District News

WACO, TX (March 11, 2025) – Waco ISD has earned the Texas Thespians Premier Communities for Theatre Education Award which recognizes and honors school districts that provide theatre programs with the resources to achieve above standard, as rooted in the Educational Theatre Association’s Opportunity to Learn Standards, Texas Theatre Knowledge and Skills for Fine Arts (TEKS), and support of International Thespian Society Troupe involvement.

“This recognition is a testament to Waco ISD’s commitment to providing high-quality theatre education that empowers our students to express themselves, think critically, and collaborate creatively,” Waco ISD Fine Arts Director Larry Carpenter said. “Theatre education not only enriches our students’ academic experience but also equips them with essential life skills that will serve them well beyond the stage.” 

To qualify for the Texas Thespians Premier Communities for Theatre Education Award, Waco ISD answered detailed questions about curriculum, scheduling standards, class sizes, facilities, theatre safety, technical equipment, production elements, overall support for the theatre program, and Thespian troupe involvement. Responses were verified and reviewed by Texas Theatre Education specialists.

Research on theatre education demonstrates numerous educational benefits across student populations, student age levels, and learning environments. Theatre education provides several social benefits including teamwork skills, how to give and receive constructive criticism, problem-solving, trust, cooperation, and collaboration. Additionally, theatre education helps students develop a strong sense of self, build empathy and understanding amongst peers, and broaden their knowledge of the world around them while preparing them for future careers.

About Texas Thespians

Texas Thespians, an affiliate chapter of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), is the largest chapter in the nation. The Texas Thespians chapter provides local, state, and regional support for adult members, Thespians, and Junior Thespians. With over 600 troupes, Texas Thespians represent over 16,000 middle school and high school students. Texas Thespians, named an EdTA Gold Honor Chapter, offers educational festivals, workshops, and competitions for students, as well as conferences and professional development for teachers and administrators. As an affiliate of the International Thespian Society, Texas Thespians follows the national model for promoting excellence in theatre education and student achievement. For more information about Texas Thespians, please visit www.texasthespians.org.

WACO, TX (March 19, 2025)– The Waco ISD Police Department has been awarded the prestigious designation of “Accredited Law Enforcement Agency” by the Texas Police Chiefs Association Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.

“The Waco ISD Police Department has always considered itself one of the best in the state,” said Waco ISD Police Chief Craig Goodman. “This process provided for an independent review of the department’s operations and should assure students, staff, and families that the WISD Police Department meets the highest standards in law enforcement in the state of Texas.”

This voluntary accreditation process required the Waco ISD Police Department to conduct a thorough self-review of the agency’s policies, procedures, facilities, and operations. Beginning in July 2024, the department undertook the rigorous process of demonstrating compliance with each of the Texas Law Enforcement Best Business Practices. Following the internal review, the department requested an external audit conducted by trained police chiefs from across Texas. The results were then submitted to the Texas Police Chiefs Association’s Accreditation Committee for final review and determination.

On March 3, the Waco ISD Police Department received official notification of its accreditation, making it one of only 213 accredited law enforcement agencies out of more than 2,800 agencies in Texas. That equates to approximately one in every 10 law enforcement agencies statewide.

"I am incredibly proud of the Waco ISD Police Department for earning accreditation from the Texas Police Chiefs Association. This achievement reflects the professionalism, dedication, and commitment of our officers to the highest standards of law enforcement,” said Waco ISD Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Spicer. “Ensuring the safety of our students and staff is a top priority in Waco ISD, and this recognition reaffirms our commitment to maintaining a secure and supportive learning environment. Waco ISD families can take comfort in knowing that our students, staff, and schools are protected every day by such an exceptional team."

The Waco ISD Police Department will be formally presented with the accreditation award at the Texas Police Chiefs Association annual conference in April.

Established in 2006, the Texas Police Chiefs Association Accreditation Program assesses law enforcement agencies against 168 Best Business Practices for Texas Law Enforcement. These practices, developed by law enforcement professionals across Texas, ensure agencies deliver services effectively while upholding the rights of individuals. The standards cover critical areas such as the use of force, protection of citizen rights, vehicle pursuits, property and evidence management, and investigative operations.

AUSTIN, TX (March 7, 2025) – The Waco ISD Purchasing Department has been recognized as one of the top 77 school districts in Texas by the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) with the 2025 Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations. Members of the Waco ISD purchasing team were honored at the TASBO conference in Austin.

“The Waco ISD Purchasing Department has a long history of excellence, as this marks the seventeenth consecutive year to receive this award,” said WISD Purchasing Director Michelle Tish. “Even more prestigious is that Waco ISD is one of only two districts in the state to receive this award since its inception. It truly is a team effort.”

Each year, members of the TASBO Purchasing & Supply Management Research Committee evaluate and update the award criteria to reflect the latest best practices in school purchasing. The criteria include organization, policies and procedures, contract operations, staff training and certification, warehousing, use of technology, communication, and management of cooperative programs. TASBO committee members review new and recertification applications to determine award recipients.

“We’re proud of the work that our purchasing department does to streamline school purchasing operations, comply with regulations, and set the standard for using taxpayer dollars,” said Waco ISD Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Spicer. “Our team has demonstrated a high level of professionalism and skill by implementing best practices and procedures, while also sharing their knowledge with colleagues throughout Texas.”

Since its inception in 2009, the TASBO Award of Merit has recognized school districts and Education Service Centers that uphold the highest professional standards in purchasing and procurement.

WACO, TX (February 20, 2025) – The Waco ISD Communications Department was recognized with 29 prestigious Texas School Public Relations Association Star Awards during the organization’s annual conference on Thursday night. With more than 1,000 entries submitted statewide, Waco ISD led the state, earning 13 Gold awards, 10 Silver, two Bronze, two Best of Show honors, and two Crystal awards—the highest distinction in a single category.

The team’s Crystal Commendation award was in the Parent/School Volunteers category, highlighting the impact of Waco ISD’s 200+ Community Partners, specifically the STARS Book Club. This initiative brings together volunteers from churches across the city to read with students weekly, fostering literacy improvement and student success.

“We are grateful for the support of our community partners, and nominating the work we do together for our students is just one of the many ways we can show our appreciation,” said Waco ISD Executive Director of Communications Wendy Sledd. “The fact that we earned a Crystal award for highlighting this partnership is a testament that public schools remain the heart of their communities, and it takes all of us to ensure the success of our students.”

The department’s Crystal of Merit award recognized its outstanding publicity efforts in social media, the district website, traditional media—including newspapers and television—and the development of collateral materials to promote Waco ISD’s Advanced Academics program. The team spotlighted the district’s two National Commended Merit Scholars, more than College Board National Recognition scholars for their PSAT performance, and the district’s 28 Advanced Placement Scholars who received national accolades.

“Our Waco ISD Communications Department truly sets the standard of excellence in school public relations,” Waco ISD Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Spicer said. “Although each team member specializes in his or her respective field, they collaborate beautifully to shine a positive light on the many incredible things happening in Waco ISD. To say I am proud is an understatement.”

Waco ISD Television Producer Jesse Botello was also honored with two Best of Show awards for his commitment to bringing classroom transparency to the community. With 26 years of service in Waco ISD, Botello has been recognized multiple times for his contributions to school communications. Sledd, a veteran in public education communications, has earned seven Crystal awards throughout her decade-long career in the field and more than 130 Star awards.

“I’m telling you, we have the best communications department,” said Dean Highland Elementary Principal Sharina Hubbard. “They train us and challenge us to tell our story with pride and frequency. We are blessed.”

WACO, TX (February 17, 2025)--Waco ISD is one of only 71 districts in Texas selected to pilot a new cybersecurity program through a grant award from the Federal Communications Commission. On Friday, the FCC Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program awarded Waco ISD a $607,430 grant to be used over the next three years to protect the district’s data.

The funding is provided through the Universal Service Fund to help defray the costs of eligible cybersecurity services and equipment for the district, said Waco ISD Chief Technology Officer Jerry Allen.

“The primary objective of this three-year pilot program is to address the growing cybersecurity threats faced by schools and libraries. Malicious actors often target school districts, attempting to steal personal information, compromise online accounts, cause online harm or embarrassment, or disrupt critical networks that provide broadband connectivity,” Allen said. 

U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development Assistant Secretary Roberto Rodriguez said public schools across the country experience an average of five cybersecurity incidents every week. School districts with 1,000 or more students, such as Waco ISD which has approximately 14,000 students, are required to report disruptive cyber incidents to the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency under the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022.   

Waco ISD Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Spicer said modern school safety extends beyond physical measures like fences and buildings. 

“Cybersecurity has become equally critical in protecting sensitive information about students and staff. This includes safeguarding systems from data breaches, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations, and training staff on digital safety practices,” Spicer said. 

Allen successfully captured more than $2 million in grant funding to secure Waco ISD’s physical structures installing fencing, door locks, windows with entry-resistant film, and other physical safety features including panic alert buttons. 

 Allen said Waco ISD is excited about enhancing the district’s cybersecurity framework through cost-sharing with USAC.  

“In a time of budgeting crisis for many school districts, this collaboration will significantly contribute to providing a secure and safe technology environment for our students and faculty,” Allen said. “We appreciate the diligence and hard work of Brian Charles, Cybersecurity Coordinator for Waco ISD, and Luther Ward, Director of Network Services for Waco ISD, for their exceptional efforts in developing a comprehensive plan of action and collaborating with our ERATE consultants, Kellog and Sovereign, to secure this competitive grant opportunity.” 

The Federal Communications Commission’s Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program will award $200 million nationally to school districts for cybersecurity tools and resources.