DEIC February 6, 2023 Minutes.docx

CASTLEBERRY ISD DEIC

February 6, 2023

Minutes

DEIC Members in attendance: Bethany Cuppett, Kristin Flewelling, Randy Hooper, Pascal Licciardi, David Smith, Lisa Romo, Meagan Streiffert, Kara Stegall, Dewey Taliaferro, Nikki Wolfe, and June Ritchlin.

Discussion items:

School Calendars 2023-2024 – Dr. Ritchlin

Possible Calendars- Dr. Ritchlin reviewed the possible calendars developed by the DEIC. The calendars will be released for teachers and parents to vote later this week.

Early Release Dates- Dr. Ritchlin pointed out that all early release dates except those that fall before Thanksgiving, before Christmas, before Spring Break, and on the last day of school were removed to allow for flexibility where needed. The example of how early release days were added this year to provide staff members with time to complete state mandated training was given as an example.

Student Handbook and Code of Conduct- Wes Jackson

Mr. Jackson provided each team with a copy of the current and TASB model Handbook and Student Code of Conduct. He warned that this is a legislative year and there would likely be changes to the TASB models as a result. Those changes would need to be made when the updates are received most likely in July of 2023.

Mr. Jackson reminded the committee that what is highlighted comes straight from the TASB model and should not be changed because TASB has taken the time to ensure these sections are aligned to law. He pointed out that non-highlighted sections are flexible and can be modified by school districts.

Each group worked together to review the non-highlighted sections for needed changes.

Mr. Jackson invited each group to share the changes recommended:

One group recommended changes to the piercings sections indicating that small hoops should be included because they are common and small like the current allowable stud.
Another group recommended clearer guidelines on cell phones. This led to a larger discussion about the possibility of including scaffolded guidelines from the elementary campuses up to the secondary campuses.
A third group recommended changes to tattoos because they are common for both students and staff. The recommendation being that tattoos be permitted as long as they do not promote inappropriate language, gang affiliation, illegal substances, weapons etc…

District Improvement Plan Update - Dr. Ritchlin

Dr. Ritchlin explained the committee would begin work on the District Improvement Plan tonight. She distributed the DIP in sections and asked that each group familiarize themselves with their assigned/chosen section(s). She reminded the committee of how the DIP is set up with problem statements, goals, performance objectives, and strategies. Each group was provided time to review their sections together. Dr. Ritchlin explained that in the next meeting, they would be given data to review and conduct a needs assessment that they would then use to make recommendations/changes to the performance objectives and strategies in the DIP.

“Something I want to know more about”

Extracurricular Code of Conduct- Wes Jackson

Mr. Jackson explained an Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct is able to address some of the more specific topics relevant to extracurricular programs that may not be appropriate in the general Student Code of Conduct. The benefits to developing this type of document is the alignment that would take place between extracurricular programs. The committee agreed they would like to know more and would like to look at some examples at the next meeting.

4 Day School Requirements- Dr. Ritchlin

A question was received about 4 day school weeks and how they work. Dr. Ritchlin explained that Castleberry ISD has a 180 day calendar and reminded the committee about the reasons for the 180 day calendar including:

Approximately $500,000 of funding provided based on student attendance on Saturdays and in the summer
Funding pays for summer school which means it is not funded with Title I or 199 and can then be used at the campus level or to fund raises.
Districts who have a 4 day school week and a 180 day calendar would have to go to a year around model to meet the 180 day requirement and to use the 30 additional days allotted through ADSY.
Districts must consider the students and parents served. Reducing the s

21st Century Grant: Dr. Ritchlin explained that the district is applying for the grant again this school year and will complete the grant application in house.

Next Meeting: Staff Retention (DIP input?), Student Teacher Partnerships, Substitute Compensation, New Teacher Opportunities, Impacting Special Education

NEXT MEETING Monday, March 20, 2023 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM