[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6257985,"mediaKeyId","3151105-6ed3c0c68953a7c72c7286825b66f4d6","parentId",3151105,"title","PAISD board approves hires including assistant superintendent of operations and athletic director; multiple personnel motions pass","audioSeconds",207,"startMs",5299950,"endMs",5507715,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3151105-6ed3c0c68953a7c72c7286825b66f4d6&start=5299&end=5507","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3151105-6ed3c0c68953a7c72c7286825b66f4d6/thumbnail_5299950.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6257985/Texas/PAISD-board-approves-hires-including-assistant-superintendent-of-operations-and-athletic-director-multiple-personnel-motions-pass","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6257985-44a1dff44fdb24e91166916a4af97b3f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165070&Signature=VW1JZ3SHnDSK3f9xohLgPIHnvE78fbeGN3AvpeJJFOvnF7b2IWNvyfRu5~JuxSNLMfHpc9AKvcK4bI8ZFSl1gfGle6tc2PIq-JMlujvi0Fsxh1o-hGQWtAbind-aUoETsNTQQWxkEaM0uDi4P~dnBDCh~RTWHUyGJlf9NVp4rQDXYuvdyZoMKHNA9-ZRe-g9vt0kKECWEnhllbB-mbES7Ms46TDb8TiNY80g1YPoTPosH7J051bvJuuBvH5FGHrTVPqmISJ8eNfF3ZPHf-TEFeP4Xklujef0tSxAB9YCvRpUMciHsQCRYDH15io6N~HlJ39Cod5ICdJojqWV7t-28Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Port Arthur ISD","date","2025-04-29T16:27:43Z","article","At its April 24 meeting the Port Arthur Independent School District Board of Trustees approved routine minutes, consent agenda and multiple personnel actions, including the hiring of an assistant superintendent of operations, an athletic director and a head girls basketball coach.

The board voted to approve the minutes of its March 27, 2025 regular meeting after a motion by board member (transcript: \"mister Narsis\") and second (\"mister Gatewood\"). The consent agenda for items 1–13 was approved on a single vote after the board president noted that items 14 and 15 had been pulled for separate consideration.

In personnel actions, the board approved renewal of term contracts for professional employees and then considered several individual hires. The board approved the employment of Kayla Jacobs as assistant superintendent of operations after an individual roll‑call vote; the motion passed and the board president announced approval. The board next approved Nicole Harris as athletic director; the meeting recorded a roll‑call outcome described in the transcript as \"6 to 1.\" The board then approved Roshanta LeBlanc as the head girls basketball coach for Memorial High School following a roll‑call vote.

Board procedure followed standard practice: routine consent items were bundled for one vote unless pulled; several personnel hires were taken individually with roll‑call votes at the request of trustees. The transcript shows motions and seconds for these items and roll‑call confirmations for the named hires; the board president announced the results as each motion passed. The meeting adjourned after finishing the consent and personnel agenda items.

Below are the recorded formal actions taken at the April 24 meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Port Arthur ISD School Board Meeting - April 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its April 24 meeting the Port Arthur Independent School District Board of Trustees approved routine minutes, consent agenda items and a series of personnel hires, including Kayla Jacobs as assistant superintendent of operations and Nicole Harris as athletic director.","taxTitle","PORT ARTHUR ISD, School Districts, Texas","taxId",38352,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6257989,"Port Arthur Memorial boys soccer honored at PAISD board meeting",340,21895,362604,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3151105-6ed3c0c68953a7c72c7286825b66f4d6&start=21&end=362","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3151105-6ed3c0c68953a7c72c7286825b66f4d6/thumbnail_21895.jpg","/articles/6257989/Texas/Port-Arthur-Memorial-boys-soccer-honored-at-PAISD-board-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6257989-56440c366cd4498de8ddb7628c5997d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165070&Signature=Ev347kG855SCyDHGeBIzXC0HyVd6E3qtqbXyzY4rX5-vQByXVfUuULhHagVx3tLpUqfzlvhmxhxetlCVvOS~muYI6uEBLZvge3qtwgHVIU9tm38TgOdgAaq1W2Yb9DXpVUodNLMO35wQYLrwGN50okkJUpKoRp4J7Fsm3Vz0YTsQTzbX-phG0CS3o9cnoBjAGQnTzXJ6tVbKWk1BvyIaQP9ARAbjgRPes9Pt8RKagbv2xyZezQfr-wGzXs7Nn4CP~~LitZJKfSvSLDxtjn8Vt~R0bzX1Ijrwby0yFvF3-hZkrzxRt7Z8Z~mI8I2fWa54WxFq8o59VIxTozhbFq8wMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Port Arthur Independent School District Board of Trustees on April 24 paused its agenda to recognize the Port Arthur Memorial varsity and junior‑varsity boys soccer teams for the 2024–25 season.

Coach Chris Bradford, who teaches U.S. history at the high school and has coached the team for eight years, described the squad’s summer training program and said the team’s success this year grew from offseason work and a new summer program that the coaching staff hopes to extend to middle and elementary grades. \"The boys put in the work,\" Bradford said, and he invited the coaches and players forward so trustees and attendees could see the team and hear brief remarks.

Bradford introduced players by name and role — including returning and new players — and invited the public to a soccer ceremony scheduled for the next evening at 6 p.m. in the high‑school cafeteria. Several trustees and district leaders praised the coaches and players for on‑field performance and off‑field conduct. Principal Small and multiple trustees called the squad a close group that supports teammates through injury and adversity, and praised coaches Bradford and Walton for their work in and out of the classroom.

The board provided no formal action related to athletics at the recognition; later in the meeting trustees approved an athletic director appointment and approved other personnel items during the consent agenda.","Board recognized the Port Arthur Memorial varsity and JV boys soccer teams for a deep playoff run; Coach Chris Bradford described the new summer training program and called for expanded middle‑school and elementary camps.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6257994,"PAISD staff and financial adviser outline $300 million bond plan, say tax rate increase not required now",813,3503694,4316735,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3151105-6ed3c0c68953a7c72c7286825b66f4d6&start=3503&end=4316","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3151105-6ed3c0c68953a7c72c7286825b66f4d6/thumbnail_3503694.jpg","/articles/6257994/Texas/PAISD-staff-and-financial-adviser-outline-300-million-bond-plan-say-tax-rate-increase-not-required-now","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6257994-11632b7ff54946f7ab85791368a8070a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165070&Signature=mFLscHXop6dMxFDeNwK63Ag465JqzvWWrno1RqnVCZDEeJNXqJRYsPOYKnGOWQmyqWsln7HCe3tHaQhnkBfdy4Q2Wy07NVrXDXuNL~nH~9pPcRmv9IpzC9LFXe0sG6N7EO1Vc3yELIa7kacmLCXnJovdNeYAJrS7MJjXTavpQPi7l4LkClNqNK41ETz-rCLEana8Hd08VXGcF1vhCDbn6NV29R~g-sYXnVyZoa0HD7vGl6NhMSJE~ysAGMgddZtwYWbY96jiyMLh2RPL~RQAfsDYVgjmEkH6qjZiLw~B1AsR-lLl4J9LrKroGQicyiEqtjjT2ZTwMtE-KBaEotEaLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Port Arthur Independent School District staff on April 24 presented a preliminary bond package that would authorize up to $300 million in voter‑approved debt to fund middle‑school consolidation, career and technical education expansion, a newcomers facility and stadium improvements.

Superintendent Dr. Porter Reed reviewed the district’s proposed propositions and said the district has prepared a bond webpage and held multiple town halls. The board packet outlined Proposition A (middle‑school consolidation, CTE expansion, bilingual offices and HVAC) and Proposition B (stadium improvements and related items). Dr. Reed and staff said the district had not purchased architectural renderings to avoid early expense but included conceptual illustrations.

Clarence Greer, a financial adviser and bond consultant who spoke for the district, explained the financing rationale behind proposing $300 million while keeping the current tax rate unchanged. Greer said Port Arthur ISD’s history of aggressive debt repayment and recent property‑value recovery create capacity to issue voter‑authorized bonds over time without increasing the tax rate. \"If we don't need to sell all of it at once, values that grow over time create the capacity to sell future bonds and still avoid a tax‑rate increase,\" Greer said.

Greer said the district would not sell the full authorization immediately; the plan assumes staged sales over multiple years tied to project schedules, allowing growth in property values to offset debt service. He estimated it would take roughly three to five years for planning, design, bidding and construction. He warned that if property values do not grow as projected the district would slow or postpone sales and projects.

Board members questioned program and timing details. Trustee Diane Brown asked for stronger program planning tied to any consolidation of Thomas Jefferson and Lincoln middle schools, noting both campuses had accountability challenges and that combining two low‑performing schools requires careful program design so students do not lose opportunities in electives, arts and athletics. Board members also asked how newcomer services funded under Title I and Title III would be housed and how CTE expansions would align with local workforce demand; Dr. Reed said staff had identified CTE additions including maritime, pipefitting, cybersecurity and other workforce pathways.

No bond election was scheduled or authorized during the April 24 meeting; staff said additional design and financial work must occur before the district places propositions on a ballot. Trustees and staff acknowledged state legislative proposals under consideration could make future bond elections more difficult (for example proposals to restrict election timing), which partly motivated presenting a larger multi‑year authorization now rather than returning to voters repeatedly.

The district emphasized timing and execution risk: staff said designs and bidding will likely take 6–18 months before construction is ready to begin and that the board would see more detailed programming and cost estimates before any sale of bonds.","District staff presented a proposed $300 million bond package that would fund a consolidated middle school, CTE expansion, newcomer center and stadium work; consultant Clarence Greer explained assumptions that could allow sales without a tax‑rate increase and trustees discussed timing, programming and consolidation risks.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6258000,"Thomas Jefferson Middle School proposes 'Ignite' pilot to expand gifted-and-talented services",1291,1021704,2312846,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3151105-6ed3c0c68953a7c72c7286825b66f4d6&start=1021&end=2312","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3151105-6ed3c0c68953a7c72c7286825b66f4d6/thumbnail_1021704.jpg","/articles/6258000/Texas/Thomas-Jefferson-Middle-School-proposes-Ignite-pilot-to-expand-gifted-and-talented-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258000-2a9558fc91c76286b0dafd0422273667/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165070&Signature=C6fb6QYvFt5Y6ORoz4bxN1UAbCcHyLYkLsB5vizGs6zGhjnHhia8vsVHSbUQS3copixDM3SB1AZ4hNnjkLwHUQD5YwhWAJP6wcN1jSojNGacAwYj7nqv2hKr8rqtp-rNF4MeQ9b8Gq-3adpj8lbNDNP0HpmL45oCkCNqgA6zPnkZXkOK7AyaQE4FQ-KLhyhAxDBo08hT5RE1AhmXUH~J3vXmINLfjS0-cVsibxuzbbKcJgQ6cMioo~YFZUZ2a83IXIJvTw~4qXJjPkE-vN-wZrVn0R~anlq6qB1GAykaV~CfezjBoaSLwNlWaYrpHwYNOk4R9Q6ZxoKKFwiu6xemLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Thomas Jefferson Middle School Principal Dr. Christie Lewis on April 24 presented a proposal to the Port Arthur Independent School District Board of Trustees for a pilot gifted‑and‑talented program called Ignite that would start with about 20–25 sixth graders in 2025–26.

Lewis told the board the program — Ignite (Inspiring Growth, Nurturing Innovation, Talent and Excellence) — is intended as a small, monitored pilot to provide advanced, differentiated instruction, project‑based learning, mentorships and accelerated pace options so high‑ability students do not become disengaged in mixed‑ability classes. \"Exposure expands expectations,\" Lewis said, adding the program will include ability grouping, passion projects, Socratic seminars and options for advanced high‑school credits later in middle school.

The principal said the pilot will include a mix of academic and enrichment offerings: advanced visual‑arts coursework, a nine‑week rotation of lifetime sports (flag football, volleyball, basketball; followed by strength training, outdoor pursuits and cycling; later rotations include golf, fishing, bowling, pickleball and frisbee golf), and options to integrate maritime and CTE exposures. Lewis said teachers and feeder elementary principals helped design the proposal and that Region 5 will provide training to identified cohort instructors May 9–14 and May 22; consultant Johnny Vines was named for that training.

Lewis told trustees the pilot is to be limited to about 20–25 sixth graders for the first year so the district can measure outcomes and scale up gradually. She said some middle‑school and high‑school credit pathways already exist in the district (Algebra I, CTE courses, Spanish I) and that adding English I and IPC at middle school could allow students to leave eighth grade with more high‑school credits. Lewis said the campus secured $20,040.09 in local requisitions to buy initial materials and that the program will be free to families.

District staff later provided an overview of the existing elementary gifted‑and‑talented structure and screening process. Assessment coordinator Valerie Moody said referrals come from teachers, parents, community members or students and that the district uses NWEA MAP growth, CogAT, classroom measures and portfolio evidence; she reported 652 students were screened in a recent referral window, 592 tested and 11 identified in that period. Moody said the district had about 358 students (4.5% of enrollment) identified as GT in 2024.

Trustees who spoke offered support and asked about scaling and continuity into high school. Vice President Johnson, Trustee Campbell, Trustee Barty and Trustee Diane Brown praised the proposal’s small‑scale start and community collaboration; Trustee Brown emphasized the need to pair facilities planning with program planning if middle‑school consolidation proceeds. Dr. Porter Reed, the superintendent, asked about how the program would feed into high‑school pathways; Lewis outlined potential partner college pathways and said the pilot cohort would carry forward through grade levels as the program expands.

No formal board action on Ignite was recorded at the April 24 meeting; Lewis presented the written pilot handbook, application and requisitions and said she would take questions and next steps.

The proposal raises near‑term evaluation commitments: Lewis said the pilot will use qualitative and quantitative measures to evaluate effectiveness and that the district will use inclusive identification practices (including accommodations for twice‑exceptional students). Trustees requested additional detail for future board consideration on scaling, classroom space and alignment if a district bond leads to campus consolidation.

The presentation combined a campus‑level plan (Ignite pilot) with a district‑level summary of current GT services and referral/testing processes; trustees and staff discussed evaluation, family engagement and next steps for formal board approval.","Thomas Jefferson Middle School principal Dr. Christie Lewis presented a 2025–26 pilot “Ignite” program to identify and serve 20–25 sixth‑grade gifted students with accelerated coursework, mentorships and enrichment; the proposal is locally funded and will be evaluated as a pilot before expansion.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

PAISD board approves hires including assistant superintendent of operations and athletic director; multiple personnel motions pass

Port Arthur Memorial boys soccer honored at PAISD board meeting

PAISD staff and financial adviser outline $300 million bond plan, say tax rate increase not required now

Thomas Jefferson Middle School proposes 'Ignite' pilot to expand gifted-and-talented services