For this month’s Balanced Scorecard report, Trustees held a Special Meeting on October 3, 2024, to provide time for a workshop that focused on Priority 1, Student Achievement and Post-Secondary Preparedness, specifically beginning-of-the-year academic data. 

The report began with information about the A-F state accountability ratings, which have been delayed due to lawsuits at the state level. While the rating labels remain the same, the rating system methodology underwent a refresh for 2023. The refresh plus updates to the STAAR test make year-to-year direct comparisons currently impossible. An update about student achievement targets was also presented. The next part of the presentation provided an overview of the District i-Ready beginning-of-year diagnostic results. Additionally,an overview of i-Ready tools to support instruction in the classroom was presented. GCISD is using i-Ready for K-8 reading and mathematics. The presentation also shared information about instructional leadership support to further develop the district’s already strong campus leaders. The last portion of the presentation provided updates about instructional support in the classroom in the areas of mathematics, English language arts, science, social studies and bilingual/English as a second language program. 

Watch the October 3, 2024, Special Meeting

The October 14 Special Meeting was to hear post-88th Legislative Session and pre-89th Legislative Session updates as well as to participate in effective advocacy training. Among some of the several actionable steps discussed were building stronger relationships with legislators to effect change at the state level so that they understand the impact of their decisions on the district, inviting them to visit and serve as a resource. GCISD will also develop a fact sheet that concisely describes the district by the numbers and strategic objectives.

Watch the October 14, 2024, Special Meeting

GCISD received the top rating of A for Superior Achievement in the state’s Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas. The primary goal of the ratings, assigned by the Texas Education Agency to all Texas school districts each year, is for districts to achieve quality performance in the management of financial resources. The public hearing held at the Monday, October 28, Regular Meeting detailed the purpose of FIRST, reporting requirements and indicators used to assign the rating. GCISD has received the highest rating for each of the 22 years the program has existed. The most recent rating was for the 2023-2024 school year and based on 2022-2023 data.

View the FIRST Public Hearing Presentation

In the President’s Report, Shannon Braun presented facts to address misconceptions circulating in the community about the Board’s financial management and the upcoming Voter-Approved Tax Ratification Election (VATRE). Over the past three years, the Board has reduced debt and tax rates for taxpayers while ensuring essential services were maintained. The Board, in addition with state taxpayer relief, has saved taxpayers $90 million, much of which was Board-controlled tax relief given through the debt service monies and strategic financial management.

Braun outlined the Board’s actions from 2021 to 2024, noting that despite facing financial challenges, the Board prioritized staff raises and tax reductions. Key achievements included reducing the budget deficit substantially and implementing raises for teachers and staff, while also adding School Resource Officers on every campus and investing in new educational resources. She added that the funds generated from the VATRE would remain in the district and would not be subject to recapture.

To close, she emphasized GCISD’s academic achievements amid financial constraints, including top-tier AP results, an increase in National Merit Finalists, national school recognition, and top ratings as a district for teaching. Braun praised the district’s progress toward becoming a results-driven, “district of distinction,” and thanked teachers, staff, and Superintendent Dr. Brad Schnautz for their dedication to GCISD’s vision. She closed by encouraging taxpayers to review these achievements as the community decides on the VATRE’s impact on GCISD’s future.

Secretary Kathy Spradley reported on recent advocacy efforts for public school funding, following a Grapevine Chamber luncheon attended by Senator Tan Parker and Representative Giovanni Capriglione. 

Vice President Mary Humphrey shared an update from a recent meeting with GCISD Superintendent Dr. Brad Schnautz and Plano ISD Chief of Staff Danny Stockton about a coalition of districts advocating for increased public school funding. 

Watch the President’s Report

See the Unofficial Summary of Actions