DISTRICT EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL

Minutes

March 31, 2026

Welcome

Dr. Michael Griffin, Northwest ISD Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction welcomed everyone to the fourth DEIC meeting of the 2025-2026 school year.

Cody Drake, NISD District Education Improvement Council Co-Chair called the meeting to order at 4:19 p.m. and welcomed everyone.

Overview of Staffing and Compensation Process

Kim Barker, NISD Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources presented an overview of staffing and compensation processes.  The employee transfer window is currently open until June 1.  Contracts are pending Board Approval and are expected to be approved at the April 13th board meeting.   We are in the early stages of any changes to the compensation plan but changes to the paraprofessional pay scale is a top priority from staff listening sessions.  Staff will be notified of changes as soon as possible.

NISD Code of Civility 

Dr. Foust, NISD Superintendent of Schools was excited to announce the new Code of Civility  for all guardians of students in Northwest ISD.  The Code of Civility was established with a goal in mind to establish expectations, protect teachers, and foster a collaborative and respectful environment that supports student academic growth.  It was developed with input from the Superintendent Roundtable (PTA), Superintendents Leadership Council, Student Superintendent Advisory Council and more.  They based the Code of Civility on the safe, respectful, responsible tenants of Emergent Tree and meets the requirements of Senate Bill 12.   The Code of Civility will be added to new students and returning student registration as a form that must be signed  to enroll just like the Student Code of Conduct.  Key points of the Code of Civility:

• Parents are the primary decision makers and advocates in their children’s education
• Parents will hold their children accountable for meeting our high academic and behavioral expectations
• Parents are responsible for monitoring their children’s academic and behavioral progress
• Parents have a right to access school district educational records concerning their child
• Parents have a right to access their children’s learning materials and to be aware of what their students are learning
• Parents will be active partners and collaborate with NISD faculty and staff for their children’s educational interests;
• Parents are responsible for staying involved and engaging in their children’s learning
• Parents will stay informed and are responsible for knowing and following school policies and procedures
• Parents will communicate and interact with NISD educators safely, respectfully and responsibly

AI Student Framework 

Cara Carter, NISD Chief Technology Officer presented an update on AI Student Framework.  Artificial intelligence is moving fast and Northwest ISD is doing everything possible to keep up while keeping our students, educators and guardians safe and empowered.  What started out as something banned from all district devices has quickly transformed to safe integration for students and staff.  Northwest ISD has since offered over 100 AI training sessions to aid in the educational and safe incorporation into the classroom. “What is AI” is now part of the Digital Citizenship for all 6th-8th grade students to complete and "Artificial Intelligence: Is it Plagiarism?" is completed by all 9th-12th grade students.  Our goal is to develop an AI Framework that defines grade appropriate skills, clear guidelines, and learning opportunities. In addition, provide all staff with comprehensive training on partnering with artificial intelligence to build capacity for ethical use, instructional innovation and operation efficiency.  

Facilities and Construction Update  

Dr. Foust gave a quick update on current construction projects in the district as well as a delivery roadmap on expected completion dates on those projects.  Progress on all NISD construction can always be accessed on the construction website, www.nisdtxconstruction.org.

Dr. Griffin opened the floor for questions.  

Kendra Langston, NISD District Education Improvement Council Co-Chair thanked everyone for their participation and concluded the meeting at 5:10 p.m.