GCISD leader discusses potential bond, issues for 2016

A possible bond election, state accountability changes and innovative learning strategies are all part of the picture for 2016 for the Grapevine-Colleyville school district.

A committee composed of parents, residents and GCISD employees is wrapping up its recommendations for a potential bond election later this year.

“Bond elections are vitally important for districts subject to Robin Hood,” said Superintendent Robin Ryan.

He noted that funds generated by bond packages are not subject to state recapture, but those dollars must be used for capital improvements.

“We gain about 25 cents on the dollar when we work to fund as much as legally possible with bond funds,” he said.

The district has held bond elections about every five years, with the most recent one in 2011.

Ryan said one of the biggest needs is to update 40- and 50-year-old facilities. Cannon Elementary School is more than 50 years old and has significant foundation issues. The committee is looking at the cost of a total replacement of the building on the same site.

Officials are also considering upgrades to technology and major mechanical systems, along with flooring, newer equipment to promote energy conservation and building additions and upgrades.

Ryan said that keeping facilities in good condition helps keep property values strong.

“This is not only for student learning but for the community to put it’s best foot forward,” he said. “A lot of people shop school districts.”

Accountability

Ryan is not a fan of the new “A to F” grades for Texas public schools set to debut in the 2016-17 academic year.

“Any system that attempts to simplify a complex organization like a school into one letter grade— especially one based on standardized tests—is fundamentally flawed,” he said.

Test scores are just one small part of the picture. Parents want schools with caring teachers, lots of activities for students and strong community involvement. GCISD officials and stakeholders developed a community-based accountability system a few years ago, which looks at all those factors, Ryan said.

Innovation

Ryan will look for ways to expand the Student Voice program later in 2016, with the 2016-17 school year.

About 60 teachers volunteered for the pilot program, which involves polling students a number of times throughout the year on the effectiveness of lessons or teaching methods and responding with adjustments to future instruction.

Ryan said the initiative promotes more authentic student engagement.

“The response has been mostly positive,” he said. “Many teachers say they can’t imagine not asking questions of students in the future.”

While officials are still determining the next steps for “Student Voice,” Ryan believes it will take hold like the Digital Classroom initiative of a few years ago. Digital Classrooms expanded the use of technology for younger students, and now every elementary age child has access to a device.

Other key programs include ASPIRE Academy for highly gifted students, dual language and the Collegiate Academy for high school students to earn an associate’s degree.

This story was originally published February 10, 2016 at 11:06 AM with the headline "GCISD leader discusses potential bond, issues for 2016."