SWISD Board Report
March 19 MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
The Student of the Month for Sky Harbour ES is 5th grader Denisse Zarate. Denisse has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, dedication to her studies, and a genuine passion for learning. Her positive attitude and eagerness to work through challenging material have set her apart as a standout student.
Denisse's commitment to her education is reflected not only in her academic performance but also in her extracurricular activities. She is actively involved in various groups such as Student Council, Safety Patrols, and the Dolphin Drama Club, where she demonstrates great leadership skills and integrity. Beyond her academic and extracurricular achievements, Denisse regularly displays compassion, honesty, trustworthiness and responsibility.
McNair Middle School would like to recognize 8th grade student, Averi Whitaker, for Student of the Month. Averi is a shining example of academic excellence and dedication. Since 6th grade, she has displayed a passion for learning that ignited a fire within her to excel in every subject she encountered as she is an "A" Honor roll student, takes Honor’s courses, and has scored at the highest levels on STAAR.
Averi’s commitment to her studies is matched only by her enthusiasm for extracurricular activities. Whether playing on the Challenger volleyball team, the Empire club volleyball team or being a student manager for the basketball and soccer teams, she thrives in every endeavor she pursues. A natural leader, Averi’s peers look up to her for guidance and inspiration, and her teachers commend her for her commitment to success. She is also a McNair Challenger Warrior within our athletic program. As she prepares to move on to Southwest High School, Averi is poised to make her mark on the world. With her exceptional work ethic, passion for learning, there's no doubt that Averi Whitaker is destined for greatness.
Southwest Legacy High School is honored to recognize senior Elijah Perez. Elijah is a campus leader serving as the president of the National Honor Society. Additionally, he is a proud member of our CTE program, Education in Training. Elijah has been accepted to St. Mary’s University and has been awarded a scholarship of $96,000. Additionally, Elijah was also awarded a scholarship from the San Antonio Area Foundation for $40,000. He is a kind student who is always very helpful when needed. He maintains a high level of respect for his teachers and his peers. Elijah is extremely focused on his academics, and we know he will continue to do great things.
Athletic Recognitions
Southwest High School diver Aiden Diaz was honored for his remarkable achievements in the sport of diving. Over the past two years, Aiden has demonstrated outstanding performance as an Aquatic Athlete. His journey began when the Southwest ISD Aquatic Center opened, where he joined the High School team and the school district's SWAT Diving Club team. Aiden showcased his athleticism by participating in Water Polo earlier this year, alongside diving. At the end of the water polo season, he transitioned to morning swimming sessions and afternoon diving practices in mid-October.
Throughout the season, Aiden worked hard to put increasingly challenging dives into his repertoire, competing with divers from Northside, Alamo Heights, and Northeast in the San Antonio area. Representing Southwest High School at the District Swim and Dive meet at the Josh Davis Natatorium, he secured 2nd place, advancing him to Regionals. Two weeks later, Aiden had the opportunity to compete in his home pool at the SWISD Aquatic Center, where he finished 3rd place in the entire region, earning him a spot in the 5A UIL State Championship. Aiden has achieved great success, including a 9th-place finish at the State championship. He holds the record for 1-meter diving with a score of 369.10. Aiden's aspirations extend beyond high school, as he aims to further his diving skills on both 1-meter and 3-meter boards in pursuit of collegiate opportunities.
Southwest ES 5th grader, Mia Hernandez, is the first Southwest swimmer to make a TAGS team. She represented us in the 400 and 200 Freestyle Relays on March 1-2. Both relays finished in 7th place overall in the state! The TAGS Championship swim meet stands for the Texas Age Group Swimming Championship. It is a prestigious swim meet held in Texas at the end of each season, where young swimmers from clubs across the state compete against each other. The TAGS Championship swim meet is considered prestigious for several reasons:
- Competitive Level
- Qualification Standards
- Historical Significance:
- Opportunities for Advancement
- Community and Team Spirit
By qualifying for TAGS, she has proven herself among the top swimmers in her age group. This is an incredible accomplishment that we should be immensely proud of. She did a great job at embracing the opportunity to showcase her talent, representing our team with pride, and making unforgettable memories.
2023-2024 Southwest ISD Teachers of the Year
The 2023-2024 Southwest ISD Teachers of the Year were also recognized during the March Board meeting. Their enthusiasm for teaching, love for children, and their expertise make them teachers that are highly respected and admired among their peers and within this great community. We thank them for all that they do, and this recognition is just a small token of that appreciation.
Campus Teachers of the Year:
Elm Creek Elementary – Angelica Castillo
Hidden Cove STEAM Academy - Esperanza Martinez
Indian Creek Elementary – Adriana Sotelo
Kriewald Road School of the Arts – Sandy DeCock
Medio Creek Elementary – Samantha Cordaro
Southwest Elementary – Shannon Wells
Spicewood Park Elementary – Trent Linton
Sun Valley Elementary – Monica McMorris
McAuliffe Middle School – Melody Banda
McNair Middle School – Christina Rivera
Resnik Middle School – Yvonne Garza
CAST STEM High School – Melisa Walters
Crossroads/DAEP - Alejandro Contreras
Elementary District Finalists:
Big Country Elementary – Laura Leddy
Sky Harbour Elementary – Delicia Mendez-Villegas
Secondary District Finalists:
Scobee Middle School – Anna Henson
Southwest Legacy High School – Jesus Padilla
Elementary District Teacher of the Year:
Bob Hope Elementary – Jorge Alvarez-Luna
Secondary District Teacher of the Year:
Southwest High School – Michael Sandoval
Presentations
Construction Update
A representative from O’Connell Robertson, the firm approved for architecture services, presented plans for the Bob Hope renovation project. The plans include a new security fence, classroom additions, and renovating the interior of the facility.
Career and Technical Education Department (CTE) Update
The Executive Director of Secondary Education Zelene Aragon, briefed board members on the array of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, partnerships, and internships available to students within Southwest Independent School District (SWISD). Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, SWISD has maintained its commitment to providing enriching opportunities aligned with the Program of Study.
The CTE Department ensures students are well-prepared for their chosen career paths. Beyond earning Industry-Based Certifications, students participate in job shadowing, site visits, and internships tailored to their fields of study. SWISD offers twenty paid summer internships across departments such as Media, Police, Technology, Distribution, Health Services, Purchasing, Facilities Maintenance, Transportation, Human Resources, and Library Services. Students receive support in resume writing and interview skills to excel in these opportunities, gaining invaluable work experience that enhances their readiness and confidence for future employment.
Items Approved
Board Operating Procedures
The Board of Trustees approved the Board Operating Procedures, in an effort of ensuring governance stability and transparency in their actions. The Board Operating Procedures outlines the Board's guiding principles, powers, and standards of conduct.
A draft of the Board Operating Procedures was reviewed by TASB, and a Board work session was held to allow trustees to add, delete, ask questions, discuss, and modify the procedures for clarity and clear expectations of standards and behavior. Additional suggestions from TASB regarding new laws and clarification of existing policies were also included.
Bob Hope Elementary Additions and Renovation Project
The SWISD Board of Trustees has approved construction documents prepared by O’Connell Robertson, the firm selected to provide architecture services for the Bob Hope Elementary additions and renovation project. Collaboratively, district staff and O’Connell Robertson have identified the program and design requirements for the project. O’Connell Robertson has now completed the construction documents for the project, with an estimated budget of approximately $8,500,000. Funding for this project will be sourced from the 2023 Bond funds.
2023-2024 ESSER III Grant Amendments
The Board approved the submission of ESSER III grant amendments for the 2023-2024 school year. A steering committee consisting of approximately 60 members initiated the process of identifying needs eligible under the ESSER Grants. Allocated as part of the American Rescue Plan, ESSER III funds were designated to Southwest ISD to address various needs arising from the pandemic, including the safe reopening of schools, sustaining operations, addressing social-emotional needs, and mitigating learning loss due to COVID-19.
New Campus Leaders
Dr. Ball announced that during closed session the Board approved her recommendations for two new principals. Ms. Debbie Jones was selected as the new principal of Kriewald Road School of the Arts and Ms. Linda Cruz was hired as the principal for Big Country Elementary School for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year.
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