Godley ISD school board trustees approved a partnership with Tarleton State University for high school dual enrollment courses during a monthly meeting on April 24, 2023, at Pleasant View Elementary School.

The memorandum of understanding establishes the partnership for the Tarleton Today program, allowing Godley students to earn college credit in college algebra, precalculus, animal science and agricultural economics. Through the dual enrollment program, students take a year-long class and have the option to add it to a college transcript at the conclusion of the course.  Tarleton will provide training and stipends for GHS teachers, who will lead the classes.  Free tuition will be available for economically disadvantaged students, while others will pay a reduced fee of $149 per course.

Board members adopted updates to local policy regarding wellness and health services. The district will acquire and store Naloxone or related medication to assist a person who may be experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose. Only a registered nurse or other designated and trained district employee shall be authorized to administer this medication and may do so only in accordance with a standing order or procedures approved by a licensed physician.

In personnel, trustees extended contracts for teachers and campus professionals for the 2023-24 school year. 

Reports to the board included:

• The board heard from Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Company regarding facility progress for Phase 2 projects at Godley High School including a four-story career and technical education center and a competition gymnasium with expected completion dates of Dec. 11 and Mar. 6, 2024, respectively. In addition, REEDER Construction reported on Phase 3 construction for the high school’s fine arts wing with substantial completion expected by Jan. 24, 2024.

• Dennis McFarlin, presiding as board vice president, announced that all seven trustees have exceeded continuing education requirements for school board members.

• Chief Academic Officer Dr. Airemy Caudle reported on the establishment of the family and community engagement committee, which serves as a bridge between the school district and community. The group includes volunteers representing families, community and staff.  Planned are informational videos and a Summerpalooza event to feature summer programs and events at school and in the community.

• Regarding upcoming GHS graduation, Principal Kurtis Flood announced that the commencement exercises for the Class of 2023 will be held on Thursday, May 25 at 8:30 p.m. in Wildcat Stadium.  In the event of inclement weather, graduation will be moved to Cleburne High School's Jeff D. Cody Arena.  The graduating class currently numbers 181, which includes several students who have completed their studies through LINKS Academy.

• Marty Massey, vice president of construction services for Huckabee architects, reviewed construction delivery methods.

The board approved minutes from the last regular meeting, budget amendments, as well as financial, investment and tax reports. Other actions included updates to board operating procedures and renewal of communications agreement with Johnson County.  Trustees also approved engaging Snow Garrett Williams accounting firm for the annual financial audit.

School trustees have their next regularly scheduled board meeting on Monday, May 22.