April 2025
April 2025
Dear Sweetwater ISD families, staff and community,
It is an honor to serve as interim superintendent of Sweetwater ISD. Having grown up in Roby, I have always admired the strong traditions, dedicated educators and incredible students that make this district special. Since stepping into this role in March, I have been impressed by the passion and commitment of everyone working to ensure our students receive the best possible education.
With 28 years in education — all within Region 14 — I understand the importance of community in shaping student success. My experience as a teacher, principal and superintendent has reinforced my belief that when schools and communities work together, we can achieve remarkable things. Before joining Sweetwater ISD, I spent 12 1/2 years as superintendent of Colorado City ISD, and I am excited to bring that experience here as we continue to build on the district’s strengths.
Beyond my professional journey, I am also a father of five, ranging in age from 12 to 32, which gives me a personal perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing today’s students and families. My goal is to foster an environment where every student is supported, every teacher is empowered and every community member is engaged in the success of Sweetwater ISD.
As we move forward together, I look forward to meeting more of you, listening to your thoughts and working collaboratively to ensure Sweetwater ISD continues to thrive. Thank you for your warm welcome — I am proud to be part of this wonderful community.
Kind regards,
Reggy Spencer
Interim Superintendent
Sweetwater ISD
Veteran Educators To Guide SISD Forward
Sweetwater ISD is looking to its veteran educators to guide the district forward during a period of transition. The district announced campus leadership changes just before spring break with some familiar faces stepping into key roles for SISD. These individuals bring a wealth of experience to their interim roles and maintain a deep commitment to Sweetwater ISD students and the community.
Each is knowledgeable about district procedures, understands the curriculum and remains dedicated to maintaining high standards to ensure that students receive the support they need to learn and thrive. They join Interim Superintendent, Reggy Spencer, in serving SISD through a smooth transition until the campus vacancies can be permanently filled.
Carolyn Mullican is serving as Interim Principal for Southeast Elementary. She graduated from Sweetwater High School in 1983, and attended JP Cowen, Philip Nolan, Reagan Junior High and Sweetwater High. She has 35 years experience in education, teaching 15 years at JP Cowen, 15 years at East Ridge and serving as Sweetwater Intermediate School Assistant Principal for five years.
Amy Nixon is serving as Sweetwater Intermediate School Interim Principal. She has most recently been serving the district as an Instructional Coordinator. Amy spent five years teaching first grade in Ballinger ISD before being hired by Sweetwater ISD. She taught first grade for 13 years in SISD before serving one year as an interventionist and two years as a dyslexia/instructional coach. In total, her experience in education spans two decades.
John Rawlings is serving as Sweetwater Intermediate School Interim Assistant Principal. He graduated from Sweetwater High School in 1988, and his career in education spans 23 years. John has been a Coach, School Counselor, Special Education Counselor, IT Director, District Testing Coordinator, Science Teacher, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher. He was also a police officer in Frisco, Texas and taught in the state correctional system.
March School Board Meeting Summary
The Sweetwater ISD School Board met on a special night for their March meeting, welcoming Interim Superintendent Reggy Spencer to his first official meeting leading SISD. The Board met Wednesday, March 26 instead of the typical third Monday of the month.
During the meeting Trustees affirmed the Superintendent’s recommendation for non-administrative employee contracts for the 2025-2026 school year. Trustees also received an update on Bond 2023 projects. During the Superintendent’s Report, East Ridge Elementary was featured during the Campus Spotlight.
In other business, the Trustees:
Made no final decision on naming the choir room per Policy CW (LOCAL)
Held Closed Session as permitted by the Texas Open Meeting Act, Texas Government Code Section 551 Subchapters D and E.
Approved the Consent Agenda, which included past meeting minutes, monthly financial reports and adding SISD Board of Trustees President to the signature card at depository bank.
The Board’s next regularly scheduled meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22 in the JP Cowen Cafeteria.
“I want to give a shout out to Rosie Vera and Cynthia Hernandez. They do such an AMAZING job keeping SIS clean and safe for our students and staff! They have been short-handed this year, but it hasn't stopped them from working so hard every day to take care of our kiddos! They are simply the BEST!” - Dallas McFaul, SIS
We want you to share the great things happening in Sweetwater ISD. Share school news and events, success stories about students and staff or give a shoutout to a Sweetwater Mustang for something they accomplished or did to support SISD. Submit a Sweet Shoutout.
April is STAAR Testing Season
Sweetwater ISD families, STAAR testing is here. These assessments are an important measure of student learning, helping educators understand academic progress and areas for growth. We encourage all students to be present, focused and prepared on their test days.
Why STAAR Matters
STAAR assessments provide valuable insight into student achievement and help schools tailor instruction to meet individual needs. These tests ensure students are on track for success in the next grade level and beyond.
How to Help Your Student Succeed
To support your child during testing, consider these simple steps:
Ensure a good night's sleep. Rested minds focus better.
Provide a healthy breakfast. A nutritious start fuels learning.
Arrive on time. Avoid unnecessary stress.
Minimize distractions. Encourage a calm, focused mindset.
Offer words of encouragement. A confidence boost can make a difference.
Thank you for supporting your students during STAAR testing. Together, we can set them up for success.
Head Start and Early Head Start Registration Open
Sweetwater ISD is now accepting applications for Early Head Start and Head Start programs at Southeast Elementary. Registration will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 5 and Saturday April 12 in the Southeast Elementary gym.
Children must be born or turn 3 or 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2025, to qualify. Applications are available through the Family Service Worker at Southeast Early Childhood Center.
Required Documents:
Proof of income (1040, W-2, child support, income from the last 12 months, SNAP, SSI, TANF)
Proof of birth (birth certificate, hospital or baptismal record, or proof of guardianship if applicable)
Proof of residency (utility bill)
Foster forms (if applicable)
Medicaid, CHIP or private insurance information
Immunization records
Eligibility Criteria:
Meets income guidelines
Receives public assistance (TANF or SNAP)
Child has a disability (IEP or IFSP)
Child is in foster care or experiencing homelessness
We look forward to welcoming your child to Sweetwater ISD’s Head Start program.
Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration for 2025-26
Sweetwater ISD is excited to welcome new students to Southeast Elementary for the 2025-26 school year. Pre-K and kindergarten registration will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 5 and April 12.
Children must be 4 or 5 years old by Sept. 1, 2025, to enroll. Parents and guardians should bring the following documents:
Proof of income (Pre-K only)
Child’s birth certificate
Child’s Social Security card
Child’s immunization record
Proof of residency
Parent/guardian driver’s license or ID
We look forward to welcoming your child to Sweetwater ISD. For more information, please contact Southeast Elementary at (325) 235-9222.
Stay In The Know!
Download the new Sweetwater ISD app from the iOS App Store or Android Play Store. It’s free for everyone in the community. Once you have the app, you can read all the latest news, find events on the calendar and personalize your connection by enabling notifications.
No School on Good Friday
All Sweetwater ISD schools and offices will be closed on Friday, April 18 in observance of Good Friday. Regular school schedules and office hours will resume on Tuesday, April 22. The SISD Child Care Center will also be closed and will reopen on Monday, April 21.
SISD Child Care Spaces Available
We are proud to offer the greater Sweetwater community year-round, affordable childcare five days a week for infants ages 0 to 4 years. Under new leadership by Director Savannah DeLeon, Sweetwater ISD Child Care Center is located on the campus of Southeast Elementary School, 1201 Mustang Dr. The entrance faces East New Mexico Street.
Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
SISD’s Child Care Center is one of the only summer learning centers for the children of Sweetwater. If you are looking for a place where teachers will love your children like their own, consider the safe and caring classrooms at Sweetwater ISD Child Care Center.
Monday, April 7
Inservice Day - Student Holiday
Superintendent Search Town Hall Meeting, SIS Cafeteria
4:00 pm - SISD Staff
5:30 pm - Community Stakeholders
Friday, April 11
Survey Closed for Superintendent Candidate Profile
English Survey Link
Spanish Survey Link
Friday, April 18
Good Friday - School Holiday
Monday, April 21
Bad Weather Day - School Holiday
Tuesday, April 22
School Board Meeting