District sets new goals, focuses on student success

"My first priority—and I hope it's the [board of] trustees'—is to look at compensation for our classroom teachers," Lee said. "We've had to shift more [responsibility] down to the classroom teachers who have more to do than they can [handle] now," Lee said.

STAAR testing standards

The Legislature is also set to make key decisions regarding the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, testing and how each school will be held accountable for its scores. Those standards will affect the district's curriculum and how teachers conduct classes.

"The problem ... right now is that nobody knows exactly what the standards are," Lee said. "When we get a clearer picture of that, it's going to give us opportunities to really hopefully focus our training."

While staff cuts will make test preparation harder, Lee said he is confident GISD is ready to meet whatever accountability the Legislature sets, and the district is waiting for state decisions so it can align its curriculum with STAAR standards.

"It's always a fluid process," Lee said. "It never evolves into 'this is what it's going to be,' because we have to continue to evaluate what [we are] doing, what the results are and continue to improve every day."

Technology

The board also pinpointed an emphasis on technology as a goal to improve GISD's classroom learning experience.

"That's kind of a real focus right now ... to try to improve our technology, instructional programs and do a better job of integrating technology into our classroom," Lee said. "And we can imbed some of those technology goals in some of our current goals, but we felt like we should make it a large enough focus to make it a stand-alone goal."

Lee said he believes an emphasis on technology in the classroom is key to keeping students abreast of new learning opportunities and proficient in the latest tools used by society.

"There's so many instructional tools available out there now via technology that quite frankly, that's the only way you have access to them," Lee said. "We want to make sure that all of our students are prepared for what's out there in the world."

Although the district is not currently aiming to provide an individual laptop or tablet to each student, it is working to increase student access to technology with classroom computer sets as well as wireless hot spots and bandwidth throughout campuses. GISD's nearly 10,400 students can access more than 3,300 desktop computers across the district, and schools also utilize devices such as electronic whiteboards and laptop carts.

Because of funding cuts and tight budgets, however, the district is behind in its technology replacement plan, and some of its computers are nearly 10 years old. While keeping up with the latest gadgets is a GISD goal, it will have to be met as funding becomes available.

"Technology is very expensive, so we have to budget accordingly," said Brad Domitrovich, GISD director of School and Community Relations.

Transportation

Replacing older buses will also be a district priority in 2013. With the state funding cuts, the district also delayed its transportation replacement plan, which replaces buses when they reach 20 years old. Currently, GISD has seven buses that are between 22 and 28 years old.

While Lee said each bus has been maintained and can safely transport students, he added that "the end is near for their lifespan."

"Our transportation department has done a great job of maintaining those buses ... but it's time to start replacing some of those buses," Lee said.

Funding

The district is hopeful that it will see some relief in funding to help pay for salaries and projects as the Legislature meets.

"We're not anticipating any additional cuts, but we would like to see some of the cuts restored," Lee said.

A tax ratification election approved by voters in October also added approximately $1.9 million to the district's general fund.

The end goal

With increased funding along with the district's priorities and planned projects, Lee said the district's goal remains preparing students for life after school. Through measures such as STAAR curriculum adjustments and integrating technology in classrooms, in 2013 the district remains focused on producing graduates who are ready to pursue a path beyond GISD.

"We want every student ... to be prepared to pursue whatever path they choose," Lee said. "It's one of those issues that you've got to continue to work on because it changes every year."