PfISD Administration Report

The Pflugerville ISD Instructional Technology Department has launched a transformative Girls Who Code program, spearheaded by the district's Instructional Technology Elementary Specialists. This after-school club, currently implemented at five elementary campuses—Caldwell Elementary, Ruth Barron Elementary, Parmer Lane Elementary, Highland Park Elementary, and Wieland Elementary—has engaged approximately 140 4th and 5th grade girls in an exciting journey into the world of computational thinking and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Girls Who Code aims to inspire and empower young girls by introducing them to coding and technology in an inclusive, supportive environment. Participants collaborate on projects that foster creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking, equipping them with foundational skills that are increasingly vital in the 21st-century workforce. Beyond technical skills, the program promotes confidence and perseverance, helping participants see themselves as future leaders and innovators in STEM fields.

The club’s emphasis on computational thinking encourages students to break down complex problems, recognize patterns, and develop systematic solutions—skills transferable across academic and real-world contexts. Early exposure to STEM opportunities broadens the girls' horizons, breaking down stereotypes and opening pathways to fields where women are historically underrepresented.

By creating this impactful program, Pflugerville ISD’s Instructional Technology Department is nurturing a generation of problem solvers, critical thinkers, and innovators, preparing students to succeed and lead in the digital age. This initiative demonstrates the district’s commitment to equity, innovation, and fostering a lifelong love for learning and technology.

On November 15th and 16th, the Hendrickson High School Performing Arts Center became a vibrant hub of creativity and talent as Pflugerville ISD hosted its Middle School One Act Play celebrations. This annual event provided a platform for our young thespians to showcase their hard work, creativity, and dedication to the performing arts. Audiences were captivated by a variety of compelling performances, with students demonstrating maturity, artistry, and passion that belied their age.

The celebration featured participation from the following campuses:

• Cele Middle School

• Bohls Middle School

• Pflugerville Middle School

• Farley Middle School

• Parkcrest Middle School

• Hutto Middle School

• Westview Middle School

• Gus A. Garcia Middle School

• Dessau Middle School

• Kelly Lane Middle School

Each school presented unique and creative productions that highlighted the immense talent within our district. The event served not only as a competition but also as an opportunity for students to build confidence, foster teamwork, and engage in the collaborative spirit of theater.

After two days of exceptional performances, we are delighted to announce that the following campuses have advanced to the District-level competition:

• Kelly Lane Middle School

• Dessau Middle School

• Bohls Middle School

• Cele Middle School

These schools will represent Pflugerville ISD at the next level, carrying forward the excellence and artistry demonstrated during this event.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the directors, faculty, and staff who supported these programs, as well as the families and community members who came to cheer on our students. Your encouragement and dedication to the arts make these celebrations possible and meaningful.

Congratulations to all participating campuses for their remarkable performances, and best of luck to the advancing schools as they prepare for the next phase of competition. The future of theater in Pflugerville ISD is bright, and we look forward to seeing these talented students continue to shine on and off the stage!

Kelly Bertholf, Assistant Director of Accountability & Assessment has served as the 2024 president of Texas Statewide Network of State Assessment Professionals (TSNAP). As TSNAP looks forward to celebrating their 25th anniversary, Kelly was proud to serve as the 25th president of the organization and the first to serve from Pflugerville ISD. The work includes leading the Board of Directors, supporting 1,000+ members and collaborating with 23 corporate sponsors and partners from TEA and ESCs across the state. The recent Texas Assessment Conference, November 4–6, included a number of culminating activities for the year.

To open the conference for 1,000+ attendees, Kelly was honored to introduce Gerry Brooks, educator and author, as the Opening General Session Speaker. Brooks inspired the crowd of assessment professionals from around the state with his experience and thoughtful reflections on his work as a campus principal.

During the conference, TSNAP hosted 340 members, sponsors and partners for their Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony during a luncheon. As host of the luncheon, Kelly presented awards to 20+ assessment professionals and was recognized for her work as president.

Representing PfISD at TSNAP events throughout 2024 was a highlight of the work.

We are presenting four agenda items for the Board’s consideration, all related to out-of-state travel opportunities for students participating in Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses. These items address travel for students who qualify to advance to National Competitions in their respective organizations. Participation in these events not only recognizes students' exceptional achievements but also provides transformative experiences that enhance their leadership skills, technical expertise, and career readiness. These opportunities allow students to network with peers and industry professionals, showcase their talents, and represent our district on a national stage.

Pflugerville ISD maintains a robust New Teacher Induction Program that consists of three years of targeted professional learning which supports the development of highly effective beginning teachers, as well as two years of mentor support from trained PfISD mentor teachers. Research from the New Teacher Center around the phases of the first year of teaching shows that most beginning teachers move into the Survival Phase beginning in September and then fall into the Disillusionment Phase throughout October (Ellen Moir, 1999).

In response to these new teacher phases, the Academics & Innovation departments, with representation of instructional leaders from Curriculum & Innovation (C&I), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Multilingual, CTE, Fine Arts, Special Education, Instructional Technology, and Assessment & Accountability, have collaborated in the development, implementation, and evaluation of our professional learning outcomes for beginning teachers during their first three years of teaching.

• The Pflugerville ISD Counseling and Social Work teams are at the forefront of supporting the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students. Through proactive initiatives, ongoing guidance, and responsive interventions, these dedicated professionals continue to create safe, inclusive, and supportive environments for all students and families.

• For our 8th–12th grade students, the SchooLinks platform plays a critical role in helping them set postsecondary goals, explore career options, and plan future coursework. For seniors, this includes navigating the financial aid process and submitting college applications, ensuring they are prepared for life after high school.

• Middle and high school counselors are busy preparing for key events such as the 8th Grade Invasion, 8th Grade Parent Night, Course Fair Night, and course selection activities for the upcoming school year, providing students and families with essential information and guidance.

• At the elementary level, counselors deliver tiered support through classroom guidance lessons, small group sessions, and individual counseling. These lessons focus on teaching coping strategies, fostering healthy friendships, resolving peer conflicts, identifying and expressing emotions, and recognizing and addressing bullying behavior.

• Across all campuses, counselors are leading No Place for Hate initiatives, promoting inclusivity, respect, and equity, and ensuring that every student feels valued and supported in their learning environment.

• In response to evolving needs, all counselors and social workers have received training on updated crisis protocols to enhance their ability to support students’ mental health and ensure safe and swift responses in times of need. These protocols were also shared with Assistant Principals in a recent presentation, reinforcing districtwide efforts to maintain safe schools and provide timely support for students in crisis.

• The Social Work Team continues to make a meaningful impact through initiatives like the Annual Day of Giving Thanksgiving Distribution, which, with the collaboration of Board Member Renae Mitchell and generous donations from HEB, provided turkey vouchers and holiday sides to 151 McKinney-Vento families.

• In the wake of recent tragic events, our counseling and social work teams have provided grief support sessions at Connally High School and additional support to Manor High School to aid students in navigating loss. The Social Workers Team has also streamlined referrals to Integral Care Therapists, offering long-term mental health support to students in need, with therapists currently serving 12 PfISD campuses.

• Through these comprehensive efforts, our Counseling and Social Work teams demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the well-being of our students and families. Their proactive programs, collaboration with community partners, and responsive care ensure that every student has access to the support and resources they need to thrive both academically and personally.

In September 2024, PfISD submitted all TIA data to TEA for 996 eligible teachers in the 2023-2024 cohort. In November, 855 of those eligible teachers who remained continuously employed into the 2024-2025 school year received their TIA Annual Scorecard providing information on their teacher observation (T-TESS) and student growth outcomes as measured by the PfISD Teacher Incentive Allotment program.

Summary of TIA Highlights:

• Of these 855 eligible teachers, 208 have already been awarded the highest Master level designation in prior years with those designations remaining valid for 5 years.

• Of the 169 teachers already designated at the Recognized and Exemplary levels, 52 teachers (31%) have been proposed for a higher designation level!

• 147 teachers (27%) have been proposed for a first-time designation!

If approved by TEA, these 199 total new or higher proposed designations will be officially awarded to teachers in May 2025, resulting in a total of 530 PfISD TIA-designated teachers!

For the 2024-2025 cohort, PfISD has once again expanded TIA eligibility to include additional special education teachers, Geometry, Science at 5th & 8th grade, Biology, Social Studies at 8th grade, and U.S. History teachers with about 1,100 teachers anticipated to be TIA-eligible.

Since 2007, Aramark has partnered with PfISD campuses to collect donated non-perishable food for our community. These donations go to local food banks and support families in need as well as efforts for weekend backpack programs in our community. This year, through generous donations and great leadership at the campuses, we have eclipsed over 35,000 pounds of donated food (since 2007)-- that's over 17 tons of food for those in need at a much-needed time!

In accordance with Texas Government Code Chapter 2256.005, the School Board is required to review the District’s investment policy and strategies outlined in CDA (LOCAL) at least once annually. This ensures that the District’s investment practices align with the Board’s objectives and comply with legal requirements. After a thorough review, no changes are proposed to the current investment policy or strategies. A resolution documenting this review is presented for the Board’s consideration and approval.

Aramark promotions and Thanksgiving meals have helped drive meals by over 600 per day compared to the same time last year, with daily meal counts now exceeding 24,600 as of the end of November. This includes universal free breakfast at all campuses, meals at the district’s seven Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools, lunch service, and universal free after-school snacks and suppers at qualifying campuses.

PfISD and Aramark continue to partner in creating opportunities to serve four meals per day at many PfISD campuses, with complimentary breakfast being offered district-wide. Our seven Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) campuses continue to thrive, offering meals to all enrolled students free of charge at these campuses.

Thanksgiving meals were well-received throughout the district, with elementary campuses hosting events that allowed our kitchens to serve both students and their adult guests. On these days, we saw an average increase of 80 lunch meals per elementary campus.

In an effort to feed breakfast to our students, the department has worked through USDA and TDA partners, as well as many PfISD campuses, to offer second chance breakfasts to students who arrive at school beyond the tardy bell. This daily offering ensures that students eat the most important meal of the day and are ready to learn. There has been an increase of an estimated 300 breakfasts per day with this innovative solution, with one campus serving approximately 70 more meals per day.

PfISD/ Aramark’s POD concepts at participating high schools continue to flourish, offering selections in non-traditional school settings and addressing opportunities beyond traditional K12 meals. Work continues with students and groups to listen to these opportunities and find solutions to their dining needs.

Waste Initiatives

Aramark’s initiative in Pflugerville ISD to assist with waste has been a rousing success! Each of the district’s sites is responsible for logging daily waste and reporting to the leadership team. Since its initial inception, our department has reduced an estimated $200K in food waste annually - a savings that is passed down to the district through reduced waste removal.

Aramark Backpack Donation for PfISD Special Education Food Grant Initiative

Aramark has donated 50 backpacks to the district’s recent grant from Texas A&M to assist in feeding students with food insecurities at HHS, KLMS, and MES.

The district is utilizing multiple methods to engage households in completing a Free and reduced lunch application; while also working closely with campuses to identify needs and areas for improvement. Why should families complete an application?:

Nutritional Benefits

• Improved Dietary Intake: Children who participate in school meal programs are less likely to experience nutrient inadequacies. They tend to consume more fruits, vegetables, and milk compared to those who do not participate.

• Health Outcomes: Access to free or reduced-price meals is linked to lower rates of obesity and better overall health among children. Research indicates that participation in these programs can reduce obesity rates by at least 17% and poor health by 29%.

Economic Impact

• Food Security: Completing these applications helps reduce food insecurity. Studies show that receiving free or reduced-price lunches can decrease household food insecurity by approximately 3.8%. This is particularly important during summer months when children may not have access to nutritious meals.

• Financial Relief: For families struggling financially, these programs alleviate the burden of meal costs. This can lead to significant savings over time, allowing families to allocate their resources to other essential needs.

Educational Advantages

• Enhanced Academic Performance: Research has demonstrated that students who receive nutritious meals perform better academically, exhibit improved behavior, and have better attendance rates. A study found that schools offering universal free meals saw improvements in math performance among students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

• Reduction in Stigma: Applying for free or reduced lunches can help normalize access to nutritious meals, reducing the stigma often associated with receiving assistance. This encourages more students to participate in meal programs without fear of judgment.

Funding for Schools

• Resource Allocation: Applications help schools secure federal funding based on the number of eligible students. This funding is vital for maintaining and improving school meal programs, ensuring that all students have access to healthy food options.

Completing free and reduced lunch applications is not just a bureaucratic task; it plays a vital role in enhancing children's health, academic success, and overall well-being while providing essential support to families in need.

APPLY Today!!

The Department of HR recently led a recent discussion with Weiss High School students pursuing careers in education. In conjunction with the PfISD Pfuture Teacher Initiative, Human Resources Director Natasha Drumgoole led discussions highlighting the rewards of the teaching profession and the district's commitment to supporting future educators. The event was further enriched by the participation of Dr. Brenda Agnew from Texas State University's Education Department, who provided valuable insights into opportunities available at the university.

Pflugerville Independent School District (PfISD) is dedicated to fostering the development of aspiring educators. The district offers competitive teacher salaries, ranking among the highest in Central Texas, and participates in the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program, enabling teachers to earn up to an additional $18,217 annually.

These initiatives underscore PfISD's commitment to attracting and retaining high-quality educators. Collaborations like the Pfuture Teacher Initiative are vital in inspiring and equipping the next generation of educators, ensuring a bright future for the district's students.

Per Policy DC(LOCAL), the Board retains final authority for the employment of Principals and Central Office Administration at the Director level or above. The position of Chief Academic and Innovation Officer was appropriately posted and advertised. Applicants were screened and interviews were conducted.

The PfISD Department of Human Resources recently engaged with district assistant principals in a focused presentation on investigations and documentation. This initiative underscores the district's commitment to the professional development and support of assistant principals, recognizing their pivotal role in campus leadership and operational success.

Providing resources and training on key topics like documentation ensures assistant principals are well-equipped to navigate complex situations effectively while maintaining the integrity and professionalism essential to their roles. These efforts reflect the district's dedication to fostering a strong leadership pipeline, ultimately enhancing the educational experience for students and staff across all campuses.

The Technical Services team has successfully completed the migration of PfISD email services from Microsoft Exchange to Google Workspace. This was a significant project that spanned 12 months, with much of the work being done behind the scenes.

The project began in November 2023, when we started researching potential solutions based on functionality, sustainability, security requirements, and budget constraints. By February 2024, we identified the best solution, and the implementation of Gmail began in June 2024. The final step, removing legacy connections to Microsoft Exchange/Outlook, was completed during the 2024 Thanksgiving break.

We are excited to report that the project is now complete. By leveraging the expertise of our internal staff rather than outsourcing to professional services, we were able to save the district over $1 million dollars based on pricing for consulting services from DELL and other support consultants.

Excel Energy Group - $964,064

This project will continue to enhance exterior lighting across the district. Over two dozen campuses have already received upgraded exterior/parking lot LED lighting. Eleven additional facilities will receive exterior LED lighting upgrades through this phase (Ruth Barron Elementary, Riojas Elementary, River Oaks Elementary, Cele Middle, Opportunity Center, Connally High, Hendrickson High, and Weiss High, Administration Building, and Future Administration Auxiliary Building).

These upgrades will improve brightness while reducing energy consumption through LED technology. The most critical component to this phase of upgrades is the implementation of full remote capability that allows staff to adjust any exterior lighting remotely and eliminates the need for onsite adjustments.

Connally High School (CHS) will soon celebrate 30 years of existence. As we approach this

milestone, we are committed to planning and delivering a modernization of CHS. As noted

by staff and students, the campus is in high need of a number of upgrades to surface items

(tile, paint, etc.) and updates to administrative and instructional spaces (labs, offices,

cafeteria, library, athletics, and fine arts).

A committee of staff from Operations, Athletics, Fine Arts, and CHS (Administration and

JROTC) recently interviewed Bond-approved architects for this project. DLR was

unanimously selected to aid the district in achieving a vision for a modernized CHS. While we understand that a large-scale project is not yet feasible, we plan to begin surface level

renovations for the campus-based on feedback we have already received from

campus staff and students.

Representatives from the Construction and Operations team, as well as architects from the

DLR Group, will provide a review of the vision and ideas to come as part of a multiphase approach to the modernization of Connally High School.

The District has issued a formal proposal to solicit pricing for miscellaneous network cabling services, referred to as Moves, Adds, and Changes (MAC). This contract will establish stable pricing for a range of services, including the installation of network cable drops, internal campus fiber installation and repairs, supply of parts and materials, and catalog discounts for larger-scale projects. An additional component to be bid in the near future will involve the same services and materials for security components such as badge readers, door intercoms, cameras, etc.

Bid responses are due by December 9th. The recommendation for contract award will be presented to the Board of Trustees for consideration and potential approval in January.

As part of the 2022 Bond, projectors at elementary campuses are scheduled for replacement. These projectors, originally installed in 2017, have reached the end of their expected lifespan.

Given the number of elementary campuses affected, and the large volume of devices to be replaced, the district will issue two separate proposals to minimize disruption to instructional activities. While we replaced approximately 400 projectors across three high schools last year, elementary schools will receive nearly 1,000 new projectors as part of this major upgrade.

The first proposal, which will be released on December 5, 2024, covers 10 elementary campuses. The anticipated timeline for this work is from March 2025 to July 2025. Bid responses are due by December 18.

The recommendation for contract award will be presented to the Board of Trustees for consideration and potential approval in January 2025. A second proposal for the remaining elementary campuses will be released later in 2025.

The district will release two formal Requests for Proposals (RFP) to solicit pricing for the network equipment required for connectivity at the Old Albertson’s/Calvary site.

The first RFP will focus on Data Center equipment and will be released in compliance with USAC E-Rate guidelines, with the district seeking E-Rate reimbursements for eligible items. The second RFP will cover the remaining network equipment necessary for internal connectivity at the site.

To ensure proper processing per USAC timelines and to address potential supply chain challenges, both proposals will be released on December 13, 2024. The proposed contract awards will be presented to the Board of Trustees for consideration and possible approval in February.

Students from Pflugerville Elementary will attend the board meeting to lead the Pledge of

Allegiance to the United States and Texas flags. The students are Brooklyn Blake, Jayden

Gerrero, Abriana Hearn, Kalayjah Huffman, Itszel Loeza, Angel Martinez Torres, Luke O’Barr,

and Arielle Paczkowski.

The Pflugerville Education Foundation hosted the 3rd Annual Bloom Luncheon, partnering with

the Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce. The event presented awards to six deserving

Pflugerville women who are making an impact in business and in the community. Of the six

awards, two recipients represent Pflugerville ISD. Laura Brown, Pflugerville High School Class

of 1996 and Park Crest Middle School principal was the Pfantastic Alumni winner. Renae

Mitchell, PfISD Board President was named the Pfabulous Community Leader winner.

Cenergistic has partnered with Pflugerville ISD to ensure the district is operating in the most

energy-efficient capacity as possible. The partnership is hugely successful with 33 buildings

meeting the criteria to earn the ENERGY STAR status. ENERGY STAR certified buildings and

plants are verified to perform in the top 25 percent of buildings nationwide, based on weather-

normalized source energy use that takes into account occupancy, hours of operation, and

other key metrics. ENERGY STAR is the only energy efficiency certification in the United

States that is based on actual, verified energy performance. Cenergistic will be represented by

Art Dominguez, Client Manager, Cari Dubose, RVP of Client Development and David McAfee,

Energy Specialist, making the presentation.

In November, Pflugerville ISD completed the district-wide implementation of School Status, a communication and data platform aimed at improving attendance and increasing family engagement. This tool empowers teachers to communicate directly with parents via email, text, or phone calls in their preferred language, while also providing access to a comprehensive, user-friendly student data dashboard.

Prior to this implementation, six campuses in PfISD utilized the platform. The district-wide rollout has significantly expanded its impact. Since the start of the school year, School Status has facilitated:

• 2,545 phone calls

• 92,762 emails

• 167,569 text messages

In addition to enhancing communication, School Status allows campus principals to monitor all teacher-parent communications, ensuring alignment with engagement goals. District administrators also have the capability to track communication efforts across all campuses, enabling data-driven strategies to strengthen connections with families and address attendance challenges.

The successful rollout of School Status represents a significant step toward fostering stronger partnerships with families and supporting student success across Pflugerville ISD.

The Board Naming Committee, chaired by Trustee Chevonne Lorigo-Johst with members Vernagene Mott and Charlie Torres, convened on Tuesday, Nov. 19, to review the 285 name submissions received for the former Calvary building. During the meeting, the Committee engaged in a thoughtful discussion about whether the building's name should honor an individual or family or reflect its functional purpose. The Naming Committee will reconvene to finalize its recommendation and present it to the Board for consideration and possible approval during the Dec. 12 meeting.