Board approves two hires and emergency masonry repairs at Randall Elementary

At its July 15 meeting the Taylor School District Board of Education approved three action items by recorded votes.

The board approved hiring Jacqueline Lenderman as the district’s school improvement coordinator. The agenda recommended Lenderman at step 4, TACSA‑certified coordinator, with a prorated salary of $95,373 and a start date as soon as practical. The motion to hire was made by Ms. Fields, supported by Mr. Westfall, and carried 5‑0.

The board also approved hiring Dr. Daniel Berry as Taylor High School principal after a three‑round interview process that included union leadership, administrators, teachers, parents and students. The agenda listed the hire at step 2, TPA (high school). That motion, also made by Ms. Fields and supported by Mr. Westfall, carried 5‑0.

Finally, the board approved an emergency contract for masonry restoration at Clarence Randall Elementary after facilities staff said structural issues—including block separation from freeze‑thaw and water infiltration—posed a risk to classrooms. The facilities director said JMD Building Restoration could begin immediately and quoted a total cost of $138,785 for labor, materials and taxes. Board members debated contractor attendance and contract transparency but agreed the situation met an emergency exception to bidding rules; the motion by Ms. Block, supported by Ms. Fields, carried 5‑0.

The meeting record shows the hires and the emergency repair authorization were each approved by roll call votes with five in favor and two members excused. New hires Jacqueline Lenderman and Dr. Daniel Berry spoke briefly to thank the board.

What’s next: administration to finalize hire paperwork and onboarding; facilities to schedule emergency repairs and report back on contractor performance and any required classroom moves.