Godley ISD school board trustees heard academic and budget updates at the monthly meeting on June 19, 2023, at Pleasant View Elementary School.

For the Community-Based Accountability System (CBAS) was presented by Assistant Superintendent Jason Karnes and campus principals, who updated trustees on specific areas of focus at both the district and campus levels to address seven pillars:  student learning and progress, student readiness, engaged, well-rounded students, community engagement and partnerships, professional learning and quality staff, fiscal and operational systems and safety and well-being.  A community report is planned for August to highlight district successes and areas for improvement.

Also in academics, the board approved certification of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for the 2023-24 school year.  School districts must verify annually to the Texas Education Agency that the district and schools are covering required standards and identify instructional materials to be used in each content area.

Regarding the 2023-24 district budget, Executive Director of Finance Bryan Myres provided an initial outlook on the upcoming budget and tax rate.  Myres reported that the maintenance and operations tax rate is likely to decline for the second year in a row due to growth in local property values.

For employee salaries, the district is anticipating a 7 percent increase for hourly employees working as aides, assistants, licensed vocational nurses, custodians, food service workers, mechanics, plumbers, and Cub Club employees.  A $5 per hour increase for bus drivers is also planned.

Also in personnel, trustees reviewed a proposal to provide life insurance for school guardians, who provide added security for students, teachers and staff to have a safe learning environment.  Guardians are staff members who volunteer and undergo training and other requirements in order to carry a weapon on campus.

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. In addition, REEDER Construction reported on Phase 3 construction for the high school’s fine arts wing.

• Chief Communications Officer Jeff Meador reviewed upcoming district communications changes.  The district website will be migrating platforms to Finalsite, which acquired the current Blackboard program last year.  Meador also discussed implementation of ParentSquare, which will consolidate communications and announcements from the district, campus, and teacher levels for more effective engagement with parents and families.

The board approved minutes from the last regular meeting and a recent special meeting, budget amendments, as well as financial, investment and tax reports. Other action included reviewing portions of campus handbooks for the 2023-24 school year.

School trustees have their next regularly scheduled board meeting on Monday, Jul. 24.