Pam Watts - Midway ISD Board of Trustees

08/20/2026

Congratulations again to all our amazing Fine Arts students, staff and families!

And brava to Fine Arts Director Jennifer Krenek Martin for her masterfully delivered “debut” presentation. So many exciting things to celebrate!

One thing I wanted to highlight that was covered during this meeting:

Midway is unique in that our fine arts and athletics programs are not “Pay to Play” activities — unlike some districts charging hundreds of dollars just to participate.

While there are expenses that come with these activities, financial assistance is available so that cost does not have to be a barrier to participation.

This is yet one more distinction that sets Panther Nation apart: the pursuit of excellence that’s ACCESSIBLE.

08/14/2026

Congratulations, Panther Nation!
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An A — again. ❤️💙

We always say great schools exist in great communities, and Midway proves it.

To our parents, families and community: thank you for supporting our schools, encouraging our students and partnering with our teachers every step of the way.

This A belongs to all of us.

Learn More: https://ow.ly/bqFE50ZzZnU

07/04/2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!
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Celebrating 250 years as a nation that has always valued Public Education!

Did You Know?

🇺🇸 The Oldest Public School Pre-Dates the Nation

The Boston Latin School was founded in 1635—long before the Revolutionary War. It remains the oldest public school in the country, and its classrooms educated foundational figures like Samuel Adams and John Hancock.

🇺🇸 The Founders Explicitly Tied Literacy to Freedom

In 1779, Thomas Jefferson introduced A Bill for the More General Diffusion of Knowledge in Virginia, arguing that a tax-funded education for all free children was a necessity.

“If nation expects to be ignorant and free... it expects what never was and never will be".

🇺🇸 John Adams Codified Public Schools in a Constitution

While drafting the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 (the world's oldest functioning constitution), John Adams legally bound the government to public education. The text explicitly stated it was the ongoing duty of legislators to "cherish public schools".

🇺🇸 Early America Set Aside Land Just for Classrooms

Before the U.S. Constitution was even ratified, the Continental Congress passed the Northwest Ordinance. This law required every newly surveyed town in the western territories to reserve a central plot of land exclusively to fund and build a local public school, physically planting education at the center of every community.

“The cornerstone of democracy rests on the foundation of an educated electorate.”
-Thomas Jefferson

As we honor our nation, may we continue to cherish its public schools!

05/21/2026

The Sky’s the Limit for Midway!!!
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Midway ISD students showcased a plane they helped build from the ground up during a Tango Flight “First Flight Celebration” Wednesday at the James T. Connally Aerospace Center, marking the end of a two-year, hands-on aviation program. aviation mentors workforce development Central Texas educatio...

04/30/2026

“School choice” will lead to LESS CHOICE for so many in Texas.

By Suzanne Bellsnyder, The Texas Rural Reporter

04/24/2026

Some fabulous new faces joining our Panther Nation family!

Welcome, Stephen Carl!
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Midway ISD has appointed Stephen Carl to the Board of Trustees, filling the vacant Place VII position.

A local attorney, Army veteran, and Midway parent, he brings a strong commitment to students, families, and the future of our district.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/bnX150YP6MN

04/24/2026

Some fabulous new faces joining our Panther Nation family!

Welcome, Jennifer Martin!
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Midway ISD has named Jennifer Martin as its new Director of Fine Arts, bringing extensive experience in music education, program leadership, and statewide advocacy to the role.

“Mrs. Martin is an exceptional leader with a deep understanding of both instruction and program development,” said Superintendent Dr. Allen. “Her passion for fine arts and her commitment to students will continue to elevate opportunities for our learners across Midway ISD.”

Martin currently serves as an Orchestra and Mariachi Specialist for Fort Worth ISD, where she supports program development, teacher coaching, recruitment, and large-scale event coordination. In this role, she has helped strengthen instructional practices, expand student opportunities, and elevate the visibility of fine arts programs across the district.

“I’m extremely thrilled and honored to come back to Midway, where I started my career,” Mrs. Martin said. “Midway is second to none in providing first-class education to students, including in arts education. I’m excited to join in supporting teachers and create amazing experiences for students.”

A respected leader in the field, Martin also serves as President of the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), representing more than 17,000 members statewide and helping guide the organization’s strategic vision, policy development, and professional learning.

Martin brings both administrative and classroom experience to Midway. She previously led successful orchestra programs at multiple campuses, including in Midway ISD, where she served as Head Orchestra Director at both Midway High School and Midway Middle School. During her tenure, student groups consistently earned UIL Sweepstakes awards and statewide recognition.

Martin holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Bachelor of Music Education from Baylor University.

She will begin her role with Midway ISD this summer.

04/24/2026

Some fabulous new faces joining our Panther Nation family!

Welcome, Coach Pryor!
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https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HetAi7zJG/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Midway Athletics is proud to recommend Mark Pryor as our new Head Volleyball Coach. Pryor brings more than two decades of collegiate coaching experience, a proven record of building championship programs, and a strong commitment to student-athlete development both on and off the court.

Most recently, Pryor served as Head Coach at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, where he led the indoor program to an outstanding 151-36 record over seven seasons. Under his leadership, the program consistently ranked among the nation’s best, reaching a program-high No. 4 national ranking and maintaining a spot in the AVCA Top 25 for more than two consecutive years. Pryor guided his teams to multiple conference championships, including an undefeated regular season, and was twice named American Southwest Conference Coach of the Year.

In addition to his indoor success, Pryor built the UMHB beach volleyball program from the ground up, transforming it into a national powerhouse. Within just a few seasons, the program captured back-to-back Division III National Championships and became one of the top academic programs on campus.

Prior to UMHB, Pryor served as Head Coach at the University of North Dakota, where he compiled a 117-58 record and led the program to multiple conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. His teams set numerous school and conference records, and he was recognized as Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year. Pryor also held coaching positions at Baylor University, Texas A&M-Commerce, the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and Boise State University, consistently elevating each program he joined.

Throughout his career, Pryor has demonstrated excellence in recruiting, player development, and program building. His teams have not only achieved competitive success but have also excelled academically, earning multiple team academic awards and maintaining high GPAs.

“We are excited to welcome Coach Pryor to Midway,” said Brad Shelton. “His experience, leadership, and track record of success at the highest levels of collegiate volleyball make him an outstanding fit for our program and community. We are confident he will continue to build on Midway’s tradition of excellence.”

Pryor holds a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication and Journalism from Baylor University and a Master of Arts in Communication from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Midway High School looks forward to an exciting new chapter under Coach Pryor’s leadership.