Bea Taylor, a Spanish I teacher, was recognized as the Secondary Teacher of the Year at a May meeting.

Farmersville Independent School District spent the past year focused on strengthening academic outcomes, managing steady enrollment growth and preparing for future expansion, while maintaining leadership stability and improving financial accountability.

Early in the year, district administrators outlined priorities centered on academics and attendance. At the January school board meeting, campus leaders presented district and campus improvement plans, highlighting gains in student engagement and performance. Tatum Elementary continued to grow, surpassing 600 students, while Farmersville High School reported enrollment had increased by 100 students from the previous year. High school attendance held at 96%, a figure administrators credited to cultivating a campus culture that encourages students to attend and participate.

Instructional changes were also introduced at the junior high level, including the addition of a yearbook course and a continued focus on increasing standardized test performance. Administrators set a goal for 50% of students to pass the Texas Success Initiative exam, qualifying them for dual-credit coursework once they reach high school. The campus also maintained its no-cellphone policy, requiring students to keep devices stored during the school day.

Governance remained stable throughout the spring. In February, the district canceled its scheduled May election after all four board positions up for election drew no challengers. Trustees certified the incumbents as unopposed and re-elected, extending their terms through May 2029 and ensuring continuity in board leadership.

Academic performance data released later in the spring reinforced district progress. During a public hearing on the Texas Academic Performance Report in March, administrators reported districtwide attendance increased from 94% to 95.3%, while chronic absenteeism dropped significantly from 18.4% to 11%. STAAR performance exceeded state averages across all subjects and grade levels.

Trustees also approved the 2025–26 academic calendar in March, keeping dates largely consistent with the current year while adjusting start and end times for campuses. Elementary and intermediate schools will operate from 7:35 a.m. to 3:50 p.m., while junior high and high school students will attend from 8:10 a.m. to 4:25 p.m.

Student opportunities beyond the classroom were highlighted in April, when trustees approved a budget amendment to fund travel for a group of middle school students who qualified for a national rocketry competition in Washington, D.C. Board members unanimously supported the out-of-state trip, citing the educational value and recognition of student achievement.

Legislative changes dominated discussions in late spring. Superintendent Micheal French and district leaders briefed trustees on education-related legislation, including House Bill 2, which provided significant raises for teachers and staff. Classroom teachers with three or more years of experience received salary increases ranging from $4,000 to $8,000, while the district’s starting teacher salary rose to $54,600.

While administrators acknowledged the positive impact of the raises, they also noted limitations on local discretion in how additional funds could be spent. Still, the board moved forward with approving the Optional Flexible School Day Program for 2025–26, allowing 13 Farmersville High School graduates to pursue associate degrees or certifications at Collin College.

The district’s 2025–26 budget included several new positions aimed at supporting growth and operations, including crossing guards, campus monitors, instructional support staff and additional bus drivers. Transportation changes were also announced, transitioning the district to a two-tier system separating elementary and secondary routes, while maintaining combined routes for students living farthest from campuses.

In August, trustees approved a lower tax rate for the coming school year, setting the total rate at $1.215 per $100 valuation — a decrease of 2.44 cents from the previous year. During the same meeting, the board addressed participation in extracurricular activities by homeschool students. By taking no action on a proposed restriction, trustees allowed homeschool students to continue participating, while directing staff to track involvement.

Board composition shifted slightly in the fall. In September, Cynthia Craddock-Clark was sworn in to fill Place 7 following the resignation of trustee Jason McTee, who stepped down to comply with new state legislation regarding vendor relationships. That same meeting included positive financial news, as the district earned the highest possible rating on its state financial accountability report.

Planning for future growth continued into October, when administrators presented an early attendance zone model in anticipation of a new elementary school planned for the Lakehaven development. Once built, the campus will give the district three elementary schools, requiring rezoning among Tatum Elementary, Farmersville Intermediate and the new campus.

The year concluded with a focus on leadership continuity and student demographics. In November, trustees unanimously extended Superintendent Micheal French’s contract through mid-2028, citing stability and district progress. Administrators also shared updates on the district’s growing population of emergent bilingual students, who now represent 19 home languages. Enrollment in bilingual and ESL programs increased to 491 students, while teacher certification challenges prompted the district to seek state waivers for several positions.

Taken together, the year reflected steady growth, careful planning and a district focused on balancing opportunity with accountability as Farmersville ISD looks toward the future.

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