ALL THE BUZZ

We are off to a strong start this school year, and it has been exciting to see students and staff settling into routines across all campuses.

Recently, the Board of Trustees was updated on the safety and security measures we have in place district-wide. We are thankful for the support of Burleson County and the Sherrif’s Office for the School Resource Officer program at each campus.

Additionally, I want to give a special thank you to the Caldwell Police Department for their assistance managing traffic flow given the road construction around Caldwell Elementary, as well as to our parents for their patience and understanding throughout this process.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Public Input

There was no public input this month.

Superintendent’s Report

Enrollment Report:

The enrollment of Caldwell ISD is currently 1,834 students.

Informational Reports

Finance Reports: Heather Escalante, Deputy Superintendent, presented the July Financial Reports. The full report can be viewed HERE.

HB 3 Goal Update: Erin Supak, Chief Academic Officer, presented updates on progress towards district HB 3 goals and shared proposed updates. The full report can be viewed HERE.

Accountability Update: Mrs. Supak provided the Board with an update on the district's accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Caldwell ISD received an overall score of 81, with the elementary, junior high, and high school each earning a B, and the intermediate receiving a C. Several campuses also earned Distinction Designations, including Caldwell Elementary (Reading/Language Arts and Postsecondary Readiness), Caldwell Intermediate (Postsecondary Readiness), and Caldwell Junior High (Postsecondary Readiness). The full report can be viewed HERE.

New Business (Action Items)

Consider and Approve District Performance Objectives:

Mrs. Supak presented the district’s updated performance objectives. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the performance objectives as presented.

Discuss Board Policy CO (Local) Food & Nutrition Management:

Mrs. Escalante and Child Nutrition Director, Ashley Charanza, presented the district’s policy on unpaid meal accounts. Students currently have a three-breakfast and three-lunch grace period; after that, they receive an alternative meal of a grilled cheese with standard sides.

Consideration and Approve Library Policy EFB:

Senate Bill 13, which takes effect Sept. 1, significantly changes how Texas school districts manage library materials by shifting approval authority from librarians to school boards. The law increases parental oversight, requiring all new or donated books to undergo a 30-day public review and board approval before being added to libraries. Districts may also be petitioned to form a School Library Advisory Council (SLAC), composed mainly of parents, to review and recommend materials. At its Aug. 25 meeting, the Caldwell ISD School Board voted unanimously not to form a SLAC and instead adopted the Alternative (ALT) plan, which allows for more educator and student input while still meeting SB 13 requirements.

Consider and Approve Cell Phone Policy FNCE (Local):

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved its new cell phone policy in compliance with House Bill 1481. The law restricts student use of personal electronic devices, including cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches, requiring schools to either ban them or provide secure storage. Schools must also enforce consequences for unauthorized use, with exceptions for medical, safety, or school-provided devices.

Consider and Approve Resolution to Declare a Good Cause Exception for House Bill 3 Armed Security Officer Requirement:

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved a “Good Cause Exception” resolution for House Bill 3’s armed security requirement, allowing the intermediate and junior high campuses to share one SRO instead of having one per campus. Superintendent Dr. James Barton noted the district is fully staffed with four SROs and praised the sheriff’s office for their support. The resolution ensures the district remains compliant in case of staffing changes while maintaining officer coverage on all campuses.