BRENHAM SCHOOL BOARD DISCUSSES AMENDED SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR, HIRES NEW ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT
Brenham ISD is not currently looking to change its upcoming school year calendar to align with recent proposals from the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
(courtesy Brenham ISD)
The TEA has asked districts to consider modifying their 2020-21 school year calendars due to the possibility of future school closings because of COVID-19. Possible changes include moving to a year-long school year, adding 30 days to the end of the year, or giving longer breaks throughout the year.
At Monday’s meeting of the Brenham School Board, Superintendent Dr. Walter Jackson said, unless outside forces require it—and right now, they do not—school district administrators are not recommending a calendar change at this time. He said the district has a solid calendar in place for next year that “speaks to the needs” of students and staff, and would like to stick with what it has.
Dr. Jackson said the district is making plans to ensure students would be able to immediately return to remote learning if and when a school closure returns, to make sure there is no gap in schooling.
Dr. Jackson added, with Governor Greg Abbott’s announcement Monday that summer schooling can resume, he will be meeting with the district’s team of principals and directors to plan for summer school. He admitted that the eventual start-up of in-person classes incorporating social distancing could be difficult, as spreading students out into multiple classrooms would require more staff members. He also mentioned that the process of screening hundreds of students at school entrances would be very time consuming.
Also at Monday’s meeting, the board voted to approve the hiring of Brandi Hendrix as the district’s new assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction. Hendrix replaces Dr. Jamey Johnson, who had held the position since June 2016.
Hendrix, a Texas A&M graduate, has 20 years of experience in education, 16 of those in Montgomery ISD. She has served as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, director of special programs, associate principal of curriculum and instruction, and has spent the last three years serving as the principal of Montgomery High School. Hendrix said she is excited to “challenge the norms to create a 21st-century education experience” that prepares students for life beyond K-12.
The board also met in executive session to discuss naming an interim superintendent and hiring a search firm to find a permanent superintendent. No action was taken. Last week, Dr. Jackson was named the lone finalist for the superintendent position in La Porte ISD.
Also at Monday’s meeting, board members:
- Heard an update on graduation and end of year activities from Brenham High School principal Joe Chandler. The dates for the high school scholarship ceremony and graduation remain unchanged from June 1st and June 6th at Cub Stadium, respectively. Chandler said if graduation gets rained out, it will move to the following day, but the venue needs to stay the same due to state regulations. Each graduate will be limited to four tickets to give to guests. Tickets will be distributed at Brenham High School June 3rd from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Chandler said he is still looking for an opportunity for students to have prom in July.
- Received information on the district’s plans for online student registration. Student Services Director Steve Skrla said a new online student registration program is being rolled out, with early registration available June 1-30 on the Brenham ISD website.
- Voted to keep the current board officer structure of Natalie Lange as president, Melvin Ehlert as vice president, and Susan Jenkins as secretary.
- Received updates on the district’s College, Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) strategic plan and dyslexia program.
- Approved alternative certification teacher contracts.