The Duncanville ISD Board of Trustees hosted a regular board meeting on January 11, 2021. A video recording of the meeting can be viewed on the district website under Board of Trustees. Information shared and decisions made during the meeting include the following:
Trustees Honored for School Board Recognition Month
The Duncanville ISD Board of Trustees received heartfelt gestures from the district community as a token of appreciation in honor of School Board Recognition Month in January.
District campuses created personalized gifts for the trustees including baked goods from Duncanville High School students in the culinary arts program, sketched portraits and Duncanville shirts. The trustees also received an emotional recorded performance from the Reed Middle School choir students.
The district greatly appreciates our board members for making students a priority and supporting staff, especially as we navigate educating students during a pandemic.
Board Approves Calendar for 2021-2022 School Year
After gathering feedback from the community on three variations of sample calendars, the board of trustees unanimously voted on an academic calendar for the 2021-2022 school year. A survey was sent to parents, staff and community members via social media, the district website and email weeks prior to the board review. The majority of community feedback was in favor of Calendar A, which includes a one-week fall break in October and two early release days. To view the 2021-2022 academic calendar, click here.
Superintendent’s Report
Duncanville ISD Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith began his report with his with visit with Acton Elementary School teacher Jasmine Coleman’s virtual class last week. He spoke with the second grade class and answered their curious questions about being a superintendent for a school district.
Dr. Smith also thanked the Board of Trustees in recognition of School Board Recognition Month. He spoke to the board’s commitment to student success and the community. He expressed the gratitude district staff has felt knowing they have the support from our trustees.
The Dallas County Promise provides high school seniors with free college tuition through partnerships with local colleges and universities. All students who participate in the program are eligible for a Dallas County Promise scholarship. Duncanville High School is focused on getting seniors to take the Promise Pledge and apply to a partner college or university by Feb. 5. Parents of participating seniors can also advance their education through the Dallas County Parent Promise. Parents can earn a certificate or associate degree at no cost to them. The district currently has four parents participating in the parent program.
Dr. Smith ended his report with a congratulation to the Duncanville High School Panther football team for an outstanding season. The Panthers lost to Southlake Carroll in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) semifinals, breaking their streak of advancing to the UIL State finals. The student athletes overcame personal challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic and closed the season with a record of 10-2. What Dr. Smith noted as more valuable than any championship is the character head coach Reginald Samples instills in his team.
Other Items
The board agenda items can be found here.
Approved minutes from the December 14 board meeting
Approved financial report for November 2020
Approved renewal of the interlocal agreement between purchasing cooperative of America (PCA) and Duncanville ISD due to PCA change of address
Approved to call the school board election for May 1, 2021 to elect trustees for Places 6 and 7
Approved purchase of Smarnet Services
Approved Xerox contract
Approved quotes related to grant award – serving line and décor package at Alexander Elementary School
Approved MAP Growth assessment
Approved approval of 2021-2022 academic calendar
Approved Duncanville ISD 2021 legislative priorities
Approved process for donations
Discussion of budget development timeline for 2021-2022 budget
Discussion of tax roll analysis
Discussion of COVID-19 Pandemic Plan and Efforts update