Kyle Schrader Ashton

This video presents the Regional Student Advisory Committees (RSACs) as a service learning opportunity for future teachers and university students. The initiative, led by Sam Houston State University's Garrett Center in collaboration with the Texas Education Agency, aims to gather feedback from students with disabilities across Texas on transition planning and available resources. The collected student input informs the Texas Education Agency and guides priorities for the student-centered transitions network. The video encourages engagement to develop leadership and communication skills, foster student success in post-secondary education and employment, and ensure students' voices are heard in public education.

The meeting included the Superintendent's updates regarding the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 enrollment projection, which stood at 345 as of October 17, 2025, with a target of 350 by the end of October. Financial reports as of September 30, 2025, were presented, noting that revenue exceeded expenses for September, although federal grants were pending due to a government shutdown. The Board recognized the Bearkats of the Month from the Brighton and Cypress Trails campuses and acknowledged the Charter School's principal for National Principals Month. A staffing update noted one open fourth-grade teacher position. Campus highlights included a visit from the Houston Texans' mascot, Toro. Following an Executive Session, the Board unanimously approved the English as a Second Language Program Evaluation, setting a priority to attain 100% ESL certified teachers and improve TELPAS growth. The Board also unanimously approved the SHSU-CS District Improvement Plan for 2025-26, which emphasizes increased achievements in math and science, elevating Tier 1 instruction, and addressing safety audit recommendations.

The Board meeting commenced with a call to order and establishment of quorum. The Superintendent provided updates covering the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 enrollment figures, noting a total enrollment of 341, and financial reports as of November 30, 2025, which showed expenditures exceeding revenue during the period. District news included updates on the upcoming winter break, the arrival of two year-long resident teachers in January, progress toward the TEA's high-quality designation, and ongoing discussions for a potential new campus at Klein. The primary action item involved the discussion and unanimous approval of the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Financial Report, presented by an auditor from Carr, Riggs & Ingram, L.L.C., which received an 'unmodified opinion.'

The meeting included Superintendent's Updates and Reports covering Board Appreciation Month recognition, the FY2025-2026 enrollment status of 340, and a financial report as of December 31, 2025, noting that revenue forecasts were up by approximately $270,000 and the school remained profitable after one-third of the year. The technology report detailed immediate needs for device refresh cycles, including ViewBoards, with an estimated outlay of $142,000. Updates were provided on the progress of a new campus site and a proposal for a Music Program Addition, which is under active consideration. Key actions taken included unanimously approving a motion to decline the adoption of a policy establishing a period for prayer or religious text reading (in alignment with SB 11) and unanimously approving a policy allowing students to be excused for religious instruction (in accordance with SB 1049). The Board also unanimously approved the 2026-2027 District Academic Calendar.

The agenda for this regular meeting included receiving Superintendent's Updates and Reports concerning the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Enrollment Update and the SHSU-CS Financial Report. Key discussion and potential action items involved reviewing and approving a Board Resolution regarding an Expansion Amendment Request to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for opening a new campus site under the SHSU-CS Charter Authorization. Another significant item was the review and approval of a Board Resolution concerning the Submission of a High-Quality Charter School Designation Application to the TEA. The meeting also reserved time for an Executive Session.