District Update
6.1.20
Farewell Dr. Hay - Galveston ISD School Board Trustee 2011-2020
In 1990, Matthew Hay came to Galveston to attend UTMB medical school...30 years later he’s still at UTMB as a practicing pediatrician and his ties to the school district run deep. His wife, Michele, graduated from Ball High, as did her parents. The Hay’s three children are all products of Galveston ISD as are all of their nieces and nephews.
“Before and just after Hurricane Ike, I served on committees for GISD as a parent and found that after all the work we put in and after asking for our input, it was many times ignored, so I wanted to change that,” remembers Hay before he decided to run for a seat on the board. “Plus, as a pediatrician I felt well qualified to give input on decisions that would be best for the children/ students.”
In 2011, Dr. Hay was elected. In his nine years on the board, he served as president for six years and vice president for one year. The school district has transformed in many ways in the last decade and Hay played a key role in many accomplishments during that time. Below are a few he is most proud of:
Completed the recovery from Hurricane Ike
Four Improvement Required (IR) campuses now meet standards
Rebuilt and reopened Burnet Elementary School after Ike
Ended our relationship with KIPP and brought back Rosenberg Elementary School (go Tiger Sharks)
Started our first Principal in Residence program to train new principals
Five distinctions for L.A. Morgan Elementary School
Oppe Elementary School’s Green Team got Texas to adopt a state turtle
Crenshaw Elementary/Middle School constantly hitting it out of the park with academics
Parker Elementary School getting a well needed remodel and new gym
Renovated and reopened Collegiate Academy at Weis
Leadership overhaul at Central Middle School led us from IR to scoring a B and multiple distinctions
Austin Middle School received two national Blue Ribbons
Ball High School out in front in the state with multiple communities for all our students even before HB5 – Media Arts (TV and Radio station), Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Incubator), Biomed (Syndaver), STEM
Five year strategic plan completed
Demographic study completed
Facilities study completed
Passed a tax ratification election (TRE) to increase maintenance and operation money but lower bond money while achieving a reduction in our citizen’s property tax rate and continues to be the lowest in the county
Teacher and staff pay raises or bonuses each of the last six years, raising starting teacher pay from $43,000 to $53,000
Passed first bond in 15 years – Spoor Field and baseball/softball getting turf, roofs getting repaired, safety and security with new school vestibules
Moody Early Childhood Center – private/public partnership with Moody Foundation, cutting edge, first in the nation
Strong relationships with the city, chamber, the philanthropic organizations, and our Galveston Educational Foundation is rock solid
Hiring the best superintendent in Texas – Dr. Kelli Moulton
Presented a $195 million bond package to the voters that will forever shape the future of Galveston ISD and Galveston
“Other than my role as a husband, father, and pediatrician, I feel that serving as a school board trustee is the single most important thing I have ever done,” continues Hay. Being entrusted with the education and emotional well-being of 7000 students as well as the livelihoods of the teachers, administrators, and staff, and the tax dollars of our grand island is an enormous responsibility. I tried to remember that every time I made a decision or cast a vote. I loved being on the school board, and would be running for a fourth term this fall if it were possible.”
Hay stepped down so his daughter Allie could fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher in Galveston ISD. Texas has very precise nepotism laws when it comes to who can sit on school boards. A close relative may not be hired by a school district in Texas while a parent is a sitting school board member, unless the county has a population of less than 35,000, which Galveston County does not.
The impact Dr. Hay made on the other school board members he has served with will forever be remembered. The current trustees along with the superintendent each have parting words for the good doctor whose passion for children did not go unnoticed.
Anthony Brown - President
“Matt Hay’s mission has been to help children all his life – certainly in his profession as a pediatrician, but also as a long-time youth soccer coach, a “go to” parent helping with all kinds of events, and in so many other ways too numerous to mention here. His service on our Board of Trustees was exemplary. However, it was only one small part of that fundamental mission. Matt will always be helping and supporting children, whenever and however he can.”
Johnny Smecca - Vice President
“I consider Dr. Hay one of my best friends. He is one of the most dedicated servants I know. Serving with him has only added to my respect for him.”
Monica Wagner - Secretary
“Matt leaves a legacy for GISD that will not be forgotten. His every action was for the betterment of our students.”
Shae Jobe - Trustee
“It has been a joy and an honor to get to know Matt over the past couple of years and I am proud to call him my friend. I would not be on the Board without his push, and I am grateful that he did. He is a good friend, and I hope someday he will consider another run to join us again!”
Mindy Lakin - Trustee
“Dr. Matt Hay loves children. As a practicing pediatrician, he’s made a career of working to care and nurture his patients and their families. His contributions as a GISD trustee were invaluable, insightful, and thoughtful. His unique perspective and guidance will be missed.”
David O’Neal Jr. - Trustee
"I have served on the Galveston ISD School Board for more than 25 years and worked with many trustees. None have been more consistently conscientious, transparent, thought-provoking, engaging and encouraging than Dr. Matthew Hay. He diplomatically led the board to stay focused on what is best for all children during some challenging times. I believe the board will continue with the qualities and thinking that he displayed.”
Ann Masel - Trustee
“I did not have the privilege of working with Dr. Hay, but he’s left some very big shoes to fill. I look forward to having his advice and support going forward.”
Dr. Kelli Moulton - Superintendent
“Dr. Hay was an exceptional trustee and board president. He understood and advocated for the relationship between elected officials and district staff. Above all, his head and heart asked the most important question when making decisions, “Is it in the best interest of our students?” Dr. Hay will be missed on the board, but we intend to call on him as a leader in Galveston in support of the extraordinary work for students in Galveston ISD.”
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Galveston ISD In the News
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UPCOMING EVENTS
AIM Graduation Ceremony
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Mike Evans selected to VYPE Houston Hall of Fame
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Texas ACE Where Is Ozzy!?
Find Ozzy this week and receive a free small coke or root beer float when you snap a picture and tag us and the business!!
Hint: He can be found eating delicious BBQ with a great view of the WAVES!!
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Galveston ISD Registration
Required documents include:
- copy of parent or guardian identification
- copy of one current utility bill in the parent or guardian's name
Click HERE to register!
Transportation requests are now included in online registration!
For help logging into Skyward, please contact your child's school.
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Sea Camp Connection 2020!
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Rosenberg Library Book Initiative
Rosenberg Library is proud to offer a book initiative to put a book in kids’ hands.
They will ship ONE book via Amazon Prime directly to the child!
Keep Galveston Kids Reading is for: Kids birth through grade 6 that reside in Galveston and/or have a Rosenberg Library card.
Parents/Guardians/Teachers click here to complete a form for qualifying each child.
Don’t have a library card or misplaced the card? Click here or call 409.763.8854 x111.
Click here for information on Curbside Pick-up of library materials.
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Frontline Child Care
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Local Charities Providing Meals
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Free Curbside Meal Service Summer Schedule
Drive by Food Distribution
Face2Face LitCamp
English Application: https://forms.gle/XCZ8SgyEgcuQcmys9
Spanish Application: https://forms.gle/yg7jQVP8tioeS2V88
Virtual Summer STREAM Camp
Some Good News Galveston
Galveston ISD and Texas ACE Present: Parent Helpline
Research and Design
Attention CURRENT JUNIORS and those who may graduate early....Interested in RESEARCH AND DESIGN next year? Contact me by joining REMIND. Click on the link below or text @ah99a9 to 81010
https://www.remind.com/join/ah99a9
You can also email me if you have any questions at michellepuig@gisd.org.
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Causeway Galveston Presents:
Teen Health Talks - Coping Activities
Tip of the week: Coping Skills help you process and deal with life stressors, struggles, and emotions. They balance your overall mental health.
This week on Teen Health Talks learn how to create and use coping skills effectively. Also, get insight on what coping skills the Teen Health therapist use in their daily life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e22M_zDQk5k&t=3s
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Consejo de la semana: las habilidades de afrontamiento te ayudan a procesar y lidiar con los estresores, las luchas y las emociones de la vida. Equilibran su salud mental general.
Esta semana, en Teen Health Talks, aprenda cómo crear y usar habilidades de afrontamiento de manera efectiva. Además, obtenga información sobre las habilidades de afrontamiento que utiliza el terapeuta de Teen Health en su vida diaria.
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How to Change Language Settings on Facebook and District Updates - Spanish Language
Galveston Independent School District
Email: communications@gisd.org
Website: www.gisd.org
Location: 3904 Avenue T, Galveston, TX, USA
Phone: 409.766.5100
Facebook: facebook.com/GalvestonPublicSchools/
Twitter: @galvestonisd