A statement from Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims: "Today is a great day to be a Hornet. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the entire Athens ISD family, I want to express our heartfelt thanks to the voters for approving this bond. Your support represents a huge investment in the future of our students and our community. We are committed to being responsible stewards of these resources, ensuring every dollar is used wisely — and we’ll be sharing updates and milestones as projects get underway. Thank you for trusting us to continue making Athens ISD the educational heart of East Texas."
3 months ago, Elise Mullinix
graphic says thank you voters! Athens ISD bond 2025 approved
🐝 It's Election Day! Questions about the bond? Visit www.athensisdbond.com. The ballot includes the language: "This is a property tax increase." State law requires all school district bond election ballots to be printed with those words. The Athens ISD bond does not come attached to an increase in the debt service tax rate. #HornetNation
3 months ago, Toni Clay
Graphic with a bold maroon headline reading “Every Vote Counts.” Below, a patriotic sign in blue, red, and white displays the word “ELECTIONDAY,” with “DAY” highlighted in red. The sign is decorated with white stars and vertical red-and-white stripes. The date “May 3” is centered beneath the sign in large maroon text. At the bottom, the website athensisdbond.com is shown, along with the Athens ISD Bond 2025 logo in the lower right corner.
🗳️ Election Day is tomorrow! Questions about the bond? Visit www.athensisdbond.com. The ballot includes the language: "This is a property tax increase." State law requires all school district bond election ballots to be printed with those words. The Athens ISD bond does not come attached to an increase in the debt service tax rate. #HornetNation
3 months ago, Toni Clay
Graphic titled “Election Day Voting Locations” with a maroon background lists voting sites for Saturday, May 3, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Locations include: Seven Points City Hall (Temporary Location), 715 S. Seven Points Blvd., Seven Points; Mabank City Hall, 129 East Market Street, Mabank; First Baptist Church, 13567 TX-31, Brownsboro; Gun Barrel City Hall, 1716 West Main Street, Gun Barrel City; Trinidad City Hall, 100 Park Street, Trinidad; Oran White Civic Center, 701 N. Tool Drive (Hwy 274), Tool; Henderson County Election Office (back entrance), 201 East Larkin, Athens; Payne Springs Fire Rescue Station 1, 12650 TX-198, Gun Barrel City; Eustace High School – Kirk Gym, 318 FM 316 South, Eustace; and First United Methodist Church – Heritage Hall, 501 North Second Street, Chandler. The graphic includes a clock icon and the website athensisdbond.com, with a footer note reading Election Day | May 3 and the Athens ISD Bond 2025 logo.
📣 New & returning enrollment for the upcoming school year is open! 👉 To enroll returning students into AISD for the upcoming school year, visit http://www.athensisd.net, click on the “Parents & Students” menu, and select Family Access. After logging in, choose the tile labeled 2025–26 Returning Student Enrollment. You can also go directly to the login page here: https://skyward.iscorp.com/AthensISDTXStuSTS/. New this year: Families will need to upload proof of residency dated April 2025 or later along with a photo ID to complete registration. 👉 If your child will be new to Athens ISD this fall, enrollment takes place at the campus they will attend. Start by filling out the New Student Enrollment form here: https://skyward.iscorp.com/AthensISDTXStuSTS/NewStudentEnrollment/NewGuardianLoginRequest. This allows you to create a Family Access account (if you don't already have one), complete key forms, and upload required documents such as a birth certificate, immunization records, proof of residency and more. You’ll still need to bring physical copies of key documents to your student’s campus to finalize enrollment. For questions, please contact: • Bel Air – 903-677-6980 • Central Athens – 903-677-6960 • South Athens – 903-677-6970 • AMS – 903-677-3030 • AHS – 903-677-6920
3 months ago, Toni Clay
Words on blue background say: New & Returning Student Enrollment is open
🗳️ It's the LAST DAY to early vote! Questions about the bond? Visit www.athensisdbond.com. The ballot includes the language: "This is a property tax increase." State law requires all school district bond election ballots to be printed with those words. The Athens ISD bond does not come attached to an increase in the debt service tax rate. #HornetNation
3 months ago, Toni Clay
Graphic with a maroon background featuring a megaphone icon and large text that reads “DON’T FORGET!” Below, it says “Today is the last of early voting. Polls are open until 7 p.m.” A “VOTE” badge icon appears underneath. The bottom of the graphic includes the website athensisdbond.com, and the dates “Early Voting | April 22 – 29” and “Election Day | May 3.” The Athens ISD Bond 2025 logo appears in the bottom right corner.
👀 Attention Parents of Special Education Students at Athens ISD: Please be on the lookout for an important email or piece of mail regarding the TEA Parent Involvement Survey. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has selected a random sampling of parents to participate. So not all parents will receive this survey, and, unfortunately, we are unable to add additional names to the list. The survey will come from Gibson Surveys, not Athens ISD. Included with your materials will be a required PIN number that you must use to access and complete the survey. If you are selected and cannot find your PIN, please contact lconner@athensisd.net for assistance. We truly appreciate your time and input; it helps us improve support for our students and families!
3 months ago, Toni Clay
📚 Help us provide books to others! The AHS Student Council Book Drive ends Wednesday. If your family has any gently used children's books you are willing to part with, please take them to the AHS front office to help us support the Henderson County Library here in Athens. #HornetNation
3 months ago, Toni Clay
a photo of a sign that reads: Donate your gently used children's books!
🎯 We're celebrating with Athens Middle School seventh-grader Lee Kessner today! Lee received his plaques for placing 3rd in both target shooting and 3D (animal targets) at the Texas NASP State Tournament in March. His strong performances qualifies him to compete in the upcoming Nationals Tournament! The awards were presented during his lunch period by Texas Parks & Wildlife Archery Specialist Adam Lewis, joined by Archery Coach Jonathan Hill. We're proud of you, Lee! 👏 #HornetNation
3 months ago, Toni Clay
Three individuals stand together indoors against a brick and metal backdrop. In the center, Athens Middle School seventh-grader Lee Kessner holds two award plaques from the Texas NASP State Tournament. On the left is Texas Parks & Wildlife Archery Specialist Adam Lewis, and on the right is Archery Coach Jonathan Hill, both smiling proudly.
Athens Middle School student Lee Kessner stands alone in front of a brick wall, holding two award plaques. One features a bear and reads “Third Place Middle School Male – 3D Challenge,” while the other shows the outline of Texas and recognizes his third-place finish in target shooting at the 2025 NASP State Tournament.
🙌 To no one's surprise, sophomore McCager Smith turned in an outstanding performance at the UIL 4A Region 2 track meet in Commerce, placing second in discus with a powerful throw of 181 feet, 8 inches. Now he’s headed BACK to Austin for the state meet on May 1! McCager brought home the bronze last year. We're so happy to have you represent #HornetNation again, McCager! 🐝
3 months ago, Toni Clay
McCager Smith, wearing an Athens track uniform and a silver medal, stands on the second-place podium at Ernest Hawkins Field. He is smiling beside the first- and third-place finishers at the UIL 4A Region 2 track meet.
📢 Texas law (HB3) requires all school district bond election ballots to include the phrase “THIS IS A TAX INCREASE" — even if the bond does not raise the tax rate. Athens ISD’s strong tax base would allow the district to make payments, should the bond pass, without increasing the district's debt service tax rate, which has remained at 39 cents per $100 valuation since 2016. In short, no tax rate increase is attached to this bond proposal. #HornetNation
3 months ago, Toni Clay
Graphic explaining that although Proposition A on the Athens ISD bond election ballot will state “This is a property tax increase,” it is not actually a tax rate increase. The top section has a bold heading saying “THE BALLOT WILL SAY:” followed by “PROPOSITION A” and the mandated phrase. Text clarifies that state law requires this language on all school bond ballots, even when no tax rate increase is involved. A note explains that Athens ISD’s debt tax rate will not increase if the bond is approved. The phrase “ZERO TAX RATE INCREASE” is prominently displayed at the bottom in bold text.
Gráfico que explica que, aunque la boleta de la elección de bonos de Athens ISD diga “Esto es un aumento del impuesto a la propiedad” para la Propuesta A, en realidad no habrá un aumento en la tasa del impuesto. En la parte superior, un encabezado en negrita dice “LA BOLETA DIRÁ:” seguido de “PROPUESTA A” y la frase requerida por ley. El texto aclara que la ley estatal exige ese lenguaje en todas las boletas de bonos escolares, aunque no haya aumento de impuestos. Se incluye una nota indicando que la tasa de impuestos de deuda de Athens ISD no aumentará si se aprueba la propuesta. En la parte inferior se destaca en letras grandes: “SIN AUMENTO EN LA TASA DE IMPUESTOS.”
🗳️ EARLY VOTING STARTS TODAY! The main location is at the county election office, 201 East Larkin Street in Athens. See the graphic for a list of all locations, dates & times. For more information, visit www.athensisdbond.com.
3 months ago, Toni Clay
The graphic titled “Early Voting Locations” provides details for the Athens ISD 2025 bond election. The main early voting location is the Henderson County Election Office at 201 East Larkin, Athens, with hours April 22–26 from 8 AM to 5 PM, April 27 from 12 PM to 6 PM, and April 28–29 from 7 AM to 7 PM. Branch early voting locations include Mabank City Hall at 129 East Market Street (same hours as the main location), Gun Barrel City Hall at 1716 West Main Street (April 22–25: 8 AM–5 PM, April 28–29: 7 AM–7 PM), Seven Points City Hall (Temporary Location) at 715 S. Seven Points Blvd. (April 22–25: 8 AM–5 PM, April 28–29: 7 AM–7 PM), and First Methodist Church at 501 North Second Street, Chandler (April 22–25: 8 AM–5 PM, April 28–29: 7 AM–7 PM). The website listed is athensisdbond.com. Early voting runs April 22–29, and Election Day is May 3.
🗳️ Early voting for the AISD bond begins Tuesday, April 22 and runs through Tuesday, April 29. AISD voters can cast their ballots at the Henderson County Election Office in Athens (201 E. Larkin) or at branch locations in Mabank, Gun Barrel City, Seven Points or Chandler. Questions about the bond? Visit www.athensisdbond.com #HornetNation
4 months ago, Toni Clay
Graphic with a maroon background titled “Early Voting Locations,” listing one main location and four branch locations for early voting in the Athens ISD bond election. The main location is Henderson County Election Office, 201 East Larkin, Athens, open April 22–26 from 8 AM–5 PM, April 27 from 12 PM–6 PM, and April 28–29 from 7 AM–7 PM. Branch locations include Mabank City Hall, 129 East Market Street, open April 22–26 from 8 AM–5 PM, April 27 from 12 PM–6 PM, and April 28–29 from 7 AM–7 PM; Gun Barrel City Hall, 1716 West Main Street, open April 22–25 from 8 AM–5 PM and April 28–29 from 7 AM–7 PM; Seven Points City Hall (Temporary Location), 715 S. Seven Points Blvd., open April 22–25 from 8 AM–5 PM and April 28–29 from 7 AM–7 PM; and First Methodist Church, 501 North Second Street, Chandler, open April 22–25 from 8 AM–5 PM and April 28–29 from 7 AM–7 PM. The bottom of the graphic includes “athensisdbond.com” and the dates “Early Voting | April 22 - 29 Election Day | May 3” with the Athens ISD Bond 2025 logo in the lower right corner.
🗓️ It’s almost time! Early voting for the Athens ISD bond begins Tuesday, April 22.📍Polling places and times can be found at https://athensisdbond.com/voting/ #HornetNation
4 months ago, Toni Clay
Graphic with a maroon background showing a calendar for April 2025. April 22 is circled in red. Text reads “Mark Your Calendar” at the top and “Early Voting Begins Tuesday!” below the calendar. A red, white, and blue button with the word “VOTE” is shown on the right. Bottom text includes “athensisdbond.com” and “Early Voting | April 22 - 29 Election Day | May 3.” Athens ISD Bond 2025 logo is in the lower right corner.
👀 🗳️ On Tuesday, April 22 at 5:30pm, Athens ISD welcomes our community members to tour some of the key areas at Athens High School that would be impacted should voters approve the upcoming bond election. 👉 Among the proposals are a new auditorium and a new Early College High School wing. We'll tour the current facilities used by students in those programs. We will also point out the proposed locations for an ag barn, an early childhood education center, and a covered activity center. ⏰ Meet us at 5:30pm on Tuesday, April 22 in the VISITORS PARKING LOT on the SOUTH SIDE of Bruce Field (off Dul Averiette Street). If you have any questions, email communications@athensisd.net. Hope to see you there! 🐝
4 months ago, Toni Clay
Bold words say: Bond Tour. Smaller words say: See areas related to bond proposal
🤔 Wondering how Athens ISD can issue bonds without raising the tax rate? It all comes down to the growth in our community and rising property values. Check out the graphic to see why the proposed bond won’t require a tax rate increase, and visit www.athensisdbond.com for answers to more questions! 👇 #HornetNation
4 months ago, Toni Clay
Graphic with a maroon background titled “FAQ” featuring a question and answer about the Athens ISD 2025 bond. A large text box reads: “ZERO TAX RATE INCREASE” with a note saying, “Athens ISD’s debt tax rate will not increase if this bond proposal is approved by voters.” The question reads: “Q: How is it possible to issue this dollar amount of bonds and not increase the tax rate?” The answer explains that the district’s taxable property value has grown due to land division, new residential and commercial construction, and property value appreciation, allowing bond issuance without a tax rate increase. The footer includes the website athensisdbond.com, Early Voting dates (April 22–29), Election Day (May 3), and the ATHENS ISD BOND 2025 logo.
🐝 Our Athens Middle School Band earned a Sweepstakes at contest today! 🏆 This is the first Sweepstakes for the AMS Band since 2017, making the achievement even sweeter. 🎶 We’re so proud of these talented students and their amazing director, Michelle Stuckey. Way to go, Hornets!
4 months ago, Toni Clay
band kids standing in front of bus
band kids on stage performing
✨ ENROLLING A NEW PRE-K OR KINDERGARTEN STUDENT IN AISD THIS FALL? Don’t wait! If your child is not currently enrolled in Athens ISD, you can complete most of the enrollment process online now using FASTPASS. Doing this ahead of time means you’ll move through the April 22 Pre-K & Kindergarten Roundup at Athens High School much faster. Be sure to read the attached checklist for important details & what to bring. 👉 Get started here: https://skyward.iscorp.com/AthensISDTXStuSTS/NewStudentEnrollment/NewGuardianLoginRequest
4 months ago, Toni Clay
Flyer with info about Pre-K3/4 and Kindergarten enrollment for new students in Athens ISD. Roundup is April 22 at Athens High School, 5–7 PM. Families can begin enrolling now online through FASTPASS. No cost for qualifying Pre-K students.
Folleto sobre inscripción de nuevos alumnos de Athens ISD para Pre-K3, Pre-K4 y Kinder. Las inscripciones ya están abiertas en línea con FASTPASS. El evento de inscripción será el 22 de abril en la cafetería de Athens High School, de 5 a 7 PM. Sin coste para alumnos que califican.
🐝 From a new Early Childhood Center to major campus upgrades, the proposed bond includes projects that impact every corner of our district. Learn more at athensisdbond.com. Early voting is April 22–29. Election Day is May 3. #HornetNation
4 months ago, Toni Clay
A graphic titled “Proposed Bond Projects” from Athens Independent School District outlines the proposed $121.5 million bond for 2025. Projects include: • A new Early Childhood Center for PK3, PK4, and Kindergarten, located across from Central Athens Elementary • A new two-story Early College High School addition at AHS for PINNACLE students • A new auditorium and library renovation at AHS • An Ag Science Barn with animal pens, a classroom, and a lab • A Covered Activity Center with turf area, storage, and location near sports fields • Renovations to elementary campuses including cafeteria upgrades, window replacements, and general improvements • Renovation of the Annex Gym for dance and cheer programs • Improvements at AMS: traffic relief, new CTE classroom, new outdoor grass field, new gym flooring, and new bleachers The graphic includes icons for each project and notes early voting dates (April 22–29) and Election Day (May 3), along with the website: athensisdbond.com.
👑 Congratulations to Prom King & Queen Jase Warren and Cloey Peters!
4 months ago, Toni Clay
teenage boy and girl dressed in formal attire wearing crowns
🎉 Strike up the band—it’s time to celebrate! 🎺 The Athens High School Varsity Band has earned the prestigious UIL Sweepstakes Award for the first time since 2016! At the UIL Region 21 Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation in Bullard, our Hornet musicians earned 1st division ratings in both concert performance and sight-reading. Paired with their 1st division at the UIL Marching Contest in October, these results secured this top honor! 🏆 This achievement reflects incredible hard work and dedication. We are so proud! A huge thank you also to our amazing squad of band directors, led by Nick Durham, Band Boosters, parents, and our amazing community! 👏❤️ #HornetNation
4 months ago, Toni Clay
band members smiling and holding the sweepstakes award
Band on stage being directed by Nick Durham, the band director during the contest
band in marching uniforms smiling in front of bus that says proud of the Hornets