Southwest ISD Board Update
May
May 16 Board Meeting Highlights
Canvass Votes and Declare the Winners of May 6, 2023, School Trustee Election
The Board approved the canvassing of the 2023 School Board Election results and officially declared Jose Diaz and James Gonzalez winners. The joint election between Southwest ISD and the City of Lytle took place on May 6, 2023, aiming to fill two at-large positions on the Board currently occupied by Yolanda Garza-Lopez and Peter Bernal. A total of six candidates competed for these two positions. Early voting occurred at the District Administration Building and McAuliffe Middle School from April 24 to May 23, 2023. On Election Day, voting occurred from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023. The newly elected board members were sworn in after the canvassing of the vote and took their seats on the dais.
Trustees approved the order canvassing the 2023 Bond Election Returns. The Bond Election was held on May 6, 2023. The voters approved both Proposition A and Proposition B. According to the guidelines set for May uniform elections, the canvassing process must be completed within the 11th day after Election Day.
Recognition of Board Members
Yolanda Garza-Lopez and Pete Bernal were recognized for their outstanding service as Southwest ISD Board of Trustee board members. They have distinguished themselves in various committees, including Facilities & Maintenance, Curriculum & Instruction, Growth & Planning, and Scholarship. Their deep love and connections to the SWISD community are evident in their unwavering commitment to ensuring every student has access to high-quality education. We thank Yolanda Garza-Lopez and Peter Bernal for their valuable contributions and dedicated service to the Southwest ISD Board of Trustees and the entire SWISD community.STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Kailani Salceddo-Sumano is the Student of the Month at Sun Valley Elementary School. Kailani exemplifies academic excellence and is an inspiring role model for her peers. Recently, she showcased her remarkable spelling skills by securing the second position in the Spanish Spelling Bee at the district level. As a straight-A student, Kailani's curious nature fosters independent thinking among her classmates. She plans to attend Princeton or the University of Oxford and study Astronomy or Architecture. Her determination, integrity, and kind-heartedness have earned her the admiration and respect of students and staff.
Genaya Santos is the Student of the Month for Scobee Middle School. Her teachers consistently praise her as an exceptional student and a natural leader. Genaya always offers fresh perspectives and demonstrates her ability to think creatively. Her excellence extends beyond academics, as she excels as a student-athlete. However, she places a strong emphasis on being a student first. Her coaches commend her outstanding performance, emphasizing that they never have to worry about her grades (she consistently achieves all A's) or her behavior in the classroom. She has a humble spirit and constantly asks what she can do to become a better student or athlete. Her mental prowess is like none other, and if she gets knocked down, she always gets back up.
RECOGNITION OF 2023 VALEDICTORIANS AND SALUTATORIANS
Southwest High School Salutatorian - Lanie Ruiz
Ms. Lanie Ruiz, the Salutatorian of the Southwest High School Class of 2023, holds the impressive distinction of being the second-ranked student. Lanie joined Southwest ISD in middle school when she enrolled at Scobee Middle School. Throughout her high school journey, Lanie actively participated in the National Honor Society, joining her sophomore year and serving as President. In her junior year, she held the position of Historian. In addition, Lanie devoted her time to various other organizations, including the Vet Science Team, Health Occupations Students of America, Future Farmers of America, Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, and the Gifted & Talented Program.
Lanie's achievements go beyond her academic pursuits. She received the National Hispanic Recognition Award for exceptional performance on the PSAT. Furthermore, she is on the verge of completing 60 dual credits and has successfully passed the veterinarian application certification test, qualifying her as a certified veterinarian assistant.
Lanie has set her sights on Texas A&M University in College Station as her next educational endeavor. She intends to major in Animal Science and apply to Texas A&M's College of Veterinary Medicine. Lanie aspires to specialize in wildlife rehabilitation medicine and hopes to make a difference by working at an animal shelter.
Southwest High School Valedictorian - Bethanny Sczepanik
The top-ranked senior, the 2023 Valedictorian of Southwest High School, is Bethanny Sczepanik. Bethanny has been a student at Southwest ISD throughout her academic journey, attending Southwest Elementary and Scobee Middle School. During high school, Bethanny was a Girls' Basketball team member from 9th to 11th grade. She currently holds the position of President of the Student Council, serving in this role during her 11th and 12th-grade years. Additionally, she serves as the Vice President of the Health Occupations Students of America and the Treasurer of the Chemistry Club. Bethanny participates in various organizations, including the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, the National Honor Society, and the Gifted and Talented program.
Bethanny has received several honors and recognitions, including the Hispanic National Merit Award and the Overall Dragon Warrior title. She is a Registered Dental Assistant, a Certified Phlebotomist, and a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant. Moreover, she has completed 60 hours of Dual Credit classes. Bethanny has set her sights on attending the University of North Texas, where she plans to major in Biology. Her future aspirations include attending medical school and becoming a physician.
Southwest Legacy High School Salutatorian - Isabella Luna
Isabella Luna is the second-ranked student, and the 2023 Salutatorian of Southwest Legacy High School. Isabella began her educational journey at Big Country Elementary and later attended McAuliffe Middle School. Throughout high school, Isabella has held various leadership positions, including Interact Secretary, National Honor Society Vice-President, Student Council Secretary, Senior Class Treasurer, Project Worth Teen Ambassador, and Health Sciences Yearlong Academy participant.
Isabella's dedication and achievements have earned her several awards and honors, including the College Board National Hispanic Recognition, Questbridge Finalist, Certified Dental Assistant, CPR Certification, and Stop the Bleed Certification.
Isabella has ambitious plans for her future. She intends to major in health and science at the University of Texas at Austin. Leveraging her high school certification, Isabella aims to work as a dental assistant while completing her undergraduate degree. During her time at UT, she plans to continue her community service work by joining Rotaract and other service-oriented clubs affiliated with Rotary. Isabella's ultimate career goal is to work in healthcare, specializing as an OBGYN, and positively impacting women's health.
Southwest Legacy High School Valedictorian - Laura Lopez
Laura Lopez is the top-ranked student, and the 2023 Valedictorian of Southwest Legacy High School. Unfortunately, Laura was unable to attend the board meeting. She began her educational journey at Bob Hope Elementary and continued on to Resnik Middle School.
Laura actively participates in the Southwest Legacy Mariachi, where she serves as the quartermaster, and the National Honor Society, holding the treasurer position. Her dedication and hard work have been recognized through various awards and honors, including the College Board Hispanic Recognition, a national distinction, and the Titan Scholar accolade for her excellence in math and reading.
Laura has set her sights on attending the University of Texas at Austin, where she plans to pursue a major in biomedical engineering. After completing her undergraduate degree, Laura intends to pursue a Doctor of Medicine degree in dentistry. Laura's academic achievements, involvement in extracurricular activities, and ambitious career aspirations reflect her commitment to excellence and her desire to make a difference in the field of biomedical engineering and dentistry. The Southwest Legacy High School community commends Laura on her accomplishments and wishes her continued success while pursuing her higher education.
CAST STEM High School Salutatorian - Alexis Martinez
Alexis Martinez, the second-ranked student and the 2023 Salutatorian of CAST STEM High School, has achieved remarkable academic success. Alexis began her educational journey at Bowie Elementary and continued her studies at McAuliffe Middle School.
Alexis has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills throughout her time at CAST STEM, holding various prestigious positions. She has served as the Student Council President and Vice President, Yearbook President, ACE Mentor President, and Class of 2023 President. Additionally, Alexis currently serves on the Student Advisory Council, further showcasing her dedication to positively impacting her school community.
Alexis has set her sights on attending the University of the Incarnate Word, where she plans to pursue a major in nursing. Upon graduation, she aspires to become a Physician's Assistant, combining her passion for healthcare and her desire to provide compassionate and effective medical care. Alexis's academic achievements and extensive involvement in leadership roles highlight her commitment to excellence and her ability to inspire others.
CAST STEM Valedictorian - Kayla Rivera
Kayla Rivera, the top-ranked student and the Valedictorian for the 2023 graduating class of CAST STEM High School, has attained exceptional academic success. Kayla's educational journey commenced at Sun Valley Elementary, where she completed kindergarten through 3rd grade. Subsequently, she attended Connections Academy for 4th and 5th grade before joining Resnik Middle School.
Throughout her tenure at CAST STEM High School, Kayla actively engaged in the performing arts, demonstrating her talent and dedication in various theatrical productions. Additionally, she made significant contributions as a member of the CAST Network Advisory Board and the SWISD Superintendent Advisory Board, exemplifying her commitment to enhancing the educational experience for her peers. Kayla's involvement extended to the Technology Student Association (TSA), where she served as president during the current academic year. Her exceptional skills and commitment earned her numerous accolades in Prepared Presentation at regional and state levels within TSA.
Kayla has set her sights on Texas A&M University, College Station, where she plans to pursue a major in mechanical engineering. Her ultimate aspiration is to contribute her engineering expertise as an Imagineer at Walt Disney theme parks, where she aims to create enchanting and groundbreaking experiences for park visitors. Kayla's remarkable academic achievements, active participation in extracurricular activities, and ambitious career goals underscore her unwavering commitment to excellence and her passion for combining engineering and the arts.
Business Professionals of America Nationals Students
Southwest High School's Career and Technical students recently participated in the Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California, from April 26th to 30th. This conference brought together nearly six thousand delegates from all over the country who competed in various business and information technology skills competitions, attended leadership and professional development workshops, received awards for community service activities, and obtained industry-based certifications. The BPA students showed dedication and enthusiasm throughout the conference. These students not only advanced to the national level in competitive events but also honed their leadership and career skills, leaving a positive impact on the community through their service activities.
The following BPA students were recognized for their outstanding performance at the conference:
Peyton Walch
Eric Martinez
Xandra Garcia
Kevin Baker
Rhys Morrow
Abigail Westman
Malan Cisse
Luis Ramirez
Roselyn Prieto
Christopher Perez
Sandra Martinez Almanza
Ethan Hernandez
Diego Gomez
Jesmarian Candelaria-Rosado
Jessica Martinez
The CTE teachers, Ms. Geraldine Molina and Mr. Howard Higgins were also recognized for their role as BPA Advisors.
Presentations
Thomas Kreuger, the Director of Maintenance and Facilities, presented an overview of the upcoming summer construction projects. These projects encompass the replacement of the Southwest High School competition field and gym scoreboard, protective window film on exterior windows district-wide, the installation and renovation of synthetic turf across the entire district, the replacement of the fire alarm system in multiple campuses, as well as the replacement of serving lines at Sun Valley Elementary School and Spicewood Park Elementary School. Additionally, the carpet in the library at Southwest High School will be replaced.
Graduation Report
Principals from all three high schools in Southwest ISD provided the Board with a graduation report for the class of 2023. The reports included information on the number of graduates at each campus, the number of scholarships awarded, and the overall count of college credits earned.
Items Approved
Purchasing Cooperatives Report
The Board approved the Purchasing Cooperatives report as presented. Per the Texas Education Code §44.0331, school districts must provide a written report, annually in an open meeting, to the Board of Trustees, which includes memberships, the purpose, and disposition of any fee for purchasing contracts valued at $50,000 or more.
Summer Hours and Wellness Initiative
Trustees approved the summer hours and wellness initiative. The District will implement a schedule during the summer, operating on a four-day work week, with departments closed on Fridays. Employees are given two options to ensure that they meet the required forty-hour work schedule. However, starting from July 21, 2023, the District staff will resume the regular five-day and eight-hour work week.
Additionally, the District will once again roll out the workplace wellness initiative. Under this initiative, all employees who work a minimum of 226 days will have a designated hour during the day to engage in physical fitness or intellectual activities. This program will be effective from June 5, 2023, through July 21, 2023.
It is important to note that no department or campus should be left unstaffed during this period. The District is committed to maintaining appropriate staffing levels to ensure the smooth operation of all its functions.
SWISD 2023-2024 School Calendar Amendment
The Board approved the amendments to the SWISD 2023-2024 school calendar. The SWISD calendar for the 2023-2024 school year is being revised to accommodate an extension of the New Teacher Training. The training will now consist of 11 days for each new teacher and 9 days for those new to Southwest ISD. This change is a direct response to employee feedback.
Every year, SWISD hires a number of new teachers, typically 70 to 120 individuals. Traditionally, these new teachers attend a four-day training program. However, based on feedback from our teacher groups, we have initiated redesigning our New Teacher Academy to ensure that teachers are fully prepared to begin teaching on the first day of school.
A committee has been formed to address the requests made by teachers regarding professional learning that should take place before the start of the school year. This committee recommends adding 5 days to the existing 4-day training program for new teachers. The additional days will cover various topics, including technology training, four days of curriculum and instruction, 2 days of special education, classroom management, communication with parents and students, team building, benefits, and school safety. TTESS and Ethics training will be available to all new teachers throughout the summer.
For these professional learning days, teachers will be compensated at a daily rate of $100 for 11 days per new teacher and 9 days for those new to Southwest ISD. The funding for this compensation will be sourced from Title II funds, specifically allocated for our new teacher academy.
Summer Construction Projects
The Board approved the summer construction projects listed below:
- High School competition field and gym scoreboard replacement - The District will replace the current scoreboards at all varsity competitions and gyms with new video display scoreboards. Additionally, the sound systems at SWHS Baseball, Softball, and Football stadiums and the Competition Gym at SWHS will be upgraded. The District's Athletic and Facilities & Maintenance staff collaborated with Daktronics Inc. to assess the current scoreboards and sound systems across all fields and gyms. Daktronics Inc., a member of the Buyboard, will be using their Buyboard contract for this project. The total cost for this project amounts to $1,811,267.00, which will be funded through the remaining 2018 Bond funds and the fund balance.
- District-Wide Synthetic Turf Installation and Renovation - The District staff will replace the varsity Baseball and Softball fields at SW Legacy HS and SWHS. This change involves transitioning the fields from natural turf to synthetic turf, enabling baseball and softball games to occur even in unfavorable weather conditions. It will also relieve the facilities and maintenance department's budget by eliminating the need for year-round field maintenance and the closure of fields from November to January for the over-seeding process. Consequently, the fields will be available for use throughout the year. Upon careful evaluation and ranking of firms based on the selection criteria, Field Turf USA Inc. emerged as the best choice for the District. The project will require a total cost of $4,489,985.00, which the remaining 2018 Bond funds will cover.
- Replacement of Fire Alarm System for Multiple Campuses - The District will replace fire alarm systems currently in place at Sky Harbour ES, Spicewood Park ES, Bob Hope ES, and SWHS Spring Sports Field House, which have become outdated. District staff collaborated with Fire Alarm Control Systems (FACS), the current service provider for the existing systems, to obtain quotes for the replacement project. Fire Alarm Control Systems has provided a quote for $275,235.00. The funds required for this project will be sourced from the allocated budget.
- Sun Valley ES and Spicewood Park ES Serving Line Replacement - The District will replace the serving lines in the kitchens of Sun Valley Elementary and Spicewood Park Elementary. These serving lines were initially installed during the construction of both schools but have exceeded their expected lifespan for this type of equipment. The total contract amount for this project is $497,468.00. Funds from the Child Nutrition Services Fund Balance and local funds will cover the project's cost.
- Southwest High School Library Carpet Replacement - The carpet in the library of Southwest High School is scheduled for replacement. During the previous renovation projects at SWHS, the carpet was overlooked and has become worn out, posing potential safety trip hazards in certain areas. SWISD Staff obtained a quote from Azteca Designs, Inc, one of our pre-approved general contractors, to do the necessary work. The scope of work includes the removal of the existing carpet, floor preparation, and installation of new carpet squares. The replacement project is planned to take place during the Summer Break of 2023. The total contract amount for this project is $61,500, and the funding will be sourced from the Fund Balance.
Southwest Independent School District
Website: www.swisd.net
Location: Southwest Independent School District, TX, USA
Phone: 210-622-4300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWISDsatx
Twitter: @swisd