Marlin ISD to Focus on Improving Emergent Bilingual Student Performance
A Regular Meeting of Marlin ISD was held March 23, 2026 at 5:00 pm in the MISD Boardroom, Board President Byrleen Terry, presiding. Attendees were Rosalyn Dimerson, Misty Ehlers, Billy Johnson, Winnette Outland, Sharon Tomlinson, Debra Trotter, Superintendent of Schools Alphonso Bates and Dr. Rolando Trevino, TEA Conservator.
Lone Star Governance Recognitions were Student of the Month Marshun Woodson, Teacher of the Month Etoshia Butler, Players/Performers of the Month: Boys Basketball-Jayden Brooks, Girls Basketball- Baylee Bluiett, Soccer-Eric Ramos Diaz and Band Drumline-Adan Diaz. The Board moved into closed session Section 551.074, for the purpose of considering the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline or dismissal of a public officer or employee or to hear complaints or charges against a public officer or employee. (1) Consider the renewal and/or extension of administrative and/or professional contracts.
Convening from closed session, Misty Ehlers moved to approve the 2026-2027 Professional Contracts. Seconded by Rosalyn Dimerson, the motion carried. Supt. Bates noted he continues to meet key community people. Due to the Homegoing of loved ones of two district employees, care and concern were shared.
Dr. Trey Bethley, Executive Director of Operations, shared Bond 2022 updates. The new gym is connected to existing gym facilities. Parking and drainage are progressing. Kimberly Svatek, Chief Academic Officer, shared the Emergent Bilingual (EB) Local Improvement Plan (LIP). Low performance on reading and writing for three years in a row impacts campus results. The needs analysis includes increasing teacher capacity in language acquisition strategies and number of ESL-certified teachers and strengthening core instruction for EB students. Svatek presented the LIFT Grant purchase of materials and selection of approved providers. The 3-year program provides $533K (2026-2027) with continued funding TBA, Bluebonnet Learning Instruction in reading/Math and provides coaching support. In addition, the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP), which increases access to highquality post-secondary pathways for rural students, was presented. Districts earn additional ADA Allotments for each student in a postsecondary pathway and an Outcome Bonus for each student that earns a postsecondary credential of value up to five years after graduation.
Rosalyn Dimerson moved to approve individually the consent agenda items. Seconded by Misty Ehlers, all consent agenda items were ap- proved by the Board.
Tynette Guinn presented an amendment to the approved 2026-2027 District Calendar to add one additional day of instruction increasing from 174 to 175 which includes Pre-K12. By increasing the instructional days, the district now meets the minimum base calendar requirements to qualify for formula funding. (ADSY). The 2026-27 school year is August 10, 2026 - May 27, 2027. J. Adam LeJeune, Chief of Technology, addressed the estimated 25-year-old Marlin Elementary School Public Address System. TFE was recommended as the vendor for the proposed hybrid analog/digital system for refurbishment including security cameras. Funding will be via General funds and/or bond funds.
Norman Jones presented the revisions to Policy AE (LOCAL). Goals were adopted to set a vision for student learning. Student Outcome Goal Progress Measures and Superintendent Guardrails Progress Measures were approved. For details, visit Marlin ISD website.
Singleton, Clark, & Company, Certified Public Accountants were approved for the annual audit for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
Norman Jones presented the February 2026 Financial report. Over 79% of projected revenue has been received, 64% of budgeted expenditure spent (instruction, facilities, cocurricular) and 49% of projected Food Service revenue received to date and 58% budgeted expenditures spent. The Investment Report reflected total interest earned $50,607. Jones noted “Taxes are being paid!”
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:17pm The next meeting is April 6, 2026.