Board hears proposal to make Mullendore Elementary a STEM preparatory academy

Dr. Clark presented a recommendation at the Jan. 23 Birdville ISD Board of Trustees meeting to designate Mullendore Elementary as a STEM preparatory academy emphasizing science, technology, engineering and mathematics and to pursue an AVID designation and a standardized dress policy for the campus. The discussion focused on program design, staffing and community outreach.

District leaders said the proposal would integrate project-based instruction, make use of a planned innovation lab (coding and robotics), and use outdoor learning spaces for environmental science. Dr. Clark said the plan would create vertical alignment with existing STEM programs at nearby secondary campuses, including North Richland’s STEM academy, and would leverage community and business partnerships for mentoring and field experiences.

The board and staff discussed noninstructional details that would affect families and operations. Trustees asked about uniforms and affordability; several trustees noted existing district campuses with uniform dress and suggested options such as patches, backpacks, and long-sleeve alternatives to accommodate temperature differences. Trustee Matthew Womble and Trustee Ralph Kunkel both expressed support for the vision, and Trustee Womble asked about how the campus would balance general education and STEM-focused work. Staff said STEM would be integrated across grade-level instruction rather than a separate tracked cohort and that the campus already uses many STEM elements (3-D printers, classroom devices, competitions and service projects) making transition primarily one of emphasis and formal designation.

On staffing and training, presenters said the district expects to use existing professional learning time and summer training to prepare teachers; they stated no additional contract days for teachers would be required. Staff estimated one dedicated position to run the innovation lab but emphasized that much of the work would be incorporated into teachers’ current duties and campus improvement plans. The board discussed accountability for open-enrollment students, with staff describing ongoing monitoring of attendance, grades and conduct, and monthly communication with families rather than only year-end reviews.

Trustees raised practical concerns such as uniform costs and availability; staff said district clothing-closet resources and potential community sponsorships (including outreach to major retailers) would be used to reduce family expense. A bilingual campus option was mentioned as a possible future consideration; a trustee cautioned against adding bilingual conversion at launch so as not to dilute the STEM focus.

The board did not take final action. Staff was directed to return with an implementation plan and an action item at a future meeting so trustees can consider formal approval.