Joshua Independent School District

The meeting included a detailed presentation and discussion regarding the Early Childhood Literacy and Mathematics report, analyzing student performance against state standards for various grade levels and student groups, noting successes in meeting 2024 targets for literacy and most mathematics groups, while identifying continued focus areas like Spanish-speaking students' third-grade Star scores. The board approved resolutions for sanctioning Johnson County 4-H as an extracurricular activity and approving the associated faculty agreement for 2024-2025. Endorsements were made for the TASB board director position. The board reviewed and approved the 2024-2025 Professional Development Plan, as it aligned with state requirements. Memorandums of Understanding were approved with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Joshua Police Department, Joshua ISD Police Department, King Police Department, and Johnson County Sheriff's Office regarding communication and jurisdiction coordination. Revisions to the 2023-2024 Compensation Plan, including adjustments for RISE instructors and accounts payable clerical periods, were approved. The board also approved the order authorizing the issuance of the Joshua Independent School District unlimited tax school building bond series 2024. Furthermore, revisions to local policies (123 affecting policies) were approved. During executive session, the board considered professional staff changes and accepted a property donation located at 2784 Southwest Wilshire Boulevard from the Mountain Valley joint venture. Special called board meetings were scheduled for July 31st, August 26th, September 11th, and October 9th for budget workshops, tax rate hearings, and training sessions.

The meeting included special recognition for two students, Zoe Johnson and Gage Cole, for their accomplishments. A superintendent report covered reviews of enrollment, attendance, ADA, child nutrition, tax collection, financial reports, and police department activity. Nichols Middle School presented on their new building addition, which includes 12 classrooms, a science lab with a prep room, and a tornado shelter designed to withstand 250 mph winds, with full student occupancy planned for the next school year. Mr. McCoy, an AP World History teacher at Joshua High School, was recognized as the recipient of the Jack Harvey Academy of Exemplary Teachers Award. The board considered and approved several consent agenda items, including purchases over $50,000 related to the CTE wing (audiovisual equipment and furniture), the Laughlin roof replacement, and the purchase of two Suburbans. Approvals were also sought for construction materials testing for Prop A and wall panel replacement for the high school cafeteria kitchen for Prop B. The district financial auditor, Snow Garrett Williams, for the 25-26 year end was approved. A motion passed to approve a vendor for single-mode fiber installation connecting Mount Stadium to JHS, funded partially by grant funds. The 2026-2027 school calendar (Option One) was approved, moving the start date to August 11th. A resolution was adopted concerning student religious expression, opting to allow voluntary, student-led prayer and religious text reading rather than adopting a state-mandated time. Revisions to the GMP summary for the CTE project were approved, including a new contractor for specialties and changes to access control/security scope. Revisions were also approved for the new elementary school project GMP summary, addressing costs for site work, a required city stop light, and utility line installation. Finally, the board passed a resolution in favor of an overpass (grade separation project) over FM 917 railroad tracks, aligning with the City of Joshua's resolution to submit to the federal government. The delayed implementation plan for teacher certification requirements was approved to allow the district to fully transition compliance by the 2029-2030 school year.

This plan outlines Joshua ISD's comprehensive, multi-year strategy to transition all uncertified teachers to full certification. Key strategies include strong partnerships with Educator Preparation Programs, expansion of internal Grow Your Own pathways, targeted recruitment efforts, structured mentoring, and ongoing progress monitoring. The plan aims to achieve 100% certification compliance by the 2029-2030 school year, strengthen the district's long-term educator pipeline, and maintain high-quality instruction for all students.

The meeting included a Board Workshop covering the Superintendent's reports, school budget review, safety update, monthly activities, and Goal Action Plan data. The Tax Attorney presented the delinquent property tax collection report. The Transportation Director reported on the cost implications and compliance plan for retrofitting buses with safety belts per SB 546. During the regular session, the Board received various reports, including enrollment, financial summaries, and a campus presentation from Elder Elementary. The Board recognized accomplishments by JHS Theatre students who advanced to Nationals and the Joshua NJROTC Rifle Teams who placed in regional competition and are advancing to Nationals. Two public hearings were conducted regarding the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) and the College, Career and Military Readiness Plan. Key actions included approving the prior month's minutes, budget amendments, and accounts payable; calling a General Election for School Board Trustees for May 2, 2026; appointing the Election Judge and clerks; approving a Joint Election Agreement with the City of Joshua; approving a revision to the New Elementary School GMP Summary; and approving contract awards for Category Two IT infrastructure (Switches, UPS, WAPs, Cabling) and Self-Provisioned Fiber installation. The Board entered executive session to discuss legal consultation, real property matters, and personnel, including the Superintendent's evaluation and contract extension through June 30, 2029. The resignation of one employee was accepted.

The meeting included recognition of students, with presentations highlighting Mary Hotch (interested in basketball, CrossFit, and helping others) and Eli Alun (interested in gaming, math, and soccer, with aspirations to be a lawyer). Following a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, there were performances, including a holiday-themed presentation. A significant portion of the meeting involved a review of the district's performance scorecard, focusing on Domain 1 (Student Achievement), Domain 3 (Closing the Gap), Growth Status for English Learners, and School Quality Status. The report detailed progress on CCMR criteria, AP scoring, dual credit enrollment, and special education graduates. Athletic reports were presented, covering football's performance (1-9 record, focus on program culture and increased roster size), volleyball's successful season (varsity finishing second, goals set for breaking the first-round playoff drought), and cross country's performance (boys qualifying for regionals, girls achieving academic All-State honors, with efforts to implement goal-setting classrooms). Operational reviews included enrollment, attendance, financial reports, and property tax collections.