Godley ISD school board trustees renewed participation in the Tarleton Distinguished High School Partnership Program during the regular monthly meeting on February 17, 2025, at Godley High School.

The Tarleton State University program provides several opportunities for Godley ISD students, seeking to attend the Stephenville college to pursue four-year degrees.  The extension covers the 2025-26 school year.  Opportunities include:  

• automatic admission for the top 50% of graduates
• enhanced scholarships through the President’s Guaranteed Scholarship Program
• application fee waiver for those who may qualify
• individual support from Tarleton team to ensure student success
• dedicated coordinators of distinguished programs as the main point of contact

Following a public hearing, the board approved a targeted improvement plan for R.B. Godley Elementary School.  The campus is the second year on the Comprehensive Support & Improvement list by the Texas Education Agency due to a scaled score with the Closing the Gaps domain among Title I schools. Chief Academic Officer Caudle that the campus has improved dramatically over the past year, and the school could transition off the state list after this year.  Both Caudle and Principal Jodie Dickson explained the campus efforts to address requirements, including professional development, data dashboards, and coaching from the education service center.  Assistant Superintendent Jason Karnes outlined how state accountability fits within the Community-Based Accountability System.

Board members approved joint contracts with Johnson, Hood and Tarrant Counties to conduct the 2025 trustee election for places 4 and 5 to be held on May 3, the state’s uniform election date.  The trustees also updated board operating procedures.

With a vacancy on the board of directors for the Central Appraisal District of Johnson County, the board nominated John Finnell to serve on that board.  Finnell previously was a Cleburne ISD trustee for nine years and was active with the Texas Association of School Boards.

Trustees adopted a resolution to pay non-exempt employees for January 29-31, when the district closed due to widespread flu and other illness among students and staff.

The board adopted local policy changes recommended by TASB in Update 124.

Additional reports to the board included:

• R.B. Godley Principal Jodie Dickson made a presentation for the campus spotlight.
• 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 reviewed an initial outlook on the 2025-26 budget.  With the Texas Legislature currently meeting, state laws and funding could change.  Davis reviewed staffing needs, but he plans to be conservative until actual data and information is available after the legislature considers education appropriations.
• A report on the School Health Advisory Council was presented by Director of Safety and Well-Being Brian Hunt.

The board approved minutes from recent meetings as well as financial reports and budget amendments.  Trustees designated Snow Garrett Williams as the district’s audit firm for the 2024-25 fiscal year.  Board members also adopted a resolution regarding career and technical education month.

Honored at the meeting were several students in grades PK-6 for their winning entries in the annual CTE poster contest as well as the Ladycat volleyball team and Wildcat cross country team.

School trustees will hold their next regularly scheduled board meeting on Thursday, Mar. 17.