Mineral Wells Area News

By Gary Norman | Mineral Wells Area News

The Mineral Wells Independent School District Board of Trustees met Monday, April 13, 2026, in a regularly scheduled session that included student and staff recognitions, curriculum and program approvals, and updates to district operating agreements.

Student Accomplishments Recognized

The board recognized Iana Echanique and Emma Wagoner, both seniors at Mineral Wells High School, for qualifying for the UIL State Solo and Ensemble Contest.

District Communications Director Karyn Bullock said students must earn a Division 1 Superior Rating at the regional competition to advance.

“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,” Bullock said. “Both of the students we are recognizing tonight are seniors, making this accomplishment an especially meaningful way to close out their high school choir careers.”

Teachers of the Year Honored

The board also recognized campus Teachers of the Year from across the district:

• Kathy Rogers, Lamar Elementary School
• Ashley Tuggle, Houston Elementary School
• Taylor Nixon, Travis Elementary School
• Ethan Taylor, Mineral Wells Junior High School
• Helen Vigil, Mineral Wells High School

Library Books Approved

Trustees reviewed and approved the purchase of approximately 400 new library books for district campuses, as required by state law.

Welding Program Donation Accepted

The board approved a donation of sheet metal and scrap metal from Innovex International for use in the district’s welding program.

District officials estimated the donated sheet metal at $20,000 to $30,000 in value, with scrap metal valued between $5,000 and $6,000.

Innovation Plan Updated

Trustees approved amendments to the district’s Innovation Plan, first adopted in February 2022 under House Bill 1842. The plan allows qualifying districts flexibility from certain state requirements.

Several exemptions were removed to reflect changes in state law or because they were no longer needed. Those changes included provisions related to behavior coordinators, School Health Advisory Council meetings, guest ejection procedures, certified teachers in DAEP programs, annual instructional minutes, and teacher contract days.

The district also updated teacher certification language to align with current state law and Texas Education Agency guidance.

The current Innovation Plan remains in effect through Feb. 21, 2027.

Dual Credit Partnership Extended

The board approved a one-year extension of its Memorandum of Understanding with Tarleton State University, continuing a dual credit partnership that allows qualifying Mineral Wells High School students to earn both high school and college credit.

Purchasing Agreement Renewed

Trustees also renewed a one-year interlocal agreement with Region 11 Education Service Center, allowing the district to participate in cooperative purchasing programs intended to save time and reduce costs.

After reviewing district calendars and items considered in closed session, the meeting was adjourned.