Godley ISD school board trustees reviewed academic priorities, student readiness initiatives and operational updates during their regular meeting on August 17, 2026, at Godley High School.

Trustees received an update from Chief Academic Officer Nikki Nix on the district’s 2026-27 House Bill 3 goals and District Improvement Plan, which build on progress made during the previous school year.

The district met its 2025-26 goals related to staff climate and student attendance. For 2026-27, Godley ISD is building on that progress with new goals for continued improvement while maintaining a strong focus on academic growth. 

Proposed district goals include:

• Academic Growth in Reading and Math: Demonstrate measurable growth in literacy and numeracy, resulting in a three-point increase in the Texas Education Agency’s annual accountability rating across all grades and subjects.
• Professional Learning and Effective Staff: Implement targeted professional learning aligned with district academic goals and meaningful staff recognition practices, resulting in a 5% increase in positive responses on identified climate survey indicators.
• Student Readiness and Safety & Well-Being: Continue creating a safe, secure and supportive learning environment, with a goal of increasing student attendance by 0.25%.

Campus principals also presented their respective Campus Improvement Plan priorities for the school year. The district and campus plans will return to trustees for approval in September.

Nix also presented the district’s Business Rhythm, a systematic process for monitoring student growth, achievement and other key indicators throughout the year. The process includes biweekly Stat Chats to analyze academic data, attendance and other measures, along with professional development, campus data reviews and regular professional learning community meetings. District and campus leaders will use the process to monitor student progress, adjust instruction and regularly report progress toward district goals and student outcomes.

Trustees also reviewed changes to College, Career and Military Readiness accountability requirements and strategies to continue preparing students for success after high school. District initiatives include expanding dual credit and dual enrollment opportunities, reviewing Career and Technical Education offerings and exploring additional nontraditional course options.

Superintendent Dr. Rich Dear presented an update on the district’s participation in the Johnson County Shared Services Arrangement for special education. Godley ISD, which represents more than half of the arrangement’s total enrollment, is evaluating the fiscal and operational considerations of establishing a district-operated special education department. The review includes staffing, funding, compliance, service delivery and opportunities to align services with district and campus priorities.

Trustees received an update from Assistant Superintendent Jason Karnes on the district’s 2026-27 property and casualty insurance renewal, which decreased by 29.6%, resulting in $341,762 in savings. The district also increased its Educators Legal Liability coverage from $1 million to $3 million.

Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Melissa Block presented a proposed change to local policy regarding hiring authority. The proposal would authorize the superintendent to select and employ personnel below the level of assistant principal, allowing the district to move more quickly when recruiting qualified candidates. The superintendent would continue to inform trustees of employees hired under the delegated authority.

Chief Communications Officer Jeff Meador provided an update on the district sponsorship program as several original five-year agreements concluded. Several sponsors have renewed through June 2028, new businesses have joined the program and the district continues recruitment for a limited number of available sponsorship opportunities.

Trustees also learned more about the Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine program, known as TCHATT, from representative Laurin Ramirez. The statewide program provides students access to mental and behavioral health services through telemedicine-based assessments, brief interventions and referrals for additional services. The district’s proposed partnership with TCHATT will return to trustees for consideration in September.

Other action and reports by the board included:

• Enrollment: Dear reported student enrollment at 3,387, up 75 students from the previous year’s count of 3,312. 
• Board Minutes and Financials: Trustees approved minutes from previous meetings, the monthly financial report and a budget amendment for instructional support and other district needs. 
• Grounds and Practice Fields: Trustees received an update on soil conditions affecting district practice fields and a plan to improve turf health.
• Senate Bill 12 Certification: Trustees reviewed a new annual state requirement for school districts to certify compliance with provisions of Senate Bill 12 regarding DEI duties and certain instructional requirements. The certification will return for board approval in September before submission to the Texas Education Agency. 
• Library Materials: Trustees approved proposed library materials following the public review period required by state law.
• Johnson County 4-H: Trustees approved an agreement with Johnson County 4-H and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service recognizing 4-H as an extracurricular activity and allowing Extension advisers to assist Godley FFA students when district advisers cannot attend events.
• Johnson County Agreements: Trustees approved routine agreements with Johnson County related to law enforcement communications and other district police services.
• Tax Rate: Trustees set Sept. 21 for a public hearing regarding adoption of the proposed Hill College tax rate. The board also reviewed the district’s proposed tax rate for consideration at the next meeting.
• School Guardian: Following executive session, trustees approved the appointment of a school guardian.

The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 21.