Susan Shannon

The 2022-2027 District of Innovation Plan for Cherokee Independent School District focuses on modifying Education Code requirements to better meet the needs of its student population. Key areas of concern addressed include teacher certification requirements, probationary contracts, the first day of instruction, teacher contract days, and inter-district transfers. The plan aims to facilitate flexibility in hiring, scheduling, and student transfers to enhance educational opportunities and outcomes.

The Board convened to discuss various topics, including completed beginning-of-year testing and screeners, the implementation of RTI, and the creation of a Principal's Advising Committee. Updates were provided on the TSTC/CISD welding class pilot program. The board discussed and considered an amendment to the District of Innovation Plan, specifically regarding the SHAC and Site Based Committees. An ESL Annual Program Evaluation was presented, highlighting the progress of elementary-age students. The A-F Accountability Rating template from TEA was reviewed, focusing on student achievement, school progress, and closing gaps. A donation to the district was discussed and approved. Legislative updates related to Senate Bill 12 and parent rights were presented, with a resolution to be voted on at the next meeting. The Superintendent reported on enrollment numbers, septic issues, and the review of the Emergency Operation Plan.

The meeting is to discuss the school district's budget to determine the tax rate. Public participation in the discussion is invited. The tax rate that is ultimately adopted at this meeting or at a separate meeting at a later date may not exceed the proposed rate shown unless the district publishes a revised notice containing the same information and comparisons set out below and holds another public meeting to discuss the revised notice.

The 2022-2027 Cherokee ISD District of Innovation Plan focuses on modifying education code requirements to better meet student needs. Key areas addressed include teacher certification requirements, probationary contracts, the first day of instruction, and teacher contract days. The plan seeks exemptions to allow flexibility in hiring teachers with specialized skills or experience, even if they lack full state certification, particularly in high-need areas like CTE. It also aims to adjust probationary contract lengths, modify the school calendar to a four-day week starting earlier in August, and reduce teacher contract days while maintaining salaries. Finally, the plan proposes replacing the School Health Advisory Council with the District Site Based Decision Making Committee to streamline health-related decision-making.

The Cherokee ISD 2024-2028 Strategic Plan focuses on improving student outcomes and post-secondary readiness. Key areas include strengthening school culture, increasing student performance on state assessments (targeting growth in "meets" and "masters" categories), developing comprehensive Programs of Study aligned with current standards, and implementing the Teacher Incentive Allotment program. The plan also prioritizes enhancing the academic experience through the implementation of high-quality instructional materials and expanding career and technical education (CTE) offerings to increase student exposure to career opportunities. The plan aims to achieve an A-rated district status by 2028.