The Houston R-1 School District board of education heard several district updates during a meeting Tuesday, Sept. 10, including a new kitchen at the Piney River Technical Center
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Justin Copley, superintendent, provided the board with updates pertaining to enrollment, academics, finances, facility updates, food service figures, safety and transportation.
Copley reported that enrollment is at 1,010 students, two more than the district ended the previous school year with. The average class size is 72, with classes ranging from 48 to 105.
Facility updates include a crosswalk to the greenhouse, an in-progress pavilion at the elementary playground and a new track and field storage container among other updates. The district received a safety grant which could be used for netting installation at the softball field. Community support will be required to make other upgrades at the field.
OTHER MATTERS
- Amanda Rust, high school alternative teacher, and students Addison Neugebauer and Madison Meier were recognized for their help in completing the 2023-2024 yearbook.
- A policy update to “MSBA 24C” was presented. It includes updates to lactation support, part-time and substitute employment, staff health and safety, professional short-term leaves, support staff leaves, special education, students in foster care, test integrity and security, the A+ Scholarship program, student discipline, inventory management and accommodations for students with disabilities.
- An amendment to a building and grounds policy was presented. It includes additional language that reads “School Protection Officers must have been with the district for at least one year.”
- Copley provided a progress update on the Piney River Technical Center Family and Consumer Sciences kitchen. The building trades class will work on the project throughout the semester. Topics discussed during the presentation included the location of the kitchen, continuous meetings with stakeholders, development of classroom relocations during the construction phase, electric quotes, timeframes, interior design and appliance assistance through the Houston Education Foundation (HEF). Other concerns and considerations were discussed.
- The board unanimously approved program evaluations for transportation and wellness presented by Matt Robertson and Loran Richardson, respectively.
The next regular meeting is 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8 in the high school library. ting is 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10 in the high school library.
The full minutes can be read here: