The district is referring to the measure as Georgetown ISD Prop A to help voters identify the proposition on the lengthy November ballot. This type of measure, a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election, or VATRE, affects the district’s Maintenance and Operations tax rate and is different from a bond election. Prop A would not incur any new debt.

"The board’s purpose in calling for this election is to maximize revenues under the Texas' school funding formula, maintain our balanced budget, and allow local voters to make the final decision regarding teacher and staff pay for Georgetown ISD," said James Scherer, Board President. 

District leaders have described Prop A as a way to address teacher and staff compensation without drawing down the fund balance.  Georgetown ISD has maintained a balanced budget, has a lower tax rates than most districts in the county, and has received recognition for financial management, accountability, and transparency. 

"Georgetown ISD’s goal is to continue academic growth by recruiting and supporting dedicated teachers in every classroom,” said Superintendent Dr. Devin Padavil. “Our intent behind this election is to retain and attract teachers and staff by improving compensation while maintaining a balanced budget.”

If approved by voters, Prop A would generate an estimated $8.4 million for Georgetown ISD's maintenance and operations expenses for the year ahead. The estimated impact on the median home valued at $444,465 would be $7.97 per year, based on 2026 Williamson Central Appraisal District's taxable values. Citizens aged 65+ with a homestead exemption would see no increase in their tax bill above their frozen level; their taxes would remain capped by the freeze. 

Revenue generated by Prop A would provide recurring funding for daily maintenance and operations, including staff compensation, year after year. 

Key election dates include: 

• Voter Registration Deadline: October 5, 2026 

• Early Voting: October 19–30, 2026 

• Election Day: November 3, 2026 

Additional information about Prop A, including the ballot language, tax impact information, voting dates and frequently asked questions, will be available at Georgetownisd.org/PropA.  

The Award of Distinction is a tiered honor, with levels ranging from Recognized to Exemplary. Georgetown ISD is one of just 28 districts across the state to earn the highest tier of distinction.

Along with the district-wide recognition, two campuses also earned awards of distinction:

• Tippit Middle School, Exemplary Campus Distinction

• George Wagner Middle School, Outstanding Campus Distinction

"To be recognized for the work and dedication of not only our staff’s abilities to run a successful theatre program, but for our students excellence in theatre is significant,” Tippit Middle School Head Theatre Director Cole Shuffield said. “Producing multiple high-quality performances throughout the school year, providing students an outlet to view professional theatre through field trips, and nurturing student skills are just a few of the responsibilities we as fine arts educators take on to grow our students into the leaders and learners we know they can be."

To earn a distinction, schools must submit a detailed application demonstrating their dedication to theatre through multiple avenues, including:

• Quality and quantity of theatrical performances

• A robust play library and access to acting spaces

• Community and administrative support for theatre programs

• Student involvement in University Interscholastic League (UIL) contests

• Participation in Theatrical Design competitions

• Theatre technology 

Georgetown ISD and its campuses will be recognized during the Texas Educational Theatre Association's TheatreFest Awards Ceremony on October 2, 2026, in Galveston.

For more information about the award, visit the TxETA website.

The district has moved from a C rating in 2024 to a B rating in 2026, reflecting significant progress in GISD and highlighting a shared commitment to student success. 

In addition to its overall B rating, the district received 14 campus-level Distinction Designations in the following areas: Top 25% in Comparative Academic Growth, Top 25% in Closing Performance Gaps, Academic Achievement in Reading/Language Arts, and Post-Secondary Readiness, demonstrating particularly strong performances in these areas compared to campuses across the state.

“Our student growth is driven by dedicated adults who show up every day, committed to excellence for every single student. Our recent accountability growth is proof of what we’ve always known: our young people are capable of reaching - and exceeding - the highest standards,” Superintendent Devin Padavil said. “Because of our expectation of giving students appropriately challenging learning experiences and our focus on building student confidence, many of our campuses now outperform schools across Texas. I couldn’t be prouder of our students, our staff, and the bright future we are building together.”

Perhaps most notable is the progress made at the campus levels. Since 2024, the number of F-rated campuses in GISD has moved from five to zero. 

With a 33-point gain, Frost Elementary reached a B rating for 2026. Other significant improvements include:

• Cooper Elementary improved by 27 points;

• Mitchell Elementary improved by 21 points;

• Williams Elementary improved by 18 points;

• and Wagner Middle School improved by 19 points.

75% of students are performing math at or above grade level, a 14-point gain from last year; and 66% of elementary students are reading at or above grade level, an improvement of 17 points since last year.

While GISD is proud of the progress reflected in the 2026 ratings, district leaders recognize that the work is never finished. The district will continue using data, collaboration, and targeted support to identify opportunities for improvement and ensure that growth reaches every student.

“Our accountability growth over the past two years reflects the unwavering commitment of our entire Georgetown ISD community - teachers, staff, administrators, families, and students - to the concept of excellence,” Board President James Scherer said. “This is the result of foundational work built on heart, high expectations, and genuine alignment around what's best for our kids. We're proud of what we've achieved, and more importantly, we're laying the groundwork that will continue to yield gains for years to come.”

To see GISD’s full 2026 Accountability Report, visit TXschools.gov.

The award recognizes teams that maintain a year-long grade-point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or 4.1 on a 5.0 scale), demonstrating their commitment to excellence both on and off the court. The Lady Eagles have now received the award for 13 years in a row. 

“Coach Richardson and the Lady Eagle volleyball team continually set the bar as far as academics and athletics align in Georgetown ISD,” Athletic Director Jason Dean said. “We are very proud of the commitment this team demonstrates each year, both to academics and to their performance on the court.”

The Lady Eagles will play their first game of the 2026 season on August 11th. See their full season schedule here. 

You can view the updated calendar on our website at www.georgetownisd.org/calendar. These are also being printed and will be distributed by campuses with back-to-school materials and at back-to-school events in August.

Branstetter has 14 years of experience in Georgetown ISD schools, most recently serving as assistant principal for five years and associate principal for one year at Georgetown High School. Prior to that, he served as a teacher and a coach at Tippit Middle School and East View High School.

“Mr. Branstetter is an exemplary leader whose years of service have built deep roots within the Georgetown High School community,” Superintendent Devin Padavil said. “I have complete confidence in his ability to lead our students and staff to continued growth and success.”

Branstetter holds a master’s degree in educational administration from Lamar University and a bachelor’s degree in business management and leadership from the University of Kansas. 

Branstetter’s wife, Kolby, was a 2007 graduate of Georgetown High School and is now a registered nurse at Baylor Scott and White Hospital. They have two children: Kyle, a junior at Georgetown HS and Presley, a second grade student at McCoy Elementary. When he is not working, Branstetter loves all things sports, playing golf, working in the yard and spending quality time with his family.

Branstetter will assume his new role immediately.

Out of the 1,200 school districts eligible to apply, just 109 districts received the District of Distinction Award for the 2025-26 academic year. Recipients are among the top eight percent of visual arts programs in the state.

“GISD Fine Arts programs enrich students' artistic growth while building vital real-world skills like collaboration, persistence, and courage,” Director of Fine Arts Carol Watson said. “Our educators bring this vision to life daily, and it is just one of the many ways GISD supports the whole child and ensures every student has the tools and opportunity to be their most authentic self.” 

TAEA will present the award to the district at a ceremony in November. 

To learn more about TAEA’s District of Distinction Award, visit their website. 

The Georgetown Independent School District announced Brian Johnson as the new Executive Director of Campus Leadership and Operations on Tuesday.

Johnson has more than 26 years of experience in public education, most recently serving as the principal of Georgetown High School (GHS) since 2019. Johnson’s leadership at GHS resulted in improved state test scores, major growth in advanced academic programs, an increase in student community service and a strong campus culture. 

Johnson holds a Master of Education from the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University. In 2011, he participated in the Educational Leadership & Administration Fellows Program at Rice University.

As executive director of campus leadership and operations, Johnson will oversee the coaching and supervision of secondary campus principals, student attendance, student transfers and open enrollment, as well as support assistant principals and student discipline practices, among other duties. 

Johnson lives in Georgetown with his wife, Keturah, who is a math professor at Austin Community College. They have three children: Charles (GHS Class of 2024), Annemarie (GHS Class of 2025) and Audrey (GHS senior). Johnson is passionate about supporting the students, staff, and greater community of Georgetown and is excited to continue serving GISD in this new role.

Johnson will begin his new role immediately.

Jacob Branstetter has been named interim principal during the transition. Branstetter has served in Georgetown ISD for 14 years as a teacher and coach at East View High School and Tippit Middle School, and most recently as an assistant and then associate principal at Georgetown High School. 

For students in GISD’s Bilingual and ESL (English as a Second Language) programs, summer started with learning and connection at a newcomer academy and summer school. And at the height of the 2026 World Cup, they got a unique opportunity to meet former Honduran National Soccer Player Boniek García.

“When I visit schools, my mission is to inspire and motivate the students that I meet,” García said. “I want them to believe in the power of education and feel excited about the many opportunities that await them.”

During his professional career, García appeared in two World Cups with the Honduran National Team. In 2012, he made his MLS (Major League Soccer) debut with the Houston Dynamos and was named the 2012 MLS Latin Player of the Year. In his retirement, García found a passion for youth engagement and mentorship. Alongside motivational speaker Dr. Jose Luis Zelaya, the two travel to schools across the state to empower today’s young learners.

“What I want these young people to know is to never give up on your dreams, no matter how many people tell you that you can’t make it,” García said. “When I share my story with them, I remind them that I have had a lot of people who said that I couldn't do it…I persisted until I did, and look what was possible.”

Students heard García’s stories about perseverance and education, participated in a Q&A, and even had the chance to play a game of soccer alongside García.

“It was a memorable day celebrating the strengths, talents, and potential of our multilingual learners,” Multilingual Services Director Erica Galindo said. “We’re grateful for the lasting impact García and Dr. Zelaya’s visit will have on our students.”

The Georgetown Independent School District named Kamye Smith as the new principal for George Wagner Middle School. 

Smith comes to GISD with 19 years of experience in education and 12 years in campus leadership roles. She has served as a classroom teacher, campus curriculum facilitator, assistant principal, and most recently as middle school principal at Ector County ISD in Odessa, Texas.

Throughout her time in education, Smith has implemented transformative instructional strategies, increased teacher effectiveness through professional development, and established successful intervention programs for underperforming students. As principal, she has moved two campuses from a state accountability rating of a D, to C and B.

Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Midwestern State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from University of Texas—Permian Basin.

Smith is a proud West Texan who grew up in Crane, Texas. Together, she and her husband Darryl share five daughters – Darrinesha, Denasia, Heather, Cora, and Brooklyn – and one son, Bryson. Smith loves spending time with her family and is excited to be closer to her four grandsons as she moves to Georgetown to join the Wagner Wolf Pack.

Smith will begin her new role on July 6.

Williams Elementary School received the 2026 Student Leadership Award, presented by the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). The award honors outstanding student councils and groups whose commitment to leadership makes a positive impact on school communities across Texas.

Out of 167 schools in the state to receive the award, Williams is one of just six recipients in the Central Texas area.

“Developing student leaders is a priority for our campus,” said Dr. Jennifer Hinson, Williams Elementary Principal. “Through Student Council, students learn the value of serving not only our student body, but also our greater community. I am so very proud that our students embrace our values of community service, and that others are noticing.”

You can learn more about the TEPSA Student Leadership Award and see the full list of recipients on their website.

Learn more about bus schedules and routes in GISD.

Register for transportation by visiting the Transportation Home Page and clicking on the button for "transportation registration". 

If you are unable to access your student's scores through Skyward or the Texas Assessment website, please reach out to your student's campus.

The proposed budget includes approximately $668,000 in compensation adjustments, including:

• Increases to the teacher step scale while maintaining a starting teacher salary of $57,000 for first-year teachers;

• Critical pay adjustments in select positions based on recommendations from the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) to improve market competitiveness;

• Transportation pay scale adjustments; and

• Compensation adjustments for substitute teachers, counselors, and nurses.

Additionally, the district is investing nearly $2 million to absorb rising employee health insurance costs, preventing those increases from being passed on to employees.

“While these recommendations represent meaningful investments in our people, we recognize that it’s not enough,” said Board President James Scherer. “And it doesn’t address our desire to increase compensation for everyone.” 

One way to generate additional funding for staff raises is through a Tax Ratification Election (TRE). A TRE would require voter approval to increase the district's maintenance and operations tax rate, which could generate more than $6 million for the district, while maintaining one of the lowest school district tax rates in Williamson County.

Revenue generated through a TRE would provide ongoing funding, creating a sustainable source of support for employee compensation and maintaining student programs into the future.

"Our employees deserve more,” said Superintendent Devin Padavil. “They continue to deliver exceptional results for students despite significant financial challenges facing public education. Evidence of student learning, including preliminary STAAR results, shows significant gains in all areas across the district. I’m incredibly proud of the people that serve our children and they deserve compensation that keeps up with the soaring cost of living in Central Texas."

The Board of Trustees has not yet called an election.  A third-party survey will be conducted later this month to inform the community about the district's funding needs and gauge support for a potential tax rate increase. If called, a TRE could appear on the November 2026 ballot.

McDonald comes to Georgetown ISD with more than 14 years of experience leading technology systems in public education. McDonald has served in various school districts as a campus technology coordinator and director of technology. Most recently, McDonald served as coordinator of federal programs in Bryan ISD where she oversaw district compliance systems, coordinated data systems and supported district-wide operational and instructional goals.

McDonald earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in instructional technology from Sam Houston State University.

In her new role, McDonald will oversee the district’s primary technology infrastructure, lead the planning and execution of Technology Bonds and state/federal funds, and serve as the district chief authority on Cybersecurity and Data Governance, establishing the legal and policy frameworks that protect all stakeholders, among other duties. 

Brenda and her husband have three children: Brady, a graduate of East Texas A&M, Colby, a current student at East Texas A&M, and Kennah, a sophomore in high school. When she’s not working, Brenda enjoys traveling to rodeos with her family and dogs.

Brenda will begin her new role on July 6.

Weirich comes to Georgetown ISD with 28 years of experience in public education, including 15 years in campus leadership roles. Most recently, Weirich served as elementary principal in Pflugerville ISD where she implemented innovative instructional strategies, led professional learning communities, and oversaw the opening of a new campus.

Weirich earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science and a minor in mathematics from Southwest Texas State University, as well as a master’s degree in educational administration from Texas State University.

“We are excited to welcome Reese to the Georgetown ISD team,” said Dr. Padavil, GISD Superintendent. “Her focus on student learning and proven ability to drive academic transformation will support our principals in the continuation of improving learning outcomes for elementary students.”

In her new role, Weirich will be responsible for leading, directing, and planning for instructional and curriculum services to meet the needs of the district campuses, staff, and students. She will collaboratively work to provide an aligned, guaranteed, and viable curriculum and lead the planning and implementation of instructional programs with teachers and principals, including learning objectives, instructional strategies and assessment practices, among other duties.

Reese lives in Pflugerville with her two daughters. When Reese isn’t working, she enjoys cheering on her favorite college sports teams and spending time with family. 

Reese will begin her new role on June 22. 

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This position provides essential instructional support at the elementary level. Its addition is made possible through attrition without any impact to the district’s budget.

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