Wow! What a fantastic, fast-paced end to another amazing school year. While I know we aren’t quite finished yet, if you glance at the May calendar, you’ll see we are entering the last week of classes and a few remaining special events before the Class of 2026 walks the stage to receive their diplomas. The last day of class is Thursday, May 21, which will be an early release day for all campuses. I know everyone is feeling a bit overwhelmed and exhausted, but in a good way. We have been busy traveling from campus to campus celebrating students, teachers, and support staff during end-of-year activities. Watching our students and teachers shine never gets old!
I’d like to take a few moments to congratulate our Class of 2026 Valedictorian Jade Dospapas, Salutatorian Ryder Calhoun and Distinguished Honor Graduate Taylor Lauster. They have worked hard for these prestigious honors, and I know they will represent Graham ISD and our community well as they enter their post-secondary careers. This is an impressive senior class. I hope you will check out our district Facebook account to see pictures of your favorite graduates between now and graduation day. We are proud of each and every member of this graduating class.
I’d also like to congratulate and recognize our District Teachers of the Year. Graham High School’s Maria Waller is this year’s District Secondary Teacher of the Year, and Pioneer Elementary’s Kasey Sams is the District Elementary Teacher of the Year. You can learn more about Maria and Kasey in the article below that includes video interviews. It is an honor to be selected to represent your district as a Teacher of the Year at the Regional level. We wish both of them success in the next round.
I want to thank everyone who donated items to support our neighbors in Mineral Wells ISD who were impacted by the recent tornado. A team of GISD coaches, maintenance, and students delivered two trailers full of essential items to support families impacted by the storm. Our colleagues in the Mineral Wells community were very grateful for the thoughtfulness and support. This is what it means to be a part of such a caring community!
Please join us next Friday evening as we celebrate the culmination of more than a decade of learning for members of the graduating class. Together we are equipping all students for excellence in life. Thanks for a wonderful year. We can’t wait to see what’s next!
Committed to Excellence,
Dr. Johnston
End-of- Year Upcoming Events
Important End-of-Year Parent, Community Reminders
Graham ISD is closed tomorrow, Friday, May 15 as the result of an unused bad weather day. The last day of school for the 2025-26 school year is next Thursday, May 21. All campuses in GISD will have an early release on that day. Graham ISD will be closed on Monday, May 25 to observe Memorial Day.
Events to Recognize our Seniors
Monday, May 18
Reverse Parade: GHS CLASS of 2026
GHS
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Please drive by and wave at our seniors! We would love to see you.
Wednesday, May 20
Senior Walks
Elementary Schools, JHS, and Courthouse
9-11 a.m.
Friday, May 22
Graduation for the GHS Class of 2026 begins at 8 p.m. at Newton Field
Valedictorian Jade Dospapas has been a GISD student since the first grade. She is the daughter of Ryan and Erika Schmidt. She has achieved many great things while at GHS, but has topped them all with being named the Class of 2026 Valedictorian. Some of her other proud accomplishments and leadership roles include Varsity Tennis Captain, 4x Regional Qualifier, District Champion in 2023 and 2026, and District MVP in 2024. She is the President of the Thespian Society and has won Bi-district Best Performer and Bi-district and District All-Star Cast. She served as the NHS Vice President this year and loved cheering on the Steers as Blue Crew Captain.
While Jade is not competing or serving for GISD, she serves at her church, HighRidge Graham, loves spending time with her friends and family, or working on her small business JadeMade Creations, math tutoring, babysitting or for her amazing boss Eleanor Burkett Gage at Middle Sister and Olivet & Oak. Jade attests that growing up in Graham, America as a true blessing that will be the solid foundation for which she goes forth. Her next chapter takes her to Texas Christian University where she will be a John V. Roach Honors Student, majoring in Political Science on the Pre-Law track. She looks forward to learning and growing to see where her voice can make the most positive change in the world. She is so thankful to Graham and her village for the encouragement and support. Go TCU Frogs!
Salutatorian: Ryder Calhoun
Salutatorian Ryder Calhoun is the son of Angie Calhoun. Ryder is the Key Club President, HOSA Founder and President, Student Council Class Treasurer. Ryder is the UIL Academic Regional Spelling Champion and is a two-time state competitor. Ryder is the recipient of the prestigious Questbridge National Match Scholarship, as well as multiple local scholarships. He will attend Rice University and major in Biochemistry.
Distinguished Honor Graduate: Taylor Lauster
Distinguished Honor Graduate Taylor Lauster is the daughter of Brian and Rachel Lauster. Taylor has been heavily involved in academics, student clubs, and athletics during her four years at GHS. Some of her accomplishments include being Academic All-District in soccer all four years of high school, Academic All-State in soccer, selected to the Texas Soccer All-Star Team, and was a 2 year Goalkeeper MVP. She is President of NHS, a member of Student Council, Key Club, HOSA, Spanish Club, Blue Crew, and Yearbook. She is attending East Texas Baptist University where she will play Soccer and major in Kinesiology.
District Teachers of the Year Announced
Congratulations to our Graham ISD 2025-26 District Teachers of the Year!
District Elementary Teacher of the Year: Kasey Sams
District Secondary Teacher of the Year: Maria Waller
We are proud to have each of these educators as a valuable part of our team. Their commitment to teaching and dedication to our students are apparent each and every day.
Feature Video on Kasey Sams
Learn more about what teaching means to Pioneer Elementary Teacher Kasey Sams and what it is like to work alongside her. We appreciate all that you do for our youngest students!
Feature Video on Maria Waller
Learn about what Graham High School Teacher Maria Waller values most about teaching, and hear from her fellow teachers who happened to be her former student. Thank you for all that you do for our high school students!
School Board Meeting Highlights
Board Honors Students, Staff Before Reviewing Local Policies
On Wednesday evening, the Graham ISD Board of Trustees met for the regular monthly meeting. The Board spent a significant time recognizing staff and students for individual and group accomplishments. The Board also heard a policy update, but took no action, on several policies, including:
Policy CQD and Associated AI Guidelines for 2026-2027
Policy DEC (Local): Compensation and Benefits: Leaves and Absences
In other business, the Board of Trustees:
Approved a Reimbursable Budget Amendment for Teacher Incentive Allotment Payments to Qualifying Teachers. Each year the district designates teachers for awards based on student growth and teacher observation data. This year, Graham ISD designated 58 teachers who will receive a total combined award amount of $734,251. This is an increase of $177, 541 from 2024-2025. Five teachers improved their designation and nineteen are new recipients. The Administration simply requested a budget amendment to pay out these awards to teachers in May 2026. GISD will be reimbursed for this TIA payout in September;
Voted to approve a Master Interlocal Agreement between Graham ISD and Region 10 Education Service Center for the 2026-2027 school year. School districts join purchasing cooperatives with education service centers in order to qualify for discounts on program purchases. Joining the Region 10 Purchasing Cooperative allows Graham ISD to qualify for discounts on many curriculum program purchases;
Heard a report on the 2026-2027 Budget Parameters based on predicted tax rates and property values;
Approved auxiliary personnel Letters of Reasonable Assurance for the 2026-27 school year;
Approved recommendations for Administrative Positions;
Approved the Consent Agenda, which consisted of previous meeting minutes, an enrollment report, and financial reports; and
Met in Closed Session as permitted by Texas law.
The School Board’s next regular meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. on June 3. Trustees meet in the Graham Learning Center. Among the items on the agenda will be a presentation of recommendations by the Facility Planning Committee.
Trustees Recognize Employees
Teachers of the Year
We recognized the following Campus Teachers of the Year:
Kasey Sams: Pioneer Elementary
Jenifer Sullivan: Crestview Elementary
Gina Beauchamp: Woodland Elementary
Stacey Allen: Graham Junior High
Maria Waller: Graham High
Our District Elementary Teacher of the Year is: Kasey Sams
Our District Secondary Teacher of the Year is: Maria Waller
PLTW 2025-26 Distinguished School
Graham High School has been named a PLTW 2025-26 Distinguished School for their commitment to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW [Biomedical Science, Engineering] programs. We would like to recognize the efforts of educator SaraJo Carrico.
Coach Casey Weil, Soccer Board of Directors
Congratulations to Coach Casey Weil who was (1 of 4) coaches for the entire state of Texas elected to The Texas Association of Soccer Coaches Board of Directors.
Trustees Recognize Students
During the May meeting, the Board of Trustees also recognized many students for individual and team accomplishments. These include the following:
Elementary Academic UIL Winners
Elementary Academic UIL Winners
Junior High Academic UIL Winners
High School Publishing Award
GHS UIL District & Regional Academic Winners
FFA Major Stock Show Winners
College Board Honors
Global Issues Problem Solving State Competition
Technology Student Association
One Act Play
Golf
Track and Field
Tennis
Steers Soccer
Lady Blues Soccer
Facility Committee Prepares To Share Recommendations
The Facility Planning Committee held its seventh monthly meeting on May 6 at Graham Junior High School, spending time listening to various subcommittee project recommendations, individually prioritizing projects from the Facility Assessment conducted by Corgan and participating in a Group Consensus Building activity. The committee of students, educators, parents, taxpayers and community leaders has been studying the district’s facility needs in order to create a Long-Range Facility Plan for GISD. The May meeting was the last regular monthly meeting of the group before they will share their recommendations with Trustees.
The FPC is holding a May 20 virtual practice session to prepare for the public presentation to the School Board, which will be at 5:30 p.m. June 3 in the Graham Learning Center. Once the recommendation is made, the presentation will be shared on the FPC webpage. No action is expected at the June 3 meeting. Instead, GISD plans to launch a community survey about the Long-Range Facility Plan in June. Results of the survey and the Five-Year Long-Range Plan will be presented to the School Board for potential action in mid-August.
On August 4, members of the district’s Strategic Planning Committee will join the Facility Planning Committee for a joint meeting to review the work accomplished under Strategic Objective 4 of the Board-adopted Strategic Plan: Commit to excellence in facilities that promote innovative, healthy, and welcoming learning environments.
Strategy 4.1 – Create a sustainable and comprehensive long-term facility plan.
Strategy 4.2 – Communicate and foster support for the facility plan as a vehicle promoting innovative, healthy, and welcoming environments.
To see a list of FPC members, agendas, slide presentations or just to follow the work of the FPC, visit the dedicated Facility Planning Committee webpage.
All Graham ISD families should have received the following information via ParentSquare the week of May 11- May 15 regarding a Character Education Programming Overview of the Steered Straight program with an option to opt their child out of participation, if desired.
Steered Straight programming was recommended by Graham Police Department and funded through a grant by the City of Graham. Steered Straight programming was reviewed and approved by the Graham ISD School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) on Oct. 16, 2025. Steered Straight assemblies will take place at GJHS on Monday, May 18. A community/parent session will be offered prior to any student assemblies on Sunday, May 17, 6 p.m., at the Graham High School Auditorium.
In alignment with Senate Bill 12, Graham ISD is providing notice to parents of Character Education and Substance Abuse Programming and providing an avenue for parents to exercise their right to decide if their child will attend the training. If you would like to NOT allow your child to attend, please complete the form in the ParentSquare message sent by your student’s campus.
Steered Straight is tailored by grade level, Kindergarten through 3rd grade will focus on being a good person and good friend and include Stranger Danger instruction. Grades 4 & 5 will continue the early elementary strand and expand into Bullying and personal decision-making. Grades 6, 7, & 8 continue into vaping education and drug awareness and prevention programming. High School presentations will expand into the realities of poor decision -making, vaping, drug awareness and prevention.
Steered Straight is a 17-year proven program that does not explain drug prevention at school assemblies but TEACHES the reality of drugs and devises a prevention message the students implement themselves within their school system.
Steered Straight has become the number one booked program in America with assemblies focused on drug education prevention. The program is primarily based on the uniqueness of the messenger, someone who has suffered the consequences of negative decisions. We have found that youth instantly identify with Michael DeLeon as a changed, motivated teacher with a real-life story to tell.
Steered Straight does not simply educate students about the harmful nature of vaping, drugs and alcohol but provides the reality and deadly impact it can and will have on their lives. Steered Straight honors the concern parents’ have on how to help their kids and provides active solutions.
Steered Straight Purpose: To reach youth and young adults through motivational speaking, life-sharing seminars and interactive curriculum in order to:
Provide youth with real-life examples of negative consequences that resulted from making poor decisions.
Impact the minds of youth to steer their lives in positive ways and encourage them to make positive life-choices.
Give kids the ability to develop a sense of understanding about the positive and negative choices in their lives.
Reduce the number of youth who end up in the criminal justice system due to making poor decisions.
Programming will be presented at each Graham ISD campus with the message transitioning from kindness & inclusion to making good choices, to vaping and drug prevention.
When Property Values Increase, State Funding Decreases
School finance can quickly get complicated. That’s why Graham ISD launched a project last year to share facts and explain how public school funding works in Texas. The project, Dollars & $ense, is designed to increase transparency and understanding of the Graham ISD budget.
School budgets are divided into two main parts - Maintenance & Operations (M&O) and Interest & Sinking (I&S). Schools receive funding through local tax collections on this two-part tax rate and through state and federal funding. The school district does not control property values, but increases in the property values do impact your tax bill.
What’s surprising to most residents is that public schools don’t always benefit from higher property values. In fact, when property values increase, state funding decreases. Let’s break it down further. Texas school districts who experience rising property values will see increased tax collections on the I&S side of the budget. These dollars can only be used to pay down bond debt. But those same property increases do not mean more money for M&O expenses like classroom supplies, staff salaries and utilities.
Over the past six years, GISD’s total tax rate has dropped by nearly 36 cents—a significant decrease, largely driven by changes in state law. That sounds like good news (and it is), but here’s where sense matters just as much as dollars:
Even when property values go up, GISD doesn’t automatically receive more funding for the operating budget, which is greatly impacted by rising inflation. In fact, under current Texas school finance laws, as property values increase, GISD must lower the M&O tax rate. Increases in local property values often mean the state reduces its share of funding to the district. So while your property tax bill may rise due to increased property value, those extra dollars don’t stay with your local schools.
Higher property values don’t mean more money for GISD operating expenses. Understanding how taxes and funding interact helps explain why more money in one area doesn’t always add up to more resources in the classroom. To learn more, visit our project website. On the site, you can also submit a question about school funding or the local GISD budget.
Behind Ol’ Blue: The Senior Who Turned School Spirit into Something Magical
On Friday nights in Graham, Texas, there’s a moment — just before kickoff, just as the band hits its stride — when the crowd shifts its attention away from the field and toward a larger-than-life figure bouncing along the sidelines.
Ol’ Blue isn’t just a mascot. Around here, he’s a mood.
And inside the suit, behind the oversized head and the constant motion, is Kambrey Moore, a senior at Graham High School who has learned that sometimes the best way to be seen is to disappear.
“I saw the mascot as just a costume,” she said. “But in reality, it’s a staple of our school and community.”
Read more about Kambrey and her experience as Ol’ Blue!
Fifth Grader From Woodland Recognized By Graham Rotary Club
Isabella Jimenez, a fifth grader at Woodland Elementary, was recently presented with the “Rotary Students in Action” RSIA award. Students cohen for this honor are selected for consistently demonstrating:
1. Integrity & Character: Doing the right thing—even when no one is watching.
2. Communication: Listening well and using kind words.
3. Teamwork & Inclusion: Helping others feel welcome and included.
4. Problem-Solving: Working through challenges without giving up.
5. Confidence & Self-Worth: Participating, trying, and encouraging others.
6. Service & Citizenship: Helping classmates and teachers willingly.
7. Adaptability & Creativity: Showing resilience and a positive attitude
GISD Announces Administrative Promotions
Congratulations to Mrs. Donna Gatlin! She has been promoted to Graham ISD Chief Academic Officer.
Mrs. Gatlin has served the community of Graham ISD for 22 years, which includes a unique blend of campus administration, district-level program oversight, and financial management. Currently serving as an Elementary Principal, Mrs. Gatlin has demonstrated high-level strategic capabilities through her roles on the 2025 Strategic Planning and 2026 Facilities Planning Committees.
In the role of Chief Academic Officer, Mrs. Gatlin will articulate the vision for and provide leadership to the District’s instructional program by guiding, directing, and monitoring the delivery of instructional services to students. This dual focus on data-driven academic instruction and student behavioral health is supported by a Master’s in School Counseling and a Principal Certification from Lamar University. Notably, her early career experience as a Chief Accountant provides a level of fiscal literacy and budgetary precision.
Also, Graham ISD is proud to announce that Mr. Koby Andrews has been named Dean of Students for Pioneer Elementary! A homegrown leader and Graham High School alumnus, Mr. Andrews brings 14 years of diverse educational experience and a passion for the success of our community’s children.
Mr. Andrews has a distinguished track record within our district, having been named the 2022 Graham ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year and the 2023 Region 9 Elementary Teacher of the Year. Throughout his tenure at Woodland Elementary and his previous coaching roles, he has built a reputation for fostering meaningful relationships and maintaining the consistency necessary for student growth.
With a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Angelo State University and extensive experience in core subject instruction and coaching, Mr. Andrews is uniquely prepared to support our staff and students.
GISD Announces Newly Appointed Instructional Leaders
Susan Riley will be serving as Graham ISD’s new Elementary Literacy and Social Studies Instructional Coach. Rhonda Mills will be serving as our new Elementary Math and Science Instructional Coach. Both of these positions are funded through the generosity of the Graham Public Education Foundation.
Graham ISD is also pleased to announce that Lauren Holland has been newly appointed as the Elementary Literacy and Social Studies Coordinator. She is returning to Academics after serving the students and families of Pioneer Elementary as Assistant Principal during this school year. This position is funded by a federal grant.
GISD is also proud to announce Randi Chaffin as Math and Science Coordinator. Randi is returning to Graham ISD after most recently serving as a Professional Learning Facilitator, Math Coordinator, Instructional Coach and Curriculum Developer. This position is TEA Grant Funded.
Staff and Student Shoutouts
Rhianna Stewart
“Rhianna truly brightens my week. She stops by almost daily to share a hug or tell me about the latest Brew Crew creations. Her pride in her work is evident, and her passion for coffee would make her a fantastic barista! It has been a joy to watch her social interactions flourish this year. I am so proud of the student and the young lady she has become.”
Submitted by Vanessa Lyons
Mikayla Watts
“Mikayla Watts is knocking it out of the park in math! She is working extremely hard, is helping a new student make the adjustment to GJHS, and is doing everything she can to stay on top of her work. Mikayla, I appreciate your hard work this grading period! Keep it up!”
Submitted by Jennifer Patrick
GHS Key Club
“Huge shoutout to the GHS Key Club for doing an amazing job supporting our 1st graders during Rodeo Day! 🤠🐴 Your kindness, leadership, and willingness to jump in made the day extra special for our students. We appreciate you!”
Submitted by Misti Thompson
Irene Mundo
“Shoutout to our amazing Pre-K custodian at GISD! Your hard work helps keep our classrooms ready for learning, play, and growth. From little messes to big clean-ups, you handle it all with patience and dedication. Thank you for supporting our Pre-K students and staff every day—we truly appreciate you!”
Submitted by Elvia García
Anonymous Persons
“I would like to thank the anonymous person (s) for the generous donation for the new Brew Crew refrigerator. We are so fortunate and blessed to have people like you in our community. Thank You!”
Submitted by Jimi Bates
Have a Graham ISD student or staff member that deserves a shoutout in an upcoming newsletter or social media post? Take a few moments to share information about the achievement or contribution the staff or student made and share photos if you have them using the form provided below.
May 22 - Employee Awards Breakfast and Graduation for Class of 2026
May 25 - Memorial Holiday/GISD Closed
Check out the Online GISD Calendar for a more comprehensive list of upcoming academic, athletic, fine arts and extracurricular activities.
Community Events
If you would like to host a flier in the Community Events section for upcoming monthly editions of the GISD TeleGRAHAM, send the information to communications@grahamisd.com.
Graham Summer Athletic Camps
Sign up for our Graham ISD summer athletic camps! You'll find camps for the following sports:
Young County Invites School Groups to Participate in Fourth of July Celebration
July 4th is going to be a big celebration as America approaches its 250th birthday!
Stars and Stripes in Young County extends a special invitation to students, families, and school groups to participate in this year’s Fourth of July festivities.
School organizations, teams, clubs, and student groups are encouraged to get involved by entering the parade, representing their campuses, and showcasing their school spirit. This is a great opportunity for students to be part of a meaningful community tradition while celebrating our nation’s history.
This annual event has been shaped over the years by the leadership of Colonel Knox Bishop, whose dedication has helped bring the community together each Independence Day.
Organizers are working to expand this year’s celebration as we look ahead to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 and welcome broad community participation.
