GCISD Exceeds State Averages on TAKS
School Counselor Jan Holland presented a report of results from 2003 TAKS testing to the GCISD board at its regular meeting Dec. 8 (Mike Hillger absent). The school exceeded state averages in almost every category tested. Holland said the TAKS tests are considerably harder than the TAAS tests, which they replaced.
Holland praised teachers for their work, and credited them for the school’s test scores. She said students who are not passing are given remediation in the CEI lab, plus attending mandatory early morning tutorials, and regular time tutorials. Students are tested every year in grades 3–11.
Auditor Compliments District’s Finances
The board accepted the school’s audit report from Tracy Tarter, CPA. Tarter was very complimentary of the school’s financial condition, saying it looks really good, especially considering the situation of many other schools. He said he is also pleased that the board looks at the school’s bills each month, something he said is rare.
Tarter said the school might want to check into being more aggressive in trying to collect delinquent taxes. Even though the percentage of delinquent taxes for 2003 ($48,000) was less than one percent, his figures show the10-year total due the school to be $189,000. He said, however, many things influence delinquency, and a higher collection rate might not be possible.
Schraeder Asks for Softball, Baseball
Dennis Schraeder asked the board to consider implementing softball and baseball programs, citing the possibility for college scholarships for students. Schraeder asked the board to appoint a committee to explore the matter.
Andrea Hillger, Jennifer Jansa and Cecelia Alvarado were on the board’s agenda for a Level 3 parent grievance appeal. Hillger and Jansa spoke to the board in closed session, but the board voted to uphold the decision that had been made previously at Level 2.
School Superintendent Steve Long reported that the goal posts have been moved to prepare for six-man football next year. He also said that Garden City will host the “Texas Against the World” six-man game next summer. This game pits Texas’ top 20 six-man players against the top 20 from around the world. The game was held in Big Spring last summer.
Enrollment stands at 161 PK–6 and 127 in grades 7–12, for a district total of 288. K–12 enrollment is 273.