August 11, 2021
August 9 Northwest ISD Board Notes
The Northwest Independent School District Board of Trustees met Monday, June 28, during a regularly-scheduled meeting. This is a recap of the major actions and reports from the meeting. To see every item discussed or voted on, click here.
COVID procedures discussed
The board heard a report about planned COVID-19 procedures for the 2021-22 school year, focused on promoting healthy environments and behaviors while also preparing for potential illness.

Families are asked to inform the district of any positive cases and to quarantine any child who tests positive. For those who exhibit symptoms on campus, nurses will have test kits if families want their children tested for COVID. Following the governor’s executive order banning mask requirements, anyone on campus – including students, teachers and visitors – will have the option of wearing a mask if they choose. 

Vaccinations remain highly recommended for those eligible. Masks are also strongly encouraged. Individuals on campus will be asked to socially distance themselves as much as feasible to limit close contact when possible. 

Northwest ISD’s custodial department will continue to clean schools extensively, using an electromagnetic sprayer to clean entire rooms. 

To see the full COVID procedures plan, click here. To read Dr. Warren’s letter about the procedures, click here.
Compensation plan approved with 1.5% midpoint raise, retention resolution approved
Trustees approved a new compensation plan that includes a 1.5% midpoint raise for all current employees as well as a new teacher hiring schedule. Additionally, a retention incentive resolution was approved to support staff.

With the new teacher salary schedule, a beginning teacher with no experience will have a starting salary of $56,500, increasing by varying amounts each year for years of service, up to 30 years. The new schedule retains the $2,000 general master’s degree stipend for a teacher.

In a separate item, trustees voted to approve a one-time retention payment of $500 for each full-time employee, to be paid in November 2021. Employees receiving the payment must have been hired by Sept. 1 in a full-time position and remain employed and in good standing on Nov. 1.
Hazardous routes for 2021-22 approved
The board approved 27 hazardous route designations to offer district-provided bus transportation to those who live beyond the hazardous routes to keep students safe.

Transportation leaders annually review areas within the district’s boundaries for conditions that would make walking to school unsafe, such as having to cross a busy highway. After routes fitting this description are determined, the board votes whether to approve the hazardous route distinction to allow these students to receive transportation to and from their campuses. These routes are in addition to any child who lives more than 2 miles from his or her zoned campus, as these students are already eligible to receive transportation.

To see a list of the approved hazardous routes, click here.
Student Code of Conduct discussed
Trustees annually review the coming school year’s Student Handbook and Code of Conduct, providing any guidance regarding potential changes before voting on the new Code of Conduct.

Most changes to the document primarily reflect legal or regulatory updates to keep pace with new laws, while other updates are minor in nature, such as making updates for who to contact when a responsibility shifts to a different district employee or department. Following this meeting’s discussion, the Code of Conduct will be approved at a future board meeting.

To see the proposed updates to the document, click here.
Reports, discussions addressed by board
District leadership presented each of the following subjects to the board as a report or discussion:

  • 2020-2021 Annual Report
  • Elementary and Secondary Education District Effectiveness
  • June Financial Year in Review
  • Harriet Creek Neighborhood Association

To view reports or discussion presentations from board meetings, click here.
In other action, the board
  • Recognized four sponsors of the Reindeer Romp – Texas Health, Moritz Kia, Alliance Airport/Hillwood and The Fieldhouse – for their support of the Northwest ISD Athletic Department and school P.E. programs.
  • Approved agreements with local police departments to continue existing School Resource Officer arrangements. 
  • Approved Extended COVID-19 Leave for employees as a “safety net” if they have exhausted all other paid leave and are unable to report to work because of the illness.
Recognitions
Trustees recognized Matt Ducote with Moritz Kia Alliance as the Presenting Sponsor of the NISD Reindeer Romp since 2016. In addition to their financial contributions to the event, Moritz Kia annually provides the lead race vehicle, which helps keep the runners on course and makes sure the course is safe and clear.
Trustees also recognized Christina Carey with Alliance Airport and Hillwood as the host site for the NISD Reindeer Romp since 2016. It's central location, ample parking and amazing staff have been the perfect home for the NISD Reindeer Romp. Their generosity has allowed NISD to put more funding into NISD physical education programs.
Lastly, the board recognized Tim Scrivner of Fieldhouse Fitness, who has organized and operated the Reindeer Romp for many years to benefit our NISD physical education programs. Their endless hard work and dedication to this event being successful year after year.
To view photos from Northwest ISD’s board meetings and other district and school events, visit the district Flickr account.