In the Loop with the Sup
December 2021
Dear Caldwell ISD Families and Community
Over the last two weeks, I’ve invested a great deal of time in getting to know our teachers, community, and students. It’s evident that Caldwell ISD is a place of love and support, a place that is proud of its traditions, and a place that takes care of each other.
This week, it has been exciting to watch our adults and students participate in the Christmas spirit. We know that even as many of our students look to the holidays with eagerness and anticipation, there are others who approach the holidays with anxiety or uncertainty. It’s been tremendous to see the culture of kindness and generosity in the Food for Families, Hornets Helping Hornets, and Shop with a Cop service programs. Thank you to everyone who made an additional effort to see that the Christmas season is special for our entire community.
I hope we all enjoy the next two weeks with family and friends. After a much needed rest, we will come back rejuvenated to continue the great work already in progress.
I want to wish you and your family a very happy holiday!
Sincerely,
Dr. James Barton
Caldwell ISD Superintendent
December 13th Board Brief
December 13, 2021 Board Brief
Board Members Present: William Foster, Pam Evans, Clover Cochran, Erica Chollett
Superintendent Dr. James Barton
Chief Operating Officer: Heather Escalante
Athletic Director: Coach Boone Patterson
Director of Curriculum and Instruction: Susan Groce
Director of Operations: Brady Beavers
Director of Special Projects/Communications: Kim Pagach
Principals: Erin Supak, Larea Gamble, Shaunna Savage, Justin Turner
Business Manager: Monica Hinojos
The Board was called to order at 6:00 pm followed by the pledge and prayer.
Student Recognition
Mrs. Savage, CJH Principal, recognized students who competed in FFA events. The Greenhand FFA Quiz team was recognized for their hard work and success this season. Members were 8th graders: Kaylee Bennett, Larisa Foster, Luke Freeman, and Caleb Rackel. Results were as follows:
*District: 1st place team, Larisa Foster: 1st high point individual
*Area: 2nd place team, Larisa Foster: 2nd high point individual, Kaylee Bennett: 6th high point individual
*State: 23rd place team
There were over 500 quiz teams that competed across the three levels of competition.
The Greenhand Ag Skills Demo also had success. The team was coached by Christine Vogler and members included: Adeline Hicks, Miranda Polacek, and Kylie Vogler. Results were as follows:
*District: Second Place Team
*Area: Third Place Team-one spot short of qualifying for state.
Public input
L’dena Mitchell, Emmerson Faust, Deanie Gold, Janice Easter read a letter from Brenda Knesek, Jenny Hess, Vicki Ochs, Devin Gerland gave public input
Superintendent’s Reports
*COVID - 19 Update - There are no active COVID 19 cases in Caldwell ISD.
*Enrollment Report - There are currently 1837 students enrolled in Caldwell ISD.
*Finance Report - Monic Hinojos gave a financial report stating that the general fund will increase because of the taxes the district will collect. The expenditures are showing that the district is in good shape. Food service is still on target along with the debt service. The district is doing well.
*Bond 2018 Report - Rusty Wallace - The AG renovation is still in process and has the installation of a compressor and the outside canopy to complete. The contractors are still waiting on materials for the canopy, which is putting completing that project behind. The turf projects are on time. The softball field is ready to install the turf and should be installed by February 1st or sooner. The baseball field is one week behind the softball field, but the baseball field being turfed is on track and will be completed by February 1st or sooner. The building of the tennis courts will begin soon, but a completion date cannot be determined at this time. The question was raised about security cameras being installed at the tennis courts, but security cameras were not in the bid, but will be looked at to see if it can be done.
New Business (Action Items)
*Consider and Approve the School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) Member for 2021-2023 - The Board approved the SHAC members as presents that incorporated a variety of community and staff members..
*Consider and Approve Agreement with Healthpoint - Dr. Terri Sabella gave a presentation about HealthPoint and how it serves Caldwell community members, who it serves, and where it serves. Dr. Sabella talked about the partnership with HealthPoint and Caldwell ISD by providing Telehealth on school campuses. Dr. Sabella stated that Telehealth has become important to families, especially since COVID-19. Dr. Sabella stated that about 15% of their patients use Telehealth. This partnership will allow families and staff time efficiency, lessened absences, and provide improved health outcomes. Each school-based health service will have a certified clinic staff in a physical space on 3 campuses. The Board approved the agreement with HealthPoint.
*Consider and Approve Agreement Campus Improvement Plan (CIPS) - Each principal, Erin Supak, Larea Gamble, Shaunna Savage, and Dr. Turner gave key points of campus improvement plans for each of the three goals. The Campus Improvement plans are located on the district website. The Board approved the Campus Improvement Plans as presented.
*Consider and Approve 2022-2023 Budget Calendar - The Board approved the Budget Calendar.
*Discussion Items were bundled together, which were the RFP for Demographic Analysis and Enrollment Projections, RFQ for Financial Advisor, the RFQ for Investment Management Services, and the RFP for Employee Benefits Agent of Record, Enrollment and Administration Services. There was no action at this time on the discussion items, but will become action items in the future.
Consent Agenda
The Board approved the minutes as they were presented.
The Board went into Executive Session at 7:32 pm.
The Board Meeting adjourned at 9:10 pm.
IN THE NEWS!
Brazos Valley Teach
Hornets Helping Hornets
Food for Families
STUDENT RECOGNITION
Congratulations to Caldwell Junior High FFA!
The Greenhand FFA Quiz team was recognized for their hard work and success this season. Members were 8th graders: Kaylee Bennett, Larisa Foster, Luke Freeman, and Caleb Rackel. Results were as follows:
District:
1st place team
Larisa Foster: 1st high point individual
Area:
2nd place team
Larisa Foster: 2nd high point individual
Kaylee Bennett: 6th high point individual
State:
23rd place team
There were over 500 quiz teams that competed across the three levels of competition.
The Greenhand Ag Skills Demo also had success. The team was coached by Christine Vogler and members included: Adeline Hicks, Miranda Polacek, and Kylie Vogler. Results were as follows:
District:
Second Place Team
Area:
Third Place Team-one spot short of qualifying for state.
CISD Holiday Band Concerts
TOP FACEBOOK POSTS FOR DECEMBER
Coach Ryan Hooper
Superintendent Meet and Greet with Dr. Barton
Hornets Helping Hornets
Caldwell ISD
Caldwell Independent School District was officially established as a public school district in 1923 and serves the northern and western portions of Burleson County. In 1990, Caldwell ISD became the largest school district in the county that serves approximately 1,800 students and is comprised of four campuses: Caldwell Elementary (PK-3rd), Caldwell Intermediate (4th-6th), Caldwell Junior High School (7th-8th), and Caldwell High School (9th-12th). The district also has a District Alternative Education Program and an Alternative Center of Education.
Caldwell ISD is the home of the Hornets. The official colors are Texas orange and white. Texas UIL classifies Caldwell ISD Hornets as a 3A district.
Email: info@caldwellisd.net
Website: https://www.caldwellschools.net/
Location: 203 North Gray Street, Caldwell, TX, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaldwellISD
Twitter: @CaldwellProud