Jeff Chase

The board meeting agenda includes student recognition, public comments, and various departmental reports covering curriculum, finance, operations, safety, and professional development. Action items involve the acceptance of donations, a review of board member training, and discussions regarding the summer meeting schedule. Additionally, the board will convene in executive session to address personnel matters, including contract renewals for professional staff, as well as matters related to homeland security and legal consultation.

The board meeting included student recognition for UIL achievements and CTE certifications. The superintendent provided reports on curriculum assessments, financial statements, various grants, and facility maintenance. The board approved several items, including the 2026-2027 academic calendar, an interlocal election agreement with Polk County, a government municipal advisory agreement, staff compensation for a bad weather day, budget amendment #1, and a waiver request regarding teacher certification requirements. Additionally, the board approved contract renewals for the athletic director, business manager, and campus principals, while declining the adoption of a resolution related to Senate Bill 11.

The Goodrich Independent School District's Teacher Certification Compliance Action Plan aims to achieve 100% certification in foundation courses by the 2029-2030 school year. The plan focuses on providing structured support for teachers pursuing certification through non-traditional routes, which includes identification and enrollment in alternative certification programs, integrated mentorship and coaching, and a 'Grow Your Own' program. It also details a robust recruitment plan with components such as competitive staff compensation, participation in university job fairs, and comprehensive marketing of career opportunities, all aligned with a phased compliance timeline.

The meeting agenda focused on several operational and planning items aligned with the established Board Goals. Key discussions included the Superintendent's monthly report covering curriculum, finance, maintenance, and professional development. Action items involved the consideration and approval of the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar, an Interlocal Election Agreement with Polk County, a Government Municipal Advisory Agreement, compensation for staff due to a bad weather day, Budget Amendment #1, a Board Workshop for Compensation Planning, and a request for a waiver concerning teacher certification requirements. An Executive Session was scheduled to address personnel matters, including resignations, employment, and contract renewals for key administrators, consultation with the attorney regarding Senate Bill 11, and homeland security/safety matters. Upon reconvening, potential actions related to contracts and Senate Bill 11 were listed.

This action plan details Goodrich Independent School District's strategy to achieve 100% teacher certification in foundation courses by the 2029-2030 school year. The plan focuses on providing structured district support for teachers through non-traditional certification routes, including identification and enrollment in alternative certification programs, integrated mentorship and coaching, a 'Grow Your Own' program, and a teacher residency partnership. Additionally, it outlines a robust recruitment plan encompassing competitive staff compensation, participation in university job fairs, and comprehensive marketing of career opportunities. The strategy includes a phased compliance timeline from 2025-2026 to 2029-2030 and is funded by LASO Cycle 4 and local district funds.