DISTRICT EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL
Minutes
September 12, 2023
Dr. Michael Griffin, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction called the meeting to order at 4:15 p.m. and welcomed everyone. Dr. Griffin then gave a brief description of the agenda topics. Introduction of all present members proceeded.
The meeting was attended by:
AL Jernigan – Adams Middle School
Shana Jackson – Administration
Nicole Young – Administration
Madeleine Doud – Berkshire El.
Sandra Dougherty – Carter El.
Cody Drake – Clara Love Elementary
Norma Meyers – Community
Jamie Jensen – Cox ElementaryA
Amber Olson – Daniel Elementary
Colleen Main – Hughes Elementary
Jennifer Washam – Justin Elementary
Heidi Kaminski – Medlin Middle School
Alyssa Pry – NEF
Lauren Smith – Pike Middle School
Britney Nichols – Schluter Elementary
Kevyn Austin – Seven Hills Elementary
Shannon Mauk – Tidwell MS
Chad Waterman – Worthington MS
Michael Griffin – Administration
Michelle Hancock – Administration
Missy Hutson – Administration
Michelle Keogh – Byron Nelson High School
Ashley Anthony – Chisholm Trail MS
Michelle Smith – Community
Jessica Aiduck – Justin Elementary
Aaren Burnett – Curtis Elementary
Mandy Smiley – Haslet Elementary
Katie Yowell – JC Thompson Elementary
Kayla Caprio – Lance Thompson Elementary
Amy Finn – Nance Elementary
Matthew Biesinger – Parent
Andrea Flores – Roanoke Elementary
Jennifer Casey – Sendera Ranch Elementary
Amberley Tanner – Steele High School
Matt Norris – Wilson Middle School
Administrative (Non-Voting) Personnel
Kim Barker – Administration
Kitty Poehler – Administration
Stephanie Espinosa – Administration
Kim Becan – Administration
Cindy Bauter – Administration
Chris Hill – Administration
Angela Scott – Administration
Jonathan Pastusek – Administration
Micah Gierkey – Administration
Eric Drewery – Administration
Cara Carter – Administration
Anthony Tosie – Administration
Casey Helmick – Administration
Lacy Denman – Administration
Dr. Griffin gave a quick district overview introducing our Board of Trustees, NISD Cabinets members and Executive Directors. She also reviewed Northwest ISD’s current enrollment and projections moving forward in comparison to other fast growth districts in our area. Dr. Griffin noted we started the 2023-2024 school year with 30,742 students, which is higher than expected.
Dr. Griffin explained as part of the District Education Improvement Counsel two members are voted on to serve as co-chairman. Amberley Tanner from Steele Accelerated High School will continue to serve as co-chair for her second year. Kevyn Austin, assistant principal at Seven Hills volunteered to serve as the second co-chair. No other committee members volunteered. A vote was proposed, and all committee members voted in favor of Kevyn Austin.
Dr. Griffin explained the purpose, duties, and requirements of the District Education Improvement Council (DEIC). Then reviewed proposed meeting dates throughout the year. The council will meet via zoom for the rest of the year.
Dr. Griffin gave an in depth review of the 2023-2024 District Improvement Plan (DIP). She covered the state's requirements and the district's strategic flow chart. As part of the DIP, Northwest ISD comprised a committee in the spring of 2023 to revise our district's Strategic Goals and Priorities. With our beliefs, vision, and mission in mind the committee came up with 3 new strategic goals with 9 accompanying priorities. We will follow the new goals and priorities outlined for the next five years (2023-2028). The District Improvement Plan was presented at the 9/11/2023 Board Meeting and will be voted on at the 9/25/2023 Board Meeting. In addition, Campus Improvement Plans will be presented at the 9/25/2023 Board meeting and be voted on at the 10/9/2023 Board Meeting.
Dr. Eric Drewery, Executive Director of Human Resources then reviewed the need for class size waivers. He explained the current state class size requirements which is 22:1 for PK – 4th grade. The district is requesting approval from the DEIC to submit waivers for fourth grade that will extend class sizes to 24:1. Kevyn Austin proposed a vote and all members voted to approve the waivers except one member.
Micah Gierkey, Executive Director of Students Services presented changes made to the NISD Student Code of Conduct. Each year a form is sent to campus administrators asking for feedback and suggested changes to the Student Handbook/Code of Conduct. Recommended changes were reviewed by the executive leadership team as well as district directors and coordinators for potential implementation. Changes made included campus leadership information, quick reference guide, additional health information, NISD Bus Rider Handbook, and security. To see a full list of changes please see the 2023-2024 NISD Student Code of Conduct.
Dr. Griffin provided closing remarks and opened the floor to any questions.
Co-Chair Amberley Tanner adjourned the meeting at 5:03 p.m.