Lancaster ISD swears in Janae Cortez and certifies Carolyn Ann Morris as unopposed; board formally canvasses May 3 election

The Lancaster Independent School District Board of Trustees on May 14 administered the oath of office to Janae Cortez, who was declared the winner of the District 3 seat in the May 3 special election, and formally certified Carolyn Ann Morris as the unopposed District 6 trustee.

The board read and adopted a resolution and order declaring the results of the May 3, 2025, election and declaring the unopposed candidate for District 6 elected. The resolution states the board found the election was duly ordered, proper notice given, election officers appointed and returns made in accordance with law, and that the district complied with the federal Voting Rights Act and the Texas Election Code as applicable.

The oath for Cortez was administered at the meeting; Cortez repeated the statutory oath and signed her certificate of election. Carolyn Ann Morris was likewise administered the oath and read a required statement of office confirming she had not paid or promised anything of value to secure the office. Board president Tai G. Jones and other trustees offered remarks welcoming the newly seated members.

The board then moved the resolution certifying the results. The motion was made by Vice President Smith and seconded; the board voted and the motion passed. The minutes record the board vote as 7 yes, 0 no, and the resolution was signed by President Tai G. Jones and attested by Secretary Carolyn Ann Morris.

Why it matters: The board now returns to its full membership with the newly seated trustee for District 3 and the certified District 6 trustee, allowing the board to proceed with routine and extraordinary business with a full complement of trustees.