Attendance boundaries for 2019-20 approved
Trustees approved the district’s recommended 2019-20 attendance zones following community input as well as a presentation and discussion at the board’s previous two meetings. Letters describing the changes will be mailed this week to families affected by the rezoning.
The 2019-20 attendance boundaries were approved following community feedback and a recommendation from a committee composed of parents, school representatives and district staff. This feedback was solicited through the Thoughtexchange online discussion process and Facebook Live presentation, providing the committee with guidance for what the community views as the most important factors in rezoning.
To see the 2019-20 attendance boundaries approved by trustees,
click here.
Kim Becan named executive director of elementary education
Kim Becan, current principal of Cox Elementary School, was approved as Northwest ISD’s new executive director of elementary education, where she will oversee elementary schools and programs across the district.
Mrs. Becan has served district students since 2007, when she began as a teacher at Prairie View Elementary School. She has also previously worked as an elementary math instructional coach for the district. She later served as assistant principal of Love Elementary School before being named principal of Cox in 2015.
Prior to joining Northwest ISD, Mrs. Becan was a kindergarten teacher in Katy ISD in the Houston area, where she was named New Teacher of the Year. Within two years of joining Northwest ISD, she was named the district’s Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2009.
Mrs. Becan will begin her new role after the current school year concludes. The district will begin searching for the next principal of Cox Elementary School and will update families when a new campus leader has been selected.
Construction manager for middle school fine arts additions and renovations approved
Trustees approved Northstar Builders as the construction manager for the district’s fine arts additions and renovations at Chisholm Trail, Medlin and Pike middle schools.
Fine arts additions and renovations were approved by voters as part of Northwest ISD’s
2017 bond package. Examples of work included in the additions and renovations include updated stage areas and lighting; new ensemble, practice and theater rooms; and band and choir room updates.
Results of parent survey presented
Results of the parent survey, which took place from November to December, were presented to the board and showed approval of school-related matters and district initiatives.
In all categories related to school campuses, parent and caregiver respondents provided positive reactions, including 89 percent approval of school climate (composed of 47.2 percent who strongly agreed with quality of school climate and 42.2 who agreed). Respondents similarly approved of campus communication, safety, instruction and support by rates exceeding 80 percent approval.
Overall, 94 percent of respondents felt their children were safe at school and 94 percent agreed that teachers hold high expectations for their children. Transportation satisfaction improved to 89 percent, an increase of 10 percent from 2016, the last time the survey took place.
In other action, the board
- Recognized members of the district’s communications department for winning five awards at their recent state professional conference.
- Recognized Seven Hills Elementary School students for presenting at a recent leadership symposium.
- Recognized recent graduates of the district’s Student Ambassador program, in which Northwest ISD secondary-level students learn more about the district and share their views about education.
