Midway ISD board appoints Jennifer Martin as director of fine arts

The Midway Independent School District board voted to approve the administration's recommendation to hire Jennifer Martin as the district's next director of fine arts. The motion, made by Trustee Rick Tullus and seconded by Trustee Pam Watts, passed by voice vote.

Administrators described a multi-stage search that began with nearly 60 applicants from across the state and included a first-round panel made up of fine-arts staff, parents and administrators. Dr. Ashley Kudson said the committee narrowed the field to three finalists after a first round of interviews and recommended Martin to Dr. Allen and district leadership.

"We came to the conclusion that she was the absolute right fit for where we are at this time in Midway ISD for several different reasons," Dr. Kudson said during the presentation to the board.

Board members emphasized Martin's local ties and professional experience. Administrators told the board Martin previously taught orchestra in Midway, student-taught in the district, graduated from Baylor and has served as an orchestra and mariachi specialist in Fort Worth ISD. The packet also notes Martin's leadership roles, including service with the Texas Music Educators Association.

Martin, who was introduced at the meeting and welcomed by trustees, thanked the hiring committee and district leaders after the vote.

The hire follows the district's stated recruitment process and comes with an immediate onboarding plan; the board's vote allows administration to finalize employment terms and complete the transition.