As we prepare to welcome students and staff for the 2026–2027 school year, I am proud of the progress we have made and grateful for the hard work and support that made it possible. Throughout the past year, we continued to see our mission come to life through the accomplishments of our students and the commitment of our educators, families, and community partners.

Our motto, “Big City Education. Small Town Values.”, continues to define who we are and where we are going. During the 2025–2026 school year, Kaufman ISD reached several important milestones:

• More than 390 students from the Class of 2026 crossed the stage to receive their diplomas, with approximately 99% of these seniors meeting College, Career, and/or Military Readiness standards, setting them on a clear path for continued success after graduation.

• The Class of 2026 also earned more than 2,300 hours of dual credit, and 44% graduated with at least one industry-based certification while six students earned an associate degree through our partnership with Trinity Valley Community College before receiving their high school diplomas.

• Our UIL Academic competitors brought home a State Championship in Poetry Interpretation, along with second, fifth, and sixth-place finishes in other state competitions.

• Our Career and Technical Education programs sent students to state and national competitions in areas including barbecue, agricultural judging, and audio-video production.

• Our Fine Arts programs continued to grow while earning numerous Superior and Excellent ratings. The Kaufman High School Marching Band advanced to the UIL State Marching Contest, nine theater students qualified for nationals, and students advanced to state in both theatre and music competitions.

• In athletics, 78 students earned Academic All-District recognition, 30 received Academic All-State honors, and 11 student-athletes signed letters of intent to continue competing at the collegiate level.

These accomplishments represent more than numbers and awards. They reflect our community’s commitment to Excellence, Service, and Integrity. Our students continue to make us proud in the classroom, on the stage, and on the field.

During the past year, we also celebrated several events that reminded us what makes Kaufman ISD special. More than 1,000 community members came together for our Homecoming Community Pep Rally, and more than 1,000 attended the Lions Family Fiesta. Both events provided opportunities for our families, schools, local organizations, and community partners to connect and celebrate together.

Thanks to the support of our community through the 2024 KISD Bond program, we broke ground on the new Kaufman Middle School, the new Kaufman High School Agricultural Barn, and the expansion of the Helen Edwards Early Childhood Center. All three projects are scheduled to open by the fall of 2027. We will also continue planning for the Phillips Elementary renovation while completing maintenance and safety improvements throughout the district.

 Our teachers remain at the heart of everything we accomplish. Their commitment, creativity, and professionalism create the culture of care and high expectations that sets Kaufman ISD apart. I am thankful for the work they do each day and look forward to another school year filled with opportunity and growth.

 To our students: You are the reason we serve. To our families: Thank you for walking alongside us and supporting our schools. To the entire Kaufman community: Your belief in public education continues to move our district forward. Together, we are preparing students for the future and helping shape it.

 It’s a great day to be a LION!