Lamar CISD Approves Budget, Pay Raises, and New Cell Phone Rules at June 17 Board Meeting
The Lamar Consolidated Independent School District (Lamar CISD) Board of Trustees met on June 17, 2025, at the district administration building for its regular monthly meeting. Led by Board President Kathryn Hatchell, the session covered key decisions impacting school funding, employee compensation, student conduct policies, and preparations for a potential November 2025 bond election.
Region 4 Superintendent of the Year and Student Achievements Recognized
The meeting began with a celebratory note as Dr. Roosevelt Nivens was officially recognized as the 2025 Region 4 Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Rodney Watson, Executive Director of Region 4 Education Service Center, presented the surprise award, highlighting that the honor is nominated by school board members and is not open to self-application. Dr. Nivens will now advance to compete at the state level.
The Board also honored six high school students who reached the finals of the 2025 MathCon competition in Chicago. These students represented George Ranch, Randall, and Terry high schools, placing in the top 2% of over 31,000 international participants.
New Principals and Police Officers Introduced
Three new principals were announced for the upcoming school year:
- Chad Davis – Adolphus Elementary
- Kimberly Ellis – Frost Elementary
- Shea Young Baker – Travis Elementary
Additionally, the Lamar CISD Police Department introduced eight new officers who will begin serving campuses this fall.
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2025–2026 Budget and Compensation Plan Approved
Trustees unanimously adopted a balanced $507.3 million general fund budget for the 2025–2026 school year, along with budgets for debt service and child nutrition. Key highlights include:
- Estimated revenues: $507.8 million
- Property tax base: $29.4 billion (4.81% increase over prior year)
- Proposed tax rate: $1.13 per $100 valuation
- Majority of spending (85%) directed to salaries and benefits
A significant component of the meeting focused on pay raises made possible by state legislation. Trustees approved Option 3 of the proposed retention allotment distribution under House Bill 2, providing:
- $2,000 raise for all teachers, plus
- Additional $5,000 (or $2,500) for veteran teachers depending on experience
- Support staff retention stipends up to $825
Board members emphasized their intent to “pass through” the full amount of new state funding to employees, rather than offsetting previously approved raises.
Cell Phone Ban Extended to All Grades Under Pending State Law
The Board narrowly approved a change to the Student Code of Conduct that bans student cell phone use during the school day across all grades (Pre-K–12). The new rule aligns with House Bill 1481, which is expected to become state law effective September 1.
- Cell phones must remain off and stored in backpacks or lockers.
- Parents must contact the front office for emergencies.
- The $15 retrieval fee for confiscated devices was removed in anticipation of the law, though this is subject to reversal if the bill is vetoed.
The vote passed 4–3, with some trustees expressing concerns about approving policy changes before the legislation is formally enacted.
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Homeschool Participation in UIL Approved
Trustees voted to formally allow homeschooled students residing within Lamar CISD boundaries to participate in UIL athletic activities, as required under new Texas law. A separate policy will be developed before September 1 to specify which extracurricular activities will be included. Out-of-district homeschool students will not be eligible.
District Defers Vote on Student Vaping Discipline
Trustees tabled updates to discipline policies related to student vaping and suspension rules pending confirmation of House Bill 6 becoming law. A special board meeting will be scheduled in early August to finalize the Student Code of Conduct before the school year begins.
Stadium Repairs Advance, But No Second Stadium for Now
The Board reviewed options for Proposition D of the proposed 2025 bond, which includes $26.7 million in repairs to Traylor Stadium. Trustees decided against adding a second stadium at the proposed new Terry High School complex due to cost concerns and past voter opposition.
Final wording and structure of bond propositions will be presented in upcoming meetings before the Board votes to call for a November 2025 bond election.
What’s Next
The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for August 26, 2025. A special meeting may be called earlier in August to finalize student discipline and UIL participation policies based on the outcome of pending state legislation.
For ongoing coverage of Lamar CISD and other Fort Bend education updates, stay tuned with My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
