Groesbeck ISD School Board was short a few members for their meeting on Monday, July 22, but those present reviewed handbooks and approved a few necessary measures in preparation for the quickly approaching 2024-2025 school year.
Superintendent Anthony Figueroa provided some background on why the district is implementing an advanced math program for grades 6-12.
“Senate Bill 2124 came out two years ago and said that the State of Texas is now requiring that all schools allow 8th graders to take Algebra I. A lot of small school districts went ‘hold on a second.’” Figueroa said.
“They kind of let us muddle our way through, but this year they said, ‘You have to have a plan moving forward.’ They don’t have to take Algebra 1 this year, but you have to show that you’re making progress starting with your sixth graders this year or you risk not getting federally- and state-funded properly.”, stated Figueroa.
New Enge-Washington Intermediate Principal Lora Sims explained the district’s approach to implementing the Advanced Math Program, stating that students will be automatically enrolled if they meet one or both of the eligibility criteria:
- Achieve at least the 60th percentile on the Grade 5 Mathematics STAAR (statewide performance); and/or
- Rank in the top 40% on the iReady End of Year Benchmark for Grade 5 Mathematics (local measure).
“Right now, we have 39 students who qualified,” Sims said. “Parents can opt-out for their child, but they cannot ask for their kids to be placed in the program, the kids have to meet the criteria to qualify.”
She further explained that the sequence will begin this school year and the eligible 6th-grade students will follow an accelerated learning model, learning all grade 6 TEKS and half of grade 7 TEKS, then in seventh grade, learning the second half of grade 7 TEKS and all of grade 8 TEKS in order to take Algebra 1 in grade 8. The class credit will count toward their high school GPA.
Sims and Figueroa fielded questions about the process from board members, clarifying that sixth grade is the starting point and there will be two chances for students to accelerate their math path so that calculus is included- by qualifying for the Advanced Math Program in sixth grade or by doubling up on math courses in grade 10.
Director of Instructional Services Cindy Ensminger noted that even if an advanced math student is struggling to keep up, only the parent has the power to opt the child out of the program and must do so before the four-week mark. The importance of parent communication and involvement as the district and students embark on this new advanced math model is paramount.
The board approved the Advanced Math Program guidelines as presented.
The second reading of Policy EIC (Local) as it pertains to academic achievement and class ranking was presented by Groesbeck High School’s new Principal, Dr. Keith Parker.
Board member Angela Crane felt that the language was not clear in some instances, but Parker and Figueroa stated that the wording had been recommended by TASB. Parker clarified some guidelines that were in question; explaining that failing grades will be included in class rank calculation and that while classes can be retaken for credit, the new grade will not be included in the class rank calculation.
Starting with the Class of 2028, GPA calculation will include all courses in English, mathematics, science, social studies, and up to four semesters of foreign language; current sophomores through seniors will follow the GPA calculation model that the district has used up to this point. The board approved the second reading of EIC Local, with a slight wording change for clarity, should TASB allow it.
No changes were made to the student handbook or the student code of conduct, which means the dress code and other expectations of students remain the same as last year. The student handbook did not require approval, but the board approved the student code of conduct.
The board also reviewed a few changes to the 2024-2025 employee handbook, including the allowance of “dressy denim” for administrative and office staff, limitation of scrubs to specific positions, and clarification that t-shirts are not allowed, except for Groesbeck spirit shirts on Fridays.
Handbooks and constitutions for extracurriculars (including Athletics, band, Cheer, FFA, National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, and Theater) were provided to board members in preparation for the upcoming school year.
Figueroa explained that sponsors had submitted the forms for the board’s review and consideration so that any concerns could be addressed or changes could be made before the forms were shared with parents. No issues were raised with the handbooks provided.
In other business, the board approved the consent agenda, the first reading of TASB Policy Update 123, and four local policies that underwent slight wording changes.
The next regular GISD School Board Meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. in the GHS Board Room.
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