Plano ISD trustees voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt AE Local, a policy that restates the board’s educational philosophy and ties the district’s strategic priorities to measurable commitments.
Trustees and staff described AE Local as a foundational policy intended to align the district’s goals, professional development, accountability systems and reporting. Superintendent Theresa Williams and trustees said the policy reflects priorities such as ensuring students reach grade-level proficiency (especially by third grade), that every student shows at least one year of academic growth annually and that students leave Plano ISD prepared for college, careers or military service (CCMR).
Trustee discussion emphasized the policy’s role as the district’s “golden thread,” aligning later policies and programs with the board’s stated beliefs and commitments. Trustee Nancy Humphrey, part of the board’s policy subcommittee, said the committee spent significant time refining commitments and explicit language to create clear expectations for adults and systems in the district.
Why it matters: AE Local is designed to provide a consistent framework for subsequent policies, performance metrics and district communications. Trustees said the policy will help them and the superintendent measure progress against the district’s strategic plan.
Board action: The board approved AE Local on first and final reading 7-0. Staff said the policy will be used as a reference point when updating other policies and during the board’s monitoring of strategic metrics.
Ending: Administrators said they will embed the commitments into professional development and accountability processes and use the policy as a measuring stick in future board updates.