Godley ISD school board trustees met for their regular monthly meeting September 15, 2025, at Godley High School.

The board adopted an overall tax rate of $1.2850 per $100 of property valuation. The action followed a recommendation from Chief Financial Officer Spencer Davis, who reported a slight decrease in the district’s maintenance and operations rate from $0.7869 to $0.7850. Combined with the $0.50 interest and sinking rate for debt service, the total rate marks the district’s fourth consecutive decrease.

Davis said the local tax rate makes possible pay raises for district employees. While the Texas Legislature provided significant funding for certified classroom teachers, it appropriated a smaller amount for other employees. To ensure fairness, the district supplemented the state allocation to provide all employees with at least a $1,000 raise.

For Hill College, the board adopted the “no new revenue” tax rate of $0.022887 per $100 of valuation.

Assistant Superintendent Jason Karnes presented the district’s third annual Community-Based Accountability System report, which highlights progress and activities in seven key areas: student learning and progress, student readiness, engaged and well-rounded students, community engagement and partnerships, professional learning and effective staff, fiscal systems, and safety and well-being. The report is available online at www.godleyisd.net/cbas and will also be distributed in print.

 

Chief Academic Officer Airemy Caudle reviewed the district improvement plan, which includes a needs assessment and other data to guide goals, projects and resources. The plan is aligned to the CBAS pillars. A final version will be presented to trustees at a future meeting.

Trustees heard a legislative report from State Representative Helen Kerwin.

In other business, board members:

• approved a waiver to the Texas Education Agency limiting the number of foreign exchange students to seven per year
• declared non-business days for 2026 to comply with provisions of the Texas Public Information Act
• approved minutes, financial reports and budget amendments
• authorized participation in the Southeast Texas Purchasing Cooperative through Region 5 Education Service Center
• amended the audit engagement with Snow Garrett Williams CPA for the 2024-25 fiscal year
• approved an interlocal agreement between Johnson County and the Godley ISD Police Department for dispatch services

The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 20.