This month’s GCISD’s Balanced Scorecard report was about Priority 1, Student Achievement and Post Secondary Preparedness, specifically Key Strategic Actions 1.1.1-3, which focus on implementation of the comprehensive curriculum and a systematic process to ensure high quality engaging instruction in reading and mathematics. The presentation provided information about students’ progress using the i-Ready Diagnostic that was launched this year for reading and mathematics to help K-8 teachers determine their students’ strengths, areas for growth and personalize instruction. Between the fall and winter diagnostics, data for students who were in the district for both the beginning- and middle-of-school year assessments show gains with students moving into higher placement levels. Additionally, GCISD students are outpacing their counterparts at the state and national levels. i-Ready representatives were at campuses on January 6 and 7 to help campuses review and understand their data. The district will continue to provide parents updates of the implementation and work with teachers as they continue to have data chats in classrooms, adjust instructional groupings and monitor progress in i-Ready’s MyPath, the interactive online reading and mathematics lessons that are based on individual students’ skill levels so that they can continue learning at a pace that is right for them.
Take a look at the most recent updates from the January 13, 2025, Regular Board of Trustees Meeting.
Priority 1 Report
Public Hearing
The Texas Education Code, §39.306, requires each district’s Board of Trustees to publish an annual report that includes the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) and progress towards the House Bill 3 Board Goals.
2025-2026 Instructional Calendar Approved with Updated School Hours, High School Bell Schedule
Trustees approved the GCISD Instructional Calendar for the 2025-2026 school year with updated school hours and high school bell schedule. GCISD’s first day of school will be Wednesday, August 13, 2025. All schools will begin five minutes earlier than the previous year, and dismiss five minutes later than the previous year, for a total of 10 additional instructional minutes per day. This update allows GCISD to designate two instructional planning days within a teacher’s 187-day contract when students will be out of school, while also keeping the school year beginning on a Wednesday and still concluding before Memorial Day. These days are not for professional development, but rather designated time at the end of grading periods for staff to plan and design student learning with teams, analyze data, hold professional learning communities (PLCs), and address any additional classroom needs. Additionally, the high school bell schedule will see an adjustment to a nine-period schedule that includes eight periods of classes with one period designated for lunch. All periods will be 45 minutes with five minute passing periods. This allows students to maintain the opportunity to earn eight credits each school year, while increasing the lunch time for teachers to 45 minutes. Teachers will also have a 45-minute conference/planning period each day.
Administrative Appointment
David Johnson was approved as the district’s new Chief Financial Officer. Johnson comes to GCISD from Carroll ISD, where he has served as the Assistant Superintendent for Financial Services and Operations since 2022. He brings 20 years of experience in school district finance, having previously served as the Senior Officer of Budget and Finance in Fort Worth ISD and as the CFO for Cleburne and Keene ISDs. A Certified Public Accountant, Johnson has also held corporate finance roles. He is a member of the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO), and serves on the Accounting and Auditing Advisory Committee. He has also served as a panelist on the Texas Society of CPAs Annual School District Accounting and Auditing Conference.
Election Order
A School Board Election was ordered for Saturday, May 3, 2025. This order follows district policy for the election of school board members, who serve three-year terms. The May 2025 election will be for Places 3 and 4.