GISD Begins Planning for 2007-2008 and Future  

Galveston Independent School District is in the midst of planning for the 2007-2008 school year.  As many are aware, the district has experienced a gradual decline in its enrollment over the past ten years.  This decline coupled with the rise of property values in this community has made GISD a Chapter 41 “rich district,” meaning the district is being forced to redistribute its wealth to another property-poor district in the state.    

This dramatic reduction in our operating budget is forcing us to look closer at how we conduct business in the district. Among the topics we must consider is the use of our facilities. 

Since the beginning of the school year, we have closely monitored our student enrollment so we can better plan for the future of the district.  At the end of October, our enrollment was down by 770 students compared to the same time last year.  This is roughly the size of at least one school.  In order to address this change and reduction in school funding we must consider changing our school configurations and redrawing our school attendance zones.  These boundaries were developed a decade ago and the demographics of this community have significantly changed in recent years.   

We acknowledge that change is often difficult to accept, but I assure the community that the school board and staff will make decisions based on good data, research and most importantly, what is good for the entire school district and the children we are charged with educating.This district has committed administrators, teachers and support staff who remain focused on what’s in the best interest of our students. 

Galveston’s diversity is the best part of our school district and we must work toward what’s best for the east and west end as well as mid-island.   

We will host a public meeting on Thursday, January 11 at Central Middle School to seek input from our parents and community members.  In the meantime, we have several committees discussing all aspects of each option.  After we have narrowed the list to what appears as the top three options we will seek community input.   

Our school board is scheduled to vote on the new school configurations during its February meeting.  We want our parents to have a clear picture of where their students will attend school by the end of the school year.   

We appreciate your patience and support as we diligently plan for the future of this district.