District News

WACO, TX (April 22, 2025) – Waco ISD is proud to announce the selection of Charles Foster as the new head football coach and athletic coordinator at University High School. With more than a decade of coaching and teaching experience and a clear passion for student success, Foster steps into this leadership role ready to build on the foundation of excellence and push forward with purpose and pride.

Foster joined University High School in August 2023 as defensive coordinator, where he quickly earned the respect of athletes, staff, and the community. In a standout season for University High School football, the team achieved more than seven wins in back-to-back seasons—marking the first time the program has reached this milestone since the 1995–1996 season. The Trojans also posted one of the most dramatic defensive turnarounds in Texas high school football. In 2023, University’s defense ranked as the second most improved in the state across all classifications, allowing just 19 points per game—a significant improvement from 2021, when the team allowed an average of 53.8 points per game.

Foster’s promotion to head coach is a testament to his leadership on and off the field, and his deep commitment to student development, Waco ISD Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Spicer said.

“Coach Foster brings an impressive blend of experience, vision, and heart to this position,” Spicer said. “His ability to connect with students and motivate teams has already made a difference at UHS, and we’re excited to see how he continues to lead our athletic programs into a strong future.”

Over the past 13 years, Foster has coached across several districts, including Bryan, Copperas Cove, Galena Park, Navasota, Bellville, and Nacogdoches. His wide-ranging experience includes not only football but also coaching in powerlifting, track, and basketball. In the classroom, he has served as a physical education teacher and taught technology, business, and accounting, bringing a holistic approach to supporting students academically and athletically.

“I believe that all students can succeed when allowed to learn in a safe, nurturing, and respectful environment. I truly feel that all students can reach their full potential, no matter their circumstances or situations,” Foster said. “I plan to continue to love, serve, and care. I will continue to demonstrate the core values of integrity, hard work, and discipline in a manner conducive to student learning and the Waco ISD mission. This is a new era for our program, and I’m excited to get to work and build something special together.”

Foster replaces Kaeron Johnson, who recently returned to Baylor University to serve as assistant athletic director. Foster will officially begin his new role as head coach of the Trojans today, April 22.

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.”