Simone Barnes

Key discussions included an interactive workshop session regarding district goals and governance alignment, where the strategic direction scorecard, outlining priorities and objectives, was presented for formal approval in March. The academic review covered diagnostic data for Reading Language Arts instruction, indicating significant improvement needs at Santa Fe Middle School and Cleveland Middle School, and lower-than-expected performance in Algebra 1, English 1, and English 2 secondary courses. Corrective actions discussed included building capacity in campus leaders and revamping iReady fidelity. The K-8 reading language arts curriculum adoption process was also detailed. Under action items, the Board considered and approved the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar Option 1.

The meeting included several presentations and discussions. A teacher representative addressed concerns regarding the protection and adjustment of mandated teacher conference time, citing Texas Education Code limitations and proposing an amendment to the DUI plan to limit internalizations. Presentations followed from the Air Force Junior ROTC regarding their record-breaking 2025 Christmas toy drive results, detailing fundraising methods (stadium cleanups, donations, concession sales), shopping, organizing, and gift delivery for 111 families and 485 children. The C9 campus presented their achievements under the theme 'One Crew, One Direction,' highlighting student leadership, expanded clubs and organizations (including Interact, athletics, and various interest clubs like Rubik's Cube Club), and academic successes such as 60% mastery on the TSIA test for 260 students. Finally, a comprehensive overview of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program for January 2026 was provided, focusing on program goals, including maintaining a minimum 90% participation rate for 9th and 10th graders, increasing CTE concentrators by 5% annually, increasing industry certifications by 10% by the end of 2025-2026, and ensuring all 11th graders identify a CTE program of study on their graduation plan.

This document captures actions taken immediately following an executive session. Key discussions involved taking action on items considered during the executive session, specifically concerning employment recommendations and resignations for personnel at the principal director level and above. The primary action taken was the approval of the employment of Christopher Walker for the position of executive principal. The meeting concluded shortly after this action.

The board reconvened to open session following an executive session to take action on discussed items. Key topics included deliberation on the termination and probationary contract of employee Michael Douglas, for whom no further board action was required due to resignation. Subsequently, the board proceeded with a Team of Eight Board Training presented by Dolores Trevvinho from Region 4 ESC.

The special board meeting focused on a workshop session regarding the district's strategic direction scorecard, with key discussion points addressing accelerating student achievement and learning outcomes. Presentations reviewed midyear updates concerning student performance data from the iReady diagnostic tool for grades K-8, noting significant differences in growth between schools like Southside Primary versus Cleveland Middle School and Santa Fe Middle School. Secondary data for 9th and 10th grade reading language arts and math was also discussed, highlighting lower than desired readiness scores. Another major topic involved the upcoming K-8 reading language arts curriculum adoption process, detailing timelines involving EMRA reviews, district showcases, and potential funding influences such as the Lasso Grant and RLA Strong Foundations. Concerns were raised regarding the slower data performance at certain middle schools, prompting discussions about creating targeted action plans for principals to support teachers and address skill or will deficits affecting student achievement.