Lancaster ISD board adopts improvement plans, approves student travel and a contested DEI certification; declines further probe of 2004 land transaction

The Lancaster Independent School District Board of Trustees on Sept. 18 adopted the district and campus improvement plans required under Texas law, approved two out‑of‑district student trips and authorized the superintendent to file a state-required certification about diversity, equity and inclusion duties — a measure that drew a split vote and an abstention. The board also voted not to pursue further investigation into a 2004 land sale-and-exchange referenced in a prior Weaver and Tidwell report, and continued discussion of undispersed funds held by the Lancaster Education Foundation while awaiting guidance from the attorney general’s office.

The district improvement plan (DIP) and the campus improvement plans (CIPs) were presented by Dr. Barker, who asked trustees to adopt the documents as required by statute. “My ask tonight, is that you adopt the district improvement plan and the campus improvement plans for the school year,” Dr. Barker said during the meeting. The board approved the plans by unanimous vote after trustees heard summaries and goal alignment tied to House Bill 3 targets, including district benchmarks the presentation listed as: 45% third‑grade math at meets, 50% reading at meets and 90% college‑career‑military readiness (CCMR) for cohorts.

The board approved two student travel requests. Trustees voted to allow the Lancaster High School band to attend the Grambling State University homecoming parade on Oct. 11, 2025, and to send the boys basketball…