Forney Independent School District

The Forney ISD District of Innovation Plan is a five-year roadmap, guided by four Board Goals, designed to provide the Board of Trustees with local control and flexibility in decision-making to better serve students and align learning with district objectives. It addresses specific state regulations concerning school calendars, teacher certification, contracts, lunch periods, class sizes, grievance procedures, GPA rules, library materials, planning time, student transfers, and financial contracts. The plan aims to ensure a sound and efficient learning environment, develop innovative curricula, foster a culture of excellence, and strengthen community partnerships, ultimately expanding opportunities and addressing the unique needs of all learners within the district.

The meeting began with a review of the agenda and an explanation of what a School Health Advisory Committee/Council entails, its function within the district, and its membership. A comparison between the school district's Wellness Policy and its Wellness Plan was provided. A collaborative activity encouraged feedback from attendees on Wellness Policy topics, including Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Other School Related Activities. Key themes from the feedback centered on increasing daily opportunities for physical activity, enhancing fresh food options for nutrition, and expanding nutritional education for all students. Future meetings will feature presentations from the physical education and child nutrition departments.

This plan outlines Forney Independent School District's strategy to achieve compliance with teacher certification requirements and address recruitment challenges. It details a phased reduction of uncertified teachers, targeting a 15 percentage point decrease in grades K-5 by 2027 and in grades 6-12 by 2028, with a goal of reducing the total uncertified teacher percentage to no more than 10% by 2029, and achieving full compliance by 2030. Key strategies include implementing compliance notifications, strengthening 'Grow Your Own' pathways, sustaining EPP partnerships, improving certified teacher recruitment, ensuring EPP enrollment, continuous progress monitoring, providing onsite support, facilitating collaborative study groups, and curating certification resources. The plan aims to strengthen the quality and stability of the District's workforce by recruiting and retaining highly qualified educators.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding the 2026 proposed attendance modification plan, which affects several elementary schools including Willlet, Jacobs, Griffin, Crosby, and Wilson. Concerns raised during the hearing focused on increased distances, potential traffic congestion on Helms Road, and emergency service response times related to the proposed rezoning, with requests for grandfathering students. A second public hearing addressed the Targeted Improvement Plan for Deubberry Elementary, which is progressing from targeted support to monitor status. The plan focuses on intensive curriculum and instruction improvements and sets specific performance goals for student achievement and growth. The board also collectively approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from previous meetings, the Deubberry improvement plan, a road easement, and approval for furniture, fixture, and equipment purchases not to exceed $4.9 million for the OC expansion and $1 million for the transportation facility.

The Forney Independent School District's Improvement Plan for 2025-2026 outlines a comprehensive strategy to enhance the educational experience. It focuses on four key goals: establishing a sound, safe, and efficient learning organization that supports learning and prepares for the future; implementing an innovative curriculum that meets academic, social-emotional, and future-ready skills for all learners; fostering a culture of excellence that builds positive relationships and empowers its diverse population for lifelong success; and developing school, family, and community partnerships that expand opportunities for all. The plan also integrates a robust Parent and Family Engagement Policy to ensure collaborative support for student achievement.