Big Red Community,
January is School Board Recognition Month, and I thought it’d be a good opportunity to highlight the seven-member team of volunteers who are elected to provide an outstanding learning experience for students in Belton ISD. These men and women make decisions regarding everything from priorities, policies and personnel to expenditure and growth management.
In a nutshell, they keep an eye on the big picture.
Just in my three years as superintendent, they’ve adopted a new vision statement and district-wide values and beliefs that guide our daily decision-making. They called for the 2022 bond and are overseeing its completion. They also annually adopt district goals and then monitor our progress toward these desired outcomes.
Their role in governance also includes creating, evaluating and revising polices while also adopting a budget and setting a tax rate — which they’ve lowered for four consecutive years.
This work amounts to about 100 volunteer hours each year per trustee attending board and committee meetings plus training sessions. Another 65 additional hours per trustee are spent at events, like graduation and visiting campuses, and meeting with state and local representatives. They also frequently attend athletic and fine arts activities.
Our board does all this while demonstrating a unique, sometimes rare, characteristic — unity. Unity doesn’t always mean agreeing on every decision, but rather it’s a shared commitment to work together for what’s best for kids.
If you see one of our Belton ISD trustees this month, I hope you’ll join me in thanking them for their service and dedication. I believe we have the best board in Texas, and I’m thankful for their thoughtful leadership for the Big Red Community.
Best,
Matt Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Take a Peak Inside Our Premier Pre-K Campus
See firsthand how the Belton Early Childhood School, or BECS, fosters a love of learning at our Community Learning Day from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on Jan. 18. Participants will tour the school’s experience classrooms and see teachers in action. There will also be information about enrolling at BECS, which begins in April for the 2023-2024 school year. Learn more and RSVP.
Enrollment Now Open for Belton New Tech @Waskow
New Tech is seeking its next freshman class of students for the 2023-2024 school year. The application window is now open for legacy students — those with a sibling who is a current or former New Tech students and children of BISD employees. All other students can apply beginning Jan. 26. The application and more information can be found at www.bisd.net/bnt@w.
Seeking: World-Class Employees
We’re looking to fill immediate openings for bus drivers, custodians and school nutrition specialists at a job fair on Jan. 20. Benefits include dental and medical insurance, time off on holidays and weekends, free life insurance and a retirement plan. Learn more.
LBHS Theatre Presents 'Little Shop of Horrors'
Lake Belton High School Theatre will present Little Shop of Horrors at 7 p.m. Jan. 12-14. in the school’s Performing Arts Center. It's the school's first-ever musical production. Tickets are available online or at the door.
Be Part of the “Big Red” Story
We’re seeking parent testimonials to help tell the Big Red Community’s story. Please share your experiences of how you’ve seen the Belton ISD mission statement — empowering each and every learner to pursue their dreams and enrich their communities — come to life!
About Us
Email: communications@bisd.net
Website: www.bisd.net
Location: PO Box 269, Belton, TX 76513
Phone: 254-215-2000
Facebook: facebook.com/BeltonISD
Twitter: @BeltonISD