Vanessa Bennett

The Targeted Improvement Plan for West Orange-Stark Middle School aims to significantly improve accountability ratings across Domains 1, 2B, and 3 during the 2020-2021 school year. The plan focuses on key areas including the full implementation of data-driven instruction, the development of highly proficient campus instructional leaders through effective coaching and feedback, and the consistent creation of high-quality, TEKS-aligned lesson plans. It details quarterly cycles of action steps, addressing barriers such as remote learning complexities and natural disaster impacts, with the ultimate vision of elevating student progress and overall academic performance.

The board received campus highlights, including student and staff recognitions, and presentations on school activities and literacy initiatives. Financial matters addressed included budget amendments, financial statements, investment reports, tax collections, open purchase orders, and a bond summary. Operational discussions involved facility usage concerns, and action was taken on authorization to add the Director of Finance to a bank account. The board approved a resolution regarding school bus seat belts, the high school course catalog, the school calendar, TEKS certification forms, and video camera equipment storage. Further approvals included a notice of election, a claims administrative services contract renewal, updated board policies, and several new and updated job descriptions. Following a closed session, the board approved 2026-2027 contractual staff and the termination of a probationary contract.

The board participated in a required Post Legislative Update Training session facilitated by the Associate Executive Director from Region V.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding the 2024-2025 Texas Academic Performance Report. The Board received campus highlights from various schools, including career and technical education recognition and employee and student awards. Financial discussions covered operating statements, investment reports, tax collections, and Head Start financials. Operational updates were provided by the maintenance, transportation, and technology departments. The Board approved the Region 5 Food Services Coop Board Resolution for 2026-2027, changes to the district calendar, a resolution with Union Pacific Railroad, Head Start Program Overview training, a resolution regarding non-business calendar days, a resolution on daily prayer time, and an amended order of election for May 2, 2026. The meeting also addressed personnel matters including administrative contracts and hiring recommendations, and the Board held a closed session to discuss various employment, discipline, and student matters.

The meeting commenced with routine business, including an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Superintendent's Report. The Superintendent's Report featured recognitions for the Mustang Broadcasting Network students and campus highlights from West Orange Stark High School, West Orange Stark Middle School, West Orange Stark Elementary School, and the North Early Learning Center, which included recognition for Teacher, Employee, and Student of the Month, and a showcase of Social Emotional Learning activities. Under audience participation, a patron announced a candidacy for Justice of the Peace. The Consent Agenda included the approval of the minutes from the November 17, 2025, Regular Board Meeting. The Finance section involved discussion on financial statements and action items concerning the approval of the Financial Audit, transfer of funds for Board Member Training, and approval of Interlocal Agreements with HCDE and TIPS. Under Instruction, there was a discussion regarding graduation plans. Policy discussions covered the WOCCISD District Plan for Meeting Teacher Certification Requirements by the 2029-2030 School Year, which was approved, and the approval of the General Election contract for May 2, 2026, along with the associated orders to call the election. An updated Finance Clerk job description was also approved. The Board then adjourned to a closed session to discuss personnel matters (reassignments and resignations), special education complaint investigation, and a review of the Tri-Annual Safety and Security Audit Report before reconvening in open session.