The Godley ISD Board of Trustees swore in new members and received updates on district goals, academic progress, school finance, student support programs and safety initiatives during its regular meeting on May 18, 2026, at Godley High School.

Jake Houston and Marissa Smith, who received the top votes for Places 6 and 7, respectively, in the May election, were sworn in to serve three-year terms expiring in May 2029. Trustees also reorganized board officer positions following the election. Terrie Goodloe was elected board president, Simone Mabry was elected vice president and Christa Heiner will continue serving as board secretary. Outgoing trustees Kayla Lain and Craig Stevenson were also honored for their service.

Chief Academic Officer Dr. Nikki Nix presented trustees with an update on the district’s goals and the “business rhythm” framework implemented this school year to strengthen progress monitoring, campus alignment and student support systems across Godley ISD. Nix explained that the framework includes district-level “Stat Chats,” campus Data Dives and campus Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), allowing district and campus leaders to regularly review academic, attendance and climate data while making real-time adjustments to improve student outcomes. District leaders said the structure has increased consistency, transparency and collaboration between campuses and district leadership while keeping the district focused on continuous improvement and long-term student success.

Trustees reviewed progress connected to several district goals based on the hopes and dreams of the Godley community and built around seven key pillars of the Community-Based Accountability System.

• Academic Growth in Reading and Math: Godley ISD is working toward a three-point increase in the Texas Education Agency accountability rating from a 77 to an 80 overall score, which would result in a “B” accountability rating. District leaders reported strong student progress in reading and math based on mClass and MAP assessment data, with STAAR state assessment results expected later this spring.
• Professional Learning and Effective Staff: The district continues focusing on attracting and retaining highly qualified, life-changing teachers and staff by addressing district climate and increasing participation in staff climate surveys. Participation rates during the school year ranged from 55% to 64%, exceeding the district goal of 35% participation.
• Student Readiness and Safety & Well-Being: Student attendance is currently up 0.93% compared to last school year, exceeding the district goal of a 0.5% increase while supporting safe, secure and supportive learning environments across the district.

Trustees also approved SAVVAS instructional materials for K-8 math as well as Algebra I, geometry and Algebra II courses. A district committee reviewed new high-quality instructional materials that fully align with state learning standards before making the recommendation for classroom use. District leaders said the goal is to ensure teachers and students have strong, easy-to-use instructional materials that support learning and academic success.

Chief Financial Officer Spencer Davis presented trustees with a preliminary overview of the proposed 2026-27 district budget, providing a first look at projected revenues, expenditures and the school finance process that guides budget development. Davis reviewed how Texas school funding is based on property values, tax rates and student attendance while also discussing new legislative requirements related to budget reporting and taxpayer impact statements. The workshop focused on how the district budget is developed and structured rather than detailed line-item expenditures, which are still being developed and will be presented during the district’s next budget workshop. Trustees also reviewed preliminary revenue and expenditure estimates, enrollment and attendance trends, payroll projections and budget timelines leading to adoption later this summer.

The board approved extending the district’s partnership with the YMCA for after-school child care services following the completion of its second successful year serving elementary students. In addition to daily after-school care, the YMCA also provides child care during select staff development days and school breaks.

Trustees also approved the addition of a second athletic trainer position for Godley High School and Godley Middle School athletics following a presentation by athletic trainer Nichole Harmon. Harmon shared that more than 710 student-athletes are currently served by one athletic trainer, creating coverage gaps during overlapping athletic events while increasing demands for injury evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation services. Trustees were also told the district’s athletic training program is projected to provide approximately 7,500 treatment encounters during the school year, representing an estimated $220,000 in on-campus health care value for student-athletes and families. The additional position will improve coverage for middle school athletics, enhance injury response and rehabilitation services, reduce uncovered athletic events and support continued growth in Godley ISD athletics.

In personnel, trustees approved the hiring of a second assistant principal position at Godley Middle School.

Additional reports to the board included:

• Construction Audit: A construction audit of Phase 2 facility projects at Godley High School, including The WILD and GHS Arena, led by R.L. Townsend & Associates.
• Mentors Care Program: A Mentors Care program update presented by managing director Brian Blackwell.
• Special Education: An annual special education report presented by Johnson County Shared Services Arrangement director Angie Gonzalez.
• Entrepreneurship Vendor Fairs: An update from GHS principal Kurtis Flood on recent entrepreneurship vendor fairs hosted by high school students, who  put their creativity, craftsmanship and business knowledge on full display. The event featured a wide variety of student-run booths offering handmade goods, custom artwork, food items, services and live demonstrations. Community members attended throughout the day to shop local, support student businesses and connect with young entrepreneurs.  Each booth represented a student-created business, giving participants real-world experience in product development, marketing, customer service and financial transactions.
• Graduation Planning: Graduation contingency planning for the Godley High School Class of 2026 commencement ceremony scheduled for May 21.
• Transportation Safety: A transportation update from director Jimmy Palcic on the purchase of 14 newer school buses with three-point seat belts, including a fully equipped wheelchair bus for students with special needs. Trustees were told the purchase now ensures all route buses have seat belts and adds four activity buses equipped with seat belts.

Additional board action included approval of the district financial report, budget amendments, vendor proposals, renewal of the LINKS Academy Optional Flexible School Day Program, extension of extracurricular status to Ellis County 4-H in partnership with Godley FFA, and a local policy change increasing the capitalization threshold from $5,000 to $10,000 to align with updated federal equipment definitions.

The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 15.