Jessica Gonzales

This document outlines Cayuga Independent School District's plan to comply with House Bill 2 (HB2) requirements regarding new teacher certification. It details strategies for reducing the number of uncertified teachers, particularly in foundational curriculum courses, over a five-year period from 2025 to 2029. Key strategies include Certification Support, Recruitment Pipeline development, Assignment Review and Tracking, Professional Learning & Evaluation Alignment, and Communication and Stakeholder Involvement. The district aims to achieve full compliance with teacher certification requirements by the beginning of the 2029-2030 school year through annual goal setting and continuous improvement.

The meeting began with honoring the Student of the Month, Raeleigh Taylor, and recognizing student achievements in cross country and volleyball. Administrative reports included updates on campus performance, an attendance report, a facilities report concerning the wastewater treatment plant, and a transportation update regarding new legislative school bus seatbelt requirements. Key actions included approving consent reports for October, approving nominations for Board officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary), approving the Cayuga ISD Non-Certified Teacher Compliance Plan, and approving expenditures for a 3-phase transformer installation and a windscreen proposal. Updates were provided on the Cayuga ISD Chapter 313 Agreement involving Skull Creek Solar LLC. Personnel actions included informing the board of a cafeteria staff dismissal and approving the hiring of a new cafeteria staff member and the addition of a substitute bus driver. The board also discussed dates for future meetings.

The meeting included honoring the Student of the Month for October, campus principals presenting administrative reports, and a financial report related to interest earned on bond proceeds. There was also discussion of a maintenance director's report on wastewater treatment plant management and a technology report on cybersecurity training. A public hearing was held regarding the District's performance as measured by the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST). The Board approved a resolution regarding the Anderson County Board of Directors Position, amendments to the Cayuga ISD District of Innovation Plan, and expenditures related to the SAFE Grant. Ongoing facilities projects, improvements, and equipment needs were discussed, along with electrical upgrades to the existing high school and middle school buildings. The board was informed of a teacher's resignation and approved new teacher and substitute teacher hires. The transfer of students to Cayuga ISD was also approved.

The Board engaged in a Team Building Training and conducted an evaluation of the superintendent. The board approved the consent reports for August. Administrative reports were presented by the campus principals, including an academic comparison report and a transportation report. The Board approved the Board Continuing Education Credit (CEC) report and the 2025-2026 Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) spending plan. The potential need for future action to amend the district of innovation (DOI) plan was discussed. The Board approved the selections to the School Library Advisory Committee (SLAC) and the School Instructional Materials Advisory Committee. The Board was informed of the continued fiscal relationship with the audit firm of Pattillo, Brown, & Hill, LLP to conduct the annual financial audit. The Board received progress status update reports from representatives of Gallagher Construction and CEI Engineering. The Board approved the authorization to expend the remaining safety & security monies associated with the SAFE grant cycle 2. The Board discussed surveillance camera needs and the purchase of a second-hand used tractor. The board approved the transfer of several students to Cayuga ISD. The board approved the retire/rehire of Kellie Gatewood for the 2025-2026 school year and the hiring of Samantha Castillo as a paraprofessional for the 2025-2026 school year. The board approved additions to the list of approved substitute teachers and the addition of two employees to the list of approved district Guardians.

This District of Innovation Plan for Cayuga Independent School District aims to enhance its educational program by seeking exemptions from specific provisions of the Texas Education Code. Key strategic areas include gaining local flexibility in teacher certification for both non-CTE and CTE subjects, extending probationary contracts for experienced teachers, and establishing the right to revoke student transfers. The plan also allows for local control over the school calendar, fewer annual meetings for the School Health Advisory Council, and local authority for library material acquisition aligned with community values. Additionally, it provides flexibility in managing school district depository contracts to better suit the district's needs.