Katie Morman

This transition plan outlines Saint Jo ISD's strategy to meet new teacher certification requirements for foundational curriculum, aiming for 100% certified teachers by the 2029-2030 school year. Key pillars include evaluating the current status of uncertified teachers, setting a targeted compliance timeline focusing on different subject areas, establishing support structures such as Educator Preparation Program partnerships and financial incentives, and implementing robust progress monitoring. The plan also incorporates future pipeline initiatives through grant programs, recruitment strategies, and retention efforts to ensure long-term compliance.

The meeting included a Superintendent's Report covering several items: Teacher Incentive Allotment, Calendar Update and Planning, LASO Grant, Maintenance/Facilities, Property Damage/Insurance Claim, Safety & Security, and the Education Foundation Update. Principals' and Directors' Reports focused on Enrollment Updates, Awards and Recognition, and Program Updates & School Activities. Key discussion topics included a Mid-Year Financial Review and the District Plan to Delay Teacher Certification Requirements under TEC, §21.0032 until 2029-2030. Action items approved included the 2025-2026 Budget Amendments, a Missed School Days Waiver, a resolution to not adopt SB 11 Designated Prayer Time, the nomination of Ira Schoppa for the Cooke County Appraisal District Board, and the District Plan to Delay Teacher Certification Requirements. The board also entered an executive session to discuss Personnel Contracts (DCB), and upon returning to open session, approved 1-year contract extensions for certified administrators Brad Evans and Christi Haywood, and a 1-year contract extension for Classroom Teacher/Athletic Director Christopher (CJ) Hantz. The date for the March regularly scheduled monthly meeting was set for 3/18/2026.

The agenda for the regular meeting included verifying quorum and meeting notice confirmation. Key discussion topics involved the Superintendent's Report covering the Teacher Incentive Allotment, Calendar Update and Planning, LASO Grant, Maintenance/Facilities, Property Damage/Insurance Claim, Safety & Security, and the Education Foundation Update. Principals' and Directors' Reports included enrollment updates, awards/recognition, and program updates. Discussions covered a Mid-Year Financial Review and the District Plan to Delay Teacher Certification Requirements until the 2029-2030 school year. Action items included approving 2025-26 Budget Amendments, a Missed School Days Waiver, a resolution regarding SB 11 Designated Prayer Time, the Cooke County Appraisal District Board of Director Nomination, and the District Plan to Delay Teacher Certification Requirements. The agenda also reserved time for an executive session regarding personnel contracts for various principal and director roles.

Key discussions during the meeting included a public hearing regarding the SJISD Financial Accountability Rating via the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas. The Superintendent provided updates on facility/track projects, safety and security (including a review of the 3-year Safety Audit), the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR), personnel planning, and an update on the Cooke County Appraisal Board of Directors. Principals and Directors reported on enrollment, student demographics, and program updates. Actions taken included the approval of the West Texas Food Service Cooperative Interlocal Agreement and approval of 2025-2026 Budget Amendment(s). The Board entered executive session to discuss the 3-Year Safety Audit, Superintendent Evaluation, and Superintendent Contract, returning to open session to approve the Superintendent Evaluation and a one-year contract extension for the Superintendent with a 4.2% salary increase. The Board also approved the date for the next regularly scheduled monthly meeting.

The meeting included special recognition for the 2025 Varsity Cross Country State Qualifiers and the 2025 Varsity Volleyball Team State Semifinalist. Key discussions and actions involved the 2024-2025 School Year Financial Audit report and the approval of the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the proposed Saint Jo Track project by Mann Made Construction, followed by approval to issue a 'Notice to Proceed' to the contractor. Additionally, the Board approved the 2026 Non-Business Days under the Texas Public Information Act, renewed the TASB Risk Management Fund insurance coverage, and reviewed the 2025-2026 Budget Amendments. The session concluded with the canvassing of results for the 11/4/2025 School Board Election and nominations and votes for the positions of President, Vice President, and Secretary.