November 2020

Belton ISD Enrollment Climbs The Belton ISD Board of Trustees heard news at its monthly workshop that is rare for other public school districts across Texas this year - enrollment is up and exceeding projections.  In a bi-annual presentation by the district’s demographers, the Board learned that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, families continue to move to the area and attend Belton ISD schools. Templeton Demographics attributes this sustained growth to the way the district reopened in the fall after the COVID-19 closure in the spring and the hot local housing market. The demographers also expects the growth could continue this school year - as early as December - as COVID-19 fears diminish with the release of a vaccine. Other takeaways from the demographers report include: New home sales in Belton ISD have more than doubled in the last 10 years. The district has more than 2,100 lots available to build on and more than 2,500 planned future lots in various stages of development. Newcomers to the district far outpace leavers who have moved out. The district is expected to add more than 2,370 students in the next five years.

Board Recognitions - College Board African American Scholars The College Board has recognized Belton High School senior Ryan Carpio-Brown and Belton New Tech High @ Waskow senior Kylan Menapace as African American Scholars for 2021. African American juniors that take the PSAT/NMSQT can apply for academic recognition as part of the College Board's National Recognition Program. Colleges and universities utilize this program to identify academically exceptional students who represent the top 2.5 of test takers nationally.

Board Closes Out BHS Orchestra Addition Project During its regular meeting, the Board celebrated the completion of the Belton High School orchestra addition. The project, which began in 2018, stemmed from the need for a space to house the thriving orchestra program. The addition included 3,200 square feet for a dedicated orchestra rehearsal hall, sectional room and three practice rooms, along with renovations to 1,200 square feet of existing band hall, instructor office space and the band music library. Senior orchestra students Julie Johnson and Gwyneth Sachsenmaier have been involved with the program for seven years. Both performed and shared remarks about the new facility during the Board meeting.

Board Recognitions - College Board Hispanic American Scholar The College Board has recognized Belton New Tech High @ Waskow senior Ethan Rodriguez as a Hispanic American Scholar for 2021. Hispanic or Latino juniors that take the PSAT/NMSQT can apply for academic recognition as part of the College Board's National Recognition Program. Colleges and universities utilize this program to identify academically exceptional students who represent the top 2.5 of test takers nationally.

Board Committee Reports Policy: The policy committee met on Nov. 2 and discussed the impact Journey of a Graduate may have on district policies. Eight local policies were reviewed at a high level. Dr. Smith explained that the Journey of a Graduate will guide the district's decision-making moving forward and that the Board will need to review whether policies continue to line up in theory and in philosophy with the vision cast by students, parents, staff and community leaders engaged in this work. Facilities: The facilities committee met on Nov. 18 and discussed potential implications of the fall demographers report along with potential winter/spring facility projects. The committee also received an update on the Shanklin Road/Look 121 development plan.

Superintendent's Report Enrollment Update: The district has 12,651 students as of Nov. 12, which is 40 more students than reported at the last Board meeting. Smith reported on great student experiences he sees happening across the district as he's out visiting campuses. COVID-19 planning and response remains front and center. Smith spent time this month listening to teacher feedback, where he learned teachers need more planning time and instructional support. Smith told the Board he plans to bring proposals to the December meeting on ways to address these needs. The district plans to clarify for families and teachers student expectations surrounding attendance, engagement and grading. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Bell County, Smith stressed the need for the Big Red Community to follow public health guidance during the Thanksgiving break.

Board Recognitions - Temple Rotary Club's Educator of the Month Kristie Shepherd, a digital instructional coach at LBHS, was recognized for earning the designation of Temple Rotary Club's Educator of the Month. Ms. Shepherd is in her 12th year in education and her fourth year with Belton ISD. Her assistant principal, Amber Loubiere, said, “Kristie answers a plethora of digital technology questions with a smile on her face and she models various digital technology solutions. Her leadership and expertise are invaluable assets to this campus."

Consent Agenda Highlights Unaudited financial report for the month ending Oct. 31, 2020 Gifts, grants and bequests Budget amendment #2 for 2020-2021 Resolution for appointment to the Tax Appraisal District of Bell County Board of Directors Superintendent evaluation instrument To review Belton ISD board meeting agendas and full packet materials, click here.

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