Garland ISD trustees honored longtime board member Linda L. Griffin and recognized student achievements during their Aug. 25 regular meeting.

Griffin, 76, died Sunday, Aug. 23, after serving the district for 28 years. She was the first Black woman to serve on the Garland ISD Board of Trustees.

In a statement following her death, Superintendent Ricardo López called Griffin’s passing “a tremendous loss for Garland ISD and the countless students, educators, families, and community members whose lives she touched.”

“Mrs. Griffin will be deeply missed, and the love she gave and the difference she made will live on for generations,” López said.

Board President Wes Johnson announced that the Team of Eight training meeting had been canceled following Griffin’s death. He then asked for a moment of silence before reflecting on one of the philosophies that guided her service to the district.

“Miss Griffin would want us 100% to move on with this meeting and all meetings because what was her life about? Always benefiting children. ABC,” Johnson said. “And if you knew her for any length of time, you’re going to hear those three letters. And so she wants us to continue doing that tonight and every night moving forward, and that’s what we intend to do.”

Garland Education Association President Lucero Cazares-Rodriguez also honored Griffin during the public forum, noting that the organization had supported her each time she ran for trustee and that her loss would be “greatly felt throughout the district.”

Cazares-Rodriguez also asked the board to consider creating a program that would allow employees to donate a day of leave to other employees struggling with health issues.

Following the public forum, trustees recognized high-achieving students and their instructors, including UIL State Solo and Ensemble Gold Medalists, UIL State Solo and Ensemble Outstanding Performers and members of the Texas Choral Directors Association Honor Choir.

The district also introduced several new principals, including Melody Sawaski, principal of the Gilbreath-Reed Career and Technical Center; Ashley Wong, principal of Sachse High School; and Kristy Nolan, principal of Coyle Middle School.

During trustee reports, board members again reflected on Griffin and shared memories of their longtime colleague. Trustee Robert Selders Jr. said the meeting felt “different” without her and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from Griffin during his own service as a trustee.

Johnson said the district plans to hold a “more formal” celebration of life for Griffin but did not specify a date.

Following reports from trustees and the superintendent, the board unanimously approved its consent agenda.

Trustees also unanimously approved consolidating two contracts for the purchase of musical instruments, repair services and parts following a brief discussion.

The meeting adjourned following an executive session.

Garland ISD trustees will meet at 5 p.m., Sept. 22, for their next regular meeting.  

Stay informed, and support your local community newspaper, subscribe to The Sachse News