Godley ISD school board trustees swore in newly elected members at the monthly meeting on May 22, 2023, at Godley High School.

Kayla Lain and Craig Stevenson, who received the top votes in the May election, were sworn in to serve three-year terms expiring in May 2026.  Lain is new to the school board, while Stevenson has served since May 2011.

Trustees reorganized following the swearing in.  Matt McKittrick was re-elected as board president, while Stevenson is the new vice president with Terrie Goodloe serving as secretary.

The board adopted changes to local district policy.  The changes reflect updates to board terms and the election schedule.  Other changes formalized modifications in meeting practices included in board operating procedures adopted at the April meeting.

Board members approved a memorandum of understanding with North Texas Next magazine.  The agreement will provide students in 8th, 11th and 12th grades free access to the career-related magazine’s forthcoming North Texas edition. The publication will highlight careers in high-demand industries, according to Director of Career and Technical Education Nikki Nix.

The board discussed a possible facility use agreement with the Godley Chamber of Commerce to have office space in The WILD, the high school’s future career and technical education center. Under the proposal to foster the school district’s partnerships with local businesses and industry, the chamber would have office space for administrative needs and meetings as well as a store front.

In personnel, trustees approved the appointment of new school guardians, who provide 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.

Reports to the board included:

• The board heard from Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Company regarding facility progress for Phase 2 projects at Godley High School including a four-story career and technical education center and a competition gymnasium. In addition, REEDER Construction reported on Phase 3 construction for the high school’s fine arts wing.

• Superintendent Dr. Rich Dear updated the board regarding student transfers from other school districts. Transfers mostly are children of staff members or from families currently building a home and moving into the school district. 

• Alyssa Hanna reported on program successes and goals for the gifted and talented program.  Currently, 236 students are identified for the program, and some in grades 4-6 took college-readiness assessments through the Baylor Talent Identification Program (TIP), a new talent search program. Hanna also identified several goals for next school year at both the elementary and secondary levels.

The board approved minutes from the last regular meeting, budget amendments, as well as financial, investment and tax reports. Other action included adopting a resolution regarding extracurricular status of Johnson County 4-H through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

School trustees have their next regularly scheduled board meeting on Monday, Jun. 19.