Patricia Neugent

The Goodrich Independent School District's Teacher Certification Compliance Action Plan aims to achieve 100% certification in foundation courses by the 2029-2030 school year. The plan focuses on providing structured support for teachers pursuing certification through non-traditional routes, which includes identification and enrollment in alternative certification programs, integrated mentorship and coaching, and a 'Grow Your Own' program. It also details a robust recruitment plan with components such as competitive staff compensation, participation in university job fairs, and comprehensive marketing of career opportunities, all aligned with a phased compliance timeline.

The meeting agenda focused on several operational and planning items aligned with the established Board Goals. Key discussions included the Superintendent's monthly report covering curriculum, finance, maintenance, and professional development. Action items involved the consideration and approval of the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar, an Interlocal Election Agreement with Polk County, a Government Municipal Advisory Agreement, compensation for staff due to a bad weather day, Budget Amendment #1, a Board Workshop for Compensation Planning, and a request for a waiver concerning teacher certification requirements. An Executive Session was scheduled to address personnel matters, including resignations, employment, and contract renewals for key administrators, consultation with the attorney regarding Senate Bill 11, and homeland security/safety matters. Upon reconvening, potential actions related to contracts and Senate Bill 11 were listed.

This action plan details Goodrich Independent School District's strategy to achieve 100% teacher certification in foundation courses by the 2029-2030 school year. The plan focuses on providing structured district support for teachers through non-traditional certification routes, including identification and enrollment in alternative certification programs, integrated mentorship and coaching, a 'Grow Your Own' program, and a teacher residency partnership. Additionally, it outlines a robust recruitment plan encompassing competitive staff compensation, participation in university job fairs, and comprehensive marketing of career opportunities. The strategy includes a phased compliance timeline from 2025-2026 to 2029-2030 and is funded by LASO Cycle 4 and local district funds.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding the 2024-2025 Texas Academic Performance Report, followed by a public comment session governed by established local policy. Reports covered Superintendent updates on Curriculum and Instruction, Finance, Maintenance/Operations/Safety, and Professional Development. Actions included a discussion and potential approval of a property bid, calling a School Board Election for May 2, 2026, and reviewing the election calendar. The board also addressed the 2026-2027 Application for Staff Development Minutes Waiver. An Executive Session was scheduled to discuss Personnel Matters (including resignations, employment, and the Superintendent Contract evaluation), Homeland Security, and Consultation with Attorney regarding Senate Bill 11. Upon reconvening, continued business involved discussing the Superintendent Contract Extension and ratifying the hiring of a new Elementary Teacher.

The primary focus of this meeting was a Training Workshop concerning Board Operating Procedures, specifically covering the "Team of Eight" framework. The session was facilitated by Dr. Ronny Knox from ESC6.