March 18, 2024 — The March Board meeting began with a progress report on the 2023-2024 District Improvement Plan which the Board approved in October and which provides a roadmap for the District. Deputy Superintendent Kevin Phillips and the four assistant superintendents highlighted progress and challenges toward accomplishing the District’s five primary goals related to academic achievement, college and career readiness, resource allocation, customer service and safety, and recruitment and retention of quality staff. Although there is demonstrated improvement in many areas such as early childhood education and college/career preparation, some of the current challenges include high school algebra, middle school math and social studies, student discipline and attendance, and teacher shortages.
The Board awarded a contract to Dearborn Life for employee life insurance and to Ochs Inc., for long-term disability insurance and the employee assistance program.
Trustees also approved a Guideline for Consolidation of Campuses. Although the Board decided not to close any schools for the 2024-2025 school year, there is a high likelihood that some elementary schools will need to be closed and consolidated with other AISD schools in the next few years due to declining student enrollment in the District, fewer school-age children, and a declining and aging population in Potter County, where two-thirds of AISD schools are located. The guideline lays out the decision-making criteria and timing, allowing transparency and objectivity in consolidation decisions. Superintendent Loomis said this guideline is only one step in the consolidation process and community input will still be needed throughout any closure/consolidation decisions, which will ultimately require Board approval.
Finally, the Board acknowledged and thanked those who gave gifts and donations to various schools this month. A total of $25,845 worth of donations were given from Pak-A-Sak, Inc., McDonald’s, Janie and Jerry Hensley, AutoNation Chevy-Cadillac, Atmos Energy, Andy’s Trucking, United Supermarkets #529, UIL Region I, Palo Duro Booster Club, General Motors, Cherry Beasley, Heller’s Helping Hands Sprinkler Landscape, Trinity Beyers and parents, Raine Russell, Easy Stop Storage, Anesthesia Services of Amarillo, Amarillo Area Foundation, Amarillo Education Foundation, and Robert Lowery.
Additional settings for Safari Browser.
