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Gunter Education Forum |
"Opening the door to communication" |
Your Submissions |
Questions |
"With greater transparency in our schools, parents will be empowered to demand change if needed at the local level." -Texas Gov. Rick Perry |
"...we should never forget this one simple phrase: 'It is all about the kids' " -Kevin Worthy Asst. Superintendent of GISD |
"Any school that becomes satisfied with how well they've done, is a school that will start sliding backwards." - GEF Organizer |
"Can GISD offer a work program for seniors?" |
Currently GHS does not offer a work program for seniors. Yes GISD would consider implementing a program. With the new 4 x 4 requirements (fours years of Math, Science, Social Studies and English Language Arts) many schools will have to be creative with scheduling to meet the needs of students that are on the work program. The new state requirements will make it extremely difficult on schools with work programs. |
"Why does the GISD School Board go into executive session virtually every meeting?"(for more information regarding executive sessions go to "Open Government") |
The school board may conduct a closed meeting (executive session) for the following purposes: 1. Attorney Consultation 2. Property: (The board may conduct a closed meeting to deliberate the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of property. 3. Prospective Gift: (The board may conduct a closed meeting to deliberate a negotiated contract for a prospective gift or donation to the District. 4. Personnel Matters: (The board is not required to conduct an open meeting to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee. |
"Would GISD consider going to a 'locker-free/back pack free' school?"(more information here). |
Yes, absolutely. Finance is the major issue that stands in the way of having a locker free/back pack free school. The average cost of a high school textbook is $65.00. To be able to accomplish this goal each class would need a classroom set of books. Currently at the high school we offer approximately 45 different classes. We are slowly moving toward this goal. We currently have classroom book sets for the Math department and Science department. In the future we hope to have more classroom sets. |
"What are board policy and state law regarding employees' personal use of computers, e-mail system, and other school equipment?" |
Gunter ISD has an employee acceptable use policy for all staff members. The acceptable use policy was developed to define what employees rights are in regards to computer and internet use. Employee Acceptable Use Policy |
"I am concerned about the safety of children crossing Hwy 289 after school going to Sonic. Has the school discussed any possible solutions to this safety hazard? |
Questions regarding a school crossing for Sonic should be directed to the Texas Department of Transportation (TEXDOT). |
"What is the procedure for selecting a new superintendent?" |
The first step in selecting a superintendent is to list the position. If the board believes it has someone in the system to move up to the role of superintendent, then the board can name that individual the lone finalist after the job has been listed. The board and potential superintendent have 21 days to negotiate a contract and decide if that person is the proper fit for the district. If the board decides to take resumes and interview potential candidates, it will set deadlines for applications and interviews. Once it decides on a candidate, it will name that individual the lone finalist. Again it has 21 days to decide. If the board decides to hire a search firm, then the firm would do the majority of the work. The firm would compile all applications and resumes. They would interview the board and community members to try to come up with the perfect fit. They would bring approximately 5 to 6 applications to the board and set up interviews. They would also talk with the board and help them with questions to ask and what to look for in a candidate. Search firms usually cost anywhere between $5,000 to $10,000 dollars. |
When selecting a superintendent the board can either perform the process as a group or hire an outside search firm. |
"Would GISD research and consider implementing AVID, an academic support program for grades 4-12, that prepares students for college eligibility and success?" (www.avidonline.org) |
The goal of the AVID program is to better prepare the academically “middle of the road” students for college success. AVID requires the incorporation of a special curriculum, a separate AVID class period geared toward specific students, a site based coordinator, and in depth training of AVID tutors. While GISD fervently supports the goal of the AVID program, and realizes it would be profitable in many areas, current state mandates (the new 4x4 requirements and dual credit requirements), credit requirements for graduating seniors, and limited resources prevent the school from implementing such a program at this time. However, Gunter ISD welcomes any additional suggestions from parents and the community. |
What is the status on the elementary school zone? |
The Texas Department of Transportation (TEXDOT) is responsible for re-locating the school zone signs. In July Gunter ISD submitted the formal documentation to TEXDOT explaining the change in location of schools. TEXDOT sent a representative to Gunter to meet with the principal of the elementary and view the new location of the school. On November 12, 2007 a letter was sent to Gunter ISD from the TEXDOT area engineer, stating that the changes in the school zones are in the process of being addressed. A study was completed and the required modifications along SH 289 have been finalized. Results of the study, along with the revised speed zone map were sent to the City of Gunter as of October 22, 2007. Once the city passes the required speed zone ordinance and returns the executed documents to TEXDOT, the actual school zones will be modified. The modifications should take approximately two weeks to complete. |
Who is responsible for the maintenance of Tiger Lane? |
The city is responsible for the maintenance of Tiger Lane. |
Could you post a link to the "Employee Standard of Conduct" for Gunter ISD? |
Would it be possible for the Staff Development day in October to be during the State Fair or the Grayson County Fair? A few years ago it fell during the State Fair and the kids received free tickets through the Elementary school. |
Gunter ISD will take this into account when setting the 2008-2009 calendar. The past few years we have been setting the 1st semester staff development day to coordinate with homecoming week. |