Mineral Wells Area News

Reporting By Gary Norman | Mineral Wells Area News

The Mineral Wells Independent School District is welcoming two familiar faces into new roles following the appointment of a new school board trustee and the return of former Superintendent Dr. John Kuhn to the district.

During its Oct. 12 meeting, the MWISD Board of Trustees voted 6-0 to appoint Mineral Wells native Kit Sparks to fill the vacancy left by Loretta Poole. Meanwhile, district officials confirmed Kuhn has returned to MWISD as an instructional coach after previously serving as superintendent in Mineral Wells and Abilene.

Sparks appointed to school board

Sparks, a 2006 graduate of Mineral Wells High School, previously sought election to the school board and said his interest in serving stems from a desire to support local students and the community.

His children attend MWISD schools, and his family owns a local lawn care and irrigation business.

Superintendent Dr. David Tarver said trustees spent several meetings considering candidates before selecting Sparks.

“Filling that empty seat is a responsibility that y’all haven’t taken lightly, and I truly appreciate y’all’s time and consideration of that,” Tarver told trustees before recommending Sparks.

Sparks is expected to take the oath of office at the board’s next meeting, when he will officially begin serving. Because the appointment comes during the final year of the seat’s term, Sparks will need to run in the next school board election if he wishes to continue serving.

“I’m just here to serve and to just to make the ISD a better place than what it was yesterday,” Sparks said.

Former superintendent returns in instructional role

In another significant development, former MWISD Superintendent Dr. John Kuhn has returned to the district as an instructional coach.

Kuhn led Mineral Wells ISD from 2016 to 2024 before departing to become superintendent of Abilene ISD.

Tarver described Kuhn’s new position as a districtwide role designed to strengthen instruction and provide support to teachers, administrators and students.

“If you strengthen the whole thing, this is going to lead directly to a better educational environment for kids,” Tarver said.

Kuhn’s responsibilities will focus on three primary areas: Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), which helps identify and assist students struggling academically; the state’s Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program, which provides opportunities for additional compensation to eligible teachers; and support for emergent bilingual students.

Tarver said Kuhn’s experience as a classroom teacher, administrator and superintendent will provide valuable expertise across the district.

Although the instructional coach position was not originally included in the district’s budget, Tarver said sufficient funding is available within the existing salary budget to cover the expense without drawing from fund balances.

Kuhn will be compensated at the top of the district’s teacher pay scale based on his years of experience.

When asked about Kuhn’s history of public political commentary, Tarver expressed confidence in his ability to serve professionally.

“John Kuhn is a professional,” Tarver said. “He will carry himself in a professional manner that I am 100% certain that will not create any concern for himself, his family, or the district.”

Kuhn expressed enthusiasm about returning to Mineral Wells and working alongside district educators.

“I am so excited to be back home working with the incredible educators and the awesome community in Mineral Wells once again,” Kuhn said. “I hope to bring some useful knowledge and experience to the team and help MWISD achieve its goal of providing a top-notch education for every student we serve. Every student, everyday, whatever it takes.”

Other board business

In other action during the Oct. 12 meeting, trustees approved the purchase of a 2020 Blue Bird Vision school bus at an estimated cost of $88,185. The bus seats 71 passengers and is equipped with three-point seat belts.

The district reported enrollment of 3,125 students and an attendance rate of 95.4%.

Trustees also recognized October as Principal Appreciation Month, approved a resolution designating Oct. 14 as Texas Education Human Resources Day and authorized the purchase of library books.