February 27, 2025
Mustang Families,
What an exciting time in Sweetwater ISD! There are so many wonderful things happening in and outside the classroom that we need to celebrate. Since we launched our first Mustang Monthly newsletter, we have been busy staying focused on student learning and expanding the programs we offer in SISD.
Please join me in congratulating Coach Brian Hodnett on being the next SISD Athletic Director/Head Football Coach. He was approved by the School Board at the Monday meeting. You’ll enjoy reading about Coach Hodnett and his beautiful family. We look forward to the accomplishments of our Mustang athletes under Coach Hodnett’s leadership and direction.
Dr. Deidre Parish
Thank you for the outpouring of support and encouragement the greater Sweetwater community gives our teachers and support staff. There are many uncertainties in public education funding right now at the state level, and I know how important it is for our educators to feel supported in the work they do each and every day with the children of SISD.
We invite you to get involved in your child's education and get connected in our schools. There are many ways to do this, such as attending school events and serving on school committees.
Peace,
Dr. Deidre Parish
Superintendent
Sweetwater ISD Names New Athletic Director
Sweetwater ISD is proud to announce that Brian Hodnett has been chosen to serve as the next Athletic Director/Head Football Coach for the district. Brian and his family have been a part of the SISD community since May 2021. He has served most recently as the Mustang Offensive Coordinator and coached the offensive line. He has taught Leadership, English III and has worked in Special Education. Hodnett has also been a junior high Football Coach, junior high Track Coach, Head Boys Track Coach, Assistant Powerlifting Coach, and a sponsor for Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Hodnett earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from Lubbock Christian University. He holds certifications in Secondary English (8-12) and Physical Education (6-12). Hodnett is a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association and served on their Board of Directors from 2016-2019.
Prior to coming to the Sweetwater ISD coaching/teaching staff, he served as athletic director/head football coach in Haskell and Jacksboro ISDs. He also previously coached and taught in Graham ISD and Jim Ned CISD. Hodnett and his wife, Mandy, have been married for 18 years and are both in education. They serve as active members of the 4th & Elm Church of Christ in Sweetwater. The couple has four boys, Kason (8th), Hank (6th), Creed and Crew (4th).
“My family and I are so thankful and excited for the great opportunity to continue to be a part of Sweetwater ISD and this great community,” said Hodnett. “Go Big Red!”
February School Board Meeting Summary
SISD Trustees met for the regular board meeting on Monday, February 24 at JP Cowen cafeteria. The typical third Monday meeting of the month was rescheduled due to the school holiday on President’s Day. Trustees held a public hearing on the 2023-24 Annual Report. They also approved the hiring of Brian Hodnett as the district’s new Athletic Director (see full story above).
In other business, the Board:
approved a Schneider Electric Energy Services Contract from the Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) Contract #220104 pending third-party engineering review and financing resolution;
voted to approve a Jelco quote for replacement of the Sweetwater Middle School upper gym floor;
approved the Monthly Minutes and Financials;
cancelled the May 3 Trustee Election after all candidates for open seats were unopposed.
approved the Superintendent's recommendation for administrator contracts
voted to adopt the 2025-2026 Academic Calendar; and
approved Local Policy Update 124.
The Board called a special meeting at 6 p.m. on March 3 to interview and name an Interim Superintendent, select a Superintendent Search Firm, and consider the purchase of furniture for the CTE. The SISD Board’s next regularly scheduled meeting will be Monday, March 24 at 5:30 p.m.
Candidates Run Unopposed For School Board
Three individuals filed before the deadline for a place on the May 3 School Trustee ballot. Two of the individuals are incumbents serving in Places 1 and 2, Domingo Castillo and Tasha Soto, respectively. A third candidate filed for the open Place 5 position and was also unopposed after incumbent Trustee Matt Weaver chose not to run for re-election. His position will be filled by Justin Shaw. Trustees serve for three-year terms. Texas law allows the School Board to cancel the election if all candidates are running unopposed. Trustees Castillo, Soto and Shaw will be given the oath of office in May. A copy of the election cancellation order will be posted at polling sites in May.
High school sophomores involved in the Future Sweetwater Program sponsored by the Sweetwater Chamber of Commerce tour local facilities to learn more about what the greater Sweetwater community has to offer.
High School CTE Facility Opening in August 2025
February is Career and Technical Education Month in the state of Texas and we are eagerly awaiting the opening of our new facility at Sweetwater High School. Thanks to community support through the 2023 Bond Program, students will be able to move into the new facility in August. CTE programs are designed to prepare students for both current and future careers, including roles that may not yet exist, reflecting the center’s forward-thinking approach. The facility will be named the Puckett and Dudensing Career & Technical Education Center to honor two former CTE teachers with a combined 40 years of service to Sweetwater ISD.
SISD in Year 2 of Texas Incentive Allotment
At Sweetwater ISD, we are committed to elevating the teaching profession and celebrating our educators’ dedication to student success. One way we achieve this is through participation in the Texas Incentive Allotment (TIA), a state-funded program designed to recognize and reward top-performing teachers.
TIA was created to help school districts identify and reward highly effective teachers. It provides a clear pathway for teachers to earn higher income while continuing to make a profound impact in the classroom. Teachers can earn one of three designation levels—Recognized, Exemplary, or Master—based on their performance and impact on student growth. Additionally, teachers with a National Board Certification may be automatically designated as Recognized by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Prioritizing Student Growth
Unlike traditional incentive programs, TIA focuses on student growth rather than achievement scores alone. This means that teachers are evaluated based on the progress their students make over the course of a school year. Growth is measured at the individual student level, ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation of teacher effectiveness.
Districts are not required to use STAAR data or other standardized assessments to measure student growth. Sweetwater ISD prioritizes creating a system that reflects our local goals and values.
Sweetwater ISD is currently in Year Two: System Implementation and Data Capture. During this phase, the district:
Conducts calibration exercises and collects student growth data
Administers student growth measures and appraises teacher performance
Distributes a Teacher Buy-In Survey to gauge understanding and support
By the end of this year, Sweetwater ISD will submit teacher observation and student growth data to Texas Tech University for validation. Once validated, TEA will conduct a holistic review to approve final designations for the following school year.
Looking Ahead
As we continue implementing the Texas Incentive Allotment, we remain focused on empowering our teachers, rewarding excellence, and fostering student growth. We’re excited about the opportunities this program will bring to Sweetwater ISD and look forward to celebrating the achievements of our exceptional educators.
Dress-Up Day Reminder For Southeast Elementary
This Friday is Dress for Success Day at Southeast Elementary School. Students are encouraged to dress up as what they want to be when they grow up! We can’t wait to see what the future holds for our students as they dream big.
College Day Celebrated Districtwide on March 5
Students and staff at all campuses in Sweetwater ISD are invited to dress up for College Day on Wednesday, March 5. Wear the colors of your favorite college or university and join all of SISD as we encourage students to explore the futures they wish for themselves after graduation.
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.
Sweetwater Intermediate To Host Book Fair & Family Night
Families of current intermediate school students are invited to a Book Fair & Family Night in the library of Sweetwater Intermediate School on Thursday, March 6 from 4:40 to 6 p.m. Bring the whole family to this come-and-go event. You can support SIS's Book Fair fundraiser while participating in activities designed to entertain Mustangs of all ages.
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.
Sweetwater ISD Child Care Spaces Now Available
At Sweetwater ISD Child Care Center, we are proud to provide high-quality child care programs that nurture emotional, intellectual, and social growth for children ages 0-4. Open to all families in our community, our center is a safe, welcoming space where young learners can thrive and develop a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
Why Choose Sweetwater ISD Child Care Center?
Exceptional Care: Our experienced team is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment tailored to your child’s needs.
Innovative Learning: We incorporate play-based and age-appropriate activities that spark curiosity and creativity.
A Community Focus: As part of Sweetwater ISD, we connect families to a public school system rooted in tradition and excellence.
Ready to join our family?
Enrollment is open year-round! Call us today at 325-235-7800 to schedule a tour and meet our team. We can’t wait to welcome your little Mustang!
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.
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.
Monday, March 3
Special School Board Meeting 6 p.m.
Wednesday, March 5
College Day across all campuses - wear your favorite college or university colors
Thursday, March 6
Sweetwater Intermediate School Book Fair & Family Night; 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the SIS Library
Thursday, March 13
Coffee with Dr. Parish; 7:30-9:30 a.m. Argos Brewhouse & Bookseller, 209 Oak St.
Friday, March 14
Early Release Date for Students
March 17-21
Spring Break/SISD Closed
Monday, March 24
Regular School Board Meeting 5:30 p.m.