Chamber attendees told educators are investing in students’ legacy today and tomorrow
The Taylor Independent School District just celebrated 100 years, but educators are looking ahead to an even more productive future for the next century to come.
Superintendent Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen delivered that assessment, as well as her thoughts on maintaining a legacy of educational excellence, during the annual “State of the District” luncheon Monday, March 17, held by the Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce.
She outlined a number of initiatives underway or in the planning stages to enhance students’ learning, including continuing a high-tech partnership with Samsung Austin Semiconductor.
Garcia-Edwardsen knows she won’t be around to see the next 100 years at Taylor ISD, but she likes to envision what’s to come, she told the audience.
“As we look ahead at building a legacy, we have a few focused areas that we’re going to look at,” Garcia-Edwardsen said.
Among the initiatives: • A 100-member community action committee is working to address growth issues and how the school district should respond.
• Excellence in Student Outcomes, stressing a world-class education and topnotch experiences.
• The 2-year-old Samsung internship program, which takes 24 students each summer and trains them at the Taylor and Austin sites in skills related to the semiconductor industry.
• The district has also created a 10-year growth plan, including anticipated expenditures coupled with a comprehensive list of all the district’s assets from uniforms for sports and band activities to school lawnmowers.
• Continuing strong partnerships with the Taylor community and the Taylor Educational Enrichment Foundation.
The superintendent also highlighted students she said represented the kind of education and support offered by Taylor ISD.
Garcia-Edwardsen introduced Taylor High School senior Jeremiah Ruiz as a “a true Taylor Duck.” He has attended Taylor schools since prekindergarten.
“He is a true testament to our education system,” she said. Ruiz is captain of the 2024 nationally ranked Academic Decathlon team, a drum major for the Taylor High marching band, a University Interscholastic League academic member, belongs to the National Honor Society and is a National Merit Commended Scholar.
Ruiz told the audience he credited Advanced Placement English and UIL Academic teacher Vicki Rowe for helping him with his public speaking.
“Throughout my 12 years in Taylor ISD, I’ve had teachers who have prioritized my growth and the growth of the other students around me,” Ruiz said. “Taylor is beautiful and has allowed me to be a part of so many opportunities.”
Garcia-Edwardsen also mentioned a former student who completed two Samsung internships, where he followed a path from welding to instrumentation technology.
When he graduates from college, the student plans to return to Samsung for employment.
“It’s not our job to make the decision (about what’s best for students’ futures) but to provide them with the opportunities so that they’re empowered to make the best decisions for themselves,” Garcia-Edwardsen said.
Ruiz said his time in Taylor ISD has taught him the benefit of belonging to a community.
“We’re a flock of ducks unlike any other place in the world,” he said. “A duck is a unique creature like Taylor ISD is a unique district.”
The superintendent echoed that sentiment.
“We’re stronger together,” she said.
