2023 RECAP: BRENHAM ISD SUPT. CLAY GILLENTINE

  

As 2023 winds down, KWHI is speaking with local officials to look back on major events of this past year and see where things are headed in the new year.

We begin our series with Brenham ISD and its acting superintendent, Clay Gillentine, who discussed 2023 as a whole and how the school district plans to proceed in 2024.

This year was one of many transitions and changes for Brenham ISD, none more so than at the top of the district, where Gillentine was chosen to replace the departing Dr. Tylor Chaplin as superintendent while the school board conducted a search for the district’s next leader.  The formal search process has been put on hold for now.

Gillentine says during these past few months as acting superintendent, he has received a lot of positive feedback and feels there are “a lot of good vibes.”

Other big changes for Brenham ISD included the naming of Robert Lindemann as a new chief financial officer, moving the district’s bus transportation system and substitute system in-house, and the introduction of several new trustees on the school board: Bonnie Brinkmeyer, Archer Archer and Kyle Hafner.  Plans were also put into place to move accelerated learners in the Pride Academy program from the Community Education building to the high school. 

Lengthy discussion was held on several prospective changes, such as creating a district police department and dropping its membership with the Texas Association of School Boards, but neither idea was fully executed.

While the district is still grappling with a budget deficit, it has taken many steps to increase revenue and cut down on expenditures, leading to a brighter outlook heading into the new year.  Gillentine says a major struggle for school officials this year was determining ways to balance out increasing expenses while not receiving new state funding to offset those costs. 

Several student groups achieved significant milestones this year, like strong showings at national competitions for the Brenham High School MCJROTC and Belles dance team, accolades in 4-H and FFA livestock shows, and awards for Brenham’s choir, theatre and band students

Gillentine understands the weight that Brenham ISD carries in the community and commends the work of its staff as the district works through many organizational shifts.  He also thanks the public for its support and trust.

Gillentine joined Brenham ISD in April 2021 as Brenham ISD’s assistant superintendent for administrative services.  He was named the school district’s acting superintendent in October.