DISTRICT EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL

Minutes

October 24, 2023

Amberley Tanner, DEIC Co-Chair of the District Education Improvement Council (DEIC) called the meeting to order at 4:15 p.m. and welcomed everyone. Amberley then opened the floor for campus celebrations. 

Dr. Stephanie Espinosa, Executive Director for Teaching and Learning presented and proposed changes to the upcoming school calendar for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years.  Our main goal is to create an instructional calendar that positively impacts student achievement. Dr. Espinosa gave a brief overview of the background of NISD’s previous calendars and listed the state requirements.  A committee was formed to provide feedback and help create a calendar that is most beneficial to our students, staff and families.  Two different calendars have been created.  The NISD communication team will start sharing the two calendar options with our community after Thanksgiving, allowing for their input and feedback.  The DEIC will vote and present the proposed calendar at the December board meeting then finalize calendar choice in January.   Dr. Espinosa also mentioned the additional 5 minutes added to the school day that will start next school year.  This will add additional instructional time and minutes toward additional bad weather make up days.

Anthony Tosie, Executive Director for Communications presented two updates from the communication department.  A new community-based accountability dashboard will go live soon on our NISD website.  This will include everything from district demographics to test scores.  Many frequently asked questions will be listed and included on the new dashboard.  Anthony mentioned in the most recent staff survey, one of the few areas with notable concerns was feeling heard.  Teachers and staff want their feedback considered and valued.  Staff Listening Sessions will provide every campus with the ability to provide actionable feedback. Anthony explained how the Staff Listening Sessions will be organized and then in return how the data will be reviewed to see what actions can be taken.  These sessions will begin in January.

Dr. Michael Griffin, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction gave a brief explanation of what District of Innovation is and its renewal process.  Northwest ISD first became a District of Innovation in 2019.  The current DOI plan is good for 5 years and is set to expire in January 2024.  Dr. Griffin explained proposed additions to the upcoming plan including exemptions on mandatory separation of DAEP students, limit on in-school suspensions, and transfers for children of peace officers and service members. The DOI committee will be meeting, proposing a new plan, and presenting to the Board of Trustees in the coming weeks.  The Board will vote and consider approval at the December 11th board meeting.  

Tim Mcclure, Assistant Superintendent for Facilities updated the council on the ongoing growth and construction within our district.  Currently we have 30,820 students enrolled and Northwest ISD will continue to lead other high growth districts in North Texas.  This fall we opened 5 new campuses and 7 pre-kindergarten additions.  The additions and renovations at Northwest High School are ongoing and expected to open in phases through 2025.  The new Gene Pike Middle school will open in August of 2024.  Future projects include Perrin Elementary, Administration Building, Pre Kindergarten Centers, replacement campuses for Justin and Prairie View Elementary, middle school #8, elementary #24 and comprehensive high school #4.  

Dr. Griffin provided closing remarks and opened the floor to any questions.

Co-Chair Kevyn Austin thanked everyone for their time and adjourned the meeting at 5:22 p.m.