The exams measure student performance in Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology and U.S. History.

Districtwide, 65% of Garland ISD students met grade-level standards in English I, up 4 percentage points from 2025. English II scores improved 1 point to 67%, Biology rose 3 points to 91% and Algebra I increased 4 points to 85%. The district’s only decline came in U.S. History, which slipped 2 points but still recorded a 92% passing rate.

At Sachse High School, students improved in three of the five tested subjects. Biology scores climbed 5 percentage points to 95%, Algebra I increased 4 points to 88% and English I improved 1 point to 75%. English II declined 4 points to 72%, while U.S. History fell 4 points to 93%.

Garland High School also posted gains in several subject areas. English I improved 8 percentage points to 61%, while Biology and Algebra I each rose 6 points to 92% and 77%, respectively. English II declined 2 points to 61%, and U.S. History increased 1 point to 94%.

Among middle school students taking Algebra I, Hudson Middle School posted a 99% passing rate, an improvement of 1 percentage point from last year.

In Wylie ISD, students posted gains in four of five tested subjects. Districtwide, Algebra I scores increased 3 percentage points to 96%, Biology rose 1 point to 98%, English I improved 2 points to 88% and English II increased 1 point to 88%. U.S. History declined 1 point but still recorded a 97% passing rate.

At Wylie High School, Algebra I scores improved 3 points to 94%, while English I remained unchanged at 88%. Biology and U.S. History each slipped 1 point to 97%, and English II declined 1 point to 89%.

Wylie East High School recorded gains across most tested areas, including 4-point increases in English I, English II and Algebra I. Biology improved 1 point to 98%, while U.S. History declined 1 point to 97%.

Statewide, the Texas Education Agency reported improvements in every end-of-course subject area compared with 2025.

Did you enjoy this article? Let us know by supporting your local community newspaper — subscribe to The Sachse News.

Detective Alexandra Waters, a police public information officer, said the Criminal Investigations Division arrested Zachary Christian Neu on Thursday, June 4, on a second-degree felony charge alleging soliciting prostitution or other activity with a payor person under the age of 18.

Waters said Neu, a 32-year-old Richardson resident, was accused of offering to buy alcohol and lingerie for a recent 2026 Wylie East graduate “in exchange for sexual conduct.” 

Police later identified a second victim after executing a search warrant on Neu’s personal devices, Waters said in a Friday, June 5, release. 

“Neu is also being charged with improper relationship between educator and student,” Waters said. Court records show he was transferred Friday to the Collin County Detention Center, where he was held on two bonds totaling $1.5 million. No attorney for his case was noted.

Wylie Independent School District said Neu was hired as a science teacher at Wylie East HS in August 2017, promoted to dean of students in July 2024 and then assistant principal in January 2026.

“His employment with the district ended today,” April Cunningham, chief communications officer for WISD, said after police announced Neu’s arrest.

In a letter to Wylie East parents, WISD Superintendent Kim Spicer said the district had been cooperating with police.

“While I am limited in the details I can provide due to the ongoing criminal investigation, I want to be absolutely clear — the allegations being investigated are serious and wholly inconsistent with the standards we expect of our employees,” Spicer said.

“Educators hold positions of authority and are entrusted with tremendous responsibility,” she said. “As adults, they are expected to exercise sound judgment and understand that they are responsible for maintaining appropriate boundaries and relationships with students at all times.”

The superintendent said district employees should never engage in private communication with a student through personal social media or other unofficial channels. 

“Electronic communication between students and staff should occur only through official district platforms, such as district email or Wylie ISD Connect (ParentSquare),” Spicer said. “These rules exist to protect students and staff, maintain transparency, and ensure accountability.”

She thanked the graduate and their family for reporting their concerns to law enforcement. 

“Speaking up when something feels wrong takes courage, and their actions allowed the matter to be investigated quickly,” she said.

Stay informed. Support your local community newspaper — subscribe to The Sachse News.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Wylie ISD Administration Building, 951 S. Ballard Ave. Residents are invited to attend and participate in the discussion regarding the proposed budget and tax rate before trustees take action.

District officials are proposing to keep the total tax rate unchanged from the current year at $1.1752 per $100 valuation. The proposed rate is made up of $0.7552 for maintenance and operations and $0.42 for debt service tied to voter-approved bonds.

Although the tax rate would remain the same, the district’s proposed budget reflects changes in spending and property values across the district.

According to the notice, total expenditures in the proposed budget would increase 11.69% compared with the previous fiscal year. Maintenance and operations spending is projected to decrease 1.71%, while debt service expenditures are expected to increase 79%.

The district’s total taxable property value is estimated at $10.81 billion for the current tax year, down slightly from approximately $10.98 billion last year. New taxable property value is estimated at about $180.7 million, compared with roughly $249.1 million the previous year.

Wylie ISD’s total appraised property value is listed at approximately $14.2 billion, compared with $15.28 billion during the preceding tax year

For homeowners, the district estimates taxes on the average residence would decrease slightly. Based on an average taxable home value of $332,530, taxes are projected at $3,907.89 annually, a decrease of $13.74 from the previous year.

The notice also states the district has approximately $629.1 million in outstanding bonded indebtedness.

Under Texas law, the district’s voter-approval tax rate is $1.181698 per $100 valuation. If the district adopts a rate above that threshold, voter approval would be required through an election. The proposed rate remains below that level.

The district estimates ending the current fiscal year with approximately $76.2 million in maintenance and operations fund balances and $48.6 million in interest and sinking fund balances.

See page 2A for the notice of the proposed tax rate. Additional information regarding property taxes and proposed tax rates is available through the state’s property tax database at Texas.gov/PropertyTaxes.

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

By Allison LaBrot | [email protected]

Sachse High School’s Class of 2026 celebrated its achievements during commencement exercises Wednesday, May 20. The ceremony for the 741 graduates was held at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland. 

The processional began with an array of flags representing the many cultures that made up the Class of 2026. The highest-ranking student from each nation carried a flag. The Sachse High School Wind Ensemble performed “The Star-Spangled Banner,” featuring senior Braxton Blankenship as vocal soloist. 

Student Council President Sophia Mary Olalde Taylor led the Pledge of Allegiance and Texas Pledge.

Senior class president Amsi Simei Orozco and Garland ISD superintendent Ricardo López welcomed graduates, guests and administrators. López also recognized Saniya Reed and Brooklynn White for displaying “grit” throughout their journeys to graduation. 

The program continued with a performance of “From Sea to Shining Sea” by the school’s wind ensemble and A Cappella choir.

Principal Shae Creel’s praised the graduating class for its diverse academic and extracurricular achievements. He also encouraged graduates to reflect on their high school years and find joy in the journey before them. 

“I charge each and every one of you to get out of your comfort zone, experience the world and all it has to offer, make good decisions, be a good person to everyone and know that we love you,” Creel said.

Salutatorian Michelle Chung expressed gratitude for the community of people that supported the Class of 2026 and specifically thanked her parents for their care and sacrifices. While acknowledging the different paths her classmates will take, Michelle also reminded the audience of their shared humanity.

“We all have the ability to learn, to change, to be curious and to dream,” she said, “As we do that though, it is inevitable that we will make silly mistakes and mess up, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned from high school … it is that there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.”

Valedictorian Imanol Matos Colón dedicated his speech to his grandparents and reflected on a question he has considered throughout high school: “What does it truly mean to be human?” He said his answer now differs from the one he would have given as a freshman.

“To me, to be human means to feel emotion, the good, the bad and the in-between,” Imanol said.

He also thanked teachers, friends and family members who taught him what it means to be human and live in the present. 

School board trustee Wes Johnson, who also celebrated the milestone as the father of one of the graduates, shared remarks during the ceremony.

“The value of one’s life is not measured by how safely it was lived,” Johnson said, “The value of one’s life is measured by how fully it is lived.”

In addition to receiving high school diplomas, 131 students were honored for receiving associate degrees.

Soloist Sidney Mallari led the alma mater, and the ceremony concluded with the traditional cap toss and the wind ensemble performing John Williams’ “Coronation March” for the recessional.

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

“The highlight of my time in high school was the opportunity to meet people whom I now consider my best friends,” Imanol said. “We have grown together and supported one another throughout these four years.”

The valedictorian and salutatorian earned weighted GPAs of 5.057 and 4.838, respectively, during their high school careers. Both students named AP Physics among their favorite classes and said their teacher Alex Brown cultivated kindness and enthusiasm in his classroom. 

“The memories I’ve made in his physics classroom will last me a lifetime, and it is all because of Mr. Brown and the amazing teacher that he is,” Imanol said. 

The valedictorian also said math teacher Moeen Damrah went “above and beyond” as a mentor both inside and outside the classroom. 

While balancing classwork, both students remained active in extracurricular activities. Michelle participated in Key Club, Academic UIL and Academic Decathlon. Imanol was involved in AVID Club and Spanish National Honor Society while also serving as an Early College Ambassador. 

Through AVID, Imanol said he enjoyed seeing students come together to collect donations for the Sachse Animal Shelter and hopes to continue seeking leadership and service opportunities in college. 

Both students also participated in National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and Beta Club. Michelle has decided to focus on activities more closely related to her planned major, mechanical engineering. 

“However, if I find a college-level equivalent to Academic UIL and Academic Decathlon, I would definitely like to participate in them because I find it thrilling to compete in academic competitions,” Michelle said. 

The salutatorian said she chose mechanical engineering based on her interests in mathematics and physics. She also said mechanical engineering “is a versatile field that could lead to other opportunities within the scope of engineering.”

“I’m excited to engage in research opportunities and do hands-on activities regarding engineering, which is something that you don’t really get to do in a high school setting,” she said. 

Imanol plans to major in neuroscience with the goal of becoming a psychiatrist and helping others improve their mental health and overall wellbeing. 

Ahead of graduation ceremonies Wednesday, May 20, at the Curtis Culwell Center, both students said they felt honored to have the opportunity to speak, though public speaking still made them nervous.

Despite their fears, both had advice for younger students. Michelle encouraged students to savor the little moments happening in the present.

“While it’s important to be concerned about your future, it’s also equally important to enjoy your present,” she said. 

She also encouraged students to view mistakes as a natural part of life and not as indicators of future success. 

“If you work hard and stay determined, you will eventually see the results of your efforts and accomplish more than you ever imagined possible,” Imanol said. 

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

Wylie ISD celebrated its employees Friday night during the 10th annual Wylie Way Awards Gala at the Plano Event Center, recognizing 2025-26 Wylie Way winners, Teachers of the Year, Paraprofessionals of the Year, retirees and longtime staff members whose service has shaped the district for decades.

Districtwide honors went to Cox Elementary teacher Kati Ozols, named Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Davis Intermediate educator Julianne Zuniga, named Secondary Teacher of the Year. Hartman Early Childhood Learning Center’s Kylee Merrick was recognized as Elementary Paraprofessional of the Year, while Achieve Academy’s Harold Lacey earned Secondary Paraprofessional of the Year honors.

The annual gala, attended by district leaders, trustees, educators and community supporters, also highlighted employees reaching milestone years of service and recognized 49 retirees, who together represented more than 890 combined years of dedication to Wylie ISD.

Read the full story, stay informed, and support your local community newspaper, subscribe to  The Sachse News.

Five Sachse High School students were involved in the creation of three films shown at the Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF) in late April. The Oscar-qualifying festival now in its 20th year features films from around the world. The animated short film “Value” became the first high school production to be included in the regular short films category in DIFF history and earned the Audience Award for the festival’s North Texas High School Showcase.

“It’s such an honor to be included in a festival that’s meant to support and showcase so many artists,” Sidney Mallari, animator, writer and director of “Value,” said. “This was an incredible stepping stone that opened up my path to so many more opportunities as an animator and artist.” 

The animated short film explores Sidney’s journey with mental health and took 18 months to complete. Music for the film was by student Kaedan Newsome.

“(‘Value’ is) about how even when you feel that you have no support, acknowledging that you’re struggling and giving yourself grace is all the support you need to keep going,” Sidney said.

Additionally, two other short films by Sachse students were shown in the North Texas High School Showcase. Ben Castillo was one of three students able to attend in person. The film “The Chemical Rainbow,” made by Ben and Wyatt Roman, is about the chemical ingredients found in Skittles and their potential effects on health. Ben worked as the director, filmmaker and editor, while Wyatt appeared as the actor and voice in the film in addition to gathering information. 

“This means a lot to Wyatt and me, with our film not only showing at a big film festival like DIFF, but our first film making it to the big screen with only eight months of experience in filmmaking,” Ben said.

Sean Brown created the animations and music for the short film “Road Rush.” Sean’s entry featured a street race with several twists and turns for the competing drivers.

“One of the biggest praises we got this year was from DIFF organizers telling me how they have heard from festival leaders about Sachse High School’s growing film program,” Bryant Varnell, SHS animation teacher, said.

Varnell said he looks for students who go beyond what was asked of them in their class film projects and submits their films online to be screened and voted on by festival organizers.

“The films that have gone to competition were a combination of in-school and at-home productions,” Varnell said. “It takes that level of dedication to be a festival-worthy film.”

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

Achievements from the past four years are motivating new aspirations in Amanda Lu, Wylie East’s valedictorian, and Wyatt Kelley, salutatorian. The top two students are focused on their future college majors while reflecting on the people and activities that shaped their decisions. 

Amanda plans to major in biochemistry at The University of Texas at Dallas. She said she is also interested in neuroscience and hopes to become a researcher and teacher. 

“I want to do something that will always make me learn something new,” Amanda said. 

During a tour of her future university, she experienced a Zebrafish lab that made her excited about her time as a student doing lab work. 

Wyatt will attend Wichita State University with plans to major in mechanical engineering. 

“Having the opportunity to learn and study only the things I want to learn and study is what excites me the most about college,” he said. 

Wyatt’s favorite high school classes were related to math, science and engineering. In one of these classes, Victor Munguia, his advanced algebra teacher, created solutions to keep Wyatt focused and helped him discover his love for math. Other influential teachers during Wyatt’s high school career were Steven Parker, his freshman English teacher, and Matthew Highfill , his AP U.S. history teacher. 

Breegan Gholson taught one of Amanda’s favorite classes, student leadership, and inspired her by encouraging curiosity in students. 

“Over the four years I knew her, she gave me a lot of the advice that has shaped the mindset I have today,” Amanda said. 

AP 2-D Art and Design with Jennifer Thompson and humanities with Amy May were also memorable classes for Amanda. 

The valedictorian’s weighted GPA is 5.92, and the salutatorian’s is 5.78. Both students maintained schedules that included activities in addition to academics. 

“I’ve been on the varsity tennis team all four years of my high school career, and I’m a regional qualifier three years in a row now,” Wyatt said. He plans to continue playing outside of his college’s team. Both he and Amanda were a part of the National Honor Society. 

Additionally, Amanda participated in student council and National Art Honor Society along and became a certified nursing assistant. In the Animanga Club, she furthered a long-time interest in anime and manga through related activities with other students. She also found a passion for teaching while helping with Raider Navigator, a program where upperclassmen guide freshmen through Wylie East’s routines and requirements. 

Throughout her time at Wylie East, Amanda said she saw every moment as significant.

“I think any moment that I spent with the people I cared about and the activities I cared for was my highlight,” the student said. 

Wyatt’s highlight came near the end of high school when he received the Birmingham Scholarship awarded to the top ten ranking students from Wylie East and Wylie High. 

The Wylie East Class of 2026 will graduate at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen. 

Both students want future Raiders to enjoy high school while also keeping the future in mind. Wyatt said students should make a plan for after high school and begin preparing for it by joining extracurricular activities aligned with their interests. Amanda advised younger students to take advantage of opportunities and use their early high school years wisely. She also encouraged them to check their emails and complete Common App essays early. 

“We have so much going on every day; if you are bored, you have definitely not explored enough,” she said. 

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

By Andrew Norsworthy
[email protected]

Proposed changes to Wylie ISD’s literature review process took center stage during a recent Wylie ISD Board of Trustees meeting, following concerns over a previously approved book and ongoing public feedback.

Proceedings began with recognition of several state and national champions, qualifiers and placers from Wylie High School and Wylie East High School. Students earned accolades in multiple competitions, including powerlifting, boys and girls basketball, and wrestling.

Following the recognitions, trustees held a public forum and heard grievances from parents and community members. Several speakers voiced continued concerns regarding the Feb. 2 unauthorized booth incident at Wylie East High School and called for accountability.

To read the full story, stay informed, and support your community newspaper — subscribe to The Sachse News.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 30, with activities taking place from 6 to 8 p.m.

Designed for graduating seniors and one parent or guardian, the program will provide information on academic programs, the registration process and campus resources. Attendees will have the chance to meet with faculty and staff, as well as speak with financial aid representatives.

College officials said the event is aimed at helping incoming students feel prepared and confident as they begin their college journey.
Students who register and attend will receive free swag. Those unable to attend the Wylie Campus event may register to participate at another Collin College location.

For more information or to register, visit collin.edu/collin-bound.

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