May 23, 2017
 
Northwest Board Notes: May 22 Meeting
 
The Northwest Independent School District Board of Trustees met yesterday - Monday, May 22 - during a regularly scheduled meeting. This is a recap of the major actions and reports from the meeting. To see every item that was discussed or voted on, click here.
Cynthia Webber named Adams Middle School principal
Cynthia Webber Trustees approved the district's recommendation to name Cynthia Webber as the first principal of Leo Adams Middle School, which is scheduled to open in 2018.

Mrs. Webber currently serves as the principal of Haslet Elementary School, a position she has held since 2013. She has served the Haslet, Prairie View, Roanoke and Thompson elementary communities since she began her career with the district in 2004, and she has served as an assistant principal at Byron Nelson High School.

In addition to her professional experience, Mrs. Webber brings a master's degree in education from Texas Christian University and a bachelor's degree in sociology from Rice University. She is currently working on her doctorate in educational administration from Dallas Baptist University, with an expected graduation in 2018.

Adams Middle School will become the district's sixth middle school when it opens and will immediately serve sixth- through eighth-graders. It is located across the street from Eaton High School and Schluter Elementary School. The district broke ground on the campus in December, and it remains under construction.

Compensation, staffing recommendations approved
The district's recommendation of a 2 percent midpoint increase for employee compensation was approved by trustees following their discussion last board meeting, as were staffing recommendations.

District officials provided the recommendation as part of the district's effort to remain a leader in employee compensation and allow it to recruit the best candidates possible with competitive salaries. The new compensation plan applies to both current employees and the pay scale for future employees.

In the staffing request, trustees approved job and stipend changes that include some academic, athletic and fine arts stipends receiving increases.

Board adds member, selects new officers
Steve Sprowls is sworn in as the district_s newest trustee.
Steve Sprowls is sworn in as the district's newest trustee.

Trustees welcomed their newest fellow member to the board, Steve Sprowls, following his election win earlier this month. Mr. Sprowls replaces Devonna Holland, who decided not to seek reelection.

Additionally, board members selected their officers for the new term. Mark Schluter will serve as board president, Judy Copp will serve as board vice president and Dr. Anne Davis-Simpson will serve as board secretary. The officer positions are effective immediately and last a year.

Update on current construction projects heard
The district's Facilities, Planning and Construction Department updated trustees on the status of construction projects, including Adams Middle School and elementary school expansions.

Adams Middle School has begun the vertical phase of construction, with a metal frame going up in one academic wing and in the athletics area of the school. Concrete is also continuing to be poured before metal beams go in other areas.

Athletic improvements recently began across the district, with work beginning on Byron Nelson and Northwest high schools' practice fields as well as turf at Chisholm Trail, Medlin, Pike and Tidwell middle schools. Chisholm Trail and Medlin are also installing new tracks. Other athletic projects will begin later, including baseball and softball fields.

The department is currently planning a four-classroom addition to Beck Elementary and an expansion of Hughes Elementary that will expand that school's capacity from 650 to 850 students. Additionally, the bid process for Elementary School No. 18 is currently out for bids, with the process closing May 30. A general contractor is expected to be approved by the board on June 12.

In other action, the board
  • Recognized LEAP (Leadership Experiences for Aspiring Principals) and LEAD (Leaders Experiencing Advanced Development), two programs for district staff interested in developing strong educational leadership skills.
  • Recognized Beck Elementary School for being named a 2017 National School of Character. Beck is one of just 83 schools across the U.S. to be recognized through the program for its character education.
  • Recognized Sendera Ranch Elementary School second-grader Aislinn McKee for winning Ace's Junior Chef competition. Northwest ISD's Food Services Department ran the program for elementary schools, challenging students to create an original, healthy recipe. Aislinn won the competition with her BBQ chicken slider recipe.
  • Recognized Chisholm Trail Middle School for being named a School to Watch. Chisholm Trail has been named to the list for the third consecutive time for its commitment to academic excellence and student needs across its entire population.
  • Recognized recipients of athletic coaching awards for the 2016-17 school year.
  • Recognized the district as a whole for being named an H-E-B Excellence in Education finalist for large school districts. Northwest ISD was among just five large school districts named finalists in the program.
  • Recognized Champions Rotary Club for its work supporting schools as a district partner through Partners in Education.
  • Recognized the top three volunteer campuses for both elementary (Granger, Lakeview and Seven Hills) and secondary (Chisholm Trail, Medlin and Tidwell) schools. These schools had the most hours contributed by volunteers this school year. Seven Hills won the elementary category, while Tidwell won the secondary category.
  • Dedicated a small portion of land (roughly 0.025 acres) to the city of Fort Worth near Eaton High School. This land, located at the southeast intersection of Willow Springs Road and Eagle Boulevard, will assist in infrastructure improvements.
Roanoke Elementary School students led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Trustees recognized LEAD program participants.
Trustees recognized LEAD program participants.
Trustees recognized LEAP program participants.
Trustees recognized LEAP program participants.
Trustees recognized Beck Elementary as a National School of Character.
Trustees recognized Beck Elementary as a National School of Character.
Trustees recognized Sendera Ranch_s Aislinn McKee for winning the Ace_s Junior Chef competition.
Trustees recognized Sendera Ranch's Aislinn McKee for winning the Ace's Junior Chef competition.
Trustees recognized Chisholm Trail Middle School as a Texas School to Watch.
Trustees recognized Chisholm Trail Middle School as a Texas School to Watch.
Trustees recognized Byron Nelson coaches for their accolades.
Trustees recognized Eaton coaches for their accolades.
Trustees recognized Northwest coaches for their accolades.
Trustees recognized Champions Rotary Club for supporting district schools.
Trustees recognized Champions Rotary Club for supporting district schools.
Trustees recognized the district_s top volunteer campuses.
Trustees recognized the district's top volunteer campuses.