July 15, 2024 – The July Board meeting began with a presentation from several AISD secondary principals on their comprehensive plan to enforce the existing cell phone policy at all schools. In order to help mitigate the negative outcomes associated with disruptive cell phone use, students will be required to power off and place their cell phones in their backpacks or purses during the school day while on campus. Parents will be able to communicate with their child by emailing them on their district-issued Chromebook or by calling the school office, and certain case-by-case exceptions may be considered for students to use their electronic device. Principals said they plan on focusing on communicating the upcoming enforcement on this current policy, especially during the start of school, to ensure that both students and parents know and understand the reasons for this concerted effort.
Trustees also heard a brief update from Kim May, founder and CEO of Nobox Creative, on the community engagement project currently in the beginning phases. The project is starting focus group testing with plans to create and refine messaging in the coming weeks regarding how best to address enrollment and funding losses and plan for the future of Amarillo ISD.
In other business, the Board approved the continuation of the Thrive Scholarship Program for the next six years, now to be equally funded among the existing program partners: Amarillo ISD, Amarillo College, the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, and the Amarillo Area Foundation. The scholarship covers up to 60 hours of tuition, fees and book expenses for AISD high school graduates who meet eligibility requirements and attend Amarillo College. Apart from financially helping about 400 students each year, Superintendent Doug Loomis said the Thrive Program reflects the dedication of both public and private stakeholders in helping create opportunities for AISD students and a skilled workforce for the local economy.
The Board also approved the sale of properties owned by the District in Potter County within Carver, Eastridge, and Westcliff neighborhoods, after determining the land was no longer needed by the district since all plots are unimproved and have no buildings. Trustees also awarded a contract to replace the roof at Lawndale Elementary to CS Advantage USAA, Inc., at a cost of $825,000.
Finally, the Board acknowledged donations in the amount of $2,800 given to the District this month from the Alex O’Brien Tennis Foundation and the Region 16 Education Service Center.
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