
Crowley ISD Boardroom Rewind
October 24, 2019 - Meeting Highlights
Crowley ISD Earns Superior Financial Rating
Crowley ISD earned the highest rating of an "A" on the annual Financial Integrity Rating System (FIRST). Each school district is required to prepare and distribute an annual financial management report in accordance with state codes.
CISD presented for public comment its 2018-19 School FIRST rating based on fiscal year 2017-18 data.
The board also approved the district's financial audit. Each year, charter schools, education service centers and school districts must have their annual financial and compliance report audited by an independent auditor.
CISD Considers Bond Sale for Prior-Approved Projects
If conditions are met for selling the bonds, this money could be used to complete unfinished bond projects and future projects in the district, based on student enrollment growth and district needs.
The board also voted to take advantage of historically low interest rates by refinancing previously issued bonds, a move that will result in at least $4.3 million in savings.
New Program Connects Staff with Support, Guidance
Crowley ISD is proud to offer the new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for every staff member and their dependents. This free benefit is designed to connect employees to resources, support and guidance in a variety of important areas of life. We know that when employees thrive, so will students.
CISD employees and their dependents can contact master’s-degreed clinicians 24/7 by phone, through the mobile app, online, live chat, email and text. The EAP provides them with immediate and confidential help for any work, health or life concerns, including:
- Depression, grief, loss and emotional well-being
- Family, marital and other relationship issues
- Life improvement and goal-setting
- Addictions such as alcohol and drug abuse
- Stress and anxiety with work or family
- Financial and legal concerns
- Identity theft and fraud resolution
- Online will preparation
WorkLife Services
The EAP can help employees find a solid work-life balance by assisting with articles, resources and referrals for areas, such as:
- Education
- Financial planning
- Hiring a lawyer
- Tax planning
- Buying a home
- Adoption
- Daily living and care for a pet, child or elderly loved one
District Honors National Merit Scholars
Crowley ISD recognized the academic successes of the following students in the 2019 National Merit Program:
National Merit Semifinalist:
- Jonny Choi, NCHS
Commended Students:
- Dao Ton, NCHS
National Hispanic Recognition Program:
- Rose Ibarra, CHS
- Deekota Diaz, CHS
- Victor Torres, NCHS
- Noah Zarate, CCA
Board Recognizes October Heartbeat Winner
Kellie Conlon, CISD elementary math coordinator, is the October 2019 Heartbeat Team Award winner.
The award recognizes employees who display heart as they go above and beyond their job description, inspiring other employees through their extraordinary work ethic. Heartbeat team members are nominated only by other district employees.
Watch to learn more about why Conlon is the heartbeat of Crowley ISD.
District Highlights Hispanic Heritage Bowl Winners
Elementary Division Winners: Team Cultura from Jackie Carden Elementary School
Elementary Spanish Division Winners: Team Huskies from Mary Harris Elementary School
Senior Division Winners: Crowley Angels from Crowley High School
Art Competition Winners
During its meeting, the board recognized winners from the quiz bowl and art competition, along with donors and community partners who made the event possible.
Winners of the Hispanic Heritage Bowl include:
Elementary Division (Grades 3-6)
Jackie Carden Elementary
Team Cultura
Jeremy Ortega
Hayer Al Ajwad
Selena Nguyen
Hannah Abdol
Elementary Spanish Division (Grades 3-6)
Mary Harris Elementary
Team Huskies
Valeria Carucci
Helen Mendez
Valeria Gonzalez
Valeria Caban
Sebastian Resendez
Senior Division (Grades 7-12)
Crowley High School
Team Crowley Angels
Gabriela Valdes
Reven Rodriguez
Tatianna Cox
Kaylee Boston
Yesenia Pedroza
Art Competition
Elementary Division
Marializ Soledad, first, David L. Walker Elementary
Belem Mendez, second, David L. Walker Elementary
Stephanie Armas, third, David L. Walker Elementary
Middle School Division
Saul Benitez, first, H.F. Stevens Middle School
Zahraa Al Khayyat, second, Crowley Middle School
Azucena Perez-Garcia, third, Crowley Middle School
High School Division
Alejandra Ramos, first, North Crowley High School
Dao Ton, second, North Crowley High School
Jennifer Pham, third, North Crowley High School
CISD Could Offer New Courses in 2020-21
Seven new Career and Technical Education courses are being proposed for the 2020-21 school year:
- Advanced Floral Design
- Civil Engineering & Architecture (PLTW)
- Introduction to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Flight
- Disaster Response
- Emergency Medical Technician Basic
- Forensic Psychology
These are due to the TEA realignment of all CTE Programs of Study based on employability data to ensure students in Texas are career ready.
From left to right (front row): Lyndsae M. Benton, board member; Superintendent Dr. Michael D. McFarland; June W. Davis, board president; Mia Hall, board vice president
From left to right (back row): Gary Grassia, board member; Nedra Robinson, board assistant secretary; Dr. La Tonya Mayfield, board secretary; Ryan Ray, board member