Gary Browning

The School Library Advisory Council (SLAC) meeting focused on establishing operational procedures as required by Senate Bill 13. Key discussions included affirming the council's advisory role to the Board of Trustees regarding material acquisition and challenges. Libby Clark was elected Chairperson. The council agreed to temporarily pull any newly tagged books from circulation pending review and decided to limit the current review cycle to one list across all five campuses due to workload feasibility. Discussions detailed the process for parent restriction controls via a forthcoming Follett-integrated system, public review timelines (cutoff March 20), and established guidelines for evaluating materials based on statutory definitions of 'harmful' and 'obscene,' focusing on curricular alignment, redeeming social value, and pervasive vulgarity. Action items were assigned to clarify catalog codes, locate comprehension charts, and validate login access procedures.

The meeting began with the call to order and verification of agenda posting. Information items included introductions of council members and district representatives, and a review of the School Library Advisory Council's role as per SB13 and GISD Board Policy EFB (Local). Action items involved the selection of Libby Clark as Chairperson, the presentation of library book requests from each campus by Anne Routon, and the committee determining the final procedure for finalizing the recommended book list. The session concluded with general discussion on clarifications and next steps for book approvals.

The meeting, conducted by the Superintendent of Schools, focused on the Strategic Plan (2025-2028) and facility excellence objectives. Key agenda items included a review of the Facility Assessment Report by Corgan, a walking tour of Woodland Elementary School to gather observations, and the assignment of members to various subcommittees: Academics & Enrollment, Capital Improvements & Transportation, Student Programs, Safety & Security, and Technology. Meeting norms and key points were also reviewed.

The meeting agenda covered introductions and review of meeting norms, followed by a demographic report from Zonda, which was shared separately. Key presentations included an overview of the Technology Program, detailing classroom device totals, infrastructure status, and future needs such as replacing projectors and adding a backup internet connection. An overview of the Athletic Program presented participation numbers, coaching staff ratios, and identified facility needs, including weight room expansions and a second turf field. A walking tour of Graham Junior High School took place. Furthermore, the Texas School Finance and GISD Budget Overview was presented, detailing funding sources (local, state, federal), the impact of inflation on the basic allotment, and the adoption of a deficit budget for 2025-2026. The session concluded with guidance provided for the various FPC Subcommittees (Academics & Enrollment, Capital Improvements & Transportation, Student Programs, Safety & Security, Technology).

This District Improvement Plan for Graham Independent School District outlines a strategic roadmap for the 2025-2026 academic year, addressing findings from a comprehensive needs assessment. The plan is built upon seven key goals: preparing students for success through personalized learning and professional development; developing, recruiting, and retaining highly qualified employees; optimizing revenues and student achievement by increasing attendance rates and ensuring fiscal efficiency; maintaining excellent, innovative, healthy, and welcoming facilities; fostering a unified school community with strong stakeholder ownership; providing a safe, healthy, and secure environment; and supporting student success through clear and inclusive communication and marketing.