demonstrated throughout the season, and highlights the opportunities for KISD students to compete and succeed at a high level.

Trustees recognized Killeen ISD student-athletes who represented the district at the state powerlifting meets. Across both the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association and Texas High School Powerlifting Association competitions, multiple students earned top-10 finishes. The following students were recognized: Allan Cellars, Meleana Price, Aaliyah Abddeen, Precious Tauiliili, and Harrison Nguyen (Killeen High School); Avery Wiltzius (Chaparral High School); Alyssa Dell and Willie Thomas (Shoemaker High School). Coaches recognized include: John Matthews and Johnetta Preston (Killeen High School); Cleon Tollerson and Sarah Neal (Chaparral High School); Roy Locks and Robert Kitchen (Shoemaker High School).

The Board approved several facility projects as part of the district’s Strategic Facilities Plan. Each project followed a competitive proposal process, with district staff reviewing and ranking submissions.

The Ellison High School auditorium roof replacement project was awarded to Johnson Roofing, with a total project cost of approximately $1,020,392. Work is expected to be completed by August 2026 and will address damage from a previous hailstorm while ensuring the facility remains safe and operational for students and staff.

The Alice W. Douse Elementary School data center relocation project was awarded to HCS Inc., with a total cost of approximately $553,600. The project supports improvements to the district’s technology infrastructure, which is used daily to support instruction and campus operations. The project will also allow for the decommissioning of the KLSS facility, which is 83 years old.

The Board also approved Huckabee Architects and Langerman Engineering for the Palo Alto Middle School renovation project, with a total project budget of approximately $2,029,500. Gateway Middle School and Gateway High School programs are expected to relocate to the campus beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, with renovations taking place while the building is in use and phased to minimize disruption. The project will create more functional learning spaces within the existing facility and reduce reliance on portable classrooms. The project will also allow for the decommissioning of the existing Gateway facility, which is 64 years old.

Trustees recognized School Library Month, celebrating the important role school libraries play across Killeen ISD. Libraries provide welcoming spaces that spark curiosity, support learning, and help students grow and succeed.

Trustees approved new high school math and science instructional materials for the 2026–2027 school year. The materials meet State Board of Education standards and were selected through a review process involving district curriculum staff and campus educators.

The total cost is approximately $680,270.81 and will be funded through the state’s Instructional Materials and Technology Allotment over two years. The updated resources are intended to provide more consistency across campuses and support classroom instruction beginning next school year.

Trustees recognized the Month of the Military Child, honoring the strength and resilience of military-connected students across Killeen ISD. Serving more than 24,000 military-connected students across Killeen, Harker Heights, Nolanville, and Fort Hood, the district’s deep connection to Fort Hood is reflected in its 32 Purple Star campuses, which provide dedicated support, resources, and programs for military families.

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