October 6, 2022

The Godley ISD Long Range Facility Planning Committee explored options for future campuses based on student enrollment growth during its fourth meeting on October 5, 2022, at Legacy Elementary School.

Committee members reviewed existing district facilities as well as the campus capacities for each current school. Discussions then turned to growth opportunities for future campuses as well as the master plan for Godley High School, where current construction is adding a four-story career and technical education center with over 40 classrooms and instructional spaces, a competition gymnasium, and a fine arts wing.  The committee also reviewed 2021 bond projects postponed due to inflationary costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

During breakout discussions, groups brainstormed on facility needs and then selected top needs.  Each team engaged in a capacity analysis exercise to plan for new campuses and campus additions to support 5,000 additional students.  Breakout groups all reported to the full committee.

This meeting followed opening sessions that launched the LRFPC’s discovery and planning process and focused on the vision for education in the school district, asking the question “What do we want for our kids at Godley ISD?”  

At the opening session on August 31, discussions centered on a “yesterday, today, tomorrow” exercise for participants to examine topics including facilities, technology, infrastructure, academics, instructional delivery methods, traditions, and more.  Each team listed items - those from the past that should be discontinued, for today that are or should be implemented now, and for the future – and then reported out to the large group at the end of the meeting.

During the second meeting on September 7, committee members participated in a Vision Board exercise where they reviewed a series of images for instructional settings as well as other images of spaces outside of classrooms.  During break-out discussions, small groups evaluated the images and noted pros and cons for each depiction of settings that included open-concept arrangements, a variety of seating options, virtual reality as well as other technology devices, and more.

The third meeting on September 21 featured presentations on growth in district enrollment, current construction projects, and a history on past bond initiatives. Superintendent Dr. Rich Dear reported that enrollment continues to climb with the number of students increasing 67% over the last ten years, with 1,672 students enrolled in 2012 compared to just over 2,800 for the current school year.  Enrollment has increased an average of 7% annually but that growth rate could increase to 15% each year over the next few years. Demographers predict that the district will add nearly 900 new students in the near future and add 5,000 over the next ten years. 

The facilities group includes a mix of parents, students, community members, and district staff numbering almost 60 strong.

The committee will hold several meetings over the fall and will develop recommendations for the school board to accommodate growth.  The group will consider needs for current campuses as well as future facility and infrastructure needs.