Dear Graham ISD Community,

Happy November to all! As we enter this season of gratitude, I want to thank everyone who reached out to encourage and support our teachers and staff after voters rejected the Nov. 3 school bond election. We are all so grateful for the outpouring of community support, and I draw much hope from the fact that the number of individuals who voted for the proposal in this election was three and half times greater than in the past. Our students, educators, parents and community leaders who served on the facility committee gave so much time to this work and should be proud that the election was decided by such a narrow margin. Our commitment to excellence has not changed or diminished by this outcome.

Having a thankful heart and showing gratitude in the face of disappointment reveals a strength within us that we want to model for our children. Thanksgiving is about coming together even in the face of hardship, being thankful, generous and reflecting on our many blessings. 

I am extremely proud of the dedicated effort and heart that went into planning our Veterans’ Day 2026. Most importantly, our students worked together and planned an incredible event for our community. Special thanks to the Graham High School Student Council and their sponsor, Ms. Carrico, as well as our campus administrators and teachers from each of our campuses for guiding and supporting our students who participated in the program. We also appreciate Tim Walker and Jerry Jones for providing the sound system and speakers to ensure everyone could hear the amazing program. Thank you also to our GHS Culinary Department, the Young County Museum of History and Culture, the Graham FFA Chapter, and American Volunteer Reserve Color Guard for your contributions to the program and Veterans’ Reception. This event would not have been possible without these collaborative efforts to honor our veterans. Please see the pictures below and on our social media.

Let’s continue to show our great Graham spirit by supporting our Steers in the playoffs. As you gather in your homes and share meals together during Thanksgiving break, let’s be mindful of the many children of Graham ISD who rely on our love and support each and every day and who are counting on us to provide an excellent educational experience for them as they prepare for life beyond our school walls.

Committed to Excellence,

Dr. Mary Johnston

Thank you so much to the Graham Public Education Foundation (GPEF) for supporting our schools.

The GPEF Board presented a check for $208,722.60 from the 2025-2026 school year at our football game last Friday evening.

The Graham ISD Board of Trustees met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The Board voted to approve the 2026-2027 District and Campus Improvement Plans. In Graham ISD, we are a District of Innovation and these plans reflect work being done at both the district and campus level to support the Strategic Plan that was adopted by the Board of Trustees in June 2025. Each year campuses develop goals and action steps that identify student groups that require additional support in order to be successful on student achievement measures. District leaders also collaboratively work with district and campus staff in the improvement of student performance for all student groups across the district.  

The Board of Trustees also canvassed the results of the Nov. 3 general election. Graham ISD had a single-proposition $60 million school bond measure on the ballot. Voters narrowly rejected the proposal by 133 votes. There were a total of 5,195 ballots cast in this election. Proposition A was rejected 2,593 (51%) to 2,460 (49%).

The Board honored Graham High School Teacher, Sara Jo Carrico, for being named as a National Project Lead The Way Outstanding Teacher 2026-2027. Congratulations Ms. Carrico.

In other business, the Board:

The School Board’s next Special Session and Workshop will be at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18 at the Graham Learning Center. The next Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13 at the Graham Learning Center.

Graham ISD’s school bond proposal was narrowly rejected by voters Nov. 3, denying the district the authorization to borrow $60 million to pay for construction of a new elementary school, as well as safety and security, accessibility and capital improvement projects for GISD schools.

According to canvassed vote totals from Young County Elections, Proposition A on the ballot drew 2,593 votes (51%) against the measure and 2,460 (49%) votes for the measure, a difference of 133 total votes. There were 5,195 ballots cast in this election, which represents about 53% of the 9,735 GISD registered voters. 

It’s been 19 years since Graham ISD voters approved a bond election to address facilities. The 2026 bond proposal would have funded a new elementary campus for all students in grades 1-5 to replace the aging Woodland and Crestview elementary schools. Projects were also identified for Pioneer Elementary, Graham Junior High and Graham High School. The proposal to consolidate from five campuses into four would save the district about $640,000 annually in operating expenses, relief school officials say is necessary to help reduce the district’s operating deficit. 

GISD school officials say they will take some time to study election feedback, other options for consolidating campuses into four buildings and the potential for future elections to address school facilities. 

“We appreciate all those who participated in this election, “ said Superintendent Dr. Mary Johnston. “The fact remains that Graham ISD’s facilities are aging, and these brick and mortar building needs are not going away. Members of our Long-Range Facility Planning Committee dedicated many hours to present a proposal that not only addresses identified projects, but also reduces our operating budget deficit and they did this with a proposal that minimized the impact on the local taxpayer. Unfortunately, the state does not provide facility funding to Graham ISD, nor do we receive enough state funding for major construction, capital improvements and major renovation costs. The only mechanism within the law to allow us to borrow money to pay for these large expenses is a voter-approved school bond election, and Graham ISD has gone nearly two decades without that authorization. This presents significant challenges for us as a district.”

Dr. Johnston said she and the Board of Trustees want to thank all of the students, educators, parents, community leaders and taxpayers who spent the last year studying facility needs and recommending this bond election. The elected Trustees and the Administration will work together to identify next steps forward.

Crestview Elementary was proud to honor our first responders with a special lunch on Oct. 28! It was a joy to thank these local heroes for their service, and our students loved the chance to sit down and share a meal with them.

Mrs. Day’s 3rd grade music students presented a heartfelt musical on Nov. 5 to honor our veterans. Through the performance, students learned the meaning of being a Veteran and had the chance to recognize and thank those who have served.

Graham ISD 3rd, 4th and 5th grade gifted and talented students recently had the exciting opportunity to attend the STEAM Adventure hosted by Region 14 Educational Service Center. The students had a great time exploring and learning while they engaged in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) activities with other students in the area.

Thank you to all for helping us create a special celebration for our veterans!

Texas law now requires school districts to distribute information to parents and guardians about the safe storage of firearms. With deer hunting season beginning, now is an appropriate time to reshare this information with staff and parents. The information will help you learn about options for, as well as how to talk to your child and others about, the safe storage of firearms.

It is unlawful to store, transport, or abandon an unsecured firearm in a place where children are likely to be and can obtain access to the firearm. Under Texas Penal Code 46.13, a person commits the offense of making a firearm accessible to a child if the child gains access to a readily dischargeable firearm, and the person with criminal negligence:

The penalty for allowing a child access to a firearm can range from a Class C misdemeanor (punishable by a $500 fine) to a Class A misdemeanor (punishable by a $4,000 fine, a year in jail, or a combination of the two).

Texas exempts the purchase of firearm safety equipment from Texas Sales and Use Tax.

Remember, a gun should be stored unloaded in a safe or locked container, with ammunition stored elsewhere. You can learn more and find additional resources from the Texas Department of Public Safety at https://safegunstoragetexas.com.

Please know that we will be posting these openings twice a month in our newsletters. If you are interested in looking at postings more frequently, they may be accessed in Quick Links through our District website.

Graham ISD would love to have a growing list of trained substitute teachers for the coming year. Training dates have been set up and are required before you can qualify to substitute in GISD.

Meeting Place:  The Graham Learning Center

Time:  8:30 to 11 a.m.

Training Dates: (you need only attend once)

Check out the Online GISD Calendar for a more comprehensive list of upcoming academic, athletic, fine arts and extracurricular activities.

Throughout the year we will post information from PTO and Class information within this newsletter.

 

View links to Class dues pages:

6th Grade - Class dues are due! $20 through Venmo, Paypal or Cash to First State Bank or Sheena Parrilla.

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.

The Graham Steers take on the Lubbock Estacado Matadors at 7 p.m. at Mustang Bowl Stadium in Sweetwater.

The Class of 2032 is hosting a free Jingle Bell fun run in conjunction with the Christmas Stroll and Tree Lighting on Thursday, Dec. 3 in the Graham Downtown Square. Registration for the run begins at 5 p.m. and the Fun Run will start at 5:30 p.m.

The sponsorship deadline is next Monday, Nov. 16. If you are interested in learning more about sponsorships, please contact Leann Oliver at 940-456-0788 or Jordan Louder at 940-445-1622.

Graham Buyers Committee are hosting their annual Fish Fry Fundraiser this Saturday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. The event will take place at the Young County Arena in the Barclay Room. All proceeds go to the Graham FFA and 4H Livestock Exhibitors. Support our show kids! We appreciate you!

Casino Night is coming up this Saturday, Nov. 14 from 7-10 p.m. at Graham Country Club. The entry fee is $25. There are still tables available and there will be silent auction items. For more information, contact Coach Weil at 254-595-6404 or at casey.weil@grahamisd.com. 

Graham High School Key Club is hosting their districtwide Thanksgiving Food Drive! Please drop off requested items through next Tuesday, Nov. 17 at any GISD location. Items needed include nonperishable food, cans, boxed meals, cereal, dried beans, etc. For more information contact tracy.pippins@grahamisd.com. 

Graham Youth basketball registration for kindergarteners through sixth grade is open through Sunday, Nov. 15. No late sign ups will be accepted. 

Our High School Basketball program is starting a “Little Lady Blue” program this year where girls and their families will have the opportunity to come to a home game, sit on our bench for a quarter then rejoin their families, and receive a team jersey shirt with their own last name and number. We are really excited about this upcoming season and would love to have your family out to a game and have you on the bench helping us win! Please fill out the attached Google link and if a parent or sibling would like a jersey shirt, please provide the additional sizes and numbers. Orders and payment will be due by Nov 10 to ensure shirts are ready for the game of your choice. We look forward to seeing everyone at games this year! -Lady Blues Basketball

We are looking to expand our youth/elementary involvement this year and would love opportunities to come to your schools and do any class readings, fist bumps, etc. In addition, we are starting a "Little Steers'' program this year where boys can come be an honorary player at a game, interact with our varsity, and get a personalized jersey t-shirt. Little Steers Registration Link

Looking forward to another great year in the gym!

We are offering local businesses, including teachers, $5 off of each ticket for groups. The show is tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 14.

To purchase the tickets go to: williamleemartin.com and enter the code flyingpigs in the discount area.

We’d love to see you at the Graham Memorial Auditorium!