Lindale ISD School Board 2018 Regional Board of the Year

LISD Board of Trustees

JUNE

"A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE"

CREATED BY: COURTNEY SANGUINETTI, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

2018

| REGION

7

Contents Judging Criteria (1-10) 1. Functions as a policy-making body 2. Adherence to adopted board policies 3. Support for educational performance in accordance with state-established standards 4. Support for educational improvement projects and school transformation initiatives 5. Commitment to a code of ethics 6. Provision of financial support for the school system 7. Participation in workshops and other performance improvement programs 8. Placement of the welfare of children served by the school system above personal or political motives 9. Public relations efforts, including community awareness 10. Maintenance of harmonious and supportive relationships among board members

Lindale ISD Board of Trustees: Ethics As a member of the Board, I shall promote the best interests of the District as a whole and, to that end, shall adhere to the following ethical standards: Equity In Attitude I will be fair, just, and impartial in all my decisions and actions.

I will accord others the respect I wish for myself.

I will encourage expressions of different opinions and listen with an open mind to others' ideas.

Trustworthiness In Stewardship I will be accountable to the public by representing District policies, programs, priorities, and progress accurately.

I will be responsive to the community by seeking its involvement in District affairs and by communicating its priorities and concerns.

I will work to ensure prudent and accountable use of District resources.

I will make no personal promise or take private action that may compromise my performance or my responsibilities.

Honor In Conduct I will tell the truth.

I will share my views while working for consensus.

I will respect the majority decision as the decision of the Board.

I will base my decisions on fact rather than supposition, opinion, or public favor.

Integrity Of Character I will refuse to surrender judgment to any individual or group at the expense of the District as a whole.

I will consistently uphold all applicable laws, rules, policies, and governance procedures.

I will not disclose information that is confidential by law or that will needlessly harm the District if disclosed.

Commitment To Service I will focus my attention on fulfilling the Board's responsibilities of goal setting, policymaking, and evaluation.

I will diligently prepare for and attend Board meetings.

I will avoid personal involvement in activities the Board has delegated to the Superintendent.

I will seek continuing education that will enhance my ability to fulfill my duties effectively.

Student-Centered Focus I will be continuously guided by what is best for all students of the District.

LINDALE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (LACC)

THE LACC HAS JOINED HAND IN HAND WITH THE LISD BOARD ON SEVERAL COMMUNITY PROJECTS AND EACH TIME THE OUTCOME IS A GREAT FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT. LINDALE HAS STRONG FAMILY VALUES AND THIS PARTNERSHIP HAS HELPED TO STRENGTHEN THIS GROWING COMMUNITY. THE LISD BOARD HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN THE SUCCESS OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE CITY OF LINDALE. OUR BOARD MEMBERS HAVE WORKED TIRELESSLY TO BECOME AN EXEMPLARY SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR THE STATE OF TEXAS. THEY LISTEN TO PARENTS, FACULTY, AND CITIZENS TO PROVIDE THE BEST EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE FOR ALL OF OUR STUDENTS. THE LACC COULD CONTINUE TO PRAISE THE LISD SCHOOL BOARD ON MANY LEVELS. I HOPE THAT YOU WILL CONSIDER THE LINDALE ISD SCHOOL BOARD AS THE BEST IN TEXAS. Shelbie Glover, LACC Executive Director

A Tradition of Excellence.

A policy making body The Board of Trustees of the Lindale Independent School District has shown continued dedication as a policy-making body. In the last several years, LISD trustees have established or revised more than 200 policies. These policies are not intended to allow the board to micromanage district affairs, rather they hold the entire district including teachers and administrators to higher standards.

Policy revisions and recommendations from the Texas Association of School Boards are examined by the Lindale ISD trustees, localized and adopted.

The process continues throughout the school year in order to ensure the district is functioning in a legal and efficient manner. Policies adopted or revised in the last several years include Safety Programs/Risk Management, Employee Welfare, Funds Management and numerous others.

Trustees also receive updates on board policy recommendations in a packet mailed to them by the Superintendent's secretary the Friday before the Monday night of the board meeting. Trustees thoroughly review this information before the meeting in order to have an educated discussion. Before action is taken, an explanation is provided to the public in attendance of the board meeting explaining what the new policy entails. During board meetings, details of the policies are projected onto a screen for the public to read. All policies are also available to review at the Lindale ISD website. The Lindale ISD Trustees also share a close relationship with the Superintendent and his recommendations and input on policy revisions or additions are always well received. At each meeting, patrons are allowed to voice any concerns about the board's policies or actions. However, in Lindale ISD we have found this to be a rare occasion due to the trust district personnel and community members have in the trustees as a policy-making body.

Lindale ISD Board of Trustees Give $160K in Extra Pay to Teachers "The Lindale ISD Board of Trustees have shown great support to the staff members of Lindale ISD," said Stan Surratt, Lindale ISD Superintendent.

"The board in recent years started a program to show support and appreciation for staff members that return to service each year. The Board of Trustees personally hand out checks to staff members during the district wide convocation program. The board approved about $160,000 each year to award those funds. Staff members are very appreciative of the great support of the Lindale ISD Board of Trustees. The board has also been very aggressive in approving salary increases for teachers and staff members.

The LISD Board of Trustee have increased the teacher pay scale five times in the last eight years to remain competitive and show support and appreciation for the teaching staff of Lindale ISD. Other pay scales have also been increased many times with the fiscal management of the school board."

Revised LISD Policies 01

Performance Appraisal Evaluation of Campus Administrators (1.19.17) The employment policies adopted by a board must require a written evaluation at annual or more frequent intervals of each principal, supervisor, school counselor, or other full time, certified professional employee, and nurse.

02

Purchasing and Acquisition (7.12.16) A board may adopt rules and procedures for the acquisition of goods and services.

03

Accountability Investigations and Sanctions (7.12.16)

04

Special Programs Federal Title 1 (7.12.16) Contains basic requirements for districts and schools receiving Title I, Part A funds.

05

Admissions and Homeless Students (7.12.16)

06

Special Education- ARD Committee and Individualized Education Program (7.12.16) A district shall establish an admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee for each eligible student with a disability and for each student for whom a full individual and initial evaluation is conducted. The ARD committee shall be the individualized education program (IEP) team defined at 34 C.F.R.300.321.

Revised LISD Policies 07

Local Revenue Sources AD Valorem Taxes (3.17.16)

08

Other RevenuesInvestments (9.25.15) All investments made by a district shall comply with the Public Funds Investment Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 2256, Subchapter A) and all federal, state, and local statutes, rules or regulations.

09

Planning & Decision Making Process (9.25.15) A board shall adopt a policy to establish a district and campus level planning and decision making process that will involve the professional staff of a district, parents of students enrolled in a district, business representatives, and community members in establishing and reviewing the district’s and campuses’ educational plans, goals, performance objectives, and major classroom instructional programs.

10

Board Policies (9.25.15) Within the context of current law, the District shall be guided by Board adopted written policies that are given appropriate distribution and are accessible to staff members, parents, students, and community residents.

11

Wellness and Health Services Care Plans (9.25.15)

12

Facilities Construction (9.25.15)

LINDALE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

IT IS WITH GREAT PLEASURE THAT I RECOMMEND THE LINDALE ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES AS THE OUTSTANDING REGION 7 SCHOOL BOARD OF THE YEAR. THE LISD BOARD HAS LED THE DISTRICT TO GREATNESS A EVERY LEVEL, THAT IS UNMATCHED BY MOST DISTRICTS ACROSS THE STATE OF TEXAS. OUR LISD BOARD MEMBERS HAVE PROVIDED LEADERSHIP IN SO MANY CRUCIAL AREAS FOR OUR DISTRICT. THE LISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES HAS ENABLED THE GREAT SUCCESS OF OUR STUDENTS THIS SCHOOL YEAR IN BOTH ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE STATE LEVEL. ADDITIONALLY, OUR BOARD MEMBERS MOST RECENTLY ADOPTED THE DISTRICT OF INNOVATION PLAN THAT WILL FURTHER STRENGTHEN OUR LINDALE SCHOOLS. IT IS WITHOUT HESITATION THAT I RECOMMEND THE LINDALE ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR SCHOOL BOARD OF THE YEAR.Â

Stan Surratt, Superintendent of Lindale ISD

LISD BOARD ADOPTS PLAN FOR 1:1 TECHNOLOGY

THE LINDALE ISD SCHOOL BOARD APPROVED A PLAN TO MOVE THE DISTRICT FORWARD IN TERMS OF ENGAGING STUDENTS WITH TECHNOLOGY. WITH THE ADOPTED PLAN, IPADS WILL BE PLACED IN EVERY CLASSROOM. IN 3RD-12TH GRADE, EACH STUDENT WILL HAVE AN IPAD. THE LINDALE ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES CALLED AN TAX RATIFICATION ELECTION TO FUND THIS INITIATIVE. THE LINDALE COMMUNITY OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORTED THE VISION OF THE LISD SCHOOL BOARD. THE BOARD BELIEVES WE LIVE IN A TIME WHERE STUDENTS MUST BE ENGAGED TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. THIS TECHNOLOGY ALSO GIVES TEACHERS THE RESOURCES TO PUT ENHANCED, HIGH LEVEL CURRICULUM AT THE FINGERTIPS OF STUDENTS. THE PROGRAM HAS BEEN EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL. BECAUSE OF THE STRONG FISCAL MANAGEMENT BY THE SCHOOL BOARD AND THE SUPPORT OF THE ENTIRE LINDALE COMMUNITY, THE DISTRICT WAS ABLE TO IMPROVE ITS INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT OVER 3500 IPADS TO THE WIRELESS NETWORK. INCREASE IN BANDWIDTH, SWITCHES, ACCESS POINTS AND ROUTERS WERE A MUST TO SUPPORT THE INCREASED USAGE

BY THE STUDENTS AND STAFF. NEW TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ARE OFTEN SHOCKED AND SURPRISED WHEN ON THEIR ARRIVAL THEY ARE ISSUED AN IPAD. THIS WAS A MULTI-YEAR PLAN THAT WAS APPROVED AND FUNDED BY THE LINDALE ISD SCHOOL BOARD.

Adherence to adopted board policies 2017-2018

The Lindale ISD Board of Trustees, on a routine basis, review local district policies. With the support of TASB, the board reviews, edits and adjusts local policies through necessary updates and adjustments. TASB online is also a great tool for all board members and district administrators. Â All board policies are available to district personnel and the Lindale community through our Lindale ISD website. Our policy presentation software is run through the platform "Policy On Line" at the following web address: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1079

Lindale ISD Increases School Safety The Lindale ISD Board of Trustees approved funding to add two additional school resource police officers. In 2016, the Board approved a plan to initiate its own police force. The original police force consisted of three officers. With the addition of two new officers, the force can provide more coverage each day to the six campuses in the district.

"There is nothing more important than keeping our students, teachers, staff members and school visitors safe during the school day," said LISD School Board Member, Kelly Cox. “The LISD School Board is committed to providing the safest possible school campuses."

L JUSTICE A C O L E AS TH O SERVE T Y E T A N U FOR MAN ORT Y F IT N N E U E M B E COM "I HAVE E LINDAL H ALE T R O F AND LIND ACE L E P IA E IC H F T F OF ED O SED AL ELECT C O L ELY PLEA A M S E A R .

T S X R E A YE BEEN LE R, I HAVE E Y A P HE LINDA X T A F T O D T N N A GEME CITIZEN HE MANA T F LY O E IV CERTAIN CIAT S E A R H P P D A R AND BOA TEM. THE S Y HILE S L O EMENT W G A N ISD SCHO A M ISCAL OVER TRONG F S D ICES TO E V V R IE E S L ACH A CATION T LENT EDU L E S A GREA C A X H E D G IS IN E INDAL PROVID ILDREN. L H C UNITY D N A R COMM OUS U H T O .

R R U A O L F OPU AT IS VERY P D N A OUR GRE N F O IO T E A S T U U A REP BEC CH W MAINLY O R G RVES MU E O T S E S D E U D BOAR CONTIN SCHOOL R OOL U Â O .

THE SCH TEM S F Y O S S L S O E SCHO SUCC OR NTINUED O C E BOARD F H L T O R O O H F C IT ISD S CRED LINDALE E H ND T D U A ERSHIP A PPL D A I A .

E L M E G T N SYS STRO M IS ION AND IS V T OL SYSTE A E O R H G C S IR D E TH ALE IS , THE LIND K IN H ECENTLY T R I .

T T S N U E J .

M EFORE MANAGE N EVER B A TIVE H T Y A ONSECU TOD C R D E N G O N C O STR N ITS SE OOL WO H C S H MICS." HIG IL ACADE U LINDALE IN IP H AMPIONS STATE CH

JUDGE JAMES COWART, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

LISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES SPOTLIGHT PROGRAM: SUPPORT FOR EDUCATIONAL PERFORMANCE

Eagle Spotlight! *Region 7 Bus Driver of the Year: Troy Harris *3rd Chair State Choir: LHS Senior Matthew Brooks *LJH Choir Receives Top Ratings at Whitehouse UIL Vocal Solo and Ensemble Competition *LHS Culinary Students named Taste of Tyler Champions *LJH, LHS & CSE named High Performing and High Progress Schools *Lindale Students Grades 6th-12th Sweep UIL Academics *LHS Bass Club Members win State Championship *LHS Lady Eagles Volleyball 17-5A Champions and BiDistrict Champions *LHS Baseball and Softball Bi-District Champions *LHS Eagle Eye Named to the All-State Journalism Staff by the UIL *LHS Speech And Debate Team Brings Home 5A State Championship *LHS Debate Program Sweeps UIL Congressional Debate Meet

Region 7 Bus Driver of the Year

Taste of Tyler Champions

*Lindale ISD Makes History: Bringing Home Backto-Back 5A State Championships In UIL Academics! (2016-2017 & 2017-2018)

NS FROM IO T C N U TTENDS F A D R A O , ALWAYS L "OUR B O O H C HIGH S O T Y R D A T COMMEN ELEMEN D N A P E TO STO IM T Y E H T HEY TRUL T .

FINDING S T N E ND STUD A S R E H C UT OUR O B OUR TEA A E R AND CA E IV T R O P L ARE SUP ENTS. AL M H IS L P M D ACCO N A S D E REELY F NE E IV G S MEMBER D R A O B E IN THE SCHOOL V R E S P L E IME TO H T IR E H T CHER I A OF E T A S Y, BUT A IT N U M M CO BOARD IN T LINDALE S E B E H ARD IS T O B IS H T PE THEY O BELIEVE H I D N TEXAS A F O E T A T THE S NITION." G O C E R THAT RECEIVE

RORY MCKENZIE, DISTRICT UIL COORDINATOR & DEBATE PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR

Lindale ISD Makes History: Bringing Home the 5A State Championship in UIL Academics for the Second Consecutive Year!

The Lindale High School UIL Academic team has won the overall 5A State Championship for the second consecutive year. LHS beat out 5A powerhouses, such as Highland Park and Prosper. Lindale High School scored 157 points with runner-up Highland Park scoring 118 points.

"I am so proud of our students! To win back to back State Championships in UIL Academics is truly an awesome achievement," said Stan Surratt, Lindale ISD Superintendent. "The Tradition of Excellence of Lindale ISD is certainly alive and growing. Our students and UIL coaches deserve great praise and recognition for their extraordinary successes. Lindale High School is one of the smallest schools in the 5A division, but with our students’ superior academic abilities and great work ethics, along with wonderful support from their UIL coaches, they always represent Lindale at the highest level. It is a great day to be a Lindale Eagle!"

The UIL Academic State Meet consists of 22 events including Math, Science, One-Act Play, Spelling, Current Events, Computer Applications, Accounting, several Journalism events and several speaking events. The Academic State Championship is a 4-part competition. The 2017-2018 school year has been one of the most successful years in terms of student success at Lindale ISD.

LHS Class of 2021 Sign Lindale TJC Promise Scholarship A large group of Lindale High School ninth-graders have signed up for the TJC Promise, a Tyler Junior College scholarship initiative that will benefit high school students within the college’s tax district. This year, 235 out of 318 Lindale High School freshmen, along with their parents, signed pledges to meet the standards of the program during their high school years.

Beginning with the class of 2020, eligible high school graduates from Lindale ISD and surrounding districts in the partnership, can earn up to two years of tuition and fees at TJC.

“The TJC Promise is an earned scholarship,” TJC President Dr. Mike Metke said. “A student promises to work hard, make good grades, give back to the community and come directly to TJC following graduation from high school. In return, we promise to provide the opportunity for them to continue their education.”

The TJC Promise was inspired by the Rusk TJC Citizens Promise, the first promise program of its kind in the state of Texas, which is privately funded by gifts from Citizens 1st Bank, The James I. Perkins Family Foundation and others. The program was also developed in partnership with leaders from surrounding school districts.

With more than 120 degree and certificate programs available at the college, plus extensive technical and training programs, students will benefit from the TJC Promise whether they plan to transfer to a four-year institution or go directly into the workforce.

The TJC Promise will offer a path to higher education by making college accessible and affordable. Scholarship standards are based on student performance in high school, which will instill behaviors early on to ensure students will be successful in high school, college and beyond.

“The Lindale TJC Promise is such a wonderful opportunity for any Lindale graduate starting with the Class of 2020,” Lindale ISD Superintendent Stan Surratt said. “I personally attended TJC for two years and it was a wonderful experience. I am excited that our students can now earn a two year college scholarship by making good grades, having wonderful attendance and behavior, and by giving back to our community through community service. This Lindale TJC Promise will help our students, parents, school staff and community focus on attaining a college education after high school much earlier than in the past.”

LINDALE SCHOOLS RECOGNIZED FOR HIGH ACHIEVEMENT

College Street Elementary, Lindale Junior High and Lindale High School have been selected by Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and the Institute for Educational Productivity (IPE) as three of 713 public schools in Texas to receive the title of 2017's Honor Roll Schools.

“We are thrilled to be named an inaugural Texas Honor Roll School by the Educational Results Partnership and Institute for Productivity in Education!” said Jeremy Chilek, Lindale Junior High Principal. “We are blessed to live in a community with tremendous support for education! We are also very thankful for a dedicated and competitive staff who work tirelessly to ensure our students achieve the highest level of success.”

The Honor Roll is part of a national effort to identify higher-performing schools and highlight successful practices that improve outcomes for students.

Schools receiving this distinction have demonstrated consistent high levels of student academic achievement, improvement in achievement levels over time and reduction in achievement gaps among student populations.

For districts with high schools, the Honor Roll recognition also includes measures of college readiness.

Photo by: Scott Starkey

Lindale ISD Recognized as Academic Leader in Texas JANE SILVEY, DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM

"Lindale ISD has out-scored the state and Region 7 in all five content areas since STAAR was first administered in 2012. That's with more than 4,000 students."

Lindale ISD has long been recognized as an academic leader in the state of Texas. Our continued success is a reflection of LISD educator's focus on excellence. Â Each year, the Texas Education Agency requires schools to administer 20 STAAR tests to students in 3rd grade through high school, assessing reading, mathematics, science, social studies and writing.

Since STAAR was first administered in 2012, Lindale ISD has out-scored the state and Region 7 in all five content areas, with more than 4,000 students.

Lindale teachers, administrators and staff strive daily to meet the different educational needs of every student. The result of this dedication is evident based on the mathematics and reading STAAR tests. Lindale ISD scored an average of 12 percentage points higher than the state in all tested grades.

Lindale is proud of its strong academic reputation. We not only celebrate our students' success on STAAR, but also through their many other successes such as earning the 2017 5A UIL Academic State Championship.

Go Eagles!Â

Photo by: Gabriel Vissoto