Godley ISD school board trustees swore in newly elected members at the monthly meeting on May 20, 2024, at Godley High School.

Terrie Goodloe, Simone Mabry and Jeff Neal, who received the top votes for Places 1-3 respectively in the May election, were sworn in to serve three-year terms expiring in May 2027.  Mabry and Neal are new to the school board, while Goodloe is a veteran trustee.

Trustees reorganized following the swearing in.  Craig Stevenson was elected board president, while Goodloe is the new vice president with Marissa Abbott serving as secretary. 

Honored for their many years of service on the school board were retiring trustees Dennis McFarlin and Matt McKittrick.

The board approved comprehensive district policy amendments following a third review by Assistant Superintendent Jason Karnes, who stated that district and campus administrators had recently conducted the local policy review with a consultant from the Texas Association of School Boards.  The recommendations included aligning policy to current practices, removing or consolidating obsolete or repetitive policies, and adding policy language to comply with recent changes in state law.

Board members approved a list of innovative courses for the 2024-25 school year that enable students to master knowledge, skills and competencies not included in the essential knowledge and skills of state-required curriculum. GHS courses include:  Advanced Floral Design; Advanced Video Game Programming; Agriculture Leadership, Research and Communications; Emergency Medical Technician - Basic; Entrepreneurship II; General Employability Skills; Introduction to Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Flight; Peer Assistance and Leadership (PAL) I - II; Practicum in Entrepreneurship.

The board extended the Optional Flexible School Day Program (OFSDP) for the 2024-25 school year.  The initiative allows LINKS Academy to provide flexible hours and days of attendance for students who meet certain state requirements. 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.

Following a presentation by Chief Academic Officer Dr. Airemy Caudle, board members approved certification of instructional materials to the Texas Education Agency.  School districts must verify annually that the district and schools are covering required standards and identify instructional materials to be used in each content area.

Trustees discussed a possible partnership from the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth for an after-school program to replace Cub Club, which provides after-school care at elementary campuses.  The weekly rate would remain consistent with current Cub Club fees, but a monthly option would not be available.  Discounts would be available for multiple children, YMCA members and school employees, and additional opportunities would be available during school breaks and on staff development days.  The YMCA offers after-school programs in several other districts. Trustees will consider the proposal at a future meeting.

Reports to the board included:

• 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.

• Brian Hunt, the district’s director of safety and well-being, reported on intruder detection audits.  While specific results are confidential in the interest of security, Hunt assured the board and public that any corrective action has been completed to address any mechanical or personnel deficiencies.

• An annual report on the Family and Community Engagement Committee was presented by Caudle.  Goals for the current school year were to re-engage volunteers in schools and to build a volunteer recognition program. The committee also hosted the second annual Summerpalooza at The WILD earlier in the month.  

• Chief Financial Officer Spencer Davis reported on preliminary tax values from county appraisal districts.  He also outlined tentative budget calendars for the next two fiscal years, given that the district will move to a fiscal calendar of July through June.

• Trustees heard a campus spotlight from Pleasant View Elementary School.

The board approved minutes from recent meetings, budget amendments as well as financial and tax reports. Board members approved a waiver to the Texas Education Agency for low attendance days and a memorandum of understanding with the Johnson County Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP) for the 2024-25 school year.

Trustees reviewed a proposed meeting schedule for the next school year.

School trustees have their next regularly scheduled board meeting on Monday, Jun. 17.