District honored for its school board, language programs
A statewide organization advocating for Latino students gave top marks recently to the Taylor Independent School District, officials said.
The district last month earned two coveted awards, plus placement in an art competition, during the MASBA: School Board Members for Latino Equity Annual Conference in San Antonio.
The group, formerly known as the Mexican American School Board Association, named Taylor’s elected representatives an Outstanding MASBA School Board of the Year and honored the district with the Outstanding English Language Learner Initiative award.
Meanwhile, Taylor High School sophomore Amia Vega took second place in the MASBA District Art Contest for her artwork “A Dream in Today’s World.”
“It’s an honor for Taylor ISD to be recognized at this conference. These awards are a testament to the district’s commitment to providing innovative programs and opportunities that help every student thrive,” said Taylor ISD board President Marco Ortiz, who was also named as the MASBA incoming president.
During the district’s most recent school board meeting in late October, Jennifer Patschke, assistant superintendent of human resources and federal programs, announced the awards.
According to the Taylor ISD, Latino pupils make up 64 percent of the district’s student population.
MASBA recognized the Taylor ISD school board for its “visionary leadership and student- centered governance,” officials said.
“Our involvement in (MASBA) helps Taylor ISD stay at the forefront of innovation and governance. We’re proud to be part of an organization that champions student success and empowers school boards to lead with purpose and vision,” Ortiz said.
Superintendent Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen honored the trustees during the recent school board meeting.
“They have over 80 years of service between all seven. Thank you so much for your commitment,” she said. “They spend every single day… talking about kids and what’s best for our kids.”
Garcia- Edwardsen added being part of MASBA connects the district to a statewide network of other leaders also committed to providing the best opportunities for all learners.
“Through MASBA, we learn, collaborate and create initiatives that give every child the tools and support to succeed,” she said.
Taylor ISD won the Outstanding English Learner Language Initiative award based on its work at the elementary school level, officials said. Patschke invited elementary school principals Kerri Pierce, Andy Basche and Cynthia Proctor up to the dais to receive the award.
The district’s dual language program provides bilingual education to more than 130 students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade with classroom instruction given in both English and Spanish, officials said.
“These recognitions reflect the heart of our schools,” Garcia-Edwardsen said. “They represent the hard work of our educators, the leadership of our trustees and the support of our families and community, all united in helping every student succeed.”
