Board reviews TASB policy updates and two calendar options as parental-rights and safety items draw scrutiny

SAN ANGELO, Texas — At a pre-agenda meeting, the San Angelo Independent School District board reviewed a broad TASB policy update and two proposed school-calendar options, with trustees and district staff clarifying legal changes, campus safety policy and the tradeoffs of calendar timing for families and instruction.

Taylor Kingman and other trustees noted legislative changes reflected in the packet and proposed a practical change to how votes are recorded in public meetings: Kingman said the board will ask members to raise hands when saying "aye" to make visual recording easier for staff. "I was thinking we would continue to say I, but I just need everyone to start raising their hand when they say I," Kingman said.

Board members probed several policy sections. On weapons policy (DH local), staff clarified that no district employee may conceal or open-carry on campus without specific board approval; school resource officers and law enforcement are exceptions. Regarding instructional-materials challenges (EFA), staff said a legislative change now allows the district to deny access to a child during reconsideration if requested by the child's parent — a change driven by the recent legislative session, staff said.

Trustees also asked about special-education video retention policy (EHBAF); staff confirmed recordings are retained for at least three months in accordance with district records rules. On health services (FFAC local), staff confirmed secondary campuses have carried Narcan for several years.

The calendar discussion produced the most sustained debate. Dr. Gomez explained the two options developed with the Community-Based Accountability System committee and said the district prioritized keeping spring break aligned with Angelo State University and finishing the regular year before June. Committee members noted state testing schedules in April constrain the ability to insert an April holiday; some parents and trustees argued strongly for preserving the Monday-after-Easter or for honoring Veterans Day with a holiday, while others warned about childcare and attendance impacts.

One trustee suggested adding a third option to reconcile conflicting priorities. Dr. Gomez said staff will prepare materials and answers for the board ahead of the regular meeting next week.

What's next: Trustees were asked to review the TASB packet and to submit questions in advance so the board can consider any pulls from consent and be ready to vote at the regular meeting.