Mineral Wells Area News

Reporting By Gary Norman / Mineral Wells Area News

The Mineral Wells ISD Board of Trustees met in regular session Monday, March 16, 2026, hearing public input regarding the future of the former Mineral Wells High School property and addressing a range of district business.

Choir, band students recognized for state qualifications

The board recognized Mineral Wells High School Choir members Iana Echanique and Emma Wagoner for qualifying for the UIL State Solo and Ensemble Contest.

“To advance to the State level, students must earn a Division 1 Superior Rating at the Regional Solo and Ensemble Contest, the highest level of performance in the UIL vocal competition,” said Mineral Wells ISD Director of Communications Karyn Bullock.

The following band students were also recognized for qualifying:

State Solo Qualifiers:

Jonah Washington

Liam Batchelor

State Ensemble Qualifiers:

Alexis Eisenburg

Taelor McDonald

Lonne Mills

Cynthia Villegas

Amy Chung

Tallulah Dearman

Austin Grogan

Jacob Porter

Teagan Hertter

Jeremiah Leleux

Shali Porras

Bullock noted the contest represents the highest level of individual and small ensemble performance in UIL music competition, requiring a Division 1 Superior rating at regionals to advance.

Public comments focus on old high school property

During the public comment period, two residents addressed the board regarding the former Mineral Wells High School, which is currently planned for demolition.

Robert Richardson of the Mineral Wells Heritage Association requested that several architectural elements — including downspouts, basement railings and the main south entrance doors — be preserved and donated to the Rock School Museum for display.

“Our goal is not simply to store these items, but to display them so the story of the school, and the generations that roamed through those halls will be shared with the public from now on,” Richardson said.

Bill Fortney, representing the Mineral Wells High School Fifty Year Club, asked the board to consider donating the land to the organization for long-term stewardship. He noted the group already maintains the adjacent Rock School House and Lillian Peak Center, the first home economics building in Texas.

Fortney said such a donation would place the property under an organization focused on preserving the district’s legacy while relieving the district of future maintenance, insurance and liability costs.

Donation supports campus nurse offices

Trustees accepted a $300 donation from the Greater Metro West Association of Realtors to support nurse offices at Houston Elementary School and Mineral Wells Junior High School. The check was presented by Brittany Jones and Latisha Grant, along with Community Service Committee Chair Lisa Keefe.

Board election canceled due to unopposed candidates

The board canceled the May 2, 2026 election for Places 6 and 7 after candidates ran unopposed, certifying Zane Bell and Maria Jones as elected. According to agenda documents, both will assume office following the originally scheduled election date.

Contract approved for network infrastructure purchase

Trustees approved a contract with CDW-Government, LLC for network equipment through a state-approved purchasing process.

The district has applied for E-Rate funding through the Universal Service Administrative Company, which would cover approximately $489,090 of the $577,617 total cost. If funding is not approved, the district may cancel the contract without penalty.

Bus seat belt costs presented

Transportation Director Chris Williams presented a report on installing three-point seat belts on district buses in compliance with Senate Bill 546.

The district currently operates 44 buses: one equipped with three-point seat belts, 11 with two-point systems and 32 with no seat belts. Twenty buses are not eligible for retrofitting due to age, while retrofitting 23 buses would cost an estimated $678,000.

Replacing all buses without three-point systems would cost approximately $6.88 million.

“The state of Texas is doing an analysis of every district to see what the costs are,” Williams said. “And then in June of 2027, they are supposed to present a plan on how to move forward, and hopefully have grants available to help offset those costs.”

Grant funds accepted for new school bus

The board accepted a $116,676 grant from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Texas Clean Air Program to assist in purchasing a 2026 Blue Bird 72-passenger school bus.

Williams also reported the district has been approved for four additional similar grants to support seat belt retrofitting and plans to pursue additional funding opportunities.

Technology update provided

Director of Technology Justin Lascsak updated the board on communication service costs, noting the district participates in the E-Rate program, which covers 90% of eligible expenses.

The district pays $530.80 per month for WAN services through Segra, doing business as Unite Private Networks, and $46.92 per month for internet service at the transportation facility through AT&T.

Meeting adjourned without closed session action

The board took no action following closed session and adjourned the meeting.

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