To help open the meeting, Board President Nancy Humphrey invited students from Mitchell Elementary School along with their accompanying teachers and principals to lead the United States and Texas Pledges of Allegiance. 

Five Mitchell Elementary School Students performing the Pledges of Allegiance

Mitchell Elementary was very recently awarded a grant from Sprouts Market Healthy Communities Foundation to build a garden on their campus.

Principal of Mitchell Elementary School Chad Stoker with students, staff and parent liaisons 

After the pledges, Dr. Selenda Freeman invited Dr. Phillip Morgan, Director of Fine Arts, to introduce the first recognition of the evening. Dr. Morgan called on Greg Arp, Coordinator of Theatre, Speech & Debate to be recognized as he was named by his administrative and educational theatre colleagues the 2023-2024 Texas Educational Theatre Association Administrator of the Year!

"I've watched Mr. Arp approach emotionally taxing situations with patience, calmness, and reassurance. His advocacy for theater arts programs, and fine arts programs as a whole, truly affirms his passion and dedication to all programs. Specifically, within the theater arts, he was instrumental in ensuring access to theater education opportunities for all students within Plano ISD...

He is responsible for much collaboration in the protocol of theater arts teachers and students being recognized by our board of trustees and community for their works and achievements.  His time as both a school administrator at the campus level, combined with his time as a district arts administrator have equipped him with a unique and powerful lens through which to lead programs with diverse and disciplined perspectives."

Board Vice President Dr. Lauren Tyra with Greg Arp and Dr. Phillip Morgan

Next, Johnny Hill, Deputy Superintendent for Business & Employee Services, invited members from the Plano ISD Facilities team for their hard work and dedication. 

The most recent summer challenges and record high temperatures have proven that, in an emergency situation, they will step up to make sure our buildings are safe and ready for our staff and students. 

Thank you to the following individuals:

• Juan Ramos, Executive Director of Facility Services 

• Bill Couzynse, West Cluster Manager

• Warren Kinsey, Central Cluster Manager

• Marcos Rodriguez, East Cluster Manager 

• Amy Brown, Facilities Services Manager

• Manuel Rodriguez, Energy Manager

• Oscar Mojica, Facility Services Facilitator 

• David Godinez, Facility Services Facilitator 

• Mario Mangana, Energy Assistant

• Daniel Houseworth, HVAC Chiller Technician

• Logan Singer, HVAC ChillerTechnician 

• Chris Hykel, HVAC Chiller Technician

• Marki Villarreal, HVAC Technician

• Keith Houseworth, HVAC Technician

• Jesse Rivas, HVAC Technician

Plano ISD Facilities Management Team

For the final recognition of the evening, Johnny Hill, Deputy Superintendent for Business and Employee Services invited the entire Plano ISD Employee Services Department to the front of the room to be recognized for their excellence. 

After a heartfelt thank you from Mr. Hill, the department was surprised with a resolution from Board President Nancy Humphrey declaring October 11, 2023 as Texas Education Human Resources Day in Plano ISD. The board later approved this resolution during the consent agenda portion of the meeting.

Plano ISD Employee Services Department with Board Vice President Dr. Lauren Tyra