Duncanville Independent School District

The meeting included a presentation and overview of the counseling program, detailing how it supports students' academic achievement, career readiness, and social-emotional development. An update on second-semester attendance was provided, noting the district's Average Daily Attendance (ADA) compared to the goal, alongside a discussion of the Community Outreach Campaign and the Spring Attendance Initiative. Efforts concerning drug, alcohol, and bullying prevention were reviewed, which included a small-group activity distinguishing between rude, mean, and bullying behaviors, and a highlight of the 'WHAM -- What Helps Align Me' Drug Prevention Community Fair. An announcement was made seeking more parent and student representation on the committee.

The meeting agenda included a review of the Wellness Plan, focusing on amendments, best practices, and goal measurability across nutrition education, physical activity, mental health, substance abuse education, and staff wellness. Discussions also covered the Panther Pantry, detailing its partnerships and the support provided to families. Updates were provided regarding Safety and Security, including the Police Staffing Plan for the upcoming budget years and investments in technology like cameras and mobile computers. Furthermore, the Child Nutrition Meals Program participation details were reviewed, covering the School Breakfast, National School Lunch, After School Snack, and Summer Feeding Programs, along with their importance to student success and recent compliance adjustments regarding food additives.

The Town Hall Meeting, led by the Superintendent, focused on strategies to positively impact student attendance within the district. A key discussion involved a partnership with Groundworks to address attendance issues by examining the family component. The presentation highlighted data comparing Duncanville ISD's Average Daily Attendance (ADA) and chronic absenteeism rates against other Best Southwest schools, noting that Duncanville ISD has the lowest ADA and highest chronic absenteeism rate, which negatively affects school funding and student academic progress. Attendees and virtual participants engaged in discussions regarding barriers to on-time attendance, such as coordinating drop-offs for multiple children across different school start times, lack of reliable transportation, parents working late shifts, student/family mental health issues, and lack of motivation. Proposed solutions included implementing van carpooling services for non-bus-eligible students, issuing warning notices for minor infractions, and encouraging better preparation of clothing and vehicle fueling the night before.

The regular meeting included opening ceremonies featuring an invocation and pledges, followed by the Superintendent's Report which recognized School Board Recognition Month, congratulated the football team on their State Championship appearance, and promoted the Champions Choice School shopping event. Recognitions included student performances for School Board Recognition Month and an update on the annual coat drive results. A public hearing was conducted for the 2025 District Annual Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR), highlighting performance data, demographic information, and special education status. Action items included approving a change order up to $700,000 for the Clint Q. Smith Early Learning Academy renovations to address unforeseen conditions like asbestos abatement and city-requested sewer line upgrades, approving the purchase of online tutoring services (Tutor by Teacher) using Title I funds, ordering the May 2, 2026, school board election, approving Target Improvement Plans (TIP) for Central Elementary and Brandenburg Intermediate, and approving the annual request for the DHS Panthers Impact Summer College Tour, which includes a flight element for the first time to maximize campus visits. During the closed session, the board discussed the Superintendent's contract, and upon reconvening, approved the hiring and one-year contracts for a Director of Transportation and a Chief Financial Officer.

The meeting included a review of the December regular meeting minutes, which covered presentations on the Panther Pantry, a review of the wellness plan, updates on nutrition and meal service programs, and a safety and security update from the chief of police regarding staffing plans. Discussions also covered the afterschool snack program and summer lunch program. The February session featured a detailed presentation on the comprehensive counseling services, including individual, group, crisis/grief, and academic/career supports, emphasizing the SecondStep curriculum and customized social-emotional learning instruction. Responsive services, student support counselor responsibilities, staff training, and professional development were also addressed. Separately, updates were provided on second-semester attendance, highlighting school performance and initiatives to combat chronic absenteeism through home visits and town hall meetings. Furthermore, bullying prevention efforts and the process for handling bullying reports were reviewed.