Avionne Alexander

The meeting focused on reviewing the Wellness Assessment results. Notable discussions included adherence to consistent moderate to vigorous physical activity curriculum at intermediate and middle school levels, and suggestions for community access to district facilities like tracks and playgrounds outside of school hours, alongside concerns about district liability. The committee reviewed Nutrition Department assessment results and emphasized staff training for safe food service regarding allergies and illnesses. A comment was made regarding the necessity of recess for self-regulation across all grades. The input gathered will be used to revise the current wellness plan for presentation to the School Board for the next school year. Future meeting frequency was set to once per quarter, and a co-chair nominee was put forward.

The meeting began with introductions and an overview of the agenda, followed by a presentation from the FISD Food Services team regarding a Limited Time Offer (LTO) of Cheeseburger Nachos with Pickle Queso. A registered dietitian provided detailed information on food services, covering federal regulations, meal reimbursements, and efforts to provide nutritious choices, noting that a survey will be distributed to gather feedback from parents and students regarding food options. Discussion ensued regarding the cost of smart snacks, student options for additional or a la carte items, accessing daily purchase records via Skyward, placing expense limits, and accessing monthly menus with nutritional information. The Director of Engagement & Higher Education presented on other school-based activities that support the Wellness Plan. Future meeting plans were discussed, emphasizing the upcoming assessment of the current Wellness Plan to formulate recommendations for the Board of Trustees.

The Forney ISD District of Innovation Plan is a five-year roadmap, guided by four Board Goals, designed to provide the Board of Trustees with local control and flexibility in decision-making to better serve students and align learning with district objectives. It addresses specific state regulations concerning school calendars, teacher certification, contracts, lunch periods, class sizes, grievance procedures, GPA rules, library materials, planning time, student transfers, and financial contracts. The plan aims to ensure a sound and efficient learning environment, develop innovative curricula, foster a culture of excellence, and strengthen community partnerships, ultimately expanding opportunities and addressing the unique needs of all learners within the district.

The meeting began with a review of the agenda and an explanation of what a School Health Advisory Committee/Council entails, its function within the district, and its membership. A comparison between the school district's Wellness Policy and its Wellness Plan was provided. A collaborative activity encouraged feedback from attendees on Wellness Policy topics, including Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Other School Related Activities. Key themes from the feedback centered on increasing daily opportunities for physical activity, enhancing fresh food options for nutrition, and expanding nutritional education for all students. Future meetings will feature presentations from the physical education and child nutrition departments.

This plan outlines Forney Independent School District's strategy to achieve compliance with teacher certification requirements and address recruitment challenges. It details a phased reduction of uncertified teachers, targeting a 15 percentage point decrease in grades K-5 by 2027 and in grades 6-12 by 2028, with a goal of reducing the total uncertified teacher percentage to no more than 10% by 2029, and achieving full compliance by 2030. Key strategies include implementing compliance notifications, strengthening 'Grow Your Own' pathways, sustaining EPP partnerships, improving certified teacher recruitment, ensuring EPP enrollment, continuous progress monitoring, providing onsite support, facilitating collaborative study groups, and curating certification resources. The plan aims to strengthen the quality and stability of the District's workforce by recruiting and retaining highly qualified educators.