October 26, 2022

Godley ISD school board trustees heard construction updates at the regular monthly meeting on October 24, 2022, at Godley High School.

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.  Crews are also working on a roadway to connect the high school with new tennis courts.

Board members proactively approved a Guaranteed Maximum Price from Reeder Construction for long lead items for the high school construction.  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.

In addition, Terra Manna representative Bret Pedigo outlined future development of the Silo Mills subdivision, which includes the new Pleasant View campus south of Farm-to-Market Road 917 and west of the Chisholm Trail Parkway.  Developers donated the land for the school, which serves as a focal point for the master-planned community of 2,500 homes estimated for the future buildout.

Assistant Superintendent Jason Karnes updated trustees on continued development of the Community Based Accountability System (CBAS).  Three pillars for the district’s focus this school year center on:  Engaged Well Rounded Students, Professional Learning and Effective Staff, and Safety and Well-Being.  A fourth pillar for district implementation centers on Student Learning and Progress.

The board heard a second review of the District Improvement Plan and a first review of Campus Improvement Plans from Chief Academic Officer Dr. Airemy Caudle.  The draft documents to be adopted at future meetings focus on pillars from CBAS.  Since the last meeting, the DIP has been reviewed by the District-wide Educational Improvement Council (DEIC), which recommended changes that have been incorporated.

Board members adopted revisions to local policy regarding employees eligible for the school guardian program, which provides 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.

During public comment, trustees heard from one community member regarding district policy recommendations.

Reports to the board included:

• Superintendent Dr. Rich Dear announced that district enrollment currently totals 2,811 students, marking a 7% increase over the 2021-22 school year.  In addition, attendance hovers around 95% for the district and all campuses for the current month.

• Technology progress was presented by director Marty Oliver.  The technology department is evaluating a new Voice over IP (VoIP) phone system for the district in order to provide more reliable service as well as added features.

• Two new school buses have been delivered but one is awaiting repairs before returning to service, according to Karnes.  The transportation department is evaluating expected growth in student ridership and will most likely adjust routes when the Pleasant View campus is open in January.

The board approved minutes from the past two regular meetings as well as financial, investment and tax reports. 

School trustees will next meet on Monday, Nov. 14.  Board meetings are held at GHS, which is located at 9501 Highway 171.