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.
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]]>Wylie ISD’s newest career and technical education facility will carry the name of a longtime community leader whose ties to the district and its agricultural programs span more than three decades.
Trustees announced Monday, Aug. 17, that the new facility at the F.O. Birmingham Agriculture Center will be named the Marvin Fuller Career & Technical Education Center in honor of Albert Marvin Fuller Jr.
The name was recommended by the district’s Board Naming Committee in recognition of Fuller’s decades of service to Wylie in education, agriculture, business and economic development.
Read the full story in the August 27th edition. Stay informed — subscribe to The Sachse News.
]]>For the second consecutive year, no Garland ISD campus received an F rating, according to the district.
District officials attributed the gains to a continued focus on high-quality instruction, strong leadership and ensuring students have the opportunity to succeed.
Read the full story in the August 20th edition. Stay informed — subscribe to The Sachse News.
]]>Nearly 150,000 Collin County residents were estimated to lack consistent access to adequate food in 2024, according to newly released data from Feeding America, with the number of children experiencing food insecurity increasing by more than 9,000 in one year.
Feeding America released its 2026 Map the Meal Gap report July 28. The study uses data through 2024 to estimate food insecurity at the state, county and congressional district levels. Food insecurity is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as limited or uncertain access to adequate food at some point during the year.
The numbers present a mixed picture in Collin County.
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]]>The Texas Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to slow down and stay alert as students across the state return to school.
In 2025, Texas recorded 877 crashes in school zones, a 12% increase from the previous year. Another 2,358 crashes involved school buses. Distracted driving and speeding were the most common contributing factors.
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]]>Jacob Day, Place 6; Stacie Smith, Place 1; and Virdie Montgomery, Place 5, are seeking re-election.
Place 2 will be open after current trustee Mike Williams decided not to seek another term. Brett Fagan, Brandon Thomas and Sam Satterwhite are seeking the Place 2 seat.
Williams, who has served Wylie ISD for nearly 30 years as a teacher, coach, campus principal and trustee, reflected on his time with the district.
“During my almost 30 years of service to Wylie ISD as a teacher, coach and campus principal, and trustee, one thing really stands out: In all positions, we put all students and staff first in all decisions that were made,” Williams said. “Policy, budget, additional campuses, equity for all no matter what side of town you lived — and as a result, our students, staff and community have enjoyed great success academically, athletically, in the fine arts and career education.”
“Our students have been able to reach their potential and become contributors to our community and world,” he said.
Satterwhite previously served on the Wylie ISD board from 2006 to 2009.
The candidate filing period is underway and ends Aug. 17 at 5 p.m. Applications may be submitted Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wylie ISD Educational Service Center, 951 S. Ballard Ave., Wylie, or faxed to 972-941-6005, attention Krystal Smith.
There is no filing fee.
Candidates for the Wylie ISD board must be at least 18 years old, registered voters and have lived in Texas for at least 12 months and within Wylie ISD for at least six months before the filing deadline. Candidates run for specific places on the seven-member board but represent the district at large.
Early voting is scheduled for Oct. 19-30, with Election Day set for Nov. 3.
The candidates are listed by the district in the order their applications were received. The Wylie News will feature profiles of the candidates in the coming weeks.
For more information about campaign finance reporting, contact the Texas Ethics Commission.
Election information is available through the Texas Secretary of State, and additional information about school board service is available through the Texas Association of School Boards.
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]]>They made history Sunday at Sachse High School by renaming the gymnasium in honor of a man who left an indelible mark on generations of students. The gym now carries the name of Steve Hammerle.
In inviting the community to the celebration, Garland ISD described the dedication as a “historic occasion,” honoring an educator who “dedicated himself to the students, staff and community of Sachse High School, leaving a lasting impact through his leadership, commitment and service.”
The dedication ceremony drew a large crowd of former students, fellow educators, family members and friends. The Sachse High School Mighty Mustang Band, color guard, drill team and cheerleaders performed before the ceremony.
Hammerle called the recognition “the highlight of my career” and thanked the students he met throughout his years in education “for everything you taught me.”
Hammerle spent nearly 50 years as a public educator, including more than 30 years with Garland ISD, serving as a teacher, assistant principal, middle school principal and high school principal. During his career, he earned Principal of the Year honors at both the high school and middle school levels, TASSP Region 10 Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year honors and a PTA Lifetime Membership Award. A graduate of Texas A&M University, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1977 before completing graduate studies in counseling and student services and school administration.
Former Sachse High principal Shae Creel, who succeeded Hammerle in 2016, praised his predecessor’s vision and leadership.
“Stepping into a post that Steve founded was truly special,” Creel said.
Construction on Sachse High began in 2000, and the campus opened in 2002 with an inaugural class of 815 freshmen and sophomores. Additional grade levels were added in subsequent years, with the school’s first graduating class earning diplomas in 2005.
Creel said Hammerle, who oversaw the project from “the ground up,” was dedicated to ensuring “everything was done right” and built a culture that continues to shape the campus today.
Brandy Schneider, a former Sachse High assistant principal, recalled Hammerle’s high standards during construction of the campus.
“Everything must look in 20 years like it does today,” he insisted.
Steve Evans, who met Hammerle while the two attended Garland High School, remembered him as someone who “never had a negative thing to say about anyone” and said he was “passionate about friendships and was always willing to help others.”
The announcement of the dedication on the Sachse High School Facebook page prompted dozens of congratulatory comments from former students and colleagues. Richie Harris wrote, “He was the only reason I graduated from Garland High School in ‘90. He was tough but fair.” Another former student, Charles Stiles, a member of Sachse High’s first graduating class, wrote that Hammerle encouraged students “to leave our mark on the campus,” adding, “You knew he cared about every student that walked in those doors.”
The ceremony also included heartfelt remarks from Hammerle’s son, Sean, who spoke about his father’s decision to adopt him after marrying his late wife, Marlene, former principal of Rowlett High School.
“I knew I was a Hammerle all along,” Sean said. He closed by thanking his father “for showing me what a father should be.” He also recalled family vacations that often turned into impromptu reunions because his father seemed to know someone everywhere they went. “Our family vacations became more like family reunions,” he said to laughter from the audience.
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]]>Proceedings began with the presentation of the Going the Extra Mile, or GEM, Award to Myriam Diaz, who was also recognized for 35 years of service to the district.
The district also introduced two new administrators to the community: Assistant Superintendent of Leadership Michael Arreola and Assistant Superintendent of Safety and Operations Jennifer Duplessis.
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By Andrew Norsworthy | [email protected]
]]>Qualifying items can be purchased tax free from a Texas store or from an online or catalog seller doing business in Texas.
The three-day sales tax holiday begins Friday, Aug. 7, and runs through midnight Sunday, Aug. 9.
The comptroller’s office says the sales tax exemption applies only to qualifying items bought during the period. Items purchased before or after the sales tax holiday do not qualify for exemption, and there is no tax refund available.
The exemption applies to each eligible item sold for less than $100, and there is no limit to the number of qualifying items you can buy.
Computers, software and textbooks are not included. Jewelry, handbags, purses, briefcases, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, watches and other accessories are also not exempt.
However, delivery, shipping, handling and transportation charges by the seller are part of the item’s sales price. If the delivery charge is a flat rate per package, and the amount charged is the same regardless of how many items are included in the package, the total charge can be attributed to any one of the items in the package.
A complete list of school supplies covered by the tax holiday is available at: https://bit.ly/3RkCnpL.
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]]>Fortunately, parents can do a great deal to ease the transition and help children begin the school year feeling prepared and confident.
One of the simplest ways to reduce first-day jitters is to make the occasion something to celebrate. Whether it’s preparing a favorite breakfast, taking the annual first-day photo or planning a special after-school outing, creating a family tradition helps turn nervous energy into positive anticipation.
As the first day approaches, it’s also helpful to begin re-establishing school routines. Moving bedtime a little earlier each night, practicing morning schedules and limiting late-night screen time can make those first few days much smoother for everyone.
Families with children attending a new school can benefit from doing a trial run before classes begin. Driving the route to campus, locating the bus stop or practicing the morning commute removes much of the uncertainty that can contribute to anxiety. Even something as simple as walking through the front entrance or finding the cafeteria can make a new school feel more familiar.
Many schools also host meet-the-teacher nights, orientation programs or campus tours before the school year begins. These events give students a chance to meet teachers, locate classrooms and reconnect with classmates in a relaxed setting before the hallways fill on the first day.
Parents can also help children focus on the opportunities that come with a new school year. New classes, electives, fine arts programs, athletics and clubs all provide chances to learn new skills and discover new interests. Talking about those possibilities shifts the conversation away from what summer is ending and toward what the new year can bring.
Another way to build excitement is to review the school calendar together. Mark holidays, field trips, concerts, athletic events, school carnivals and other activities on a family calendar. Looking ahead to memorable events throughout the year helps children see school as more than homework and tests.
Before classes begin, consider arranging a play date, neighborhood gathering or pool party with friends. Spending time together before school starts reminds children they’ll soon be seeing familiar faces every day, making the transition feel a little less intimidating.
Finally, remember that some nervousness is perfectly normal. Parents who encourage open conversations about school and listen carefully to their children’s concerns can often ease fears before they grow. Sometimes all a child needs is reassurance that others are feeling the same way and that it’s okay to be both excited and nervous about a new beginning.
Every new school year offers a fresh start. With a little preparation, patience and encouragement, parents can help children walk through the school doors ready to learn, make new friends and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
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