November continues to be a busy time of year and student performance is on display at all levels. I’m incredibly proud to see students engaged in classroom learning and excelling during their extracurricular activities. I’m humbled and grateful to see our community showing their support and pride for our students and staff as well. As the semester continues, opportunities for engagement continue at a rapid pace. Be sure to check out our district calendar for events and details. 

We’ve been keeping a close eye on enrollment numbers as it drives decisions for staffing, programming, and bond activities. In fact, last week, we recorded our highest enrollment number at 13,167, an increase since May of nearly 500 students. One of the ways we monitor growth is through quarterly demographic reports that show not only how many students are projected to move into our district, but where. These reports help inform where we should secure land and where to place new schools.  In September, we broke ground on the Future-Ready Complex which will house advanced CTE programs, a new Richarte High School, Bridges program, Early Learning Center and the GISD Health & Wellness Center. Site prep is happening now for a new Benold Middle School in Parmer Ranch and Elementary No. 11 in Santa Rita Ranch. All three facilities are funded by bonds approved by voters in the 2021 Bond Election and scheduled to open in the fall of 2024. In the meantime, our teams are considering what portable buildings would look like for some fast-growth areas of our district. We will keep you informed as those plans come together. 

Another important topic we’re tracking is the election today. Texas politicians will enter into a new legislative session in January, and I’m hopeful that public education is a priority on their agenda. Decisions coming out of each biennium session often have tremendous impacts on public schools. If you haven’t had a chance to head to the polls during the past two weeks, I encourage you to do so today. Your voice matters when you vote! You can find a sample ballot and polling locations on the county’s website at www.wilco.org/elections.

Later this week, we’ll celebrate the brave men and women who have served or are serving our country through Veteran’s Day activities. It’s one of my favorite days in our school district, watching our students engage in activities that both celebrate and honor those who fight to protect our freedom. If you are a veteran, I want to thank you for your service! I also hope you’ll join us in the celebration. You’ll find a list of events open to the public on our website and encourage you to check campus websites for updates. Some campuses are asking guests to register in advance so that the check-in process for visitors can be streamlined. 

There are just 8 school days left before we break for Thanksgiving. Below are a few reminders of upcoming events and closures. Also, our campuses are hosting special Thanksgiving meals all next week and inviting parents to join the celebration. Please look for details from your child’s campus and join us if you can. 

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:

• Georgetown ISD has job openings in several departments, and we’d like to invite you to a job fair on Nov. 12 to learn more about opportunities. If you are looking for meaningful employment or know someone who is, please join us or share the event. 

• The regular monthly meeting of the GISD Board of Trustees will take place on Monday, November 14. 

• Progress reports will be available to view on Nov. 18 in Skyward; and

• Thanksgiving break for students and staff is also just around the corner. Please note that campuses are closed Nov. 21 - 25 in observance of the holiday. 

This time of year, though busy, is one full of reflection for me. I am incredibly grateful for the people who serve in our district, for our students who are our future, for the parents who entrust us with their kids and work alongside us, for the partners who give selflessly, for the community leaders who believe, as we do, that we are the foundation of this community.  During this season of thanks, I want you to know how much I appreciate you. 

With gratitude,
Fred Brent
Georgetown ISD Superintendent