District News

WACO, TX — The Waco ISD Board of Trustees moved forward at tonight’s School Board meeting with a recommendation to establish a new, full-time virtual education option, positioning the district as a "statewide district of choice" under the provisions of Texas Senate Bill 569 (SB 569). This innovative initiative will allow our current Waco ISD families to choose between an in-person or virtual education for their students; and will allow students from anywhere across the state of Texas to enroll in Waco ISD starting in the 2026-2027 school year.

SB 569 empowers districts by repealing the restrictive Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN) rules. The new legislation provides a flexible, fully-funded framework for virtual and hybrid education models. Students enrolled in these virtual programs generate Average Daily Attendance (ADA) funding in the exact same amount as students attending fully in-person, ensuring the district can maintain high-quality instructional standards.

Waco ISD administration recommended a turn-key partnership to manage the program’s scale. Under this model, a third-party provider will manage day-to-day operations, human resources, special education management, technology equipment, marketing, and enrollment. Waco ISD will retain graduation authority and state accountability ratings, while also receiving an ongoing sponsorship fee, creating a new revenue stream for the district. Virtual enrollment will remain under 50 percent of the total campus or district enrollment to meet state guidelines.

“This virtual education program is a powerful extension of our current programs, allowing us to provide the innovative choices and flexible learning environments our families and students may need to thrive," said Dr. Tiffany Spicer, Superintendent of Waco ISD. "By embracing the opportunities within Senate Bill 569, we are ensuring that every student, regardless of their location, has access to a Waco ISD education.”

This virtual initiative is a direct accelerator of the ambitious goals set in the district’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan. It specifically aligns with the district’s four core priorities: Students, Staff, Community, and Financial and Operational Excellence.

• Students: SB 569 provides a flexible framework that allows students to thrive in virtual or hybrid environments tailored to their needs, while Waco ISD retains graduation authority.
   
• Staff: By delegating human resources and staffing for the virtual program to a provider, the district can manage growth without overextending existing campus personnel.
   
• Community: We are empowered to enroll students from anywhere across Texas, positioning Waco ISD as a leader in educational innovation.
   
• Financial and Operational Efficiency: For the first time, virtual students will generate Average Daily Attendance (ADA) funding in the exact same amount as in-person students, which allows for new revenue for the district.

A formal proposal from a prospective partner is expected to be brought back to the Board of Trustees in April 2026, with the target launch for the program set for the 2026-2027 school year.

Because the program is being launched under SB 569, no special authorization from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is required for the first year of operation.

 

WACO, TX — Waco Independent School District is proud to announce the appointment of Daphanie Latchison as the principal of J.H. Hines Elementary School. Latchison, who has served as the school’s acting principal since December 8, 2025, brings over two decades of diverse educational leadership and a deep personal connection to the Waco community.

A proud product of Waco ISD, Latchison attended district schools from first through 12th grade and is a graduate of Waco High School. Her appointment as principal follows a successful tenure as acting principal, where her extensive experience in instructional leadership and community outreach has already begun to foster a supportive environment for students and staff.

"Ms. Latchison’s proven track record as an instructional leader is a powerful asset to J.H. Hines," said Dr. Melissa King-Knowles, Deputy Superintendent of Waco ISD. "Her expertise in data-driven interventions and her passion for creating supportive learning environments make her the ideal leader to guide the school into the future."

Latchison’s career in public education is marked by significant leadership roles at multiple levels. Most recently, she served as the Director of Credit Recovery Systems for Waco ISD, overseeing programs at both Waco High and University High School. Latchison served as the principal of the former Brazos High Credit Recovery for eight years, where she successfully maintained strong accountability ratings for a 100 percent at-risk student population. She also served as an Assistant Principal at Waco High School for four years. Prior to her administrative career, Latchison taught at the elementary level in Waco ISD, Killeen ISD, and overseas at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany, specializing in reading intervention for grades 3 through 5.

Latchison holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Baylor University and a Master of Education in Teacher Leadership, along with principal certification, from Lamar University.

As a mother of three and a lifelong learner, Latchison is deeply committed to the partnership between home and school. She finds great joy in fostering the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of her students, ensuring they are empowered to become the next generation of leaders.

 

WACO, TX — Waco Independent School District (Waco ISD) is proud to announce that Jerry Allen, the district’s current Chief Technology Officer, has been promoted to an expanded leadership role. Effective March 16, 2026, Allen has assumed the responsibilities of Chief Operations Officer, where he will now oversee the integration of both the district’s technology and operational departments.

This appointment comes as Gloria Barrera, the current Chief Operations Officer, prepares for her retirement on March 27, 2026. Allen will lead the unified departments to ensure a seamless transition and continued excellence in district infrastructure.

Since joining Waco ISD in May 2020, Allen has served as the Chief Technology Officer, managing operational and instructional technology services, library services, and safety and security technology. His tenure has been defined by his mission of improving performance, enhancing programs, and inspiring systemic change.

Allen brings a unique blend of educational leadership, large-scale operational experience, and 20 years in the education field to this dual role. 

• Operational Background: Prior to his career in public education, Allen served as a District Operations Manager for Learning Care Group, Inc., where he oversaw 17 facilities and 380 employees.
• Educational Leadership: He holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington and has served in various leadership capacities, including Assistant Principal and Executive Director of Technology.
• Professional Certification: Allen is a Registered Texas School Business Administrator (RTSBA) through the Texas Association of School Business Officials, has his Texas Teacher certification and Texas Principal certification.

"We are incredibly excited to have Mr. Allen transition into this expanded leadership role as our Chief Technology and Operations Officer," said Dr. Tiffany Spicer, Superintendent of Waco ISD. "Jerry is a highly effective leader with a proven ability to motivate teams and a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing district administration.”

In his new capacity, Allen will continue to leverage his expertise in state and federal funding, and safety and security grant implementation to benefit the district’s physical and digital landscape. His proven ability to manage complex district-wide life cycle replacement planning and project management makes him uniquely qualified to lead Waco ISD's operations.

“I am honored to accept this new challenge and continue serving the Waco ISD community in this expanded capacity,” said Jerry Allen. “I have always believed that while technology is a transformational tool for educators, its success is deeply rooted in solid operational infrastructure. I look forward to collaborating across all departments to ensure our systems work seamlessly together, allowing our teachers to focus on what they do best: teaching.”

 

This past Saturday, February 28, Waco ISD elementary students across the district cooked up their favorite healthy, kid-friendly recipes. They went head-to-head in the 16th Annual Future Chef Challenge sponsored by Sodexo and hosted by Waco ISD Child Nutrition Services. 

The brand-new Waco High School culinary kitchen was filled with the hum of the 3rd through 5th grade students who were focused on cooking their favorite dishes. Waco High School culinary students served as the elementary students’ sous chefs and helped them navigate the new kitchen. The annual event challenged students to showcase their creativity across seven distinct categories including: healthy attribute, kid appeal, ease of preparation, originality, plate presentation, taste, and student presentation to the judges.

This year’s theme, "Your Favorite Recipe from a Country or Culture Around the World," invited 25 young chefs to bring family traditions to life. After one hour of preparation alongside district staff, students plated 50 bite-sized portions for a panel of judges and the public. Winners in each category took home gift baskets filled with kitchen tools to help them continue honing their craft at home. 

Beyond the trophies, the competition served as a way to honor family recipes and traditions. Kiing Davis presented homemade spinach dip that his dad makes for him when he’s having a bad day, and he brought his dad along with him for the student presentation to the judges! 

Annalysse Beverly said her grandmother taught her how to make banana bread and has helped her start a business to sell the tasty loaves online. Trevor Morris, also known as “Chef T” prepared Chef T’s Thai Noodles and was selected to move on to the Sodexo Future Chef National Competition representing the region.

There are 40 regional winners - the top student chefs from district competitions are judged by a panel of Sodexo chefs during this round of competition. Only five finalists will be selected for national judging. 

"For years, our students have brought their heart and soul to this competition," said Executive Chef Julia Pennington. "This experience gives these kids a real-world look at the culinary field, honoring their family traditions while sparking new dreams. We are teaching them that what they prepare in this kitchen today is a foundation for the impact they will make for a lifetime.”

 

WACO, TX — The Waco ISD Board of Trustees is now accepting letters of interest and resumes from individuals interested in serving as the trustee for At-Large Place 6. The seat became vacant following the resignation of Trustee Keith Guillory, who formally stepped down effective May 2, 2025, after years of dedicated service to the students and families of Waco ISD. 

At-Large Place 6 represents all areas of Waco ISD. Applicants must reside within the boundaries of Waco ISD and meet all eligibility requirements set forth under Texas law, including being a registered voter and having lived continuously in Texas for at least one year and within the Waco ISD boundaries for at least six months prior to appointment. 

Qualified community members who are interested in being considered for the vacancy are asked to submit a letter of interest and a current resume by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Submissions should be emailed to renee.charles@wacoisd.org. 

The Board of Trustees will review the submitted materials and anticipates making an appointment at a future board meeting. The selected individual will serve until the next regular election in May 2027, when the seat will be placed on the ballot for the remainder of the unexpired term. 

“We are grateful for Mr, Guillory’s years of service and steady leadership,” said Mr. Jose Vidaña, president of the Waco ISD Board of Trustees. “We look forward to identifying a candidate who is equally committed to public education and to supporting the students, staff, and families of our district.” 

For more information about the Board of Trustees, including maps of trustee districts and board policies, visit wacoisd.org/board.