Board extends first-year probationary certified administrator contract to Lucas Ward

The Port Aransas Independent School District Board of Trustees approved an extension of a first-year probationary certified administrator contract to Lucas Ward on July 6. Board member Marnie Pate moved “to accept the superintendent’s recommendation to extend a first-year probationary certified administrator contract to Lucas Ward for the 2026-2027 school year,” and Charles Joyce seconded; the motion passed by roll-call vote, 7–0.

The board had met in closed session earlier under the Texas Open Meetings Act to deliberate personnel and contract matters. The public record for the open session shows the motion and a unanimous vote; the meeting minutes do not include additional details about the administrator's role, compensation, or evaluation metrics.