Board Briefs: May 18, 2026
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Welcome to the latest edition of Manor ISD’s Board Brief! Each month, we will offer a snapshot of key decisions, discussions, and highlights from our most recent board meeting. As always, Manor ISD is committed to transparency and keeping our community informed about the work being done to support our students, staff, and schools. In this update, you'll find information about important approvals, recognitions, and updates on initiatives aimed at enhancing the educational experience across our district.
Watch The Board Meeting Meeting Agenda
Student Recognition
Manor High School Powerlifters Reach State Championship
Manor High School students Laila Stark and Kayla Garcia capped off an impressive season earlier this year by qualifying for the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association State Championship.
The two student-athletes earned their spots after strong performances throughout the season and regional competition, advancing to compete against some of the top powerlifters in Texas.
Qualifying for the state meet is no small feat in a sport that continues to grow in competitiveness across the state. Their success reflects the hard work, determination, and countless hours of training they put in all season long.
Manor New Tech High School Student-Athletes Earn Prestigious Statewide Honors
Several Manor New Tech High School student-athletes were recently recognized with prestigious statewide honors for their accomplishments in athletics, academics, and leadership.
Senior Isaiah Kinard was named to the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) All-State Team for boys basketball, while seniors Lili Camarena and Max Hughes earned Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) Academic All-State honors for their achievements in the classroom and athletics.
In addition, Manor New Tech High School cheerleaders Darlynn Cardenas and Bailey Rae Williams earned statewide recognition through the Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA).
In Texas, earning All-State recognition is one of the most competitive honors a high school athlete can receive. The All-State Team recognizes standout players from across the state based on their performance and overall season achievements. Academic All-State honors recognize student-athletes who excel both academically and athletically. Students are evaluated based on GPA, class rank, and ACT or SAT scores, while also maintaining strong standing within their athletic programs.
Manor ISD Athletes Represent District at UIL State Track & Field Meet
Three Manor ISD student-athletes represented the district at the UIL State Track & Field Meet after qualifying through regional competition earlier this season.
At Manor New Tech High School, Legend Williams competed in the boys 800-meter run, while Maliya Curry represented Manor ISD in both the girls 100-meter and 200-meter dash events.
At Manor High School, Sanavia Aldridge competed in the girls hurdles at the state meet, capping off a strong season on the track.
The student-athletes competed alongside some of the top high school track and field competitors from across Texas, showcasing the talent and dedication of Manor ISD athletics on the state stage.
Staff Recognition
Celebrating Excellence: March Staff Recognition
Each month, Manor ISD takes a moment to shine a light on the amazing educators and staff members who make a difference on their campuses every day. At the March Board of Trustees meeting, we had the joy of celebrating each school’s Teacher of the Month and Staff Member of the Month for April. Congratulations to our April 2026 Honorees!
Blake Manor Elementary School
- Alexi Curtis – Kindergarten Teacher
- Maria Espinoza – Long-Term Substitute Pre-K
Bluebonnet Trail Elementary School
- Elia Reyes – 1st Grade Bilingual Teacher
- Magalie Guerrero – Educational Assistant for Pre-K General
Child Development Center
- Josipa Cosic – Infant Teacher
Decker Elementary School
- Dennis Rodriguez – Police Officer
- Ruben Fandiño Bueno – 5th Grade Bilingual Teacher
Lagos Elementary School
- Patrick Mendoza – Police Officer
- Roxanne Rosales Richard – Kindergarten Teacher
Oak Meadows Elementary School
- Liza Snell – Educational Associate
- Nora Obregon – 4th Grade Bilingual Teacher
Pioneer Crossing Elementary School
- Nikka Baoy – 1st Grade Teacher
- Welozette Duffin – Assistant Principal
Presidential Meadows Elementary School
- Carmen Gonzalez – Kitchen Manager
- Sonia Manwari – Kindergarten Bilingual Teacher
ShadowGlen Elementary School
- Erica Rhodes – Kindergarten Teacher
- Jazmin Davis – Educational Associate
Manor Rise Academy
- Maria Jaramillo – 2nd Grade Bilingual Teacher
- Monaca King Cruz – Instructional Coach
Decker Middle School
- Kelly Garcia – Emergent Bilingual Paraprofessional
- Michele Poenisch – 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Manor New Tech Middle School
- Kathleen Guinto – 7th Grade Teacher
- Samira Ruiz – Kitchen Manager
Manor Excel Academy
- Jennifer Urban – Junior High Science Teacher
- Vanessa Rodriguez – Re-engagement Officer
Manor High School
- Diane De Leon – College & Career Advisor
- Maria Patiño Hernandez – Kitchen Manager
Manor New Tech High School
- Maria Plazola – Science Teacher
- Tameka Mumphord – Campus Counselor
Close Agenda
Manor ISD Names Natasha Drumgoole Executive Director of Human Resources
Manor ISD has named Natasha Drumgoole as the district’s new Executive Director of Human Resources, bringing nearly three decades of experience in education, leadership development, and talent management to the role.
Drumgoole joins Manor ISD after serving in multiple leadership roles across Central Texas, including Human Resources Director and Assistant Director in Pflugerville ISD, where she led employee relations, staffing support, leadership development, and recruitment initiatives for campuses across the district. During her time in Pflugerville ISD, she also helped oversee teacher pipeline programs, including partnerships with Teach For America, teacher residency programs, and international teacher recruitment efforts. Read more.
Nomination and Election of a Vice President of the Manor ISD Board of Trustees
After the passing of Vice President Dr. Mary Thomas, the board elected to place a new vice president to continue out the term. The Board selected Stephanie Rodriguez-Barnett to serve the newly elected vice president.
Superintendent Update
During the May Superintendent Update, Superintendent Dr. Robert Sormani shared several important updates and celebrations happening across Manor ISD.
The update began with a focus on student safety and the district’s continued efforts to strengthen campus security. Dr. Sormani shared that the Texas Education Agency District Vulnerability Assessment has been completed, with 82% of identified items already fully addressed and cleared by TEA. He also noted that the district plans to conduct a full test of an additional security feature in late May or early June that could bring Manor ISD to 100% completion on the assessment items. In addition, new weapon detection systems are scheduled to be installed districtwide during the week of June 8.
During the Points of Pride portion of the presentation, Dr. Sormani recognized several student achievements. Karina Galarza-Perez, Nosarake Ero, and Eric Ramos successfully passed the Foundations Accounting Exam. Students Yamilet Aviles, Sherlyn Perez-Macedo, Neveah Nicole Brown, and Whitley Marchette Middleton also earned Pre Professional Certifications in Early Childhood Education.
Dr. Sormani also celebrated Manor High School Early College for earning the “Designation with Distinction,” placing the program in the top quartile of its comparison group and highlighting the continued success of Manor ISD’s early college opportunities.
The presentation concluded with a Strategic Planning Update, where Dr. Sormani shared that action teams are finalizing their plans to present to the larger Strategic Planning Committee. He also noted that the completed Strategic Plan will be brought before the Board of Trustees in June for consideration and adoption.
Information Items
CPM #2 - Finance - Board Monitoring Report
The district’s financial assessment indicator Constraint Progress Measure (CPM) 2, which states that the Superintendent will not allow the district to be fiscally unsound, will be about 1.2% away from achieving its goal of 16.4% or 60 days in general operating reserves. The projected end of year CPM for 2025-26 is 15.2, equivalent to 56 days. The 2-year target is 31.4%, which is equivalent to 114 days or 3.8 months in general operating unassigned reserves by June 2028.
Monthly Financial Report
The operating financial report for the month ending April (10/12 or 83.0% of the budget year), reflects the following:
- The General Fund has collected $106,374,645 (101% of the budgeted revenue), which is an increase of $15,194,544 or 16.7%, year over year.
- The General Fund has spent $85,049,290 (80.8% of the budgeted expenditures), which is a decrease of -$7,560,265 or -8.2%%, year over year.
- The Debt Service Fund has collected $44,745,220 (94.5% of the budgeted revenue) and has spent $31,814,036 (53.1% of budgeted expenditures). Debt service payments are made during the months of February and August.
- The Nutrition Program Fund has collected $6,896,841 (66.5% of the budgeted revenue) and has spent $7,111,319 (68.9% of budgeted expenditures).
Next Bond Cycle Update
Manor ISD is continuing long-range facilities planning with a focus on refining priorities, updating project details, and ensuring future proposals reflect current needs and costs. The district is adding more detailed information to its list of potential bond projects, reviewing construction costs, and working with architects and planning partners to re-evaluate project scopes and update cost estimates. Planning partners are scheduled for on-site visits in May-June 2026 to support this work.
Based on updated demographer reports, the proposed expansion of Shadowglen Elementary School has been removed from the current project list and deferred to a future bond cycle. The district is also planning for long-term land acquisition to support future growth and exploring expansion of the Manor High School Special Education “Farmhouse @ MHS” 18+ Program as part of the next bond cycle. The Facilities Advisory Committee met on May 19 to review the updated list of potential projects and feedback from future surveys and focus groups will continue to guide revisions as Manor ISD plans responsibly for future facilities needs.
Consent Agenda
Consideration and Approval Regarding Student Transportation Safety Compliance and the Anticipated Costs Associated With Seat Belt Retrofitting and/or Fleet Replacement.
Manor Independent School District continues to prioritize student safety while carefully evaluating the financial impact of new state transportation requirements. In response to Senate Bill 546, the district reviewed its school bus fleet to assess compliance with updated seat belt standards, including the number of buses requiring retrofitting and the associated costs. This review included a detailed financial analysis of retrofitting existing buses or replacing vehicles to meet the new requirements.
The analysis showed that retrofitting 34 buses with compliant three-point seat belt systems would cost an estimated $1.139 million. Given limited local funding, minimal state assistance, and restricted flexibility within the Interest & Sinking fund, the district determined that implementation is not financially feasible at this time without negatively impacting core operations. As required by law, the district will document this determination and provide the necessary materials to the Texas Education Agency, while continuing to monitor future funding opportunities that may support enhanced transportation safety.
Consideration and Approval of the RFP - Health Insurance and Cafeteria Plan Options for 2026-27
The district conducted a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Health Insurance for the 2026-27 school year with the assistance of its Third Party Administrator, Gallagher.
Manor ISD currently provides health insurance through BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) and has remained a non TRS Active Care district since opting out of TRS three years ago. In addition to health insurance, the district continues to offer employees a variety of cafeteria plan benefits, including dental, vision, and optional life insurance.
The results of the RFP reflected a significant increase in healthcare costs, with total premiums rising by 41.4%, or approximately $3.3 million. Despite the increase, Manor ISD remained focused on protecting affordable healthcare access for employees and continuing to provide a health plan option available at no cost to staff.
To help accomplish this, the district approved a revised health insurance structure that streamlines offerings from three plans to two targeted options, including one PPO and one HMO plan. The updated structure is intended to simplify plan selection while still providing employees with quality coverage options that better fit their needs.
To continue offering a zero cost employee health plan, the district will increase its employer contribution by 16%, or approximately $1,023,840 annually. The employer contribution per employee will increase by $81, from $508 to $590, helping offset rising healthcare costs while maintaining access to affordable coverage for employees and their families.
Consideration and Possible Action Regarding an Amendment to the 2025-2026 Budget to Increase the Spending Threshold for Food and Nutrition Services Purchases from Brother’s Food Service
Manor Independent School District adjusted its Food and Nutrition Services purchasing plan during the 2025–2026 school year to reflect higher student participation in school meal programs, expanded fresh produce offerings, and changes in market pricing. Spending for fruits and vegetables from Brothers Food Service exceeded original projections as demand grew and costs fluctuated, requiring a higher purchasing threshold to support daily meal service.
This adjustment allows the district to continue providing fresh, nutritious meals without interruption, maintain compliance with federal nutrition standards, and uphold its commitment to high-quality food for students. The change does not increase the overall budget and supports ongoing operations through the end of the school year while aligning with the district’s broader goals for safe, sustainable, and well-managed services.
Consideration and Approval of CPM #2 - Finance - Board Monitoring Report
The district’s financial assessment indicator Constraint Progress Measure (CPM) 2, which states that the Superintendent will not allow the district to be fiscally unsound, will be about 1.2% away from achieving its goal of 16.4% or 60 days in general operating reserves. The projected end of year CPM for 2025-26 is 15.2, equivalent to 56 days. The 2-year target is 31.4%, which is equivalent to 114 days or 3.8 months in general operating unassigned reserves by June 2028.
Consideration and Approval of the 2026-2027 Employment Contract Recommendations
The board approved employee contract recommendations for the 2026-2027 school year.
Action Items
Consider and Nominate a Trustee for the Region 13 Seat on the TASB Board
Trustee Ana Cortez was nominated for the position. She will now apply and run for the seat. Trustees throughout Region 13 will have a chance to vote.
Consideration and Adoption of a Resolution Honoring Trustee Dr. Mary L. Thomas
At the March Board meeting, trustees read a resolution in Dr. Thomas’ honor, but due to the Texas Open Meetings Act, trustees could not officially adopt the resolution. Tonight trustees officially read the resolution into the records of Manor ISD for all time.