Karen Anderson

Key discussions focused on the integration of Health TEKS within Physical Education for Red Oak Middle School and Red Oak Junior High School, involving the potential implementation of the CATCH curriculum or internal resource development to better meet academic intervention needs. Following discussion, a poll was requested, and a vote will be sought via email to approve or reject using CATCH for the 2026-2027 school year for grades 6-8. The committee also reviewed recommended updates to the SHAC By-Laws, specifically concerning increasing the membership cap from 21 to 30, which was tabled due to a lack of quorum. Additionally, a nomination was made for the SHAC Co-Chair position, which will also be determined via email vote.

The meeting commenced with recognitions including the Top Hawks students based on academic readiness, GRIT, character, and service, and the Hawk Staff Spotlight recipient, Ms. Morgan Bufford. The Board was also recognized in honor of School Board Appreciation Month. Key discussion points in the Superintendent's report included the timeline for the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year Budget Process, updates on construction projects such as elementary playgrounds and athletic fields, and the Elementary Summit Success Plan presentation. The Superintendent also acknowledged a significant donation from Google for interactive flat panels and shared EOC Re-testing Results. Action items involved approving the Consent Agenda, which covered bill payments and investment pool representative updates. Furthermore, the Board approved the Order of Election for both the General Trustee Election and a Special Trustee Election scheduled for May 2, 2026. The Guaranteed Maximum Price for the Red Oak High School Sub Varsity Athletic Venue construction was also approved. During Closed Session, discussions included consultation with legal counsel regarding adopting a policy on prayer and Bible reading, personnel matters, and real property discussions. Upon reconvening, the Board voted not to adopt the resolution regarding the mandatory period of prayer and Bible reading, choosing to maintain current local and legal policies.

This document outlines Red Oak ISD's plan for meeting teacher certification requirements by the 2029-2030 school year. The plan aims to delay full implementation until then, progressively reducing uncertified teachers through strategies such as developing educator preparation program (EPP) partnerships, providing communication and guidance to staff, offering alternative certification pathways, and implementing 'Grow Your Own' programs. The objective is to achieve full compliance with Texas Education Code § 21.0032(a-1) for foundational curriculum courses.

The meeting covered the discussion and approval of the Spring 2026 proposed titles list for purchase. The committee noted that the list format was easier to review in this session. An open item noted for future consideration is the potential addition of ByLaws to the process for the following year.

The board meeting commenced with an invocation by guest pastor David Johnson. A segment was dedicated to recognizing students as Top Hawks based on the four talents of the hawk, with gift cards awarded to winners from elementary, middle, and high school levels, sponsored by State Farm agent Andrea Walton. Following this, the Hawk Staff Spotlight recognition, also sponsored by Ms. Walton, honored Morgan Buford, a fifth-grade teacher at Shepman Elementary, for her resilience and positive attitude. A special presentation by the Red Oak Education Foundation announced a significant donation of over $187,000 from Google for technology upgrades, specifically interactive flat panels for Red Oak Middle School. The board also received appreciation from Glenn Heights, which presented a framed proclamation. The superintendent provided an update on the annual budget process, noting that revenue projections are tied to student enrollment and average daily attendance, and discussed concerns regarding the basic allotment remaining static while costs increase. Updates regarding potential additional funding from the Texas Education Agency contingent on extended school days were also mentioned.