Godley ISD school board trustees held a regular monthly meeting on February 21, 2024, at Godley High School.
The board approved the academic calendar for the 2025-26 school year, which largely follows the same structure as the current calendar. Assistant Superintendent Jason Karnes stated the only significant change included returning to two early release days at the end of each semester. Karnes also said that the 2024-25 academic calendar will be modified to reflect that same change recommended by the District-wide Education Improvement Council.
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. To ensure the safety of students and staff, the amendment allows the district to extend past two years the time an individual may be denied entry to district property. Karnes said that Godley ISD believes in second chances. However, if after two years an individual continues to pose a substantial risk of harm, or the person continues to behave in a manner that is inappropriate for a school setting, Karnes stated the district will determine whether that person should be granted entry to its property.
Trustees reviewed a draft memorandum of understanding for the 2024-25 school year to continue the Tarleton Today program allowing Godley students to earn college credit through year-long classes and have the option to add it to a college transcript at the conclusion of the course. Tarleton provides training and stipends for GHS teachers, who lead the classes. Free tuition is available for economically disadvantaged students, while others pay a reduced fee of $150 per 3-hour courses and $200 for 4-hour courses. Current course offerings include college algebra, animal science and agricultural economics; the district will consider additional full-year and semester-only course opportunities available through the program.
Board members also approved a financial audit for the 2022-23 fiscal year completed by Snow Garrett Williams CPAs, which provided an “unmodified opinion” with no corrective actions regarding the school district’s finances. A copy of the report is available on the district website.
Reports to the board included:
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Facility progress was presented by Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Company regarding 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.
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Campus principals reviewed progress through the community-based accountability system (CBAS). Reports featured pillars relating to student learning and progress as well as student readiness.
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Trustees heard a campus spotlight from Legacy Elementary School.
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Karnes provided an early update on staffing for the 2024-25 school year. The administration is still evaluating personnel needs and will align those with budget projections.
The board approved minutes from a recent meeting as well as financial and tax reports. Trustees also adopted a resolution regarding career and technical education month.
Honored at the meeting were several students in grades PK-6 for their winning entries in the annual CTE poster contest.
School trustees have their next regularly scheduled board meeting on Monday, Mar. 25.
- School Board