Godley ISD school board trustees approved District of Innovation plan amendments during the regular monthly meeting on December 16, 2024, at Godley High School.

Board members approved two District of Innovation amendments regarding the hiring of retired school employees as well as conduct on school premises.  

The first change gives the district flexibility negotiating salaries with retired school employees that may be below the Texas Education Agency’s minimum pay scale, while still covering the required surcharges with the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. 

Also approved was a second amendment, which provides additional flexibility for the district with impractical and potentially impossible requirements when dealing with an unruly individual at a district or campus event on district property.  Exemption from these burdensome requirements will avoid potential escalation of already difficult situations.  While making best efforts to keep written records, district officials will exercise appropriate authority to eject or refuse entry to individuals who may pose a substantial risk of harm to any person or who behaves in a persistent manner that is inappropriate for a school setting.  

Assistant Superintendent Jason Karnes and Godley High School Principal Kurtis Flood led an initial discussion regarding a possible cell phone restriction for students.  To remove distractions and disruptions that interfere with student learning, the district seeks to limit student access to cell phones and smart watches during the school day.  Guidelines and procedures will be created in the spring following input from parents, students and other stakeholders.

Following a third review of campus improvement plans, the board approved the documents which set out goals and objectives for the 2024-25 school year based on Community-Based Accountability System (CBAS) pillars as well as district goals.  

Additional reports to the board included:

• Facility progress for Phase 2 high school projects including The WILD and GHS Arena was presented by Satterfield & Pontikes Construction.
• Chief Financial Officer Spencer Davis reported on the district’s recent purchase of a residence in front of R.B. Godley Elementary School.

The board approved minutes from recent meetings as well as financial reports and budget amendments.  Trustees also renewed a food service purchase cooperative agreement with Region 10 Education Service Center, approved an E-rate vendor to provide eligible services for schools and libraries, and adopted a local policy change moving regular board meetings to the third Mondays of each month.

School trustees will hold their next regularly scheduled board meeting on Thursday, Jan. 23.