001Regular meeting of the Waco Independent School Board is hereby called to order. All items which may be discussed or voted upon this evening have been posted as required by state law. I extend a warm welcome to those present and to our television viewers. The board's purpose is to set goals, listen to reports of the superintendent, approve budgets, contracts, and personal appointments and make policy for the district. We are not here to make management decisions or solve problems of individuals. Management is is the responsibility of the superintendent and her staff. I ask that you turn your cell phone to silent alert if you haven't already done so. We appreciate the time you have taken to join us and for your interest in the Waco Independent School District. As part of our board operating procedures, the Waco
002ISD board follows 10 guiding commitments that help our focus on students and community. To begin tonight's meeting, I'd like to invite Trusty Gillery and Trusty Abnusi to each share one of these commitments. >> Wish I didn't miss it, Mr. President. Commitment to continuous improvement. The board will engage in ongoing training, self- evvaluation, and reflection on streng strengthen governance practices. the board u time and resource stewardship um meetings will will be conducted efficiently with members coming prepared respecting time limits and ensuring prudent use of district resources. >> Thank you Mr. Trusty Gillery and Trusty Abnusi. Uh do we have anyone signed up for public comments? Thank you. We're now moving on to a moment of silence. Now we'll do the the pledge of allegiance. Leading our pled pledge of allegiance this evening are Lake Air Monastery
003students from the deaf and heart of hearing class Richard Mills, Lily Wilson, Farah Foster, Damen Rodriguez, Luis Raina, and Khaled Aras. Joining them also from Lake Air Monastery are Adeline Allen, Xavian Allen, Reagan Maldonado, and Kaitlin Maldonado. I pledge alce to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God with liberty and justice for all. >> Board of trustees, will you join me at the front, please? The deaf and heart of hearing class at Lake Air Monastery taught by Miss Andrea Dernell is home to some incredible middle school students. Here tonight are Richard Mills, Lily Wilson, Damian Rodriguez, Luis Raina, and Khaled Aras. Lake Air Monastery proudly houses the regional day school for the deaf program, serving students from across the central Texas area. One
004of the class's favorite days each month is when Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Spicer visits the students. They light up when she walks through the door. They love showing her what they're learning, teaching her new sign language vocabulary, and sharing plenty of laughter and jokes along the way. They want everyone to know how much they love school, spending time with friends, and simply enjoying being kids. The class also wants to say thank you for the opportunity to shine and represent Waco ISD. Thank you. Thank you. So joining the deaf and heart of hearing class for this special spotlight are four Lake Air Monastery students Adeline Allen, Xaven Allen, Reagan Maldonado, and Kayn Maldonado, who are the proud grandchildren of our amazing principal secretary, Miss Darlina Smith. Adeline is a bright first grader, Xavier a cheerful prek4 student,
005Reagan a sweet loving fourth grade student, and Kayn a smart middle school student. They love spending time with their grandma, playing soccer, and being with friends. We are grateful for these students and their families. And I just I also want to mention supporting these wonderful students tonight. We want to thank our parents and grandparents who are here as well. Thank you to Maria Laurara, Lahi Rodriguez, Jacqueline Wilson, Crystal McDade, Stephanie Rod, Richard Mills Jr., and Darlina Smith, and Oscar Ramirez. Thank you. I also want to thank Principal Christy Yorman for having her students with us tonight. Um so we are absolutely thrilled and so excited to welcome an incredible member of our Waco ISD family, Wesley Zuniga and his family joining us tonight. Um they will be he will be recognized for monumental achievement. Um
006Wesley is a phenomenal seventh grader at Tennyson Middle School and this past June he traveled all the way to Seattle, Washington for the prestigious Rubik's WCA World Championship competition. Um, yeah. So, I want to mention what started just as a trip to go see the competition turned into a bigger celebration when he like completely crushed it and um qualified to be able to compete in the championship. We couldn't be prouder of his amazing accomplishment. So, we recently um captured a video of his journey. We want to show you a little clip of that real quick. Yes, I saw a lot of my icons, people I look up to and cubing people. >> Oh, can we hear it? We're almost there. One second. Yes, I saw a lot of my icons, people I look up to
007in cubing, people I think are like really cool. It's kind of like the Olympics for cubing or like the Oscars for cubing. It's like, oh my god, there's this guy and this guy and then another guy. It was absolutely awesome. I felt so lucky. >> Awesome. And so it was so cool to be able to see you solve that on the video, but what would be even cooler is to see you solve it here. Are you okay with that, Wesley? Okay. So, I think um Mr. Amnusi, who's right behind you, is going to scramble the cube for you. Just make sure it's legit. Okay. Are you ready? Let's go. >> Wow. Oh, that's amazing. >> That's so incredible. Thank you for sharing your cool talent with us. That was fun. >> Okay, thank you Wesley.
008>> Bye guys. >> Okay, so next we have our community partner award. Just as thrilling, Shepherd's Heart. So we are excited um to recognize Shepherd's Heart as our November community partner. Waco is incredibly fortunate to have such a powerful and dedicated partnership with Shepherd's Heart. Thank you for your tireless work in supporting the well-being of our students and our families. Your commitment to fighting hunger starts right on our campuses by establishing essential food pantries at Waco High and University High. You ensure our students have food during the day and meals to take home for the evening. Your reach extends directly into our community. We want to thank you for the monthly mobile food pantry distribution at Brook Avenue Elementary and for operating numerous other mobile food pantries across Waco. You're bringing crucial resources straight into
009our neighborhoods. In fact, there is an upcoming distribution this Saturday, November 22nd, at Waco IC Stadium from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The impact of Shepherd's Heart work is staggering. Through these mobile distributions alone, Shepherd's Heart is feeding about 7,000 families per month, distributing an incredible 300,000 pounds of food every 30 days. And this level of service is truly life-changing. >> I also want to mention that as we approach the holidays, u we want to recognize your annual Toys from the Heart program. For over 14 years, this initiative has provided muchneeded Christmas gifts and assistance to numerous Waco ISD students and families. You're spreading joy during the festive season, and we are deeply grateful for you. Um, here to accept the community partner award is um Bob Ger, Shepherd's Heart CEO, Diane Graham, and Kathy
010Torres. Thank you for all that you and your team do for Waco ISD and our family. That is all for our recognitions. Thank you, board of trustees. I just move the phone. The WSD board of trustees will now go into close session at 6:14. This time pursuant of the Texas Open Meeting Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 551, sections 04 and and 071. We anticipate taking action when we return. convened at open session at 7:50. 50 into we're also going to move to item 14. >> Yes. >> Consider, discuss, and take appropriate action on the supernet contract. Is there a motion? >> I move. >> Is there a second? >> Second by M. Mr. Bledo. Is there any discussion? >> No. >> Mr. Abnusi, is there any discussion? >> No, sir. >> Mr. Mr. Davis, is
011there any discussion? >> No. >> Mr. Giller, is there any discussion? >> No. >> Mr. Patton, is there any discussion? >> No, sir. >> Mr. Oo, is there any discussion? >> No. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Passes unanimous. >> Okay. So, so now we're going back. >> Now we're be moving. We're sorry about all this moving around. We'll be moving back. We'll be moving on to the superintendent report. >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, trustees. Um, I'd like to share an update that reflects some of the most meaningful work I get to do as superintendent of schools here in Waco Independent School District. As often say, student voices are the best voices. And this month, I held my second meeting with our for the school year with
012our middle school and our high school superintendent student advisory committees. school. Um, this month students reviewed and discussed instructional calendar options for future school years. Their feedback was thoughtful, honest, and incredibly helpful. I also have to say that as much as they focus on their days off and summer starting, their heart for their teachers and the work that they also uh their heart and their passion for their teachers also came through passionately and loudly over the course of this year. These student committees allow our students to speak openly about what motivates them academically, what challenges they face, and how we can better support their learning experiences here in our district. Their input plays a a direct role in shaping our decisions and the work we lead here in our district. Meeting with these student groups
013not only informs our work, but it keeps us grounded in what truly matters, ensuring that student voice continues to guide the direction of Waco Independent School District. All right, so Thanksgiving in Waco ISD. As we head into Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to say how truly grateful I am for our students, our staff, and our community. Every day, I'm reminded that the strength of this district comes from the people who pour their hearts into our schools. This year, I especially want to celebrate our incredible child nutrition service team. Over the past few weeks, they've hosted 20 special Thanksgiving meals for families across the district, serving over 8,000 meals. And they did it with impressive amounts of holiday spirit and ingredients. 1,483 pounds of turkey, 536 pounds of stuffing, 326 pounds of mashed potatoes,
014945 pounds of cranberry sauce, 2,220 lbs of carrots. My lord, um 488 lbs of pudding, and 50 lbs of whipped topping. But beyond the numbers, what really matters is the experience they created. Family sitting together, sharing a meal. We had coloring, we had drawing, and just conversations and feeling connected to their schools. That sense of community is what makes Waco so special. And I'm incredibly thankful for the team that made it happen. So, as we head into the Thanksgiving holiday break, I want to remind all of us, our principles, our teachers, custodians, everybody who has a hand in Waco to take time to do a few things. Take time to rest, refresh, and reset. Take the time to love on your families. This is your time to receive love and gratitude from them as well
015as to give it to those that you treasure. I am so thankful for each and every one of you. I hope everyone in our Waco family and community has a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving. Thank you, >> Dr. Spicer. On I would also like to thank um a lot of the churches around the community. They they helped out at a lot of the schools. Yes, sir. >> So, thank them and the I mean just the community for helping us out. >> Absolutely. We will now move on to item six, information reports. Information items and reports. Trusty Bledo, do you have any questions? >> No. >> Trusty Abnusi, do you have any questions? >> No, sir. >> Trusty Gil, do you have any questions? >> No. >> Trusty Patton, do you have any questions? >> No, sir.
016>> Trusty Otrell, do you have any questions? >> No. >> Thank you. >> We'll move on to item number seven, the consent agenda. Mr. Bledo, is there anything you like pulled? >> No. Mr. Abnusi, is there anything like pulled? >> No, sir. >> Mr. Gillery, is there anything you'd like pulled? >> I'll abstain from 7G. Pass that on to you. >> 7. Yes. 7. >> Mr. Patton, is there anything you like pulled? >> No. >> Mr. Oo, is there anything like pulled? >> No. >> At this time, I entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda with Mr. Gillery abstaining from 7F. Do I have a motion? >> So move. >> Second. Mr. Bleto, is there any discussion? No. >> Mr. Abnus, is there any discussion? >> No, sir. >> Mr. Giller, is there any
017discussion? >> No. >> Mr. Patton, is there any discussion? >> No, sir. >> Mr. Elro, is there any discussion? >> No. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Passes with Mr. Gillery. Obstained. >> Wait. At this time, I entertain a motion to approve the 7F. Have a motion. >> So move. >> A second. >> Second. All in favor say I. I. >> I. >> We're moving on to item eight. Consider discussing take action extending expanding partnership with Waco family medicine to include behavioral health services presented by Dr. Spicer and Dr. Jackson Griggs. I have the privilege of learning. >> All right. And so when I got here a year ago, everybody says, "What can I do? What can I do? What can I do?" I'm like, "Oh, thank you." Everybody says, "What can
018I do? What can I do?" And for me, it's like, "Yes, we want your partnership, but give us a few minutes. Let us kind of get a bearing of where we are as a system." And I don't want to always just say yes because you end up taking on things that you may not need. Um, but we circle back around and I was like, "Hey, I got a favor for you." um we have a partnership with them already and so we had dental services but we want to expand those dental services. I was like I was like I know our kiddos they get their vision checked you know we get classes and I'll share a quick story. Um I got to do a ride along last spring and I'm on the bus and I'm sitting
019with a young lady Southwick Elementary. Where you at? Is that Yes, baby. And so I'm sitting with a young lady and um I'm like hey what's that? And she goes I'm getting glasses. I said oh. And so she was kind of sassy with me and um she was kind of tired and kind of cranky. She says, "Miss, do you have food?" And I said, "No, ma'am, I don't. I'm so sorry. I would have got you some." So she's holding that paper really really tight. And some other kids are getting off the bus. Well, her paper falls through the u underneath the the little headboard and it falls into the street. Another student gets a paper and she's panicking. And so the kiddo gets the paper and he gives it back to her and she was
020just like holding it to her chest. second grader. She was so proud that she was getting glasses and that was one of the moments where I'm like this is why we need these partnerships like Dr. Griggs and Waco family medicine. And so we have the opportunity for them to also come alongside of us. We did have a partnership with Transformation Waco for our vision center um that is expiring but I said hey phone a friend. Do you mind taking this partnership with us to the next level? And he said yes. And so we're excited about the opportunity to do that as well with them as well. And so next we have another opportunity coming forward and he's going to get dig more into the weeds. Um but one of the things we talked about was
021just mental health needs of our students. And a lot of times you have I'll say behaviors or experiences that you may not see or may not understand what's going on in the background. And sometimes there's mental health needs, sometimes there's social emotional learning needs. And so again I said, "Hey, would you be willing to kind of look at having social workers in our schools to help us?" and he said yes. And so right now we have the opportunity to bring three social workers to our middle schools, one for each school. Um do I want 10? Absolutely. Um but can we do it right now? Not yet. Right. Um but this is our our attempt to partner to help our students and do some preventative work for our students, but also do some maintenance work for
022our students. Um we have several different kinds of partnerships throughout our school system, but we believe this will be a better extension to help the work that we're already doing. And so I'm going to pass it over to Dr. bricks to kind of talk about that work. >> Yeah, thank you for the opportunity to speak with you and and I'm going to start with just a word of gratitude. Uh you all give so much of your time uh to this and there may not be anything more important in our community than uh than high quality education um for those in need. So thank you. Thank you for the volunteer time. Thank you for the sacrifice that you make as board members. Um I want to kind of set the stage by telling you a little
023bit about the condition of of mental health among children adolescence in the country. Uh so in in 2021 uh the two most authoritative voices in uh pediatric and adolescent mental health in the country that's the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry declared a national mental health emergency um for children. Um it's not been rescended. Um so nationally we have seen a growth in the prevalence of mental health conditions. Um really starting around 2010 that the growth of uh prevalence among mental health conditions um among children adolesccents has has climbed aggressively. Um there is uh the CDC reports more depression, suicidality and untreated mental health needs among children adolescence than than ever before. Um, and that's again that's the national landscape. And in Texas, Texas ranks 50th out of
02450 states in terms of mental health professional access. So, we're at the bottom of all the states in terms of the community's access to mental health professionals. Um, in a country that's a crisis and we're we're the worst state in terms of of access to mental health professionals. in Mcclennen County uh reports um an a pediatric adolescent hospitalization rate mental health hospitalization rate 29% higher than the state. So nation Texas work is is worse in terms of mental health access compared with the country and then mlennon county has a higher rate of of mental health hospitalization among children adolescence. We see that in our clinic. We see more and more um children, adolesccents struggling with mental health um needs. And uh and of course among our our patients, we see uh transportation barriers, challenges with
025families taking off work in order to bring their children in. Um uh we see uh access issues. You know, the wait time on the phone sometimes can be a barrier. Um and and so when Dr. Dr. Spicer and I began to envision access uh for children to mental health. We were really excited about the the opportunity. Um and uh and so when when we envision uh the work, we are not wanting to to duplicate um any uh existing efforts that are in the school system. uh school counselors do magnificent um work already um academic career uh personal social support um uh uh as primary care, you know, we know how to we know swim lanes and we know collaboration um because we're doing that in the healthcare ecosystem all the time. We would envision um
026being deeply collaborative ensuring that we're not um stepping on toes or or or duplicating efforts. Um but what our focus is is on diagnosible mental health conditions. Um so there are um internalizing externalizing behaviors among kids that uh that teachers, school counselors are sensitive to. They recognize, administrators recognize that kid who used to be engaged and paying attention now begins to be quiet, maybe maybe sleeping, maybe grades fall off, um just seems uh internally distracted. It's a that's a red flag, right? Um um parents may not recognize that as a red flag. They may they may be dealing with other family issues, stressors. They may feel really uh guilty or ashamed about the child's behavior and won't recognize that necessarily as an indicator of a potential mental health um problem. Um externalizing behaviors. This kid
027was um you know was a a kiddo who really was engaged and more or less kind of follow teacher instructions and becomes really um irritable and and may act out um that may be an indicator of something that's um that's an emerging mental health condition. Uh so by by situating uh professionals in in schools, clinicians within schools, um we have the capacity to uh once those kids who are at risk are identified and brought to our mental health clinic um assess is this a diagnosible mental health condition, develop a plan of care um and intervene appropriately. Um frequently that will be with um psychotherapy. So counseling what what is done in a um with a clinical social worker and LPC. Um occasionally um a child might need medication support. Um and at least for the
028time being um we would envision uh just that that child scheduling an appointment at our at our clinic. But we hope in the future to develop a teleaalth opportunity as well so that we can couple um clinical social work or or or lic counselor with teleaalth in the in the school um so that that we can work um with the clinician right then and there. Of course, um consenting every one of these children with family before there's any intervention as all uh at all is imperative um and and we'll be figuring out all the workflows um very collaboratively with the uh with Dr. Spicer and the principles and other administrators as we go forward. Um uh let's see, maybe the next slide. I think I've covered everything there. Uh so why why does this matter
029for school outcomes? Um, when children who have diagnosible mental health conditions get the treatment that they need, their school performance improves, their their uh their grades improve, their scoring on standardized tests improve, they miss fewer days because they're less distressed from a mental emotional um health standpoint. So, they they miss uh fewer days. They have more um goal directed behaviors. there better time management um and and ultimately there are fewer dropouts um as well few more kids um complete graduation once their mental health conditions um are addressed. So so while you know as as a as a family doctor I'm thinking about the um the internal distress and the and the family that's struggling with this mental health condition that's appearing in the child. Um but but I think also from an academic standpoint and
030a a school functioning standpoint, I think there's a lot of promise in this. Um and so we're just so honored to be collaborators with Waco ISD. Tremendous admiration for Dr. Spicer, the principles, and and of course the board and the work that you do. So so thank you for the opportunity uh to be a partner with you in addressing um this need that is uh that's national, but we're we're certainly feeling it local. Thank you, Dr. Spicer and Dr. Gregs. Is there a motion? >> Comment. >> Yeah, go ahead. Go ahead, Mr. >> Um, I just I want to just say thank you, Dr. Spicer. This is something we've we've talked about for a long time. Um, I know in a lot of cases our teachers have to be not just teachers anymore, but they
031have to be mentors, they have to be parents, they have to be counselors, they have to be lots of things. And so something like this is just incredible. Um and so thank you for the work that you do and and Wakeaco Family Medicine does and not just the doctors, but I would encourage everyone who hasn't uh seen all the work that they do there to call Alfred Salano or or Doug McDurum and have them show you all the incredible things that they're doing over there with their pharmacy, with their cooking classes, with their medical legal partnership, wake great legal services. Um it's incredible and and we're very excited to be partnering with you. >> Just Yeah, that was a great plug for Alfred. He's >> No, but um same thing, man. If you get opportunity
032to tour that that beautiful facility that y'all have. I had an opportunity to go through there and I saw like I didn't know y'all did dental work there at at your space and and also the mental health services and all the different services you offer in there and all the things you do for the community and and um just knowing you personally man I appreciate everything you do and what y'all do for the community >> just want to I'm echoing everything you're saying here first of all I want to say I'm meeting a celebrity I remember all the and I tell you why right the years of co you on TV giving us those reports. I mean, I'm like, man, I finally meet you in person. What an honor. Thank you for No, seriously, that's
033amazing. And then another thing is as an advocate of for mental health myself, I'm a of course uh I would like to champion it as much as I can for myself, for the students, for teachers, principles, everyone, all the staff. I'm so grateful, but at the same time, I'm actually even more grateful to you, Dr. for thinking about this, initiating this this this movement, which I think is super super necessary in these times. But thank you for both of you for that. I appreciate it. >> Yeah, I'll just d up everything that everyone said. Um, Jackson, I'm such a huge fan of yours. Um, Waco Family Medicine is so critical to our community. Um, and I hope everybody knows that. What a jewel that that we have in you guys. And so, thank you for
034all that you do. uh just for everyone in our community and thank you for this partnership. >> Mr. Patton, >> everyone said everything. Uh >> we do want to say thank you for the support and partnership that you're bringing uh to our students and uh as Dr. Spicer always says it takes a village and uh this isn't going to be an important support and help for our kids in middle school age is when you start seeing so many behaviors u stressors and so I think this is a perfect way to uh help hopefully help these kids that that are start to exhibit behaviors. Thank you. Thank you. Is there a motion? >> I'll make a motion. >> Motion. Mr. Choa, is there a second? >> Second by Mr. Patton. Mr. Bless, is there any discussion?
035>> No. >> Mr. Abnus, is there any discussion? >> No, sir. >> Mr. Giller, is there any discussion? >> No. >> Mr. Patton, is there any discussion? >> No, sir. >> Mr. Oo, is there any discussion? >> No. >> All in favor say I. I. >> Any oppose? >> Thank you'all. We're moving on to item number nine. Review and discuss priority three-3.1 increased parent and family engagement presented by Jill Anderson. >> Good evening, President Vida, board of trustees, and Dr. Spicer. I have the privilege of talking about increasing parent family engagement. So, I'm excited to go over that tonight with you. Um, priority three, community and 3.1. Um, I just want to mention as we get into this that, um, as part of the leadership team, I get to report on this, which is a
036lot of fun. But I want to mention that the people who do this work every day, they're incredible. I want to recognize them and their boots on the ground and they're embedded in our campuses and doing this tough work. So, I appreciate them. Um, we missed it. Okay, so these are some of the faces that you guys have probably seen on campus that pull all of these things together. They're not everybody, but I mean they're incredible. So I just want to give them a shout out. So 3.1.1, we want to establish and strengthen parent teacher organizations across the district. So our goal in the strategic plan is to have 100% um formal parent engagement groups by 2030. Um, I'm really excited to report that just in the first three months that we've made a strategic
037effort to build these groups on campus, we already have 14 who are reporting the parent engagement groups. Um, and so we're really close to having that 100% already. Um, we've put a concerted effort to grow relationships with parents. Um, and I want to share some of the successes that we've had so far this year. So, you can see some of the pictures up there. um at University High School, we had our first fiesta event which was incredible and grew to be a huge um success and the parent group there had um organized that. Um we also have listed on there our um Parkdale volunteer Adria Muskis, you guys know him. Um we honored him with a community partner award in September for being an incredible volunteer with Parkdale. Um he also won the heroes for
038children award from the state board of education as well in September. Um and then also to mention that Parkdale had an incredible parentled carnival in October. Um I also want to say as a an amazing success is that Waco High has empowering empowering parent meetings once a month. Um and so that's unusual for a high school to have that kind of involvement. So it's really cool to be able to speak on that. Um parents are able to talk to counselors, administrative staff, instructional specialists at least once a month. So their most recent event they had Zumba and then um the chef there taught parents how to make healthy, quick and easy meals. So that's a fun success to talk about. So 3.1.2 were creating opportunities for parent voice. Um so I want to mention that
039Dr. Spicer when she came on, she met with um parents from every single campus across the school district. Um that was really important to be able to hear their voices um and what they need. And we'll continue to solicit parent voice moving forward. Um another way that we're measuring this is through parent square which has been fantastic. So I'm super excited to report on this platform. We have 99.2% contactability with um our families in Waco. So if you see in the pink there. The 98% is the benchmark that Parent Square reports nationwide is like excellent. So, we're doing really well there. Um, and then another piece that I'm really excited to report on is 48% parent interaction. Um, and so that is um basically what it what it says is that parents are responding and
040interacting with us on the platform and 36% is the nationwide benchmark for that. And then uh 3.1.3 we want to create opportunities for parent engagement events um designed to inform and support. So the measure that we're using for this is our climate surveys that are given to inform action steps. Um our goal by um 2030 is to have 88 to 95% satisfaction rating for safety and engagement. And the baseline that we're using right now is from a survey that we gave in May of 2025. And so we're at 74%. Um, with that data, it's not enough to create actionable steps to move forward. And so, we are we sent another survey out October of 2025 and then we're going to be sending another one out in May of next year. So, we'll have um more
041data to go on for that. Oops, I think I went too far. Um, so with this, I just want to share some of the things that we're already doing. I think this is really a year to um capture all of the different events that we're doing and quantify them. Um and so I want to mention the um steam and STEM nights that we're doing. Um you can see up there the superintendent um fun run which was so well attended. U we actually had to shut down registration kind of at the end because we were getting overwhelmed with it. So that's amazing. We're going to have that again. Um we did the family fest. We have the Thanksgiving meals that you guys have probably heard about and been involved in. Um, and so we're doing really
042well. We're moving in a positive direction, but as we get more opportunity for parent voice, we'll be able to strategically add to those events. So, that is all that I have. Do you guys have any questions? >> Just a quick comment because I saw their pictures on here. Um Key Jackson at um at Waco High and Mary Aladas at University High School. They have clothes closets there for students. Uh this weekend my wife made me clean out half my closet and those got taken over there, but they they always need stuff. The women's empowerment summer, the men's empowerment summer coming up and high school kids come in all shapes and sizes. So, >> yep. if you uh happen to to need to clean out your closet or anything like that, they'll be happy to come
043pick them up or someone can drop them off for you. >> It's a great note. Thank you. I actually have a box that was delivered by a reporter who moved from the Waco area and she donated a whole box of brand new clothes for students. So, I'm excited to deliver those. >> Mr. Gillery, >> no. >> Mr. We just thank you for everything you do >> and I'm very excited to see Jim Patton running in the superintendent fund run next year. >> He's doing it. We're doing it. >> M I just um had a comment. I know the PTAs I would like to guess educate parents more on what they're getting into because I know some of the PTAs there's a lot into it more than what people realize and some of them just jump
044in without actually knowing the laws and the requirements. And if we could the ones that are want to start it kind of educate them on what they need to do first and what goes into it before they just jump in head first and then you know kind of start falling under the water there. >> Yes sir. And I will add to that um I do happen to know um the state rep for our PTA across Texas and so they sent a representative and I did have the chance to meet with them and so we did talk about that because federal government documents that you have to complete and there's all these checks and balances. So, we are working to make sure that all of our um district knows what to do and how to do
045it just but also to make sure that we get everything done right, but also make sure we have it happening so these kiddos and our families have opportunities because there's also scholarships and different things that come from that as well. >> Thank you, Miss Henderson. >> Thank you. We're moving on to We're moving on to item 10, discuss and take appropriate action renaming the Waco High Athletics wait room presented by Coach Ed Love. Now, good evening, members of the board, Dr. Spicer. Thank you guys for this opportunity. get some stuff on my way. I'll be ready to go. So, I'm here tonight u requesting your approval to name the wake the new Waco High School weight room after Andrew Billings. Okay. Now, there's a long list of accomplishments, so I will only highlight some of
046them. I'm sure you have that information in front of you, so I'll just highlight a few for the sake of time. Okay. Of course, he's one of ours. He attended Ala Vista in elementary. He attended Car Middle School and of course he graduated from Waco High School. While he was at Waco High School, he participated in three sports. He was of course you know he was a powerlifter, a football player and he also was track and field as well. Uh in powerlifting, pay attention to this. This is amazing. U of course he won state two times in a row, two years in a row, 2012 and 2013. in the super heavyweight division. And in 2013, he was the one he broke the Texas State High School record for most combined weight ever lifted, 2,10 pounds.
047So, think about just this for a second. Okay. 2,10. So, he actually squatted a little over 800, he benched over 500, and he deadlifts over 700. That's a lot of weight. just being able to hold a car unless someone changed the flap and then put it back down. Uh when he broke that record, the record had been there over 20 years and it was previously held by the Olympic Olympian Mark Henry and Mark Henry was one that was noted for being one of the strongest men in the world. So of course uh Andrew decided to go play football. He wasn't interested in going being a power lifter going to the Olympics. So anyway, he played at Baylor, won all kind of awards there. Um, first team all Big 12, first team all-American, Big 12 defensive
048lineman of the year, defensive player of the year. Just just amazing. He trans he also uh transitioned into professional football. Of course, he was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals. played there for a couple years, two or three years, picked up by the by the Raiders, and now he plays for Chicago Bears. Another interesting thing about him, he was selected as as a Chicago Bears nominee for the Walter Peyton Award, and that's real special to for of course he nearly got a lot of teammates, but for him to be chosen to be their their representative for such a prestige award as Walter Peyton, that says a whole lot about the young man. Some other recognitions and quotes. Cleveland Brown coach Lane Keifin said quoted that he's the strongest guy I've ever seen. Former Baylor head football
049coach Art Browse said that he was the strongest high school football player in the nation. NFL.com the strongest player in college football. Men's Health Magazine 2023 24 and 25. NFL all strong team. The barbell magazine list him, get this, as one of the top 10 strongest NFL players ever, ever. Want to show a quick video. >> This is at the state meet >> football in 2013. Head coach >> over 800 pounds right there, guys. in the country. >> March 23rd, 2013, Billings of Wake has set the highest record of anybody. >> You got it. YOU GOT IT. YOU GOT IT. YOU GOT IT. WAY TO GO. >> 700 705 lbs. That's a lot of weight. That is a lot of weight. when and I don't know whe you ever been to one of those uh
050powerlifting meets but whenever someone is getting ready to try a record they always stop all of the other platforms and everybody pay attention to that. So that whole stadium was watching them at that particular time. Okay. So for someone who was the strongest man in high school, the strongest man in college and also the strongest man in the NFL, he has never forgotten to give back to the community. Okay, I know you have a long list of that as well. I just want to highlight a few. Um, through the partnership with DGO ISD, we have an annual Andrew Billings powerlifting meet. We have an annual uh youth football camp, a free camp. We open we open that up on like a on the mornings around 9 or 10 o'clock. It's full. It's filled by the
051end of the day. Over 300 kids free camp. A program called Bikes and Books. That is amazing. Uh he started that in 2022. Uh and I've gone to a few of those. Those kids are so excited. The campuses are so excited. Teachers and everybody. It's a it's a really nice event. We do it this year. He he does it every year. So if you ever get a chance to go and check that out, it's really something special to look at. Uh his programs have also pro provided more than a thousand books for WSD elementary school students. Last year he started a new program for the teachers in WISD. Okay. He called it huddle up for teachers. Huddle up for teachers. Ain't that cool? Uh classroom miniig grants. Uh four of our elementary schools right now
052are participating in that. Uh he gives uh 10 teachers per campus amount of money to just buy school supplies. Awesome. Few other things he he's he's done so far. He's also uh he supports the American Lung Association, the Professional Male Mentor Association. That's our group, our mentor group. I'm very proud of that group. I'm going to do that for the rest of my life. Um Waco ISD men's empowerment summit, Waco ISD adopted school program awarded awarded 2023 outstanding foundation by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Central Texas Chapter. Okay, I want to show you another video real quick about a lot of things he's been doing in Waco ISD. Second video. >> It's very special being here and you know receiving this award means a lot. My heart dropped when I had to give that speech
053though. But it was all good. Everybody's giving me congratulations and stuff. That's nice. When I got drafted, seeing the guys that were in the locker room, what they did like showed me that, hey, I can I can do something too and I can take it to my community. When I was in school, there was a little bike giveaway and like it was just always a big deal. Everybody wanted to know who's getting a bike. So, it was just something I wanted to bring back and kind of spread it around for just attendance. The foundation itself really brought the community together. A lot of people came in and pitched in to help. Every year is new kids coming in there. You see smiles on their faces. Parents are happy and the school's happy and kids are
054going to school. It's nothing better than that. Everybody from teachers to principles to daycare coaches, especially coaches, those people really helped me get to where I'm at. that my dad was a big mentor. So, it helps you not make the wrong turns in life. And uh and if you do, it helps you get out of it sometimes and just look back and realize what you did. And you know, a lot of kids don't have that. So, just being there and, you know, being there for those kids is pretty big for me. You know, there's going to be highs, lows. Just got to keep pushing, keep striving. >> All right. That's amazing, isn't it? So, we understand that, you know, he's practicing. Uh they have a big game this weekend. against Pittsburgh. And right now the
055Bears are in first place. So, uh, we do have a few of his family members here, uh, his uncle and and his nephew. They got caught in the rain coming from Dallas, so they had to turn around and go back. Well, we do have his aunt, uh, Vivian Mitchell, if you could come up here next to me, please. She's here. We have a representative from the Southern football program that that Billing sponsored also, Coach Gamble. Come on up, coach. We have his high school coach here, Coach Herps. Marty Herps, up glad I looked over that way, Rodney Clark. I didn't know you made it. Glad you made it. Now, Rodney Clark, come on up, Rodney. He's one of the one of his friends and a foundation supporter. Also, I like to brag on the fact
056that I was Rodney Clark's position coach when he played football at Waco High. He was a running back and a real good one. And last but not least, we have Lisa Saxinian. She was the principal at Waco High during that time. Come on up, Lisa. Don't wave, Ellis. Come on up. I want so I want to thank you guys for coming and uh know that we've been sitting here for a while but but Andrew Billings is worth it. So at this time I want to say again thank you so much and appreciate your consideration and at this time we'll accept any questions at this time. >> Question comment um he's not here but I know Mr. Billings, Andrew Billings, that and the work that he does in Waco with workforce and we do the S
057Expo every year and him heading all those things up and the work that his family does. He comes from a good family. Coach Herbs, Campbell, you know, everybody up here. We said probably three times tonight, it takes a village >> and the type of man that he is is just really reflective of the community that he was part of. And you know, just thank each and every one of you. I know the work that y'all doing with the Southern Panthers, Coach Coach, my son for a little bit and wonderful coach, wonderful man and the things that you done for our students um in the district didn't go unnoticed. Really appreciate you picking them up and um in your own vehicle getting them um home and all those different things. So, thank you for that. and
058Minian and everything you've done over at Waco High School. You have my kids as well and um the things that you done for all the students that came through Waco High School. So, this is um this is all of you, but also Mr. Billings. I was want to say that. >> Thank you, >> Mr. O. >> Yeah. Uh this will probably be the easiest decision this board's ever had to make. Um I I just want to say thank you to to Mr. Billings, Andrew Billings. Um, I'm sure he's at home watching us on YouTube right now. I mean, I can't think of anything else he'd rather be doing. But, um, we I love to watch him play at Waco High. I love to watch play at Baylor. Um, my son when he's watching hype videos
059before his football games, he's he's watching Ray Lewis and Andrew Billings. Um, >> the the only critique I think I have is I think he probably could have squeezed a couple two and a halfs on the side of that 700lb deadlift. He looked like he got it pretty easy. But if you've never experienced the joy that those kids uh that he brings to those kids when he hands out those bikes, I mean, it's just an absolutely incredible experience. So, I want to thank everyone he knows, everyone that that that's poured into his life uh for making him the man he is. We I mean, he's a product of Waco. We're very proud to call him that. >> Mr. You know, I didn't know the connection there. You should have told me something, Miss. I mean,
060how could you not? We work together. And now I figure out there's a connection. I saw the first time I came across um the image of Andrew Billings was in the the library of JHS and uh stories that I heard about him and things that he does. I look at it. I just wrote really I can't find or see any a more deserving individual for this honor not for our school but also for our city and uh the amount of positive that he brings to our the grassroots that I I I it's so dear to my heart and he just exemplifies that. But thank you for that all of you for for being a part of that life that we are now enjoying. Appreciate it. Mr. Bledo, >> I feel like I'm back in high
061school. I got Coach Love and Coach Herst and Miss Sachs. Um, no, but as a as a as a WGO Highline and a Baylor Bear, um, so proud of Andrew Billings. Um, and more proud of the man that he's become than I am the athlete and all the the athletic accolades and the weightlifting. Um, that's awesome. But man, like the way he gives back and pours back into the community where he came from is is just so so impressive. Rodney, thank you for all that you do. Um, and so just I agree with Angelo. I think the easiest decision the board will ever make and I want to know if Jim Patton could do 720. >> No, but uh we do appreciate this uh his uh impact that he's making in Waco, but in our
062community as a whole. Um it the philanthropic part of this incredible man is outstanding. So we're very thankful for his involvement, his foundation's involvement. Uh it's really very much appreciated. >> Yeah. I don't Yeah, I just want to thank Coach Love. I don't think this needed a presentation, but I think mine is I just want to make sure we do put an Andrew Billings I guess where you can see it from down the hall, not I don't want to walk into the school and see a little plaque. >> I want to make sure >> big like him. >> Yeah. All right. That that's that's as long as we can do that. Yeah. >> It has to get approved by Rod Neato. >> That plaque needs to weigh 2,10. >> All right. Thank you. Thank you,
063Coach Leaven. Thank you everybody for being here and waiting for us. Uh, is there a motion? >> Yeah. >> Mr. Is there a second? >> I'll second. >> Mr. Bledo, is there any discussion? >> No. >> Mr. Abnes, is there any discussion? >> No. >> Mr. Giller, is there any discussion? >> No. >> Mr. Patton, is there any discussion? >> No, sir. >> Mr. Ocho, is there any discussion? >> No. >> All in favor say I. I. >> Any opposed? Passes. >> Thank you guys. That would be horrible. Good. Good. We will now move on to item 11, announcement by Elizabeth Cox. >> Spector, I have a few things. Um, I didn't hear Coach Love say it. Um, but I I I want to make sure and, um, I'm not sure if he'll be with
064us here in December. Um, this might also be Coach Love's last uh, board meeting with us in this role. Um, I I do think we'll call him back. Um, but I am really glad he he waited um, until this last board meeting to do a presentation for me. and and coach love. Um we don't yet have a date on when we will dedicate the um wait room because we're gonna um give uh Mr. Billings the chance to to play out his season and then look to schedule it in the spring. So stay tuned, but he won't be going far. So we'll just say coach, you have been I I want to take a moment. You have been so important to our district. you've been such a good friend to me and I have appreciated our
065relationship and uh I have mixed feelings about you retiring and really don't like that idea but I I just uh want to say how much I appreciate you your leadership and the example that you have set for Wake >> Can I Can I just echo that coach man um I think you're the last person I can say like I maybe other than Lisa Zachin um I don't know Waco ID without you like that I mean as long as I can remember Waco ID Ed love has been a part of it um and you're just such a a fabric of this school district um I remember you as a baseball coach as a football coach as a principal as an athletic director and um you've left just such an indelible mark on this school district and
066just so so grateful um for the way that you've impacted the lives of so so many kids. So, thank you. I really don't want to say anything, but um because this this is this is hard for me. I brought my kids to you, you know, I had him in in another district and I remember talking to you and talking to Saxini and said, "Um, man, I'm thinking about bringing my my babies over to you." He said, "Bring them." And you know, now one of them is in law school and the other one's um heading into the police police force. And man, that's all that's that's that's the community. That's you. That's Miss Saxian. That's all of the counselors and teachers that they had. And and I when I I tease you about putting a statue
067up over at the stadium of you. But I'm really pushed for that. But no, we really do appreciate everything that you've done. Appreciate the man that you are. You've been a mentor to me, someone I looked up to and still look up to in this community and part of even who I am in the community is is due to the man that you are. Yeah, >> we'll have more of a chance to maybe roast Coach Love a little bit too. I know we've got some stories. I know Lisa will help with that. On December 10th, there'll be a retirement reception at athletics um from 4 to 6 PM. So be on the lookout for more information. Okay. Tomorrow, Friday, November 21, is a student holiday and staff work day as we send our Waco students
068and staff offer a muchdeserved Thanksgiving break. The district will be closed November 24th through the 28th with classes resuming on Monday, December 1. It's that close, y'all. December is here. Before we get our fill of turkey this Saturday, we need to bring the Waco ISD and Trojan Pride to Belton as our University High School football team takes on Bassrop in the second round of the playoffs. This area round matchup kicks off at 2 p.m. at UMHB's Crusader Stadium. I want to tell Coach Foster and the whole team, best of luck. We will be there um with our purple on cheering them on in a stadium already in purple. So, it's going to be great. Um, it's going to be a great Saturday. So, um, I hope to see everybody there. Um, at each of your
069places tonight, you have the communications team annual list of holiday programs, or as I like to call it, the Jose Vanna Challenge. Um, who can who can attend as many events as Mr. Vana will? Um, >> he's all like, I already got planned out, mapped out. This copy of the special holiday programs planned by our amazing fine arts and campus teams is to help guide you to take in all the amazing sights and sounds of the holidays beginning Thursday, December 4th, and running through Thursday, December 18th, where you'll be here with us. Sorry. The sights and sounds will be ringing throughout the district. I hope you can make it out to all of these events to celebrate the talents and dedication of our students and staff. And again, try to beat Mr. Vana and how
070many uh you can attend. Our next regular board meeting will be Thursday, December 18th. And before we conclude tonight, we have another very special honor. I'd like to take a moment to recognize someone whose service to Waco ISD has been nothing short of extraordinary. For more than four decades, Pete Russ, Peter K. Russ has stood by this board and this district providing wise counsel, steady guidance, and unwavering commitment to doing what's right for our students and community. I wonder if any of his teachers at Richfield would have ever thought that someone would be standing before the Waco ISD board saying that about this young man. His work has shaped policies, supported superintendents and trustees through countless challenges, and ensured that Waco ISD has always navigated complex issues with legal precision when his wise counsel is
071sought. What has always set him apart is not just his deep knowledge of the law, but his calm presence, his thoughtful judgment, and his incredible sense of humor and ability to tell a really great story, sometimes not so appropriate. He has been a trusted adviser, a problem solver, and for many of us, a mentor and a friend. Tonight, as he steps away from private practice to answer a new calling as a district court judge, we want to honor the legacy he leaves here in Waco ISD. This new role is not only a testament to his professional expertise, but also to the character and commitment we've witnessed for decades. On behalf of the Waco ISD Board of Trustees, our staff, and our students, we say thank you for your guidance, your dedication, the countless hours you've
072poured into supporting this district, and we get to be your last school board meeting. Midway already had theirs, his last ones with us, y'all. We are grateful for your service, and we are proud to see you continue serving our community in such an important way. We know we're going to already have the back row of your courtroom filled with a lot of us um on those first days. Congratulations and know you will always be a part of the Waco ISC family. And those flowers are for Robbie. We're helping you out. Unfortunately, what it also meant was I got the chance to crossexamine not one but two of my former teachers on the stand in federal court. true story. All >> right. This meeting is adjourned. Yep.