Godley ISD school board trustees approved a bond refinancing that provides savings for local taxpayers during the regular monthly meeting on October 21, 2024, at Godley High School.

Board members adopted the order authorizing the refinancing of existing bonds recommended by Hilltop Securities, the district’s investment firm represented by Jeff Robert.  The “refunding” of the original bonds from 2015 and 2022 will provide approximately $1.3 million in debt service savings to the district and local taxpayers because of the opportunity for a lower tax-exempt interest rate from 5% to a possible 3%.  The refinancing does not impact the bond principal or the existing terms of the bonds.  By approving the order, board members provide flexibility to Hilltop in conjunction with Superintendent Dr. Rich Dear and Chief Financial Officer Spencer Davis to execute the refinancing with the most optimal interest rate.

During a workshop, trustees heard from candidates for the Central Appraisal District of Johnson County including current chairman Duaine Goulding and candidate Larry Cockrell.  The two provided information on their background and viewpoints on the appraisal district and its operations.

As part of the workshop, the CFO presented growth information on the trustees, highlighting that the student enrollment is growing at 6.5% and surpassing demographic projections of 5.4%.  With current enrollment exceeding 3,200 students, GISD is the fastest-growing school district in Johnson County and ranks 23rd in the state.  Enrollment has increased 38% since 2019, and several campuses are expected to be over capacity by 2028.  Davis continued that state education allotments have not changed since 2019, and he noted that the district has cut 20% in non-salary budget expenditures over the past two fiscal years.

Chief Academic Officer Dr. Airemy Caudle provided the second review of the district improvement plan, which includes a comprehensive needs assessment and other data to determine goals, projects and resources for the school district.  The district plan is based on the Community-Based Accountability System (CBAS) pillars.  Caudle also presented the first review of campus improvement plans, which set out goals and objectives based on the CBAS pillars as well as district goals.  The administration will continue work on these plans and present final recommendations to the board at a future meeting.

Additional reports to the board included:

• Facility progress was presented by Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Company regarding Phase 2 projects at GHS including The WILD career and technical education center and competition gymnasium.
• Godley High School Principal Kurtis Flood and Assistant Superintendent Jason Karnes reported on the recent meeting of the Texas Public Accountability Consortium, which promotes community-based accountability.

The board approved minutes from recent meetings as well as financial reports and budget amendments.  

School trustees will hold their next regularly scheduled board meeting on Monday, Nov. 18.