Mineral Wells Area News

Reporting By Gary Norman | Mineral Wells Area News

The Mineral Wells ISD Board of Trustees approved technology upgrades, expanded flexible scheduling opportunities for at-risk students, accepted a major equipment donation, and reviewed special education student performance during its June 8 meeting.

Board Reorganizes Following Election

The meeting began with the swearing-in of newly elected trustees Zane Bell, who will serve in Place 6, and Maria Jones, who was elected to Place 7.

Following the oath of office, trustees selected new board officers:

• President: Maria Jones
• Vice President: Brandon Hans
• Secretary: Donna Henderson

Enrollment and Attendance Reviewed

Superintendent Dr. David Tarver reported year-end enrollment of 3,144 students and an overall attendance rate of 92.42 percent.

Tarver said district administrators plan to review end-of-year scheduling practices in an effort to address attendance concerns. Mineral Wells Junior High posted the district’s highest attendance rate at 94.03 percent.

Special Education Program Highlights Student Growth

Trustees received a presentation from Special Education Director Kendra Fowler and reading intervention teacher Crystal Damron regarding the district’s use of the Read 180 literacy program.

The program combines teacher-led instruction with adaptive software to help struggling readers improve literacy skills. Damron shared student feedback and reported that many participants achieve up to two years of reading growth within a single school year.

“Every student that walks through my door is a reluctant reader at first,” Damron told the board.

Deaf Education Agreement Approved

The board unanimously approved a revised shared services agreement with the Brazos River Regional Day School Program for the Deaf.

The cooperative agreement allows participating districts to provide specialized deaf education services through a shared program. Under the revised agreement, Weatherford ISD will serve as the fiscal agent. Mineral Wells ISD’s Director of Special Education serves on the organization’s board of directors.

District Approves New Data Backup System

Trustees approved the purchase of a Cohesity data backup solution to replace the district’s aging backup system.

Technology staff said the current system no longer adequately meets the district’s needs. The new on-site backup system will enhance data protection and recovery capabilities.

The $110,000 purchase will be financed over three years with no interest, resulting in annual payments of approximately $36,666.

Flexible School Day Program Expanded

The board voted to continue and expand the district’s Optional Flexible School Day Program, which provides alternative scheduling options for students at risk of dropping out due to attendance challenges or other barriers.

The program allows qualifying students to attend classes during morning or evening hours, complete coursework on weekends, or participate virtually when appropriate.

Mineral Wells ISD will request 80 student slots for the upcoming year, doubling participation from the 40 slots available last year.

Welding Program Receives Equipment Donation

Trustees accepted the donation of an industrial ironworker machine from AMR for use in the high school welding program.

The equipment, valued at approximately $13,000, will provide students with hands-on experience in metal fabrication, precision machining, and other advanced welding and manufacturing skills.

Pre-K Tuition Policy Clarified

The board approved Policy Update 127, which includes a clarification regarding full-day Pre-K tuition.

Under the policy, full-day Pre-K remains free for district residents and children of district employees. Non-resident families may be charged tuition to participate in the program.

Summer Activities Underway

Tarver reported that summer school, End-of-Course testing, athletic programs, food service operations, and facility maintenance projects are all underway as staff prepare for the start of the 2026-27 school year.

The meeting adjourned with no action taken on items discussed in closed session.