As we move further into the spring semester of the 2025–2026 school year, we are already planning ahead for 2026–2027, with a focus on what matters most: our students, our staff, and our community. This work is guided by enrollment trends, student interests, and the opportunities we want to continue building for every learner we serve. Successful districts plan, adjust, and respond when needs shift, ensuring decisions are made in the best interest of students.
We also recognize that not all information shared throughout the community is always complete or accurate. In some cases, that’s understandable as plans evolve and details are refined. In other cases, information may be shared in ways that do not reflect the full picture. Our commitment is to provide clear, timely communication so families can feel confident in what they hear and see. We encourage you to reach out to us directly with any questions about our programs, progress, or direction. You can email us at questions@snyderisd.net, contact any of our campus principals, or attend one of our upcoming community events to learn more. You can also stay connected by following Snyder ISD on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.
Greenhouse
There has been a rumor circulating that the greenhouse is closing and that Snyder ISD is cutting the Floral Design CTE program. This is not true.
While we have seen a low number of students choosing this as a program of study, we are not eliminating the program or its elective offerings (including floral design).
Floral design and plant science courses are often housed at the Snyder ISD Evergreen Research and Retail Greenhouse, and are a valuable part of the agricultural program offerings central to Snyder ISD and West Texas. These classes, along with a variety of Agricultural Education offerings, are slated in our 2026-2027 high school schedule.
Dance
There has been a rumor circulating that we are eliminating a CTE program to add dance. This is not true. Interest in both dance and cheer programs has grown significantly, with more than 80 students expressing interest in cheer alone. In response, we are expanding opportunities for students to get involved, supported by an experienced staff member within our district who brings both knowledge and passion for this work. Dance, a highly requested addition, will now be offered as a new program opportunity for junior high and high school students.
This is not a new hire or a budget add. The program is led by an existing fine arts staff member whose schedule was optimized to accommodate it, with schedule adjustments and some practices held outside the school day.
Uniform costs will be covered through fundraising, as is done for cheerleading (albeit at a much lower cost).
CTE Programs
By optimizing our schedules, we are able to add new CTE pathways and advanced academic opportunities that prepare students for success beyond graduation:
Advanced Placement (through College Board) Courses: We are adding Pre-AP courses at the Junior High and AP courses at the High School to build college readiness. We are prioritizing STEM academics with science in year 1 of the rollout and math in year 2. This is in addition to the opportunity to take dual-credit courses through Western Texas College.
Health Science CTE Pathway Expansion: Health Science is one of the most in-demand programs, with 141 students pursuing this program of study. Based on student interest, feedback, and continued collaboration with Cogdell Memorial Hospital, we are expanding our Health Science CTE pathway to better align with workforce needs. Beginning in 2026–2027, students will have the opportunity to pursue courses that lead to certifications as Certified Nursing Assistants, Medical Assistants, and Physical Therapy Aides, in addition to our established phlebotomy program.
Data Technician CTE Pathway: In partnership with Western Texas College, this dual-credit pathway, available in 27-28, will prepare students for careers in data centers and emerging technology. This would complement our existing Programming and Software Development CTE Pathway.
These programs are in addition to the current CTE offerings, with no new staff FTEs. For a list of current CTE offerings available at Snyder High School, visit www.snyderisd.net/page/cte.
Staffing
Statewide, many districts have seen a decline in enrollment, and Snyder ISD has as well. Snyder ISD had not consistently adjusted staffing to align with enrollment trends. Following a $1.3 million investment in teacher salaries last year, the district is now facing an approximate $2.2 million budget deficit. Payroll accounts for approximately 76% of the total $28.9 million budget. The investment in teacher salaries was made to recruit and retain high-quality, certified teachers while positioning the District more competitively in the region.
To protect classroom instruction and avoid reducing certified staff, we are adjusting staffing ratios to better align resources while maintaining a strong focus on student success.
The Goal: We are moving toward an ideal staffing ratio of 1:18–1:20. This is still below the maximum 1:22 allowed by TEA without submitting a waiver.
The Method: We are achieving this through natural attrition (not filling positions when staff leave voluntarily) and schedule optimization.
No Reduction in Force (RIF): While we have very few openings for the 2025–2026 school year, we are not implementing a reduction in force (RIF). When enrollment does not support a full section, certified teachers whose contracts have been renewed are being offered opportunities in other areas of need across the district, allowing us to continue supporting students while retaining our staff.
Technology Coach | Based on staff surveys, the district has identified a need to better support teachers in navigating the vast array of available technology and implementing it in the classroom. Therefore, a previously vacant technology position has been reallocated to a technology coach position to better support teachers. This shift allows the district to strengthen classroom support without adding an additional position.
Certification
We believe every student deserves a certified professional in their classroom. Since 2023, we have been transparent with staff regarding the importance and requirement of SBEC certification. This commitment is grounded in research showing that one unintended consequence of District of Innovation (DOI) flexibility, specifically allowing uncertified teachers, resulted in major learning losses for students. This research shows students taught by new uncertified educators lost 4 months in reading and 3 months in math compared to their peers taught by certified instructors.
Ahead of the State: While the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is phasing out District of Innovation exemptions for uncertified teachers by 2027–2028, Snyder ISD is already ahead of this work. Beginning in 2022, we began outlining requirements and pathways for uncertified staff to show enrollment in a certification program, progress in the program, and ultimately, completion of the program.
Since this initiative, we have seen the number of uncertified teachers decrease from 40% of teachers not fully certified through SBEC to 16%. Of those returning, 100% are currently enrolled in an Educator Preparation Program and actively working toward certification.
Snyder ISD is committed to meeting state expectations for teacher certification in all foundation subject areas. To reach these benchmarks, the district has established clear expectations and supports to strengthen recruitment, certification, and retention of high-quality educators.
By 2028–2029: 95% of teachers in foundation subject areas will be certified
By 2029–2030: 100% of teachers of record will be certified
Contract Renewals: We require visible progress toward state certification or certification by a specified timeline before a contract recommendation is made. This has led many of our teachers to obtain their certification, a tremendous personal accomplishment for them and one that ensures we meet high standards for our students.
For More Information & Ways to Connect
Thank you for taking the time to read this update. Providing clear, accurate information to our community matters, and we welcome your questions. To learn more about our new superintendent, leadership direction, strategic plan, and the work ahead, we invite you to join us at one of the upcoming events below.
State of the District (link) - open to all Snyder ISD families and community
Thursday, April 23 | 6:00 PM
Snyder High School, Worsham Auditorium
Coffee with the Superintendent - open to all Snyder ISD families and community
Tuesday, April 28 | 10:00–11:00 AM
Snyder High School Student Center
In collaboration with the Snyder Chamber of Commerce
(Check in at the front office)
Superintendent Roundtable - open to all Snyder ISD families and community
Wednesday, April 29 | 5:00–6:00 PM
Snyder High School Library
(Enter through front doors)
Superintendent Roundtable - open to all Snyder ISD families and community
Wednesday, May 6 | 12:00–1:00 PM
Snyder Junior High School Library
If you would like to learn more about our programs, progress, or direction, we encourage you to reach out directly at questions@snyderisd.net, contact any of our campuses, or attend one of our upcoming community events.
For timely updates, follow Snyder ISD on Facebook and Instagram. For a full list of district events, visit www.snyderisd.net/events.