Marlin ISD Board of Directors Holds First Meeting After TEA Conservatorship Ends

A Board Workshop Meeting of the Marlin ISD Board of Trustees was held February 2, 2026 at 6:31p.m. in the MISD Boardroom, Board President Byrleen Terry, presiding. Attendees were Rosalyn Dimerson, Misty Ehlers, Billy Johnson, Winnette Outland, Sharon Tomlinson, Debra Trotter and Superintendent of Schools Alphonso Bates.

Recognitions included the introduction of Troy Bethley, Executive Director of Operations. In recognition of National School Counseling Week (Feb. 26), MISD counselors were acknowledged. Supt. Bates announced the meeting as the first since the transition from Board of Managers to Board of Directors and shared accolades for Operations and Maintenance who managed the campuses during the inclement weather.

Adam LeJeune provided Bond 2022 updates. There was a press box concern at Legion Field regarding cracking from the top layer. The repair has been completed. The new gym is progressing, and the inclement weather has affected the parking lot progress.

Chief of Academics Kimberly Svatek provided a review of Early Literacy Middle of Year Assessment. The diagnostic screeners are designed to measure student mastery of referenced materials, allowing monitoring, adjustments to instruction and addressing learning gaps. All areas indicated improvement. There is a need to increase in the reading and math areas.

Strategic Compensation updates were provided by Karla Sparks, Regional Asst. Supt. of Talent, ESC12. MISD is transitioning from a step and ladder system to a system that supports teacher and administrator compensation based on educator effectiveness. The district is partnering with TEA, Steady State, and Region 12 to develop strategic compensation plans. By two years, all teachers will be certified. (HB 2). With zero experience, a teacher salary is $52K.

Future agenda items include (1) Hiring Authority for Superintendent (2) Establish Daily Prayer Time (HB 11) (3) Waiver for Uncertified Teachers (4) District Vehicle Purchase (5) Resolution for FIC(LOCAL) TEA Code (6) 20262027 District Calendar and (7) Legion Field Data Cabling and security cameras.

With no further agenda items, the meeting adjourned at 7:34 pm. The next Board meeting is Mon., Feb. 16.