Godley ISD school board trustees held their regular monthly meeting on February 18, 2026, at Godley High School.

Trustees authorized $1 million to purchase school buses to replace aging vehicles. The new buses include three-point seat belts, eliminating the need to retrofit older buses that do not meet state expectations.

Chief Financial Officer Spencer Davis explained that using maintenance and operations funds for the bus purchase could affect available resources for personnel and programs. Director of Transportation Jimmy Palcic provided an overview of current transportation operations and vehicle needs.

Board members approved the district’s 2024-25 financial audit conducted by Snow Garrett Williams CPAs. The audit report will be posted on the district website.

The board nominated Shane McNeel to fill a vacancy on the board of directors for the Central Appraisal District of Johnson County.

Regarding appraisal districts, Davis explained how the School District Property Value Study impacts funding for Texas school districts. The annual study, conducted by the Texas comptroller’s office, audits local appraisal districts and applies a confidence interval — typically 95% to 105% of the state-determined market value — to determine whether local appraisals are valid.

Appraisal values for seven of nine Johnson County school districts fell outside the acceptable range, although properties within Godley ISD met the required standard. When districts fall outside the range, the state withholds funding that otherwise would have been allocated to districts.

Trustees reaffirmed the district’s longstanding commitment to protecting religious liberties for students and staff under current practices. The board declined to adopt a formal daily prayer period under Senate Bill 11, which allows school boards to designate a specific time each day for prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious texts. Board members noted that establishing a designated period could create additional regulations, administrative requirements and potential costs.

In personnel matters, trustees approved contract renewals for district and campus administrators.

Additional reports and actions included:

• Campus Spotlight: Principal Jaclyn Trussell of R.B. Godley Elementary School presented an overview highlighting instructional priorities and campus initiatives.
• Approval of minutes from a previous meeting, financial reports and library materials.
• Approval of a resolution to pay nonexempt employees during inclement weather days.

The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, Mar. 16.