Recap of Snyder ISD Board of Trustees Meeting
The Snyder ISD Board of Trustees meeting, held on Thursday, October 10th, 2024, covered a wide range of topics and decisions. Key agenda items included:
1. Call to Order: Board President Brad Hinton called the meeting to order.
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Board President Brad Hinton and Trustee Doug Neff.
3. National Principals' Month Recognition: The Board of Trustees recognized our four campus principals for the work they do for our students and staff each day: Mrs. Aleida Juarez, Interim Principal for Snyder High School; Mr. John Rush, Principal of Snyder Junior High School; Ms. DeeAnna Blanton, Principal for Snyder Intermediate School; and the newly named Interim Principal of Snyder Primary School, Mr. Bobby Fryar. Each principal was presented with a small token of appreciation.
4. Employees of the Month:
This month, we recognized four individuals who were nominated by their peers and leaders as individuals who consistently go above and beyond, making our schools a special place to learn and work.
Mrs. Holly Martinez, Snyder Primary School
Holly Martinez is an amazingly dedicated teacher and leader of her team. She tackles every task with determination, humor, and vigor. She is an exceptionally knowledgeable, organized cultivator of children, a true example of an expert teacher. She is unflappable. She has handled each change this semester with grace and determination.
Ms. Lupe Chavez, Snyder Junior High School
Ms. Lupe Chavez, a dedicated member of the Snyder Junior High School team for almost 20 years?. Ms. Chavez has served in a variety of roles, from substitute and classroom aide to receptionist, PEIMS clerk, and now, campus secretary. In each of these roles, she has proven to be incredibly hardworking, kind, and committed to making SJHS a wonderful place for students, parents, and staff alike.
Ms. Chavez goes above and beyond every single day. Whether she’s helping a teacher in need, supporting her administrators, or making the front office a welcoming and helpful place, her dedication shines through. She’s known for being friendly and reliable, ensuring that everything she and her colleagues do is completed to the highest standards. Her knowledge, kindness, and helpfulness are truly top tier, and she is an invaluable asset to Snyder Junior High School.
Ms. Elizabeth Hermosillo, Snyder Intermediate School
Ms. Elizabeth Hermosillo, a 4th-grade teacher at Snyder Intermediate School, whose dedication and creativity were top traits mentioned in nominations by her peers. . Ms. Hermosillo constantly goes above and beyond for her students, her team, and our entire campus. She brings lessons to life in ways that leave a lasting impact. For example, when her class read Letters from Heaven, she went the extra mile by preparing the dishes mentioned in the story, creating an immersive, hands-on learning experience for her students.
Recently, when the campus was short on substitute teachers, Ms. Hermosillo didn’t hesitate to step up. She cheerfully agreed to take on another 4th-grade class for the day, and she made the most of it—taking both classes outside and continuing to teach the lesson they were studying.
Her care for her students shines through in everything she does, and she is always willing to support her colleagues. Whether offering ideas, lending a hand, or just being there to talk, Ms. Hermosillo makes working at Snyder Intermediate. a more enjoyable experience for everyone around her. She truly embodies what it means to be a caring, thoughtful, and committed educator.
Ms. Emily Beaver, Snyder High School
Ms. Emily Beaver, serves as the Counselor at Snyder High School. Through many changes, she has been a constant source of support for our students.
Her colleagues describe her as quiet yet remarkably strong and kind—a listening ear for anyone in need. Ms. Beaver’s work extends far beyond typical duties; she takes on the tasks of two, sometimes three or more people, ensuring that students are on track, welcoming new students, and guiding them through their academic pathways. In addition, she meets with students in crisis, assists with ARD meetings, and manages countless schedule changes.
Her presence is described as the 'peace in chaos.' Her smile brings comfort, and her ability to listen leaves people feeling heard and supported, whether they are students or coworkers. Another employee said, “We are so fortunate to have her, and her quiet strength speaks volumes—she is truly a beacon of wisdom and calm in our community.”
Congratulations to all of these employees.
5. Campus Spotlight: Snyder Junior High Athletics Program
The Athletic Director and SHS Head Football Coach, Anthony Gonzales, was excited to share the success of our athletics program at Snyder Junior High, as well as their focus on academics. As part of their commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes, he asked all head coaches to provide data on student-athletes’ academic eligibility at the end of the first six-week grading period. This information highlights the progress the district is making at the junior high level to support our long-term goal of Snyder High School finishing in the top 3 in the Lone Star Cup Race.
The Lone Star Cup measures success in athletics, fine arts, and academic UIL competitions, and this journey begins at the junior high level.
Junior High Volleyball:
Total student-athletes: 59 (7th and 8th grade, A and B teams)
Academic eligibility: 97% of student-athletes were eligible at the end of the first six weeks.
Notable achievements: The program has a larger number of participants this year. Under Coach Bianca Gonzalez's leadership (Head Volleyball Coach and Girls Athletic Coordinator), academics are prioritized, and the results speak for themselves. No athletes were cut this year with the formation of a practice team, as we aim to keep as many students involved in our athletics programs and with our coaches as possible.
Junior High Football:
Total student-athletes: 80
Academic eligibility: 87% of football players were eligible after the first six weeks.
Notable achievements: Unlike previous years, we retained all three teams after the first grading cycle. Historically, teams would drop to two due to academic ineligibility. While we are proud of the improvement, we aim to raise the percentage even higher with ongoing efforts to support our student-athletes academically.
Junior High Cross Country & Tennis:
Academic eligibility: Both teams had 100% academic eligibility after the first grading period.
Notable achievements: These teams are demonstrating the highest standard of balancing academics and athletics, with all students eligible to compete.
Four student-athletes shared how participating in the athletics program has positively impacted their experiences in the classroom, their other extracurricular activities, and leadership roles. Presenters included eighth-grade student athletes Jimena Leija and Airika Jackson and seventh-grade student athletes Ella Gonzales and A'rayleh Collins.
The junior high athletics program is thriving, with a strong focus on academic performance. These successes are a direct reflection of our student-athletes' dedication and the hard work of our coaching staff. Maintaining academic excellence alongside athletic achievement is not easy, but our Junior High Tigers are setting the standard for success.
We look forward to continuing this momentum throughout the school year as we build a foundation for future success at Snyder High School.
6. Bilingual/ESL Program Review: Director of Student Services, Mrs. Kathy Scott, presented a review of the district’s Bilingual/ESL program. View the presentation slide deck here.
The 2024 Bilingual/ESL Program Review covered the district's approach to supporting Emergent Bilingual (EB) students. The report detailed the three program types currently in place: Dual Language One-Way (Pre-K), Dual Language Two-Way (K-5), and English as a Second Language (ESL). Each program is designed to meet the needs of students with limited English proficiency, with instruction delivered in both English and Spanish depending on the program.
Key Data Points:
The district's EB enrollment for 2023-24 is 338 students, representing 13.97% of the overall district enrollment.
The district has 7 teachers with Bilingual certifications and 53 with ESL certifications, though a Bilingual Exception was required for 2023-24 and will likely be needed again for 2024-25 due to staff shortages.
The dropout rate among EB students remains at 0%.
Strengths:
Ongoing support and training for teachers by Dr. Richard Gomez, who also provides targeted professional development on the Gomez Model.
High levels of parent involvement through activities such as family nights, home visits, and bilingual parent meetings.
Low number of parent denials for EB services, indicating strong community support.
Areas for Improvement:
Increase the percentage of EB students achieving Meets and Masters on STAAR assessments.
Continue focusing on instructional strategies to boost TELPAS scores and overall EB student success.
Address the ongoing need for additional Bilingual and ESL-certified teachers.
The district will continue to enhance its support for teachers and improve instructional strategies to ensure the success of its EB students.
7. Open Forum/Public Comments: Four members of the community signed up and addressed the Snyder ISD Board of Trustees during open forum.
Consent Agenda (Action Required)
Presented by Mr. Bob Rauch, Superintendent of Schools:
Minutes Approval: The Board approved minutes from the September 12 and September 30 meetings.
Accounts Payable & Financial Reports: the board approved both the accounts payable and financial reports included in the consent agenda.
Action Agenda
1. Campus Improvement Plans: Presented by Dr. Jessica Gore, Assistant Superintendent, discussing strategies for campus development. The board unanimously approved the campus improvement plans.
2. Texas Tech Research Practice Partnership: Dr. Jessica Gore discussed the potential partnership with Texas Tech for educational research.
Trustees were presented with an overview of the Research-Practice Partnership (RPP) between Snyder ISD and Texas Tech University. This collaboration aims to leverage data and research to enhance decision-making processes that directly benefit students, teachers, and administrators.
Key Goals:
The RPP's primary objective is to use data to guide improvements in learning outcomes and leadership practices.
It focuses on the sustainability and long-term success of the district by providing ongoing analysis and support for leadership and instructional practices.
Scope of Work:
The partnership includes data support and analysis, helping Snyder ISD interpret assessment data that informs professional development and overall school performance.
The evaluation of leadership practices will be central, examining how principals and administrators can better engage with teachers and students to improve instructional quality.
Monthly meetings between Texas Tech and Snyder ISD will ensure regular communication, progress updates, and alignment of goals.
An end-of-year presentation will summarize findings and provide recommendations for future action.
This initiative, led by Dr. Jacob Kirksey and Dr. Jessica Gottlieb with Texas Teach, is designed to provide continuous improvement and data-driven insights to support the district's success. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the Research Practice Partnership.
Pictured above (L-R): Dr. Jessica Gore, Mr. Bob Rauch, Dr. Jacob Kirksey and Dr. Jessica Gottlieb
3. Land Lease Agreement with VERO Broadband: Mr. Clay Cade, Director of Operations, and Mr. Jeff McGinnis, Director of Technology, presented an opportunity for the district to enter into an agreement to facilitate the installation of a fiber optic network benefiting students, families, and the community.
The board unanimously approved the agreement. Therefore, Snyder Independent School District (SISD) entered into a site lease agreement with VERO Broadband, LLC. This agreement allows VERO Broadband to establish and operate a fiber optic network facility on SISD property located at the district’s Technology Center. The agreement aims to improve internet access for the students and families of Snyder ISD as well as the broader community.
4. Secondary Campus Vape Sensors: The board approved installing vape sensors and cameras to combat the rise in vaping incidents, with a budget not exceeding $62,000.
Mr. McGinnis shared that vaping on campuses is a rising problem. In the 23-24 school year, 57 incidents were dealt with; this year, we have already dealt with 6 vaping incidents with many others possibly missed. These investigations consume administrators' time and effort, keeping them away from valuable classroom time with students and teachers.
Vape sensors are installed in bathrooms, and additional video cameras (outside of the bathrooms) are tied to each, enabling incidents to be dealt with promptly and allowing campus administrators to work on improving student outcomes.
The vape sensors and cameras for the secondary campuses and the stadium will not exceed $62,000.
5. P25 Digital Emergency Response Repeater Installation:
Mr. McGinnis presented the prospect of installing a repeater system. As part of the safety and security grants, we propose adding a P25 (emergency) repeater to improve emergency response communications on our campuses. First responders could use the repeater to better communicate with their cohorts and dispatch. The funds used would be grants. The project will not exceed $52,000. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the project.
The Board dismissed for closed session in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Government Code, Chapter 551, Subchapters D and E. Before any closed meeting is convened, the presiding officer will publicly identify the section or sections of the Act authorizing the closed meeting. All final votes, actions, or decisions will be taken in an open meeting. No action was taken.
Information Reports
Dr. Jessica Gore provided updates on: Evidence of Support, Lead4Ward Professional Development, and the Assessment Cycle.
Evidence of Support
Hear from two principals, Snyder High School Interim Principal Aleida Juarez and Snyder Intermediate Principal DeeAnna Blanton, about their perspectives. Video Link
Lead4Ward Professional Development
Dr. Jessica Gore presented an update on the ongoing work between Snyder ISD and Lead4Ward, focusing on its impact on refining teaching practices and enhancing student outcomes. The initiative helps educators stay focused, fosters hope and confidence in students and staff, and provides trusted systems for school leaders to implement. View the slide deck here.
Assessment Cycle Update
Dr. Jessica Gore, provided an update on Snyder ISD’s 2024-2025 assessment cycle. The focus was on analyzing performance in Reading Language Arts (RLA) and Math, aligned with Board Goals. Interim assessments are this week therefore, data will be presented to the board at the next meeting as predictive trends for STAAR comparison. View the slide deck here.
Superintendent’s Report
Mr. Bob Rauch presented the Donation Tracker and October Enrollment Comparison.
Snyder ISD has received various donations during the month of September, including:
Snyder Lions Club: Contributed $150 to the High School Culinary Arts Dept. and $150 to the National Junior Honor Society.
Snyder Baseball Booster Club: Donated $9,000 to SHS Baseball.
Fidelity Charitable via Myles Garrett: Contributed $20,000 to SHS Football.
SHS Boys Soccer Booster: Donated $1,344.70 for a soccer tournament hotel stay and $321.49 for soccer balls.
These donations provide essential support for athletics, educational programs, and extracurricular activities across the district.
October 2024 Enrollment Comparison
Snyder ISD's October 2024 enrollment report shows a total enrollment of 2,333 students, reflecting a decrease of 77 students compared to October 2023 (2,410 students). Key enrollment changes by campus and grade level include:
Snyder High School (SHS): Increased by 21 students, with notable growth in 9th grade (+20) and 11th grade (+12). The 12th grade saw a decrease of 14 students.
Snyder Junior High School (SJHS): Decreased by 61 students, with the largest drop in 8th grade (-37) and 6th grade (-21).
Snyder Intermediate School (SIS): Gained 11 students overall, with the 5th grade increasing by 15 students.
Snyder Primary School (SPS): Decreased by 48 students, with significant drops in 1st grade (-45) and smaller decreases across 2nd and 3rd grades.
A-F Rating Update: Court hearing scheduled for February 2025.
The delay in the Texas Education Agency's (TEA) release of A-F accountability ratings is due to ongoing legal proceedings. A court hearing has been scheduled for February 2025, which means that until the legal matters are resolved, the official release of the updated A-F ratings will be postponed. This delay affects how districts, including Snyder ISD, are evaluated under the state’s accountability system. It is important for the district and community to stay informed about the developments, as the outcome of the court case may impact how school ratings are determined going forward.
TACS Conference Attendance: Scheduled for October 16-18.
Mr. Rauch's appointment to the Texas Association of Community Schools (TACS) Legislative Committee allows him to contribute to shaping state educational policies that impact community schools. His participation on this committee will provide insights into legislative matters and allow him to advocate for the needs and priorities of Snyder ISD and similar districts. He will be attending the TACS Conference in Waco from October 16th to 18th, collaborating with other educational leaders, and ensuring Snyder ISD has a voice in important policy discussions and decisions.
The meeting concluded with plans for the next regular meeting on November 14, 2024.
The information above is not considered official minutes from the meeting. Official minutes from previous meetings and agendas are posted online at www.snyderisd.net/boardoftrustees