Prairie Lea Independent School District

Greetings Everyone! We are pleased to state that the air quality of ALL school buildings at PLISD is good! Despite rumors and gossip that often dominates small communities like ours, our air quality is good, students are learning and excelling, and we are excited about the future of our school! PLISD is focused on creating and sustaining the best learning environment possible for students, faculty, and staff members with strong communication and collaboration with all district stakeholders and community members. If you want to know more about our school, plans for the future, and other exciting things, please reach out to Dr. McCraw, Superintendent at 512-488-2328

Did you know? Even though the ballot must say “this is a property tax increase,” you will not see your Prairie Lea ISD property tax rate go up. Our district has worked hard to keep debt low, and thanks to recent community growth, we have a surplus that allows us to fund these projects without raising the tax rate. In 2019, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 3, mandating that all school district bond election ballots include the phrase “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.” This requirement aims to ensure transparency by informing voters that approving a bond could lead to higher property taxes, even if the district does not plan to raise the tax rate. The Prairie Lea ISD bond election will not raise your current property tax rate — it will stay exactly the same rate as what you’re paying now no matter the outcome of the election. If the bond passes or fails the tax rate will remain the same.

As part of the Bond 2025 process, PLISD is again asking for your input as a possible member of our Community Action Committe on improvements to the PLISD campuses in various projects including remodeling of existing structures and additions that will enhance our leaning environment for all students. If you are interested in serving the students at our school, please complete the survey below and we will reach out to you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HBMZ73K

February 7, 2025 Dear Parents and Community Members of the Prairie Lea Independent School District, At approximately 9:40 am on Friday, February 7, 2025, I was notified by campus personnel that a student was experiencing a medical emergency that required an immediate response from our school nurse, emergency medical personnel, and local law enforcement. The student was treated on site and transported to a local medical facility. At no time were students, faculty, or staff members in any danger during this situation. I would like to personally thank our School Nurse, Elizabeth McCraw, for her quick actions and medical response, as well as the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Department, the Caldwell County Constable’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety for their swift response and precise actions while managing the situation at our school. The Prairie Lea Independent School District is focused on creating and sustaining a safe and secure learning environment for our students, faculty and staff members at all times. We will continue to move our district forward by taking additional steps to maximize campus safety and security while students learn and grow at PLISD. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Dr. Brian McCraw, Ed.D. Superintendent, PLISD

FYI: False fire alarm at the high school just now. Microwave popcorn is the culprit!

*** COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MEETING Announcement! *** Topic: Discussion on Calling a School Bond ** FREE MEAL for everyone who attends! ** Date: Thursday January 30, 2025 Time: 6:00 pm Location: Prairie Lea ISD Gym Prairie Lea ISD Administration invites all residents, parents, educators, and stakeholders to a Community Engagement Meeting to discuss the possibility of calling a school bond. This bond will play a crucial role in addressing our community’s educational needs, including funding for school renovations, technology updates, financial stability, and other essential improvements to enhance student success. We value your input and encourage your participation in this important discussion. This is an opportunity to learn about potential projects, ask questions, and share your thoughts on how best to support our students and schools! Bring your kiddos and students so they can be heard as well! Your voice matters—join us to help shape the future of education in our community. PLEASE come be a part of our discussion at PLISD and its future! For more information, contact Superintendent Dr. Brian McCraw, Ed.D. at: mccrawb@plisd.net or at 512-488-2328 We look forward to seeing you there!

PLISD will have a delayed start on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, with classes starting at 9:30 am. Please be safe on the roads and we will see everyone tomorrow morning!

Dear Prairie Lea ISD Parents, Faculty, and Staff, Due to the forecast of inclement weather in our area for Monday evening through Tuesday morning, PLISD will be closed on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. This includes the cancellation of all school activities for Tuesday as well. We will continue to monitor the weather conditions during this time to determine school plans and operations for Wednesday, January 22. Stay safe and stay warm! Sincerely, Dr. Brian McCraw, Ed.D. Superintendent, Prairie Lea ISD

Applications for candidacy for the Prairie Lea ISD Board of Trustees election are now available online at plisd.net and at the PLISD Administration building. *Deadline to submit applications is Friday, February 14, 2025.

Greetings Parents! This is an update for you concerning expected bad weather conditions for Thursday and Friday. AS OF RIGHT NOW, 1/8/2025, PLISD will be conducting a regular school day with regular hours for Thursday and Friday, 1/9 and 1/10. If any significant weather events occur prior to the start of school in the morning on Thursday I will make adjustments to the schedule as needed which MAY include a late start or cancellation of classes. Be sure to monitor our district Facebook page and website as I will update everything by the minute and as needed. Stay warm and have a great day! -Dr. McCraw, Superintendent

REMINDER: PLISD will have an EARLY RELEASE Day on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 1:00pm! Buses will leave at 1:10pm!! MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!!!!!

PLISD will host a School Safety and Security (SST) Team meeting on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 3:30pm in the new cafeteria.

Attention Parents: PLISD will be conducting a Code Red (lockdown) drill around 1:10 pm today (12/17/2024). This is only a drill.

The PLISD Board of Trustees will host a Special Board Meeting on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, to conduct a Facilities/Campus Tour of all PLISD buildings, etc. If you are interested in seeing where your students are everyday at school, please come and join us for a special tour of PLISD! The meeting starts at 5:00 pm!

PLISD will have an Early Release tomorrow, 11/22/2024 at 1pm!

Prairie Lea ISD is looking to add certified bus drivers (part-time) to our team! To apply, click the Current Openings tab. For assistance don't hesitate to contact Ms. Kraus at krausa@plisd.net. Thank you for your interest!

FYI for Parents and Stakeholders: PLISD will be on a regular bell schedule and regular school day for Friday November 8, 2024.

ATTENTION PARENTS! Due to the large # of secondary students that will be leaving school early tomorrow for football contests in Benavides, the PLISD has decided to have an EARLY RELEASE tomorrow, 10/25/2024, at 12:50PM. We will be on the regular bell schedule all day and will end school after the high school lunch period at 12:50 pm. *Buses on routes will leave campus at 1:05 pm.

If you are interested in serving as a Prairie Lea ISD School Board Trustee please complete the interest form. If you have any questions, please contact mccrawb@plisd.net or krausa@plisd.net. Thank you for your interest and support!

September 4, 2024 Dear Parents, Guardians, and Members of the Prairie Lea ISD Community, At approximately 12:26 pm on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, I was notified by campus administration that a secondary student had reported that he had been threatened by another student that allegedly was in possession of a weapon. After a thorough investigation by school leadership, we found no credible evidence of a threat or of the presence of a weapon on school grounds. Students, faculty, and staff members were not under any threat or any danger during the school day. We would like to thank our school leaders and the PLISD Board of Trustees for continuing to create and maintain a safe and effective learning environment for all students, faculty, and staff of Prairie Lea ISD.