Board Approves First-Ever District Values and Beliefs Statements
The Belton ISD Board of Trustees approved seven values and beliefs statements at its regular meeting Monday, a first for the district of almost 13,000 students.
The foundational statements cover the district’s belief in serving each and every student uniquely, championing innovative thinking and problem solving, modeling a mindset of continuous improvement, supporting staff, and valuing facilities, community engagement and inspiring instruction.
They are one of several ways Belton ISD leaders are building on the district's solid foundation to put measures in place that will set direction and guide planning for the future. Leaders are anticipating a surge in the student population over the next decade, including 3,000 additional students in the next five years.
The Board also heard an update on progress toward the district’s first-ever strategic plan. Planning Teams, composed of students, staff, parents and community representatives, begin meeting this week to dive deeper into key focus areas. Administrators expect to bring a completed plan to the trustees for approval in June.
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Student Showcase -
NBMS Cast of Charlotte's Web
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Students from North Belton Middle School’s cast of Charlotte’s Web performed a scene from their upcoming production. The show opens May 14 at 6 p.m. in the school’s cafetorium with a second performance on May 15 at 2 p.m. In lieu of buying tickets, audience members can donate to the theatre program. Students participating at the Board meeting performance included: Gissel Lemus, Tyler Gray, Lauren Denker, Gabriel Daulton, Kimberly Dewberry, Avery Rayburn, Jaylen Mayse, Leah Aguilar, Mila Knight and Ava Speichert. The production is directed by theatre teacher Connie Gilseth. |
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Board Recognition -
ADTS National Champions and Grand Champion Giving Back Award Winners
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The Belton High School Magic Belles have once again claimed National Champion titles at the American Dance/Drill Team Nationals held at the University of North Texas last month. Competing alongside 49 teams, the Magic Belles took the top spot in the Contemporary category with their performance of “Colorblind” and earned the 1st and 2nd place titles in duets with the partner performances of Genevieve Zwadzich and Leah Reyes and Ella Ling and Regan Martin. In addition, the Belles claimed the 1st runner up title in all of the following: National Champion Medium Team, National Champion Modern, National Champion Kick, and National Champion Jazz. Other awards earned include: 2nd runner up Elite Team Hip Hop, 3rd runner up National Champion Jazz, 3rd runner up National Champion Contemporary, 4th place GPA Award (3.59), 4th runner up National Champion Pom and 6th place overall National Champion Team. Magic Belles coaches are Rachel Hill and Emma Soard.
Some of the District’s younger dancers have also had a successful season. Earlier this year, members of the Pirtle Dance Team collected socks and underwear to donate to Project HEARTBEAT. They entered the service project with the American Dance/Drill Team and in March, they were announced as winners of the Grand Champion Giving Back Award. The award comes with a $250 donation to further support Project HEARTBEAT. The Pirtle Dance Team is an after-school club with over 80 students participating. The group is taught by teachers Jennifer Andermann, Elizabeth Bandy, Amy Martinson and Heather Whiteley, along with Berkley Martinson, a former Magic Belle and current UMHB Sader Belle.
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Board Committee Reports
Policy: The policy committee met on April 5 and reviewed data from a survey of students who have taken AP or dual credit courses. The review was part of continued discussions on EIC(LOCAL) and how academic achievement/class ranking impacts a student's learning experience.
Facilities: The facilities committee met on April 14 and heard a presentation from HPM, the company tasked with completing a facilities assessment review for the district. The committee plans to dive deeper into the data to help inform future decisions on how to spend time and resources.
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Board Recognition -
UIL Powerlifting State Qualifiers/Medalist
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Six high school student-athletes represented Belton ISD at the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association State Championship last month. From Lake Belton High School, Haylee Thomas finished in 12th place in the state in her weight classification. LBHS sophomore Paigeryn Ayers finished seventh in her weight classification and posted a personal best in bench press and deadlift. Their coach is Greg Rudolph. Belton High School's qualifiers included freshman Jacci Meyers, junior Maya Jones, and seniors Bryce Allen-Bourland and Bethany Sherwood. All finished the competition in the top 10 of their weight classes, three with personal best weight totals. Bethany Sherwood finished the competition winning a state medal, earning fourth place in the 198 weight class with a total of 900 pounds. The BHS coaches are Barry Campbell and Krystal Yerigan. |
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Superintendent's Report
- Enrollment Update: The district has 12,837 students as of April 15, which is 7 more than reported at the last Board meeting.
- Highlights from the month included holding the BEEF golf tournament, transitioning to Scenario 2 of the district's COVID-19 Response Plan and celebrating teachers and staff with service awards and teacher of the year recognitions.
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Board Recognition -
UIL Theatrical Design State Qualifiers
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Two Belton High School Varsity Theatre students are advancing to the state UIL Theatrical Design Competition. Juniors Felicity Anderson and Madeline Clark, who both attend Belton New Tech, were among students from across the state who submitted designs based on the musical Man of La Mancha. Anderson’s marketing designs and Clark’s hair and makeup will now be re-submitted for the state meet in May. Belton High School’s Technical Director of Theatre is Marie Phillips. |
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Board Recognition -
TASBO Award of Excellence in Financial Management
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Belton ISD is one of only 10 school districts in the state to be awarded the inaugural Award of Excellence in Financial Management by the Texas Association of School Business Officials. This new program recognizes Texas school districts that have implemented professional standards, best practices and innovations in financial reporting. Business Services staff involved in making this happen include Kamray Runnels, Kerri Pridemore, Evonny Ortiz and Trese Miller. |
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Board Recognition - Temple Rotary Club's Educator of the Month |
Maricruz Vodrey, a teacher at Belton Early Childhood School, was recognized as Temple Rotary Club's Educator of the Month. She is in her 22nd year with Belton ISD. "One of my favorite things to see in her class is the use of table captains/leaders," said Courtney Brewer, assistant principal. "Even at 4 years old, these students exhibit leadership qualities. Mrs. Vodrey has created a sense of community and unity in her classroom.”
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Consent Agenda Highlights
- Unaudited financial report for the month ending March 31, 2021
- Administrator contract renewals and/or extensions and professional contract renewals for 2021-2022
- Certification for unopposed candidate and order of cancellation for Area 2 for the May 1, 2021, Trustee Election
- Interlocal agreement with Region 10 Multi-Region Purchasing Cooperative
- Instructional materials allotment and TEKS certification for 2021-2022
- Audit Engagement Letter for 2020-2021
To review Belton ISD board meeting agendas and full packet materials, click here.
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Board Recognition - Belton Rotary Club's Educator of the Quarter |
Sarah Hardin-Trimble, a fourth grade teacher at Sparta Elementary, was recognized as Belton Rotary's Educator of the Quarter. She is in her 19th year in education and her fifth with Belton ISD. This year, Mrs. Hardin created a fun and engaging virtual learning environment for her students. When she switched to a hybrid model, she continued to offer the best teaching for all students. "Mrs. Hardin is an incredible educator who values relationship s with students and families above all else," said Julee Manley, Sparta's principal. |
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