August 27, 2026 6:00 PM - Regular Meeting

Stronger Connections Grant Presentation

Dr. Mary Sanchez, Jeff De La Garza, and Dr. Rodriguez presented an update on Plainview ISD’s implementation of the Stronger Connections Grant and the work completed over the past two years.

Dr. Sanchez provided background on the research that helped guide the district’s approach, which was developed in large part through feedback and experiences shared by PISD teachers. Her research focused on the role educators play in helping students successfully transition and re-enter the school environment, particularly students facing behavioral, social-emotional, and other significant challenges.

Dr. Sanchez explained that her research included interviews and focus groups with educators in grades 7-12. Findings emphasized the importance of teachers serving as positive influencers and encouragers, building trusting relationships with students, creating accepting classroom environments, maintaining awareness of body language and word choice, and providing students with a clean slate. The research also identified a need to provide teachers with additional training and support in areas such as de-escalation, relationship building, student transitions, communication, and behavior management.

These findings helped inform PISD’s implementation of the Stronger Connections Grant. Rather than utilizing a one-size-fits-all model, the district developed its approach around the needs identified by PISD teachers, students, and families. Plainview Intermediate School, Plainview Junior High School, and Plainview High School participated in the initial implementation.

The district identified several areas of focus, including barriers to student engagement, resistance to change, disruptive behavior referrals, family and community partnerships, professional development, and reducing reliance on traditional disciplinary strategies. Staff also worked to better identify individual student needs and coordinate appropriate services without overwhelming students or families.

Dr. Rodriguez discussed implementation of the district’s framework, including six high-yield behavior strategies developed using PISD data. Year one focused primarily on school climate and culture and began with campus needs assessments and administrative involvement. The first year concluded with a retreat in June 2025. Year two focused on building staff capacity, strengthening systems and structures, and expanding family and community partnerships.

The district also implemented additional supports for students and staff, including restorative spaces and teacher support rooms. Staff members have had opportunities to share PISD’s work with educators from across the state, including presentations at the Building Bridges, Building Futures statewide initiative in Waco in 2025 and at the Texas Center for Student Supports in Austin in June 2026.

Presenters reported a significant reduction in Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) placements during the implementation period, decreasing from approximately 300 in 2023 to fewer than 100 during the 2025-2026 school year.

The team thanked the Board for its support of the grant and emphasized that the work was developed through collaboration among PISD educators, administrators, families, community partners, and outside support providers.

Trustee Adam Soto commented on the significant decrease in disciplinary placements and the impact reflected in the data. Trustee Sofia Rivera expressed support for expanding the strategies to the elementary level. Dr. Sanchez shared that discussions with elementary principals are underway and that the district is preparing for an intentional rollout of the framework at the elementary level, including dedicated professional development and support for staff.

The Administration presented the proposed 2026-2027 budget, highlighting continued enrollment declines, funding designated for the Teacher Retention Allotment, and efforts to reduce costs while maintaining educational programs and services.

Tiffany Wilhelm asked how long the District had been experiencing the budget challenges described.