Godley ISD school board trustees approved the continuation of the Tarleton Today dual enrollment program during their regular monthly meeting January 29, 2026, at Godley High School.

Trustees approved a memorandum of understanding with Tarleton State University for the 2026–27 school year, expanding college-credit opportunities for Godley High School students. Through yearlong courses taught on the GHS campus, students can earn college credit and choose to add it to their official college transcript at the conclusion of each course.

Tarleton State University supports the partnership by providing training and stipends for GHS teachers who lead the classes. Current dual-credit offerings include advanced animal science, agribusiness management and marketing, anatomy and physiology, college algebra, government, statistics and U.S. history.

In personnel matters, trustees approved certified appraisers for the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS).

Trustees also approved an application to the Texas Education Agency requesting a delay of certain teacher certification requirements under House Bill 2, which updated certification standards and limited districts’ ability to employ teachers without appropriate credentials in foundational subject areas. District leaders emphasized their continued commitment to staffing classrooms with properly certified or industry-qualified teachers, noting the delay option provides flexibility for filling hard-to-staff positions while candidates complete certification requirements.

In policy action, the board approved an update to district policy regarding payment for accumulated local leave upon retirement, aligning board policy with existing administrative regulations. Beginning in 2020, employees became eligible for reimbursement of unused local leave at retirement, with reimbursement rates set by the board. As part of the update, trustees adopted recommended reimbursement rates and capped payment at a maximum of 50 days of accumulated local leave, reduced from 100 days. Eligibility requirements, including years of service and advance notice of retirement, remain unchanged.

Following a third reading, trustees adopted Policy Update 126, which includes local and legal policy changes recommended by the Texas Association of School Boards.

The board officially called a regular trustee election for May 2, 2026, for three-year terms representing places 6 and 7.  Also approved was a joint election contract with the City of Godley to share election locations.

Other reports included:

• Godley Middle School Campus Spotlight: Principal Stephanie Wynne presented a campus overview highlighting instructional priorities and campus initiatives.
• Attendance and Enrollment: Superintendent Dr. Rich Dear reported improved student attendance and current enrollment of 3,315 students, an increase of 125 students compared to last school year. He also reviewed withdrawal data, noting the district’s leaver rate remains below the state average.
• 2026–27 Budget Overview: Chief Financial Officer Spencer Davis presented an initial review of the 2026–27 budget, reflecting a conservative approach to enrollment and revenue projections while addressing district needs tied to continued growth. Preliminary estimates include approximately $1.1 million in new revenue, which is largely offset by the annual salary step increase and rising recurring costs such as insurance, utilities and other operational expenses. Proposed expenditures also focus on required staffing additions and continued investment in staff compensation. Ongoing challenges include aging facilities and buses, higher regional service and child nutrition expenses, and limited new state funding. Davis emphasized that enrollment growth remains the primary source of new revenue and that long-term sustainability will depend on future state funding decisions, cost pressures and continued planning for enrollment, staffing and student support services.
• First Review of Senate Bill 11: Assistant Superintendent Jason Karnes presented information on Senate Bill 11, which allows school boards to designate a daily time at each campus for students and employees to pray and read the Bible or other religious texts. The legislation requires a recorded board vote by March 1, 2026, either to establish a daily prayer period through adoption of a statutory resolution or to formally decline participation. The item was presented for information only, with recommended policy language provided for future consideration.

In other business, trustees approved minutes from recent meetings, financial and investment reports, and budget amendments. The board also approved a public safety information-sharing agreement with Johnson County for shared software supporting computer-aided dispatch and report management systems.

Regarding budget amendments, Davis explained that several factors outside the district’s control have reduced projected revenue for the 2025–26 school year, including a $500,000 impact from the frozen homestead adjustment and a $300,000 reduction in estimated tax collections. Because state funding formulas do not directly align with local tax values, some losses are retained by the state, though a portion may return through an ongoing reconciliation process. The total estimated impact is $950,000, with the district anticipating the use of approximately $300,000 in fund balance while continuing to limit expenditures and identify additional savings as the budget process moves forward.

The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 16.