Board Notes: August 13, 2024

Presentations and Recognitions

Crownover Middle Students Named to Texas Elementary Honor Choir
Three Crownover Middle School sixth-grade students were named to the Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA) Texas Elementary Honor Choir this past spring. Sophia Holmes, Kennedy Pirkle and Ryleigh Wells each received this recognition while they were fifth-grade students at Hawk Elementary, where Christina Stratton is the music teacher.

Ryleigh was one of only 81 altos selected to the Texas Elementary Honor Choir, while Sophia and Kennedy were two of only 76 sopranos selected.

In July, Sophia, Kennedy and Ryleigh performed with the Texas Elementary Honor Choir at the TCDA Convention in San Antonio. The TCDA was founded in 1955, and the first two TCDA Conventions were held in Dallas. All Conventions since have been in San Antonio. The mission of TCDA is to promote the art and artistry of choral singing and support the pursuit of excellence within the choral music profession. 

The principal of Hawk Elementary is Lauren Shapiro. Hawk Elementary’s choir teacher is Christina Stratton.

Discussion of Legislative Priorities
Dr. Deron Robinson, General Counsel, provided an update on the district’s legislative priorities ahead of the 89th Legislative Session that will begin in January 2025. Denton ISD’s proposed priorities include adequate funding and sensible accountability. An increase in the basic allotment aligns with Board goals by supporting: school security and student safety, teacher pay raises, retention and recruitment, inflation adjusted indexed funding, fund based on enrollment not attendance, increase basic allotment which has not been increased since 2019, improve Texas from ranking 49th in state funding for public education and fully fund full-day Pre-K programs. 

Denton ISD’s Board Goals include the following:

Teaching & Learning

  • develop and maintain a culture where learning remains our first priority
  • advocate and practice true accountability based on measurement of individual student progress over time, regardless of external mandates
  • cultivate a consistent, strong, district-wide balanced curriculum based on ongoing needs assessments supporting all students
  • establishing high expectations with a curriculum fostering inquiry, critical thinking, civic responsibility and exemplary citizenship
  • cultivate a network of professional learning communities addressing the educational needs of every child in our district
  • incorporate best practices into teaching, learning, technology and leadership
  • foster and support an advanced digital learning environment
  • establish goals for individual campuses that incorporate both measurable and intangible factors

Culture & Climate

  • honor the dedication and professionalism of all staff
  • celebrate, respect, and promote the value of diversity in our Denton ISD Community
  • support a working environment ensuring open and transparent communication
  • establish high expectations for success
  • instill in students a love of lifelong learning
  • foster a positive, welcoming environment encouraging parent and community partnerships
  • promote health, wellness and emotional well-being
  • effectively communicate achievements and recognitions to the Denton ISD community

Growth & Management

  • recruit, employ and retain high quality teachers
  • remain committed to providing equitable and outstanding opportunities for every student on every campus
  • work with the community in planning and facility development
  • utilize citizens’ advisory committees to focus on short and long-term tasks
  • adjust policies and procedures to address rapid growth and changing demographics, nurturing our strong sense of community
  • demonstrate effective and efficient management of district resources
  • provide leadership and/or oversight to ensure District meets all fiscal, legal and regulatory requirements.
  • encourage teachers and staff to pursue advanced degrees
  • pursue energy efficiency and conservation principles
  • develop a budget focused on student and professional learning
  • maintain a diverse workforce

Opportunities for Students 

  • support college, career, military and life readiness
  • engage students in extracurricular clubs and organizations
  • advocate for public education across the state and nation
  • develop academic skills and interpersonal relationships necessary for student success in college, the workplace and for life

Discussion of TASB Delegate Assembly Nomination and Alternate
Denton ISD’s Board of School Trustees nominated and approved Lori Tays to serve as the district’s Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) delegate during the TASB Delegate Assembly and Sheryl English to serve as the district’s alternate. 

Delegates play a key role in TASB’s governance — helping develop the vision for the Association. The Board of Trustees may appoint one delegate and one alternate to serve as Denton ISD’s representatives during the Assembly. The Delegate Assembly will include reports from various TASB committees; election of Directors and Officers; action on proposed Bylaws changes; and action on proposed changes to the 2023–2024 Advocacy Agenda. Continuing education credit will be granted for the keynote address and participation in the action on the Advocacy Agenda at the caucuses and Delegate Assembly.

2024-2025 Enrollment Update
Dr. Lacey Rainey, Assistant Superintendent of School Leadership & Academic Programs, provided an update on enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year. As of Aug. 13, 33,100 students have completed the enrollment process.