The Williamsburg Independent Schools (WIS) Board of Education held its regularly scheduled meeting on Oct. 21 to recognize students and staff, and provide updates on learning data.
The meeting began with the recognition of the 2025-2026 Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) officers.
“JAG is something that I brought to the district a couple of years ago, and I just saw so much hope in it,” said Superintendent Tabetha Housekeeper. “It provides opportunities for students. It gives them employability skills.”
Mrs. Kandice Powers received recognition for her contributions to JAG.
“This could not be possible without the hard work, the dedication, and the heart she has for her students,” said Housekeeper.
The student’s roles are as follows: Abby Jackson, President; Mason Rountree, Vice President; Leo Moses, Secretary; Candace Sutton, Treasure; Kara Fuson, Vice President of Career Preparation; Rylee Spray, Vice President of Social Affairs; Blaize Burdette, Vice President of Community Service; Miley Dunlap, Vice President of Civic Affairs; Colton Gobel, Vice President of Leadership Development.
Housekeeper also recognized several educators with the “Going the Extra Mile” Award, which is awarded based on anonymous submissions from other educators who identify those making significant contributions to the school system and their students.
The first educator was Tabitha Adam, described as the “kind of teacher every school wishes they had.” Adam was praised for her positivity and initiative.
The second educator was James Faulkner, recognized as an “expert” in behavior, and was highlighted for his positive relationships with students.
The third educator was Megan Sizemore. Although this is her first year as a counselor, the description read that it was “hard to tell” because she is “doing so well”, complimenting her for making students feel safe and comfortable.
The final educator recognized was Katie Waltz, who was acknowledged for her ability to make students feel heard and for her efforts in uplifting the school community.
Two students were also recognized for their hard work.
The first student recognized was Caleb Nichols, a sophomore. Nichols is a member of the Jacket Cross Country and Tennis Teams. This summer, he represented his school at the three-day Congress of Future Medical Leaders conference in Boston, MA, where Nobel Prize Winners, multiple physicians, surgeons, and medical school deans mentored him.
“As Superintendent of Williamsburg, I am very proud to have Caleb representing our district, but even more excited about what the future holds for this young man,” said Housekeeper.
The second student recognized was Zyler Housekeeper, a senior. Over the summer, he was the only junior to attend the Governor’s Scholar Program, where he spent five weeks at Murray State University studying philosophy and leadership.
Zyler encouraged other students to apply.
“I do think we should do a little bit better of a job at promoting it to the junior class specifically,” said Zyler. “It’s important and it helped me a lot.”
Two special speakers were also recognized.
The first speaker was 3rd-grade math teacher Mrs. Bailee Gregory, who recently completed all her coursework to become a principal.
“This journey has been more than just a personal milestone,” said Gregory. “It’s been like a transformational process filled with learning, reflection, and real-time leadership.”
The second speaker was a special education teacher for middle and high school students, Mrs. Jackie Haar, who gave a presentation about her MSD class. Haar moved her family here from Florida, and is taking college classes, coaching middle school girls’ basketball, and managing middle and high school softball.
“In our classroom, milestones don’t come as fast as those with the neurotypical students. But when they do, they are powerful, they are meaningful, and they are worth celebrating,” said Haar. “Thank you for welcoming me, and thank you for showing me what it means to be a jacket.”
During the superintendent’s report, Housekeeper reviewed board goals.
The district’s staff attendance rate for Sept. was 97.3 percent, surpassing the 97 percent goal and improving from last year’s 92.1 percent rate.
“That 92.1 percent average daily attendance last year cost the district almost $300,000,” said Housekeeper.
Director of Innovative Learning Josh Patrick provided learning updates. He mentioned that state assessment results have not yet been received, so they would likely discuss them at the next meeting.
Patrick gave a presentation on the fall benchmark for grades K-11, showing comparative data to last year’s fall benchmark.
“You’ll see some big gains that we made, specifically focusing your attention on grade three and reading. That was a large jump for us,” said Patrick. “31.31 percent. I am excited about that growth.”
Patrick explained that they review this data in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), where teachers meet weekly or biweekly to discuss student learning data.
Housekeeper announced to the board that they had hired Kayla Henderson as the new childcare director for the district’s upcoming daycare program at Main Street Baptist Church, scheduled to open in early Jan.
“She’s been with us through this entire process,” said Housekeeper. “She embodied the heart and soul of what our vision for this is.”
The board heard from Williamsburg Education Association (WEA) representative, Aaron Brock.
Brock praised the students for their response to the phone policy.
“I think they’ve done a fantastic job following it,” said Brock. “We’ve done a real good job implementing it.”
The board approved the School Resource Officer (SRO) contract between the City of Williamsburg Police Department and the WISD for two SROs for the school year, as well as approving the Memorandum of Understanding between New Horizons Academy/KEDC and WISD.
The board went into executive session for roughly 30 minutes. No action was taken.
Finance Officer Dalton Sizemore shared a finance update.
Sizemore informed the board that they didn’t take any taxes last month, and tax bills went out in the mail as of Oct. 20.
