Cougar Community Newsletter

A public hearing was held regarding the 2025 - 2026 Tax Rate. Chief Financial Officer Robert Navarro presented the proposal. There were no public comments.

*Links to the presentations are below*

Communication and Informational Items:

- Superintendent Dr. Toni Hicks presented district updates

- Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Laura Buckley and Athletic Director Coach Alan Haire presented the monthly Student Outcomes and Voice updates

- Assistant Superintendent Laura Buckley presented the District of Innovation (DOI) plan

- Chief Financial Officer Robert Navarro presented the monthly Budget Update

- 2025/26 JISD Student Handbook presented by Assistant Superintendent Bob Mabry

- 2017, 2021, and 2023 Bond Updates presented by Sledge Engineering

Action Items:

In addition to the consent agenda, the Board of Trustees:

- Adopted the 2025 - 2026 Tax Rate (No Increase to the Tax Rate)

- Approved the Purchase of Attendance Credits (Option 3) Agreement

- Approved the TASB Risk Management Liability Insurance Coverage Renewal for the 2025 - 2026

Fiscal Year

- Approved the 2025 - 2026 Compensation Plan Amendments

- Approved the 2025 - 2026 Student Code of Conduct

- Approved Policy Updates: 125, EFB(L); FNCE(L); FD(L); FM(L)

The Jarrell ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved the 2025 - 26 Tax Rate. As part of our commitment to taxpayers, there is NO increase.

- Maintenance & Operations (M&O) $0.6669

- Interest & Sinking (I&S) $0.5000

Total Tax Rate: $1.1669 (the same as the 2024 - 25 tax rate and down from the 2023 - 24 tax rate)

Superintendent Dr. Hicks meets with each of our campus PTOs several times during the school year. It's a group meeting with Dr. Hicks and your PTO leaders. Together, they collaborate and discuss ways to meet the needs of parents and staff. One of the concerns from those meetings was about student ID tags. Our former system required students to use an ID tag to get on the bus. Students had to use other methods to buy their lunches or take out library books. Parents also requested that photos be added to the tags as an added layer of security.

We took these concerns to heart and made changes during the summer. Our new ID tags include your students' photo and can be used for bus transportation, at the library, for lunch, and more. The new tags are designed to make it easier for our students and parents.

Join your campus PTO to help make a difference.

NOTE: If your child's ID does not have their photo on it, please get in touch with the campus to get it updated. The images come from our Ascender portal. If your child did not have a photo on file, we couldn't add the photo ID tag before the start of the school year.

In accordance with Texas Senate Bill 12, Jarrell ISD is providing this annual notice of the campus-based health-related services available to students during the upcoming school year. As a parent or guardian, you have the right to consent (opt-in) or to withhold consent (opt-out) for all health‐related services provided at your child’s campus. The school nurse most often provides school health-related services.

However, additional school staff may also provide first aid and care for ill or injured students, plus mental health and behavioral support. This would include teachers, athletic trainers, administrators, counselors, clinic assistants or other staff charged with supervising children.

To comply with legislative requirements, a parent or guardian must complete the 2025-2026 Health Services Consent Form to opt in or opt out of campus‐based health‐related services for your child. Completing this form will ensure that we are providing only those services you have consented to.

A new state law requires schools to prohibit cell phones and electronic communication devices during the school day. The law is designed to support student learning and reduce distractions in the classroom.

We’re committed to implementing this change in a way that honors the community values, student safety, and communication. We formed a committee of students, parents, and staff to develop a comprehensive plan for Jarrell ISD to comply with the law. Students are required to keep their electronic devices off and stored in their backpacks for the duration of the school day. It starts at the first bell and ends at dismissal. Students caught violating the law will face the following consequences.

1st Offense - Phone is confiscated - Student picks it up at the end of the day- Parent/guardian is notified

2nd Offense - Phone is confiscated - only released to parent/guardian - Saturday School assigned

3rd Offense - Phone is confiscated - only released to parent/guardian - Consequence assigned

We will work with students and their parent/guardian to discuss exceptions for those with approved medical needs or documented special education services outlined in an IEP or 504 Plan.

Below is a graphic that explains more about House Bill 1481.

Below is the map of the parade route. If you have questions, please contact the JHS Athletic Booster Club: Jhsathleticbooster@gmail.com

The new school year may have started, but if you have questions our Back to School Information webpage can help.

News never takes a break. Stay connected with us by downloading the Jarrell ISD app with new and improved features.

You can also contact the Jarrell ISD Police Department for assistance or to report concerns and criminal activity.

Jarrell ISD is located in northern Williamson County. The mascot is The Cougars. It has six campuses: Jarrell High School, Jarrell Middle School, Jarrell Ranch Middle School, Igo Elementary School, Double Creek Elementary, and Jarrell Elementary. The district is home to more than 4,600 students. Enrollment is projected to double in the next 10 years.

Email: communications@jarrellisd.org
Website: www.jarrellisd.org
Location: 504 N 5th Street, Jarrell, Texas 76537
Phone: 512-746-2124
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JarrellIndependentSchoolDistrict
Instagram: @Jarrell_ISD

Twitter: @Jarrell_ISD