Ferris Independent School District

This document details a Transition Roadmap for special populations, outlining a 6th-12th Grade Progression. It focuses on preparing students for postsecondary success through stages such as career awareness, high school readiness, career research and focus, exploration of career clusters and high school pathways, and preparation for adult services and workforce. The roadmap guides students in identifying interests, understanding graduation requirements, researching specific careers, and finalizing postsecondary plans.

The meeting commenced after establishing a quorum, with key agenda items including Hero Recognition, Student Recognition, and Staff Recognition. The consent agenda covered the approval of the financial report, budgeted purchases exceeding $50,000, and budget amendments. The primary action item involved a discussion and approval regarding a Special Called Election, where the board unanimously approved past practice indicating no election was needed. The board also convened in a Closed Session to discuss personnel matters (employment of staff including assignments and terminations), real property owned by the district, and security personnel and devices, before reconvening to take necessary action.

Ferris ISD is committed to meeting the Texas Education Agency's teacher certification requirements by the 2029-2030 school year. This multi-year strategy outlines a plan to reduce the number of uncertified teachers, strengthen certification pathways, and build a sustainable pipeline of certified educators, with a proposed three-year delay in full implementation requiring Board and TEA approval. Key strategies include in-district professional learning, partnerships with Educator Preparation Programs like Teachers of Tomorrow and iTeach, a mentorship program, and a 'Grow Your Own' pipeline. The plan targets a phased reduction of uncertified teachers, aiming for 100% compliance by the 2029-2030 school year.

The meeting included an observance of a quorum and the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation. Key agenda items addressed included District Excellence topics such as Hero Recognition, Student Recognition, Staff Recognition, and Staff Member of the Month. The Board convened in a Closed Session to discuss personnel matters, specifically the employment of administrative and teaching staff, real property owned by the district, and security personnel and devices. Following the Closed Session, the Board reconvened in Open Session to take any necessary action resulting from the closed deliberations. The meeting was subsequently adjourned.

The key topics of the meeting included observing the presence of a quorum and conducting the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation. Discussions proceeded to Team of Eight Training and a Closed Session authorized by the Texas Open Meetings Act for deliberation on strategic planning. The board reconvened in open session to take necessary actions and subsequently adjourned.