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October Board Briefs
Board Briefs are monthly, high-level updates following regularly scheduled meetings of the GISD Board of Trustees.
Look for Board Briefs each month following the regularly scheduled meeting of the board. These updates are designed to help keep you informed on important activities and decisions in the district.
These briefs will be archived on our website so you can access them at any time. A video archive of GISD board meetings is also available on our website.
Board Approves Policy Permitting Student Out-of-District Transfers
In September, the board of trustees was presented information regarding a possible update to policy which would allow GISD to accept out-of-district transfers. During last night’s board meeting, the policy was approved. District leaders will now work to establish guidelines and parameters of the policy. Considerations such as availability of space and instructional and related staff will be factored into the guidelines. The community can expect to hear more as the policy evolves, including a timeline for when the first student out-of-district transfer applications will be accepted and which schools will be open to transfers.
2020-21 Student Code of Conduct Approved
The Student Code of Conduct is updated every year to reflect changes in local policies and legislative decisions. This year, the majority of changes to the Code of Conduct are as a result of updates to Title IX legislation. Those updates include language and descriptions related to harassment, discrimination and retaliation. The updated Code of Conduct is available on our website here.
Board Receives Update on Technology’s 1-to-1 Device Efforts
Chief Strategist of Technology and Innovation Lannon Heflin provided an update on the district’s efforts to become a 1-to-1 learning institution, meaning every single student in GISD will be equipped with a personal device. This initiative was originally part of a five-year plan for GISD, but the efforts were expedited when the COVID-19 pandemic made device availability imperative for students.
Heflin explained how the high demand for Chromebooks and global shipping and manufacturing challenges presented multiple challenges. He credited the creative thinking of his staff and the dedication of community volunteers for navigating through the challenges and the need for swift device distribution. Funding for the new devices was provided by the 2018 bond program and savings from the 2015 bond program.
In all, these efforts will refresh GISD’s aging Chromebook fleet and ensure all students have access to technology for learning in-person or remotely.
Board Approves Budget Amendment to Account for COVID-19 Expenses
Shortly after the beginning of each school year, the district’s budget is amended to reflect revised revenue projections, actual salaries and benefits, and operational costs for the remainder of the school year. Chief Financial Officer Pam Sanchez presented an amendment that was approved by the board of trustees which reflects the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
So far, the district’s unexpected expenses related to COVID-19 have reached $3.2 million. That figure reflects the increased costs for safety and sanitization, technology devices, internet hotspots and added security features for remote learning and working. The district expects to reimburse a portion of those unexpected expenses in the amount of $1.2 million from Williamson County’s acquired funds through the Cares Act.
Jack Frost Citizens of the Month Recognized
The first Jack Frost Citizens of the Month for the 2020-21 school year were recognized during the October board meeting. Each month, students apply for this recognition and their applications are reviewed by a board of their own peers. Those who are selected are recognized at board meetings and presented with plaques. The following students from East View and Georgetown high schools were honored:
East View High School
September: Mason Cunningham, Claire O’Shoney
October: Park Vogler, Eva Zane
Georgetown High School
September: Emma Harper, Andrew Thompson
October: Avery Brooks, Kade Locklin
NEXT BOARD MEETING
Monday, Nov. 16
7 p.m. at the Hammerlun Center for Leadership and Learning