The Tioga ISD school board approved the resolution to initiate the process of becoming a District of Innovation again at the Monday school board meeting.
The district lost the status because of their financial status in the summer of 2024, but the district administration hopes to regain that designation.
“The issue with that is we have to start over now that we haven't had it for two years,” Superintendent Josh Ballinger said. "... The biggest issue ... is the accreditation ratings won't come out until another two or three months at the minimum."
The district needs to have the official notice that it is re-accredited to qualify as a district of innovation, Ballinger said.
The trustees shared their support for pursuing that status again.
At the close of the meeting, the board voted to appoint Jessica Lindley to fill the final vacancy.
Ballinger also spoke during the meeting about the conservatorship the Texas Education Agency still has in place for Tioga ISD under Dr. Karen Wiesman.
He also mentioned that the state has set the repayment date deadline of June 30, 2028.
"That doesn't necessarily mean that you'll be here until June 30th of 2028, right?" Ballinger asked her.
"It will depend on the progress of the district," Wiesman said.
The board discussed what it would mean to accept school bus safety grant funding to meet the state’s seatbelt requirements.
Ballinger explained accepting such a grant could obligate the district to add seatbelts to its entire fleet, which would still create a financial obligation that the district might not be able to fulfill even with the grant funding in place.
He also added that many school districts would be in a similar position.
He added that, in light of the district’s financial struggles, the board must plan for upgrading the buses by the state’s deadline.
Also at the meeting, Ballinger shared that enrollment is down by one from last month, but overall attendance has improved.
At the start of the board meeting, Lucy Hertel and Charlie Coulter, both in pre-K, were recognized as the Tioga Elementary School students of the month.
Senior Mackenzie Lewter was also recognized as a commended student in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, and Garra Ballinger was named teacher of the month for going above and beyond for students.
During public comment, Brian Murrell discussed how the district could join a lawsuit to receive compensation for mental health services for harms that social media has on students.
