In a pivotal school board meeting held on Monday, the Coppell ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved campus improvement plans promising to shape the future of education in the district. With a focus on enhancing the learning environment for students, this decision marks a significant step towards ensuring a brighter tomorrow for all Coppell learners.
“It speaks for itself that we are constantly under fire as public educators, as a testament to the amount of time all of the staff dedicate towards teaching,” CHS Principal Laura Springer said. “The more that parents and students question the potential to do our jobs, the more young educators walk out the door. What the community needs to realize is that we make it our whole mission to take care of each student that enters our schools.”
CISD Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt commenced the meeting by presenting various district updates, including the outstanding achievement of having a district record-breaking number of 49 National Merit semifinalists in Coppell, a testament to the district’s commitment to academic excellence. This accomplishment, selectively representing less than 1% of the average U.S. high school seniors earning the semi-finalist scholarship, depicts Coppell’s stature as a beacon of academic excellence. Out of the 49 National Merit semifinalist winners, 48 seniors attend CHS and one senior attends New Tech High @ Coppell.
Prior to delving into the evening’s discussion on campus improvement plans, the board took a moment to celebrate the outstanding contributions of several community members. Valley Ranch Elementary School volunteer Doris Patrick received the prestigious 2023 Heroes for Children Award from the State Board of Education. Her efforts in reviving the school garden earned her a place among the top 15 honorees statewide.
“Ms. Patrick puts the ‘extra’ in extraordinary and has displayed a large amount of dedication towards improving the Valley Ranch Elementary School garden,” Dr. Hunt said. “She has a strong passion for gardening and is always looking for new ways to innovate the garden while advocating for ways to spruce the garden up by introducing new plants and adding new plant beds.”
Canyon Ranch Elementary School Principal Ashley Minton was recognized as a 2023 Schools Transforming Learning Principal by the National Principals Institute. Cottonwood Creek Elementary School Principal Dr. Andra Penny received the Sandi Borden Tribute to Texas Children Award, obtained from the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TESPA).
With an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm, the focus shifted to Hunt’s priority performance goals. The objectives, which encompass quality instruction, the cultivation of professional learning communities, bolstering mental health and social-emotional wellness, and embracing a community-based accountability system, outlined a comprehensive vision for the district’s future.
Chief Communications Officer Angela Brown elaborated on the Community-Based Accountability System (CBAS) pillars. These pillars encompass student learning and progress, professional learning, safety and well-being, engaged and well-rounded students, fiscal and operational systems, student readiness, and community engagement and partnership, collectively forming the bedrock of CISD’s educational framework.
“I want to express my gratitude and appreciate how much all of our schools’ principals mean to our kids, especially of how much the philosophies they implement in school stick with the students,” CISD Trustee Nicole Bentley said. “My boys in college were telling me of how they still think about the GRIT philosophy and that’s a testament to the hard work of all of our faculty.”
Director of Accountability, Assessment, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Mary Kennington provided an update on accountability and testing, including the redesign of the STAAR test to better align with modern educational standards. Kennington acknowledged concerns about outdated information and the need to adapt to changing educational needs.
The meeting also addressed vital matters concerning the safety and security of students and staff. Chief Operations Officer Chris Trotter and Coordinator of Safety and Security Greg Alexander presented an extensive safety update. Topics included the HB-3 resolution, playground assessments, the implementation of an anonymous reporting app Stop It and collaborations with city and national officials to ensure the well-being of families in need.
The board will hold a special meeting Oct. 23 at the Vonita White Administration Building.
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