Lori Dochoda

This District Improvement Plan outlines the strategic direction for Galveston ISD, aiming to "Raise the Grade" by elevating learning, valuing culture, and growing together, with a vision to become a destination district for students, staff, and families. Key goals include significantly increasing STAAR scores in Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies to meet grade level or above by August 2027, reducing zeroes on writing assessments, boosting college, career, or military readiness (CCMR) rates, and ensuring all campuses achieve an "A" or "B" accountability rating by 2027. The plan also focuses on improving students' sense of belonging through increased connections with adults on campus and diversifying district revenue.

This plan outlines Galveston Independent School District's strategy to achieve full compliance with House Bill 2 (HB 2) certification requirements for teachers in foundation curriculum subjects by the 2029-2030 school year. The district will implement a phased approach, starting from the 2025-2026 school year, to reduce the percentage of uncertified teachers. Key pillars include maintaining partnerships with educator preparation programs, tracking apprentice teacher progress, providing certification support and tutoring, expanding recruitment for fully certified teachers, and developing individualized growth plans for uncertified staff. The overarching goal is to attract high-quality talent, improve retention, and ensure all foundational curriculum areas are taught by certified professionals.

The document outlines the academic calendar for the 2026-2027 school year, providing a structured framework for educational operations. It prioritizes the systematic allocation of student instructional days across semesters and grading periods, alongside dedicated teacher professional development and planning time. Key focus areas include maintaining consistent campus hours, scheduling critical parent-teacher conference dates, and marking official holidays, all aimed at ensuring an organized and productive learning environment leading to successful student completion and graduation.

The meeting included introductions of new staff members. Discussions focused on parent representation from each campus and the review of the school wellness policy, including strategies for soliciting involvement and input from interested parties. The importance of online access to school health-related forms for parents, including diet modification forms, was emphasized. Plans for upcoming meetings in September, October, and February were discussed, with a focus on the triannual review for SHAC and the involvement of PE coordinators and teachers.

The meeting discussed Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month and the need for a curriculum to be sent to the curriculum committee. Site evaluations before February 11th were also discussed, with a need for a parent and nurse volunteer from each school. The triannual assessment of the school district's local wellness policy will be completed around the same time as the site evaluations. The difference between the site evaluation and the triannual assessment was clarified.