Godley ISD school board trustees heard about growth in student enrollment as well as construction projects at the regular monthly meeting on November 14, 2022, at Godley High School.

Superintendent Dr. Rich Dear led the meeting with a growth update, including new data gathered from a demographer on expected student numbers in the next few years.  Enrollment is forecasted to grow at increasingly higher rates leading to 5,000 new students within (the decade) ten years, prompting a current long-range facility planning initiative to consider new facilities and renovations to current buildings.  He also discussed Godley being highlighted in a Dallas Morning News series on area “boomtowns.”

Board members proactively approved a second Guaranteed Maximum Price from Reeder Construction for construction projects, which include the remaining scope of phase 3 projects at the high school, a drop-off canopy at Legacy Elementary School and marquee signs at both Legacy and R.B. Godley Elementary School.  Given inflationary costs and worldwide supply chain issues resulting from lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the district moved forward with these items to prevent delays and future cost increases.

The board heard from Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Company regarding facility progress for Pleasant View Elementary School as well as projects at GHS.  Construction at the new elementary campus is moving forward.  Phase 2 projects at the high school include a four-story career and technical education center and a competition gymnasium - together, these additions will house over 40 classrooms and learning spaces. Crews are also working on a roadway to connect the high school with new tennis courts. Pleasant View should be available for staff to move in beginning Dec. 7.

Trustees approved a change order to current Phase 2 projects at GHS for stadium seating, (locker rooms), upper concourse with concessions and restrooms.  These projects were in the original plan but shifted between phases, but are included in Phase 2 for ease of construction.

In addition, the board moved forward with the purchase of land for future school sites.  Trustees granted authority to the superintendent to negotiate these land purchases.

Assistant Superintendent Jason Karnes outlined continued development of the Community Based Accountability System (CBAS) plan.  Four pillars for the district’s focus this school year center on:  engaged well-rounded students; professional learning and effective staff; safety and well-being; and student learning and progress.  Karnes and campus principals discussed specific campus-specific strategies to implement each pillar. 

The board approved the District Improvement Plan and held a second review of Campus Improvement Plans after a presentation from Chief Academic Officer Dr. Airemy Caudle.  These academic documents focus on CBAS pillars, and the campus plans will be considered for adoption at the next monthly meeting. 

To comply with new state requirements, board members approved a recommendation from the School Health Advisory Council for eighth-grade curriculum regarding child abuse, family and dating violence, and human and sex trafficking. Parents or guardians must provide consent for their students to participate in the lessons, which will be available either electronically or for inspection in the case of copyrighted material.  A Godley Middle School teacher will lead students through the lessons in December and May.

Trustees denied a Level III grievance following presentations from both the complainant and the administration as well as consultation with legal counsel.

During public comment, trustees heard from one community member regarding school bus procedures.

Reports to the board included:

• A donation of a plasma cutting machine by Colorado River Components was announced by Director of Career and Technical Education Nikki Nix and GHS Principal Kurtis Flood.  The equipment will be used in welding classes to create precision cuts and designs in metal pieces for projects, hands-on learning and design work.

• PEIMS coordinator Danna Allen announced that district enrollment currently totals 2,818 students, marking a 7% increase over the 2021-22 school year.  In addition, attendance is around 93-95% for the district and campuses for the current month - marking an increase above last year despite illnesses affecting both students and staff.  The district is regularly contacting students and families about absences.

• Flood and Nix discussed adding (adjusting) new graduation criteria (to align with new TEA guidelines) requiring students to earn a college, career or military readiness (CCMR) point unless waived by campus administration.  The requirement will help prepare students for the future, they said.

• A brief transportation update was provided by Karnes.  The district is working on updating bus routes for the second semester, when the Pleasant View campus is open.

The board approved minutes from the last regular meeting as well as financial, investment and tax reports. Trustees also approved the appointment of new school guardians.

School trustees will next meet on Monday, Dec. 12.  Board meetings are held at GHS, which is located at 9501 Highway 171.