The China Spring ISD Board of Trustees met Monday, July 20, 2026, at 6 pm. Campus leaders shared how they are preparing to welcome students and families back for the 2026-27 school year, as well as updates on safety and security efforts across the district.
Registration is open for the 2026-27 school year. Campuses across the district are welcoming new and returning families as they complete enrollment for the upcoming year. Families can find information about registration and upcoming back-to-school events on the China Spring ISD registration website.
Extracurricular programs are also welcoming band members and student-athletes back as they prepare for the fall season. China Spring Athletics will host the annual Meet the Cougs event at 6:30 pm Wednesday, Aug. 26, in the China Spring Competition Gymnasium. The China Spring Cougar Band will host Meet the Band at 3:30 pm Saturday, Aug. 1, in the China Spring Competition Gymnasium. Both events provide an opportunity for the China Spring community to celebrate students and the start of a new school year.
The district is preparing to welcome teachers back to campus. In-service begins Monday, July 27, and includes professional learning, district trainings and classroom preparation time. Preparation also extends to substitute teachers. Deputy Superintendent of Leadership Dr. Leslie Smith is hosting training for substitute teachers focused on district safety protocols and classroom management practices to support their success. China Spring ISD is accepting applications for substitute teachers. Community members can apply on the China Spring ISD website.
The Texas Education Agency is implementing a new special education funding model for public schools across Texas. While the details are still being developed, the new model will use a tiered funding structure based on the services provided to each student. The 2026-27 school year will serve as a data collection year before full implementation in 2027-28.
Dr. Nick Smith, executive director of Special Programs, secured a grant through TEA that allows China Spring ISD to participate in the statewide data collection process. Information gathered during the pilot year will help TEA refine the funding model before implementation. This work is underway with members of the Special Programs Department.
The Board also reviewed the district's annual professional development plan for employees. Deputy Superintendent of Leadership Dr. Leslie Smith and Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Kristen Dutschmann developed the plan, which includes required state trainings as well as additional professional learning based on identified district needs. The Board unanimously approved the professional development plan.
During the meeting, the district also provided updates on continued safety and security efforts. In the coming months, TEA will conduct a vulnerability assessment across the district to evaluate current safety practices and identify opportunities for continued improvement. Deputy Superintendent of Operations Dr. Kevin Pitts reported to the Board, "Based on a baseline audit conducted, the TEA representative shared that we are in really good shape."
China Spring ISD recently announced the hiring of Chief Martin Flores to lead the district's Police Department and oversee safety and security efforts. Chief Flores will work closely with district and campus administrators, as well as staff, throughout the TEA vulnerability assessment process.
The Board also reviewed the completed three-year safety audit. In coordination with the China Spring ISD Police Department and the district's Safety and Security Team, a required safety audit was conducted at every district facility. The Board unanimously approved the audit for submission to the Texas School Safety Center.
The next China Spring ISD Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for 6 pm Monday, Aug. 17. Additional meeting information is available on the district website.