Votes at a glance: Spring ISD board adopts 2025 tax rate, approves contracts, ratifies hires and settlements

The Spring Independent School District Board of Trustees took several formal actions Oct. 14, adopting a 2025 tax rate, approving contracts, ratifying hires and authorizing settlement documents. All recorded motions below passed unanimously 5–0.

Key outcomes

2025 tax rate — Adopted Trustees voted to adopt and approve the 2025 tax-rate ordinance and resolution, setting the maintenance-and-operations rate at 0.7169 and the interest-and-sinking (debt service) rate at 0.42 for a total rate of $1.1369 per $100 of taxable value. The board’s motion stated the new rate represents an 8.9% increase. Trustee Natasha McDaniel moved the ordinance; Trustee Rhonda Newhouse seconded. The motion carried on a unanimous roll call (5–0).

Monarch School and Institute contract — Approved The board approved a contract with Monarch School and Institute for a nonpublic day school arrangement and authorized the superintendent to finalize and execute the contract documents. The motion was made by Dr. Deborah Jensen and seconded; the vote was unanimous (5–0).

Consent agenda — Approved The board approved all items listed on the meeting’s consent agenda in a single motion. Trustee Natasha McDaniel moved and Trustee Rhonda Newhouse seconded; vote 5–0.

Ratification of hires — Ratified The board ratified a set of superintendent-directed hires pursuant to prior delegation of authority. The ratified appointments included Dr. Michael Love (chief of innovation and student support services), Dr. Alyssa Zapata (chief learning officer, chief of transformation), Dr. Brandy Godinho Brotherton (assistant superintendent of academics) and Dr. Lynette Durant (assistant superintendent of research, accountability and testing). The motion to ratify was moved and seconded on the record; vote 5–0.

Settlement approvals and legal engagements — Authorized The trustees approved a settlement agreement related to a State Office of Administrative Hearings docket (SOAH docket number cited in closed session), authorized settlement documents identified as "medic session" in closed session, and authorized the engagement of counsel (Jennifer A. Hosley of Hosley Sarkarano LLP) to defend the district in a State Board of Education cost matter (case number 202506233). Each motion was moved, seconded and approved unanimously (5–0).

Adjournment The board adjourned at 11:11 p.m. on a unanimous vote.

Why this matters

The tax rate sets revenue available to the district for the 2025–26 fiscal year and was described by staff as necessary to support the budget adopted this summer. The other actions — contract authorization, hiring ratification and legal settlements — change the district’s vendor, staffing and legal posture and were recorded as unanimous board decisions.

Votes and roll-call

Recorded votes were unanimous (5–0). Trustees present and voting: Justine Durant (president), Kelly P. Hodges, Natasha McDaniel, Rhonda Newhouse and Deborah Jensen.

Provenance (transcript excerpts) - Tax-rate motion and vote: motion language and roll call recorded at transcript timecode ~00:??:?? (motion entered around segment starting s=8291). - Consent agenda motion and vote: recorded at segment starting s=8411. - Monarch contract motion and vote: recorded near segment starting s=15182. - Ratification of hires and settlement authorizations: recorded during post-closed-session motions starting at s=15222 and continuing through s=15414.

Ending: The board’s unanimous votes close this meeting’s formal business; trustees directed staff to continue implementation and return with follow-up information on actions discussed during presentations and in closed session.