Cristin Baker

The meeting commenced with the invocation and the pledge of allegiance. The board immediately moved to adjourn into a closed session to discuss personnel matters, consultation with the attorney, and the deliberation regarding the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property, with any resulting action to be taken upon reconvening in open session.

The meeting commenced with acknowledgments of compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act and extended a welcome to the public, clarifying the board's role in governance rather than management. A significant portion of the meeting involved recognizing outstanding staff and students from various district campuses: Porter High School, West Fork High School, and New KY High School. Recognitions included CTE students, athletic award recipients, visual and performing arts students, custodians, cafeteria workers, paraprofessionals, teachers, and support staff. A new head football coach and campus coordinator for Westport High School was also welcomed. The superintendent presented reports covering staff recognitions and updates on various campus activities.

The meeting commenced with introductions and acknowledgments of new staff members from various campuses and departments, including directors of finance, marketing, operations, and instruction. A segment of the meeting was dedicated to public comments, during which a community member requested the reinstatement of teacher and staff photos on district and school websites to enhance parent familiarity and trust. The Superintendent's report featured the recognition of exemplary staff members from Krippen Elementary, including the Child Nutrition Manager, the Head Custodian, and two professional staff members, along with the recognition of two outstanding students for their growth and character. The discussions focused heavily on personnel acknowledgments and celebration of achievements.

This document outlines New Caney ISD's request to delay the implementation of certification requirements for teachers until the 2029-2030 school year. The plan details strategies to ensure all teachers obtain full certification, including the use of Certification Growth Plans, regular meetings between campus administrators and teachers, monthly communication with EPP partners, and various 'Grow Your Own' programs. Key focus areas involve collaborative efforts, consistent monitoring of progress, and providing support through student teacher programs and employee scholarships. The ultimate goal is for all teachers to achieve full certification by the 2029-2030 school year.

The meeting featured a significant segment dedicated to celebrating achievements within the Fine Arts department. This included recognizing winners of the NCIC holiday art contest across elementary, middle, and high school divisions, some of whom received significant recognition, such as one piece being auctioned for $75,000 and another selected as a congressional winner. The presentation detailed the structure and successes of various fine arts programs, including elementary art and music, secondary visual arts (noting a district distinction award), dance and drill team (mentioning participation in a new pilot assessment), theater arts (noting advancement in one-act play competitions and upcoming musicals), orchestra, and band/color guard (highlighting national recognition for the Keeper Crossing Middle School ensemble and marching band accomplishments). There was also mention of a student being a finalist for a TVA scholarship. The meeting also included a segment to introduce and inform the board about the 110 staff members in the Fine Arts department.