Grady Independent School District

Key discussions and actions taken during the meeting included the naming of Cash Jennings as the new Superintendent of Grady ISD and the authorization to offer him a contract. The Board approved the 2026-2027 employment contracts for the Athletic Director, Business Manager, and Counselor. Other action items involved approving the District's Teacher Certification Compliance Delay Plan and approving updated library books and materials according to HB 13 guidelines. Furthermore, the Board authorized the purchase of new weight room equipment, including weights and mats. The meeting concluded with the approval for payment of monthly bills.

The meeting covered new and miscellaneous business, specifically the discussion and action items related to School Board Training provided by Larry Lee and a subsequent report on the accrued Board Training Hours. The meeting concluded with an adjournment motion.

The agenda focused on several significant financial and budgetary actions. Key discussions included adopting an order authorizing the redemption of $8,219,000 in outstanding principal of the Grady Independent School District Unlimited Tax School Building Bond, Series 2025, and levying ad valorem taxes for payment. The Board also set the 2025-2026 tax rates at a total of $0.7489. Furthermore, budget amendments totaling $45,000 were approved, moving funds from function 91 to functions 34 and 41. Finally, the Board approved the payment of end-of-fiscal-year bills and the official closure of the fiscal year.

The meeting included consideration and possible action items related to several areas. The Board hired Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C. Law Firm as a second attorney. Authority was approved for Mr. Gonzales to spend up to $394,840.00 for a playground project. Furthermore, approval was granted for Mr. Gonzales to start two new houses by Jennings, Gonzales, Springer for up to $800,000.00. The Board took no action to implement a voluntary prayer or religious reading period pursuant to Senate Bill 11 at that time. The Board named Cash Jennings as the lone finalist for the Superintendent's position and approved the Region 17 - West Texas Food Service Coop Interlocal Agreement and the TAPR hearing and report. Discussion regarding utility vehicles was tabled, and personnel discussions, including the Athletic Director, Business Manager, and Counselor, were held during an Executive Session. The payment of monthly bills was also approved.

Key discussions during the meeting included updates on Bond Projects provided by Shiver Megert. Action items addressed the approval of the 2025-2026 School Property Insurance policy, the purchase of Stryker communication devices and services, and consideration of the 2025-2026 Budget. The Board approved proposals for bleacher storage, school housing carports, and patio covers. Furthermore, the Notice of Election for November 4, 2025, was approved, as was the Call for Fuel Bids for 2025-2026 and the 2025-2026 Student Code of Conduct and Student Handbook. Other approved actions included the 2024-2025 FIRST Rating, new standards for the Guardian team, the 2024-2025 Excessive Revenue Payment (WADA), and several budget amendments. The meeting concluded with the approval of monthly bills.