There was a lot to celebrate at the September Colorado ISD Board of Trustees meeting, with updates on student opportunities, academics, safety, campus programs and projects happening across the district.
One of the biggest highlights of the evening came from Western Texas College President Dr. Sharp, who spoke to the Board about the growing partnership between WTC and Colorado ISD.
Over the past three years, 143 CISD students have participated in dual credit through WTC, earning a total of 2,065 college credit hours, nine certificates and 10 associate degrees before graduating from high school.
That number continues to grow, WTC reported 62 additional CISD students participating this year compared to last year.
For our students, those numbers mean more than college hours on a transcript. They mean a head start. They mean less time and money spent earning a degree or certificate after high school, and more opportunities for students to begin building their future now.
WTC and CISD are continuing to work together to grow college, career and workforce opportunities for our students, including programs like welding and other career pathways.
The Board also received an update on the demolition of the former middle school. Baird Construction reported that the project is moving forward and explained how crews are carefully taking down the large concrete structure.
There is also a little piece of CISD history that the community will be able to take home. Once the building is completely down and the area is safe, community members will have an opportunity to pick up bricks from the former school. CISD will share details when the site is ready.
Academic progress was also a major part of the meeting.
District leaders reported positive progress in math, while reading continues to be an area of focus. Teachers are already seeing encouraging changes in the classroom as students work on stronger reading skills.
CISD is also changing how academic progress is presented to the Board. Instead of looking only at one test at the end of the year, the district will look at student growth at the beginning, middle and end of the year. This gives teachers more information throughout the year so they can adjust instruction and give students the help they need.
CES/CMS Principal Lorianne Toombs, Assistant Superintendent Denise Farmer, instructional coach Alison Alvarez, teachers and students were recognized for the work already happening on our campuses.
Safety continues to remain a priority across the district as well. CISD staff regularly check exterior and interior doors and continue preparing for state safety inspections. The goal is simple: keep our students and staff safe every day.
Campus reports also brought plenty of good news.
Attendance continues to stay strong, even with some illness going around. Kindergarten is leading the way, and students have also had a lot of fun with the Patriotic Penny Wars fundraiser.
The elementary book fair was another big success, bringing in nearly $17,000. Those funds will help support the campus, including helping new teachers begin building classroom libraries for their students.
The Board also approved an additional $68,000 for the district’s four teacher homes. The additional cost includes individual septic systems and required changes to the construction plan, bringing the total project to approximately $880,000.
From students earning college degrees before graduation to stronger classroom instruction, new career opportunities, safer campuses and continued improvements across the district, there is a lot happening at CISD.
Through every conversation, the focus continues to stay where it belongs. Our students.
Better Together. Building a Legacy of Excellence.