Instructional Technology Purchase Approved

The Board approved a motion to purchase instructional technology not to exceed $64,000. This investment supports modern, effective learning environments across the district. Key components of the plan include:

• 80 Chromebooks each for 3rd and 9th grade students, which will follow students through their academic careers

• 9 new interactive panels to ensure every classroom in BGISD is equipped with this teaching tool. These panels will be purchased out of budgeted CTE funds. 

It’s important to note that much of our current classroom technology was originally purchased with COVID relief (ESSER) funds, which are no longer available. This makes long-term planning and budgeting for instructional technology even more critical moving forward. As a result, BGISD is implementing a planned annual technology replacement cycle. This proactive approach helps us:

• Avoid the financial burden of replacing 900+ devices at once
• Keep classroom technology up to date 
• Be financially responsible with taxpayer dollars

We would like to extend a special thank you to Judy Paschal, Dennis Williams, and Ashlee Crabtree for their dedication and leadership in developing a sustainable technology plan that will ensure both students and staff continue to have the tools they need to succeed.

Enrollment & Attendance

• Current Enrollment: 916 students

• District-wide Attendance Rate: 94.69%- Our District goal is 95%. Our year-end average will increase when the approved attendance waivers are implemented. 

  • Elementary: 95.04%

  • Junior High: 94.58%

  • High School: 94.26%

We are pleased to report that our Low Attendance Waivers were approved by TEA. These were connected to a period earlier this year when we experienced a notable rise in student illness. This approval will help protect our Average Daily Attendance (ADA), which is directly tied to state funding. Unfortunately, the Missed School Day Waiver was denied, meaning Monday, May 5, will now be a regular instructional day to make up for the lost time.

CTE Program Update

Mrs. Demi Pratt delivered a comprehensive overview of the current state of our Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. Her presentation included:

• The structure and programs of study currently offered

• How CTE funding directly supports student opportunities and program sustainability- BGISD receives CTE funding based on student enrollment in approved CTE courses. These funds are restricted for use within CTE programming, meaning a portion must be invested directly back into the advancement of our CTE offerings.

• Exciting plans for future CTE expansion- A major announcement was the planned implementation of a Work Program at BGISD, a program not active in recent years. This will provide students the opportunity to gain real-world job experience in fields directly connected to their current CTE pathways. It’s part of our ongoing commitment to ensure that BGISD students graduate job-ready.

•  Additionally, we are exploring ways to strengthen our CTE pipeline by introducing High School CTE courses at the Junior High level. This will help students become more informed about career options and better prepared as they enter high school, enhancing both student engagement and long-term planning.

As part of this reinvestment process, CTE program leaders have submitted a “wish list” of instructional tools, safety equipment, classroom updates, and industry-specific materials that would improve the learning environment for both students and teachers. These requests are currently being evaluated by administration to prioritize purchases that:

• Enhance hands-on, real-world learning

• Ensure student safety

• Support alignment with current industry standards

We are excited to share that BGISD has already committed to purchasing a state-of-the-art CNC machine for our Agricultural Mechanics program. This high-precision equipment will allow students to gain experience in modern fabrication and machining—skills that are directly transferable to in-demand careers in agriculture, manufacturing, and engineering.

Staffing & Job Openings

Current position postings include:

• CTE Health Science Instructor (potential partnership with a certified trainer)

• Elementary Bilingual Teacher-As we look to the future, we are preparing to open a new bilingual Pre-K classroom for the 2025–2026 school year. 

• Junior High ELAR Teacher

• Junior High Art Teacher (position is connected to the Theater program)

• High School Volleyball- Open teaching fields

Legislative & Financial Updates

Key legislative developments were shared that could impact school funding models:

• HB 2 Highlights:

  • Basic Allotment increased to $6,555, with inflation-based adjustments

  • Greater support for small- and mid-size districts

  • Teacher pay raises for those with 5+ and 10+ years of experience

  • Increased special education and Pre-K funding

• Estimated Impact on BGISD:

• Potential M&O Gain: $1,930,023

• $772,009 allocated for compensation

• 75% to teachers ($7,834 average per teacher)

• 25% to support staff

• Bills to Watch:

  • HB 6 (Discipline Reform): Passed House, in Senate

  • HB 4 (Testing & Accountability): Still under consideration

Important Voting Reminders

Today (April 29) is the final day for early voting!
Election Day is Saturday, May 3.

We strongly encourage all BGISD taxpayers to exercise your right to vote. Your voice plays a vital role in shaping the future of our district.

Join Us Live – Thursday, May 1.

Be sure to tune in to our Facebook Live event on Thursday, May 1! We’re excited to host a panel of BGISD students who will share their insights and experiences from inside our schools. This is a great opportunity to hear directly from the heart of our district...our students.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Together, we are building a brighter future for every student in BGISD.

Sincerely,

John Griggs

Blooming Grove ISD Superintendent