The Aubrey ISD board said farewell to one of its long-sitting members, Colleen Dow, at the May 13 board meeting.
She served on the board for 15 years and chose not to run again as she is entering a new chapter in her life.
“My life is busy,” Dow said. “Our business has really taken off, and I could not give this board what this board deserves anymore. And so it was hard, but I didn’t run this year, but I feel really good that someone’s going to fill Place 7, and I think they’re going to do a great job.”
She also reflected on what she had learned over the years about some of the unexpected challenges of serving as a school board trustee or in school administration.
However, she added that serving on the board gave her a greater appreciation for what they do and the choices they have to make.
“They stay very late, and they don’t leave any stone unturned,” Dow said. “They go around these issues, and so when they have to make a decision, they’ve done their homework, and I admire them for that.”
With family and friends there to support her, Dow was honored for her contributions as Superintendent Dr. Shannon Saylor said a few words reflecting on Dow’s time on the board.
“One thing that we appreciate about Mrs. Dow most is that she always led with her heart and with integrity and always made every decision based on the best interest of our Chaparrals,” Saylor said. “For her to give up 15 years of her life with at least once-a-month board meetings, but very often more, with out-of-town conferences and all the learning hours they’re required to give, it was a huge sacrifice for her family. So it was great to see her family, her three kids, her granddaughter and her daughter along there with her husband to support her in leaving her seat on the board.”
Following in Dow’s footsteps for Place 7 is Emily Doramus, who was sworn-in alongside Jody Gonzalez, who ran unopposed.
“We’re excited to have Emily Doramus’ perspective as a new board member,” Saylor said. “She works in the field of education, so I think that’ll be really valuable for us.”
The board was reorganized, with Gonzalez moving from secretary to vice president, Trey Duncan taking his place as secretary and Jim Milacek remaining in the president position.
Dr. Jonathan Lee, the director of CTE and accountability, spoke about updates to the career and technical education programs, including the addition of a cosmetology program and a Trades Academy in the 2026-27 school year.
Through the academy, students will get experience with HVAC, electrical, carpentry and plumbing from industry professionals.
At the meeting, the board unanimously approved the renovation of a high school classroom to be transformed into the cosmetology lab.
“We’re just super excited about the cosmetology program, getting that underway,” Dr. Saylor said. “It’ll be about a 60-day renovation.”
The other items the board approved included agricultural leases for almost 53 acres at 4275 South U.S. 377 and on about 13 acres on Redfearn Road.
Also at the meeting, the board approved two contracts for the Education Service Center XI Interlocal Agreement Contracts and an EFI Contract Renewal Amendment for the 2026-27 school year.
The district’s new Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Brian Walton, presented the financial report for the first time at the meeting.
He will replace Assistant Superintendent Eric Hough in the position over the finances, as Hough will retire at the end of June.
The district will keep the same financial firm for the audit as it makes that transition, and next year it will seek a new auditor.
“We want to get one year of stabilization while we have a new CFO,” Saylor said.
