Joyce Akins

This document outlines three key priorities for advancing social emotional learning (SEL), focusing on Professional Development & Support, Mentorship, and Measurements & Evaluation. It emphasizes developing teacher competence in addressing students' developmental needs, promoting social emotional skills through enhanced youth relationships and well-being, and exploring high-quality SEL assessments for various purposes.

This Board Presentation outlines the mission of The Center for Safe and Secure Schools to equip educational institutions with integrated safety solutions and mental health support, fostering prevention, preparedness, and effective response. The strategic direction includes four key goals: expanding visibility to establish leadership in school safety and climate initiatives, delivering comprehensive training and professional development for emotional and physical safety, supporting internal stakeholders at HCDE schools and facilities with robust resources, and strengthening client relationships through consistent, exceptional service delivery. The overarching commitment is to advance strategies that promote safe, supportive, and resilient learning environments for student and educator success.

This Board Presentation for CASE for Kids details the organization's impact, operational highlights, and financial outlook. It covers the reach of its programs, including youth and adults served, and partnerships. Key operational areas include professional development, curriculum support (SMARTZONE), coaching, and various special initiatives like the All-Earth Ecobot Challenge and career expos. The presentation also addresses financial aspects, noting current and projected budgets, funding sources, and challenges posed by federal funding reductions, while outlining strategies for resource management and new funding acquisition.

The Harris County Department of Education's Board of Trustees voted to lower the tax rate for the seventh consecutive year. The board adopted a rate of $0.004990 per $100 of taxable property value, slightly lower than the current rate. This reduction aims to provide more services efficiently while being mindful of taxpayer support. The new rate means the average homeowner would pay less than $10 a year in property taxes for education services provided by HCDE, which include afterschool programs, therapy services, adult education, Head Start, specialty schools, and professional development for educators.

The Harris County Department of Education's budget amendment report includes adjustments to the General Fund and Special Revenue Fund. The General Fund saw increases in revenue and expenditures due to additional revenue from HCDE Plus and expenses for the Baytown Headstart Parking lot. The Special Revenue Fund increased revenue and expenditure budgets for the Head Start Program Operations and Disaster Recovery to reflect awarded amounts. The report details estimated revenues, appropriations, and fund balances, covering various programs and funds within the department.