Godley ISD school board trustees heard financial and academic reports during its regular monthly meeting on November 27, 2023, at Godley High School.

The board heard the annual Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) report, with the school district recognized for superior achievement - the highest rating available.  The primary goal of FIRST is to achieve quality performance in the management of school districts’ financial resources, a goal made more significant due to the complexity of accounting associated with Texas’ school finance system.  Including twenty indicators, FIRST ensures that Texas public schools are held accountable for the quality of their fiscal management practices and that they improve those practices. The FIRST report is one of several fiscal accountability tools, which also include an annual financial audit.

Assistant Superintendent Jason Karnes provided updates on the district’s Community Based Accountability System, addressing two pillars:  student learning and progress; community engagement and partnerships.  CBAS is based on a total of seven pillars that also include:   student readiness; engaged, well-rounded students; professional learning and effective staff; fiscal and operational systems; safety and well-being.

Following a final review, trustees adopted campus improvement plans that include a comprehensive needs assessment and other data to determine goals, projects and resources for the campus.  Plans are based on CBAS pillars.

Board members adopted a change to the District of Innovation plan that allows schools to waive certain portions of state law in order to provide flexibility.  The amendment allows the district to modify implementation of a newly enacted state law mandating disciplinary placement for all students in possession of nicotine e-cigarettes.  With the amended flexibility, campus administrators would determine appropriate action for first-time offenders caught with vaping devices to include in-school suspension and counseling support.  Placement in the disciplinary alternative setting would be required for those determined to be selling or distributing vaping devices as well as for those, depending on age, in possession of devices on subsequent offenses.

Trustees approved Optional Flexible School Day Program (OFSDP), which will allow LINKS Academy to provide flexible hours and days of attendance for students who meet certain state requirements. According to Nikki Nix, the district’s college and career readiness director, the goal of the program is to improve graduation rates for students who are in danger of dropping out of school, have dropped out or are behind in core subject courses.

The board approved revisions to regulations for school board meetings.  As the primary responsibility of a school board meeting is to conduct the business of the school, facilitating a safe and secure environment for board members, administration, employees, students and community attendees is vital to that charge.  This helps ensure that all stakeholders, regardless of their background, can actively participate in the meeting without fear of discrimination, intimidation, bias or ridicule. When stakeholders feel safe and secure, they are more likely to express their opinions, concerns and ideas openly and honestly. This  transparency will promote effective communication, collaboration and decision making, which can lead to better outcomes for students.

Trustees allocated votes for candidates to serve on boards of directors for appraisal districts in Hood, Johnson and Tarrant Counties.

Reports to the board included:

• The board heard from Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Company regarding facility progress for Phase 2 projects at GHS including The WILD career and technical education center and competition gymnasium. In addition, REEDER Construction reported on Phase 3 construction for the high school’s fine arts wing as well as refurbishment of the athletic field at Legacy Elementary School.

The board approved minutes from last month’s regular meeting as well as financial, investment and tax reports. Trustees also reviewed Policy Update 122 recommendations from the Texas Association of School Boards.  In addition, board members approved a new school guardian as part of the district’s campus security program.

Board members tabled a local policy change to designate places for all trustees for future school board elections.  The trustees also reviewed but took no action on a possible change order regarding Phase 2 construction resulting from cost escalations.

School trustees have their next regularly scheduled board meeting on Monday, Dec. 18.