2026-27 LA PORTE ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Stay in the know! Visit LPISD.org and connect with us on socials for the latest news and events happening in La Porte ISD.
This publication is produced by the LPISD Communications Department. On the cover: La Porte High School seniors Ryker Reynolds and Kallie Walker were named Homecoming King and Queen during halftime of the homecoming football game Sept. 11.
Jeff Martin President
Danny Hanks Trustee
Melissa Crutcher Vice President
Russell Schoppe Trustee
Mason Peres Secretary
Dee Anne Thomson Trustee
Dr. Walter Jackson Superintendent of Schools
Karen Wheeler-Hall Trustee
A MESSAGE FROM
DR. JACKSON Dear La Porte ISD Community, As we approach the November 3 election, I want to share clear, factual information about Proposition A and why it will appear on the ballot. Proposition A is La Porte ISD’s Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election, or VATRE. The Board of Trustees called the election to give voters the opportunity to decide whether the district may retain additional Maintenance & Operations (M&O) tax revenue that has been generated through temporary state funding mechanisms known as “disaster pennies.” If approved, the measure would make those pennies a permanent part of the district’s M&O funding. The proposed tax rate increase is approximately one-third of a penny. If approved, the additional revenue would generate more than $8 million annually for La Porte ISD. These funds would support staff salaries and the day-to-day
operations that keep our schools running, including transportation, utilities, instructional materials and all of the other expenses necessary to operate our school district.
district is to provide our community with accurate information and to be transparent about the financial decisions that affect La Porte ISD. I encourage every eligible voter to review the information, ask It is important to understand that questions and participate in the Proposition A is not a bond election election. and does not create debt for the Learn more at lpisd.org/vatre. district. The revenue would come through the M&O tax rate, which Early voting begins October 19 funds daily operations. The Interest and continues through October 30. & Sinking tax rate is separate and Election Day is November 3. is used to repay voter-approved Thank you to our Board of bonds. Trustees and our community Proposition A is on the ballot for your continued support, because state law requires voter encouragement, and commitment approval for a school district to to La Porte ISD. We are grateful for maintain this additional tax revenue the partnership and pride you show on a permanent basis. By calling the in our students, staff, and schools election, the Board of Trustees has each and every day. placed the question before voters Sincerely, for consideration. The ballot will identify the measure as Proposition A and, as required by law, will include the statement, “THIS IS A Walter Jackson, Ed.D. TAX INCREASE.” Superintendent of Schools Our responsibility as a school
OCTOBER 2026 What’s Coming Up! Monday
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LPISD BOARD MEETING
12
Fall Break Fall Break Fall Break Fall Break Fall Break NO SCHOOL NO SCHOOL NO SCHOOL NO SCHOOL NO SCHOOL Teacher Exchange Day
Varsity Home Game WATER POLO
lpisd athletics website
FOOTBALL
VOLLEYBALL
Varsity Away Game
Visit the QR codes or lpisd.org
for more information on specific event details
lpisd events calendar
35 La Porte High School students earn AP Scholar Awards
Thirty five La Porte High School students have been named as 2026 Advanced Placement Scholars.
The honor recognizes high school students who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through their performance on multiple AP exams, according to information from the College Board. The AP Program announces the honorees each fall. “These awards are a tremendous honor,” said La Porte High School Principal Dr. Kade Griffin. “We are immensely proud of the hard work and dedication these students have shown to achieve this recognition.” Deputy Superintendent Julie Abram added, “The AP Program and its course offerings represent a rigorous standard of college-level learning. The high scores our students achieve on AP exams reflect their exceptional capabilities. Earning AP Scholar awards is further testament to the quality of our programs and the talent of our students.”
La Porte ISD 2026 AP Scholars AP Capstone Diploma Addison Steffer (12th Grade) AP Scholar with Distinction Cristhofer D. Batres (Graduate) Amelie E. Mastan (Graduate) Camden G. Morrill (Graduate) Addison Steffer (12th Grade) AP Scholar with Honor Merari E. Caceres (12th Grade) Erin Kirsten D. Cervantes (11th Grade) Vinicius L. Lowe (12th Grade) Alanny A. Martinez (Graduate) Jacob N. Martinez (12th Grade)
Awards and Criteria
Aleyna P. Ramkissoon (11th Grade)
AP Scholar – Student scores 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.
Izikio Rincon (11th Grade) AP Scholar Jessar I. Aguilar (Graduate)
Samuel A. Quinones (Graduate)
Mallorie I. Blagg (12th Grade)
Damian Ramos (11th Grade)
Brailyn M. Cooper (Graduate)
Steven R. Rodriguez (Graduate)
Isaac J. Daigle (Graduate)
Madelyne Pacifica Ross (Graduate)
Jonathan Evans (12th Grade)
Saray Salinas (Graduate)
Ethan A. Garcia (12th Grade)
Jeromy L. Sommer (12th Grade)
Hadley G. Gibbs (11th Grade)
Charles Thompson (Graduate)
Chase A. Harmon (Graduate)
Jasmine A. Tran (Graduate)
Sara J. Jennings (12th Grade)
Maria A. Vasquez (12th Grade)
Jose M. Marroquin (11th Grade)
Kayleigh R. Weisinger (12th Grade)
Aryanna S. Martinez (12th Grade)
Christopher M. Yznaga (12th Grade)
Allison Pedroza (12th Grade)
Annabella E. Zak (Graduate)
AP Scholar w/ Honor – Student scores average of at least 3.25 on all AP exams & scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams AP Scholar w/ Distinction – Student scores average of at least 3.5 on all AP exams, and scores 3 or higher on five or more of these exams AP Seminar and Research – Student completes rigorous AP Seminar and Research courses, including an extensive study on a topic approved by La Porte ISD Institutional Review Board, and must score of 3 or higher in both classes. AP Capstone Diploma – Student earns scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research and on 4 additional AP Exams. AP International Diploma – Student earns scores of 3 or higher on at least 5 AP Exams including requirements for World Language.
LA PORTE ISD
Understanding LPISD’s Tax Rate
School Funding Election 20262026 School Funding Election What’s on the Ballot? The La Porte ISD Board of Trustees has called a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) for November 3, 2026. Over the last several years, LPISD has used state-approved “disaster pennies” for additional operations revenue, and this school funding election would allow voters to decide if LPISD can keep those 12 pennies permanently, instead of leaving it up to chance. Voters will be asked to vote FOR or AGAINST the measure, which will be listed as La Porte ISD Proposition A, near the end of their ballot.
A school district’s tax rate is made up of two different rates:
M&O $0.7954
Maintenance & Operations Funds day-to-day operations Salaries, utilities, supplies, & instructional materials
Why is Prop A Being Considered? i > Þ ÃV ` ÃÌÀ VÌÃ >VÀ ÃÃ /iÝ>Ã] * - Ã v>V } > f£Ó°Î `iwV Ì `Õi Ì ÃÌ>Ìi vÕ ` } v À Õ >Ã Ì >Ì >Ûi Ì i«Ì «>Vi Ü Ì y>Ì ] `iV } enrollment, and rising operations costs.
Prop A is estimated to generate $8.4 million in annual funding for LPISD for:
I&S
$0.2719
Interest & Sinking Funds debt repayment Facility construction, land, & renovations Employee Compensation
Rising Insurance Costs
Fuel, Utilities, and Daily Operations
Student Programs
Prop A funds daily expenses, not debt like a bond.
VATRE
BOND
M&O Tax Rate
I&S Tax Rate
Does Not Incur Debt
Funds Capital Projects
Generates Funding for Staff Compensation and Student Programs
Funds Purchase or Construction of Major Projects
La Porte ISD’s tax rate with a VATRE would be
$1.0673
an increase of
1/3 penny
over last year’s rate.
lpisd.org/vatre
LPISD Tax Rate History
Tax Rate Comparison
1.5 1.2 0.9
1.2697
1.2565
0.2300
0.2400
1.0397
1.0165
Humble ISD
1.2565
0.2819
0.9739
0.9739
0.9746 0.2819 0.6920
0.7220
1.0673
0.2619
0.2719
0.8022
0.7954
with VATRE
0.6
0.2519
1.0641
0.3 0.0
21 20
22 20
M&O
23 20
24 20
25 20
26 20
LPISD has one of the lowest tax rates in the region. LPISD would remain among the lowest if the school funding election passes.
$1.1052
Crosby ISD
$1.2241
Sheldon ISD
$1.2552
Channelview ISD
$0.9617
Galena Park ISD
Goose Creek CISD
$1.2499
Deer Park ISD
$1.0700
$1.1389
La Porte ISD $1.0641
Pasadena ISD
27 20
$1.1722
I&S
Clear Creek ISD
Pearland ISD
$0.9690
$1.1389
Friendswood ISD
$1.0300
This school funding election would allow voters to decide if LPISD can keep previously utilized “disaster pennies” permanently.
Alvin ISD
$1.1500
Recapture Districts Not Recapture Districts No VATRE
Property Tax Bill Example 2026
2027
Appraised Value
$350,000
$350,000
Understanding the Ballot Language
LPISD Local 20% Homestead Exemption
-$70,000
-$70,000
The ballot will reference the total revenue the measure would generate district wide.
State $140,000 Homestead Exemption
-$140,000
-$140,000
Taxable Value
$140,000
$140,000
Tax Rate
$1.0641
$1.0673
Tax Bill
$1,489.74
$1,494.22
If the VATRE passes, the annual increase for an average homeowner is
less than $5 per year.
Did You Know?
90% of taxes paid into LPISD are from commercial and local industry, meaning homeowners only pay 10% of property taxes.
$17,880,000 Total Revenue Generated
$9,480,000 State Recapture
$8,400,000 Local Funding
Due to recapture, LPISD’s current estimate is that the district will retain approximately $8.4 million annually for local use.
Homeowners age 65+
65+
and older will not see a school tax increase due to the tax ceiling on residence homesteads.
Early Voting: October 19-30, 2026 • Election Day: November 3, 2026
LOMAX EARNS NATIONAL DISTINCTION Lomax Junior High’s NJHS chapter recognized for leadership, service, and student impact
Lomax Junior High School’s National Junior Honor Society chapter has been recognized as a 2026 National Junior Honor Society Chapter of Distinction, a national honor that recognizes chapters that demonstrate excellence in leadership, chapter operations, student involvement, and service. The NJHS Chapter of Distinction recognition celebrates chapters that meet all Essential Standards and demonstrate excellence in areas such as student governance, leadership development, meaningful student engagement, and a commitment to the core pillars of the National Junior Honor Society. For Lomax Junior High, the recognition reflects the school’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to lead, serve others, build character, and make a positive difference in their school and community. “Our NJHS students continually demonstrate that leadership is about more than earning good grades,” said Jessica Rose, Lomax Junior High principal. “It is about using their talents to serve others and make Lomax a better place. I could not be prouder of our students and the way they represent our school.” A key part of the chapter’s success is the dedication of NJHS adviser Faith Miller, whose leadership and commitment to students have been instrumental in helping the chapter earn this national distinction. “Faith challenges them to lead, encourages them to serve, and holds them to high standards while always reminding them of the impact they can have on others,” Rose said. The Chapter of Distinction recognition highlights NJHS chapters that exemplify the organization’s values while demonstrating a sustained commitment to leadership and service.
LPISD RECEIVES $15,000 STEM GRANT Glenn W. Bailey Foundation award will expand hands-on STEM learning for elementary and sixth-grade students La Porte ISD’s STEM Program has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation through its STEM Sprouts initiative, supporting the district’s commitment to providing innovative, hands-on STEM learning experiences for elementary and sixth-grade students. The grant recognizes LPISD’s dedication to engaging students in authentic science, technology, engineering, and mathematics experiences that foster curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving. Funding will be used to expand STEM resources, makerspace materials, engineering design challenges, and hands-on learning opportunities that inspire the next generation of innovators. “We are grateful to the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation for investing in our students and STEM vision,” said Michael Newman, La Porte ISD’s Elementary STEM & Advanced Academics Specialist. “This grant will expand hands-on learning opportunities that inspire students to explore, create, collaborate, and build critical thinking skills for the future.” The Glenn W. Bailey Foundation’s STEM Sprouts program supports organizations that provide meaningful STEM education for students in grades K–8 through engaging, inquiry-based experiences and high-quality instructional resources. LPISD is honored to be selected as a grant recipient and looks forward to continuing to grow innovative learning opportunities that prepare students with the skills needed for success in the future.
Dr. Kade Griffin
Tremayne Wickliffe
Jason McConnell
Jessica Rose
Jaime Arizpe
Principal La Porte High School
Principal Viola DeWalt High School
Principal La Porte Junior High
Principal Lomax Junior High
Principal Baker Sixth Grade
Sadie Sandoval
Martha Torres
Linda Hyde
Principal Bayshore Elementary
Principal College Park Elementary
Principal Heritage Elementary
Karen Lawley Principal La Porte Elementary
Alisha Peralez
Stephanie Davis
Maria Guerra
Principal Lomax Elementary
Principal Jennie Reid Elementary
Principal Rizzuto Elementary
Thank you Principals!
2026-2027
INSTRUCTIONAL CALENDAR UPDATED 9/22/26
July
4 .............................................. 4th of July Holiday 29-31........................ New Professionals Inservice
August
4-11 ........................... Professional Learning Days
12 ............................................ Freshman First Day 13 ............................................ First Day of School
September
7 .............................................. Labor Day Holiday
21........ Professional Learning Day (No Students)
July 2026 S
M
T
September 2026
August 2026
W
TH
F
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S
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October
12 ............ Teacher Exchange Day (No Students) 13-16 ...................................................... Fall Break
November
2 .........Professional Learning Day (No Students) 3 .........Professional Learning Day (No Students) Parent Conferences - Elementary
23-27 .................................... Thanksgiving Break
December
18 ................................................... Early Dismissal 21-31 ................................................. Winter Break
January
October 2026 S
M
T
W
November 2026
December 2026
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TH
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1
2
1
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5
6
1
2
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5
6
1 ........................................................ Winter Break
4 ........ Instructional Planning Day (No Students)
5 ........ Professional Learning Day (No Students)
January 2027
18 ................................................. MLK Jr. Holiday
February
T
W
February 2027
TH
12 ....... Professional Learning Day (No Students)
March 2027
15 ....... Professional Learning Day (No Students)
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
7
8
9
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13
7
8
9
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March
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3
Parent Conferences - Elementary
8-12 .................................................. Spring Break 26 ......................................... Good Friday Holiday
April
30 ............. Teacher Exchange Day (No Students)
May
31
27 .................. Last Day of School/Early Dismissal DeWalt Academy Graduation
28 ............................... Instructional Planning Day
LPHS Graduation 31 .................................................... Memorial Day
Instructional Days
Total Number of Student Days: 169
Total Number of Teacher Days: 185 2 exchange days First Semester = 77.5 days Second Semester = 91.5 days
April 2027 S
M
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W
May 2027 M
T
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TH
June 2027 F
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Campus Schedules High Schools
7:00 a.m. .........................First Bell 7:10 a.m. .........................Tardy Bell 2:35 p.m. .........................School Day Ends 10:45 a.m. .......................Early Dismissal Days
Junior Highs / James H. Baker
8:25 a.m. ........................First Bell 8:30 a.m. ........................Tardy Bell 4:00 p.m. ........................School Day Ends 12:10 p.m. ......................Early Dismissal Days
Elementary Schools
7:40 a.m. ........................First Bell 7:50 a.m. ........................Tardy Bell 3:15 p.m. ........................School Day Ends 11:25 a.m. ......................Early Dismissal Days
Freshman 1st Day
First / Last Day of School
Holiday
Start / Stop Grading Period
Professional Learning (No Students)
Report Card
PR1
Instructional Planning Day (No Students)
Teacher Exchange Days (No Students)
Inclement Weather Make-up Day
Student Early Dismissal
New Teacher Orientation
Progress Report
Every Student’s Success is Our Number One Priority! Created by LPISD Communications Board Approved 01/13/26