Mansfield ISD hosted five school board meetings during the summer. Below is a recap of what students, parents and staff should be aware of for the 2024-25 school year. 

May 28: 

• MISD introduced Mrs. Gates as the new MHS principal
• Residents approved Propositions A and B of the 2024 Bond, which allocates $588.5 million towards campus, transportation and fine arts upgrades and replacements.
  • The district will begin to organize and execute the approved propositions
• High school students will now be able to take dual-enrollment classes with Tarleton University’s “Tarleton Today” program.
• University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) counselors will be available to guide high school juniors and seniors interested in applying to UTA.

June 25:

• MISD proposed curriculum revisions to better align with STAAR-tested materials
• The board approved a policy that requires students to use bathrooms, participate in athletic competitions and sleep in rooms at overnight events with those of the same biological sex as determined by one’s birth certificate. 
  • Additionally, district staff cannot request or collect information on students’ preferred pronouns nor attempt to diagnose gender dysphoria. 
  • Except in specific cases, district staff must notify a student’s parents if they reveal they’re transgender, identify by a different name or have pronouns inconsistent with their birth certificate.
• District staff considered a juvenile justice alternative education program (JJAEP) coordinated with Johnson County to provide education for students who have been expelled from MISD schools. 

July 23: 

• The district may administer epinephrine and opioid antagonists when necessary without parent approval. Parents can provide other medication that meets legal requirements or physician’s orders. 
• MISD is allowed to search district-issued Chromebooks, lockers and other district property that is provided to students. They may also search students’ belongings and vehicles based on probable cause.
  • Metal detectors and trained dogs may be used in the process.
• The board reviewed measures to create the Optional Flexible School Day Program (OFSDP) in MISD to improve graduation rates for high school students at risk of dropping out.

August 20:

• The school board delegated committee roles among themselves for the 2024-25 school year
• Cafeteria employees will earn up to $500 each grading period along with their current paycheck if perfect attendance is maintained.
• MISD is joining the A-F Accountability Lawsuit against the TEA for its rating system.