The Board Brief - March 24, 2026

At Tuesday’s Board meeting, trustees approved a three-year contract with Third Future Schools to help improve student learning at Manor Middle School. Beginning July 1, Third Future Schools will manage the day-to-day operations at Manor.

The agreement establishes clear expectations for academics, operations and governance, along with performance goals and accountability measures focused on improving student outcomes.

District leaders said the partnership is a proactive step to strengthen academic performance at Manor Middle School while maintaining local oversight and acting before additional state intervention is required. The model allows the district to partner with an experienced operator while maintaining accountability for results.

Manor Middle School will remain a Killeen ISD school. In addition to current Manor students, all Killeen ISD middle school students will have the opportunity to request a transfer to attend Manor, based on available capacity. Manor Middle School will also operate on a different academic calendar and daily bell schedule. Additional details will be shared in the coming weeks.

Third Future Schools will begin meeting with Manor Middle School staff and the campus community in the coming days to provide more information about the transition. Current Manor teachers will have the opportunity to interview with Third Future Schools if they choose. Those who are not selected or who prefer not to work for Third Future Schools will be reassigned to positions within Killeen ISD, along with other campus staff, and will have the opportunity to continue their employment in the district.

Trustees recognized Alexander Kim, a senior at Harker Heights High School, for advancing to Finalist standing in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program one of the most prestigious academic honors in the nation. Selected from among approximately 15,000 students nationwide, Alexander advanced from semifinalist status through a highly competitive process that highlights academic excellence, leadership, and service. His achievement reflects years of focus, discipline, and determination, and represents the level of excellence and bright future being built by Killeen ISD students.

Nine KISD students were selected across band, choir, and orchestra to join Texas Music Educators Association All-State ensembles.This is one of the highest honors in Texas music education and includes an audition process that begins with more than 70,000 students statewide. The students honored included: Amani Mitchell, Zachary Repine, Zane Conway, and Reese Richardson (Chaparral High School); Callie Walker and Hunter Emblen (Ellison High School); Uriel Benitez, Benji Saban Contreras, and Alexander Kim (Harker Heights High School).

Thirty-five KISD students earned the prestigious Texas Theatre Scholar distinction, awarded by Texas Thespians to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement while actively participating in their school’s theatre program. The following students were recognized:

Victoria Bennett, Tavi Bunes, Amber Daguplo, Sasha Lauderdale, Izabella Lopez, Justin Mages, Peyton McGuire, Jadeyn Monroe, and Tatiana White (Ellison High School); Alexandra Allison, Kaya Atwood, Isabella Arroyo, Noel Basman, Aiyana Bland, Juliana Bollay, Lameika Boulding, Anaiah Chamberlain, Lillian Clment, Julyssa Davalos, Kaitlyn Dooley, Sha'Ve Dotson, Jade Gile, Marlee Luther, Brigham McCelland, Armie Melton, Isabella Murray, Hannah Newson, Myron Noll, Addison O'Neal, Ariyan Smith, Liliana Williams, Lacie Yantis, and Riley Yurush (Chaparral High School).

Trustees recognized the Chaparral High School varsity tenor-bass choir for being selected to perform at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention in San Antonio, one of the highest honors in Texas music education. Under the direction of Gerald Nicholas and Eric Bourg, the ensemble earned statewide recognition for its excellence, discipline, and artistry reflecting the strength and bright future of Fine Arts in Killeen ISD.

Students Brett Santos and Azir Ward accepted the recognition on behalf of the choir.

Trustees recognized two exceptional student-athletes whose hard work, resilience, and determination brought state titles to Killeen ISD. Chaparral High School’s Ava Milliner and Harker Heights High School’s Saniah Ebron earned first-place finishes at the UIL Wrestling State Championships in February, rising to the highest level of competition.

Both athletes entered the tournament as district and regional champions, completing an extraordinary season defined by grit, focus, and discipline. Their achievement reflects the strength of KISD athletics and the bright future that unfolds when students are supported and given the opportunity to excel.

Isabelle Jundi, a student in the Graphic Design and Illustration program at Killeen High School and the KISD Career Center, earned the 2026 Career and Technical Education Award from Congressman John Carter’s office. She was one of just seven recipients selected from more than 500 applicants. Her achievement reflects advanced skill, dedication, and a strong vision for the future—highlighting how KISD students are gaining real-world experience, expanding opportunity, and preparing to lead in a competitive, ever-changing world.

The board approved the sale of the former Sugar Loaf Elementary property, located at 1517 Barbara Ln., which was decommissioned in 2021 following the opening of a replacement campus. The property was approved for sale to New Life Christian Fellowship Center for $350,000.

Trustees did not approve the proposed sale of the former Clifton Park Elementary property, located at 2200 Trimmier Rd. The district will move forward with placing the property back on the market.

The sale reflects ongoing efforts to responsibly manage district assets and return unused facilities to productive use within the community.

The Killeen ISD Purchasing Department earned the 2026 Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations from the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO). This honor recognizes organizations that demonstrate excellence in stewardship, transparency, and the responsible use of public resources. The award highlights the critical behind-the-scenes work that keeps the district moving forward—ensuring processes are handled with care, resources are used wisely, and decisions support students and the broader KISD community.

Trustees recognized Arts in Our Schools Month, celebrating the impact of fine arts across Killeen ISD. Through music, visual arts, dance, and theatre, students grow as creative thinkers, confident communicators, and strong problem-solvers—skills that extend far beyond the classroom. These experiences inspire imagination and expression while shaping the bright future of KISD students.

Email: communications@killeenisd.org
Website: www.killeenisd.org/
Location: 200 N W S Young Dr, Killeen, TX 76543, USA
Phone: (254) 336-0000

Mobile App: www.killeenisd.org/app
Facebook: www.facebook.com/killeen.isd/
X: @KilleenISD_