Diana Bland-Neel

Key discussion topics included reports from various departments. Health Services addressed the impact of the flu virus on attendance and ongoing hearing tests. Counseling/Guidance focused on educating students on the difference between 'Telling vs. Tattling'. Nutrition Services reported on a recent cafeteria audit with minor findings that have been addressed, and confirmed the cancellation of the salad bar for February. Physical Education/Athletics provided an update on the upcoming baseball and softball schedule, noting alignment with a UIL District next year. Employee Health and Wellness reported on collaboration with First Financial for dental and health insurance, including seeking better third-party dental coverage options. Physical Education and Health Education reported that students will participate in the FitnessGram in May, and CPR training for seniors is being considered. Family/Community Involvement confirmed that donations have adequately equipped students with necessary softball and baseball gloves. Discussions related to a Safe School Environment included the Raptor sexual predator software, new video cameras, and David's Law training.

The Oakwood ISD Family Engagement Plan is designed to enhance student success and maximize the quality of education by increasing the collaboration and involvement of teachers, parents, and the community. It focuses on six key components: facilitating family-to-family support; establishing a network of community services; increasing family participation in decision-making; equipping families with tools to enhance and extend learning; providing professional development for educators on culturally responsive strategies; and evaluating family engagement efforts for continuous improvement.

This document outlines the District of Innovation Plan for Oakwood ISD, which aims to provide greater local control, increased flexibility in education programming, and empowerment for innovation. The plan specifically proposes a flexible calendar to allow for an earlier start date to balance semesters, increase instructional days before testing, and enable an earlier school end date. Additionally, it addresses teacher certification by proposing local handling of certification decisions to improve scheduling flexibility and expand class offerings for students.

The meeting included various reports from different areas. Health Services reported on lice checks, an upcoming Health Fair, and the immunization report deadline. Counseling/Guidance discussed ongoing Character Education, a bullying presentation, and David's Law presentations for different grade levels. Nutrition Services reported positively on the A la Carte menu and the new salad bar. Physical Education/Athletics confirmed all physicals were complete. Employee Health and Wellness covered the TRS Active Health competition and Tele-Doc services. Health Education/P.E. focused on suicide prevention, anger management, and Movement Monday. Discussions under Healthy (Safe) School Environment included the Raptor sexual predator software, a camera system bid, and David's Law training.

Discussions during the meeting included a closed session regarding a solar farm and later one regarding administration contracts. The Superintendent's report covered attendance, maintenance, safety updates, a lighting grant award of $200,000, and an update on the Teacher Incentive Allotment. Action items included denying a resolution regarding Senate Bill 11, approving the TEA Certification for Instructional Materials adoption for 2026-2027, and approving the school financial audit presented during the November board meeting. The Board also took action to cancel the School Board Election scheduled for May 2, 2026, due to unopposed candidates and approved an application to delay Teacher Certification Requirements until the 2029-2030 school year. Finally, administrator contracts for the 2026-2027 school year were approved for several positions.