Susan Looney

This District Improvement Plan for Highland Park Independent School District outlines a strategic roadmap to ensure student success through a commitment to excellence. The plan focuses on five key goals: raising achievement for all students, optimizing resources for academic success, providing high-quality professional staff, utilizing innovative technology for engaging experiences, and ensuring accountability to stakeholders through safe and efficient operations. It aims to develop successful lifelong learners by leveraging progressive technology and advanced instructional techniques.

The Highland Park Independent School District's District Improvement Plan outlines a comprehensive strategy to enhance student success and operational excellence. Key pillars include achieving high accountability ratings and 100% student proficiency, developing instructional practices to close learning gaps, preparing students for college, career, and military service, and improving student attendance while decreasing dropout rates through targeted interventions. The plan also focuses on strengthening relationships with the community, families, and students, providing a high-quality staff, implementing innovative technology for learning, and ensuring safe, secure, and efficient district operations. The overarching vision is to foster a culture of excellence and support student well-being, preparing all students to be successful lifelong learners.

The Board of Trustees convened for a regular session that included a Public Hearing to discuss the Federal Programs application and budget for 2025-2026. The board also discussed reports, approved the Region 16 ESC Contracts for the 2025-26 school year, and approved the 2025-26 HPISD meal prices. Additionally, the board entered a closed session and later approved a probationary contract for a certified classroom teacher.

The board discussed reports, adopted the 2025-26 Highland Park ISD Student Code of Conduct, and approved a proposal from Black Watch Systems for the HVAC Controls Project. They also adopted the Cafeteria Meal Charge Policy and policies EFB, FD, FM, and FNCE (Local). Additionally, the board approved GASB 54 Fund Balance Assignments, authorized the Superintendent and Finance Director to make final 2024-2025 budget amendments, and delegated contractual authority to the superintendent for specific obligations under the Texas Education Code. A certification waiver for Taylor Swires for the 2025-26 school year was also approved.

The Board of Trustees convened in a special session, entered closed sessions under TX Government Code 551.071, TX Government Code 551.074, and TX Government Code 551.821 for a hearing. The board made findings regarding a parent complaint, determining some aspects were untimely filed. The board decided to dismiss complaints arising from events before January 13, 2025, specifically addressing an allegation against Coach Eric Sheen. The Board upheld the Superintendent's findings and decision at Level Two and denied the appeal.