Sunday, September 1, 2024
During the Aug. 19 meeting of the Gatesville Independent School District Board of Trustees, superintendent Dr. Barrett Pollard presented a back-to-school update to the board members.
Pollard said that all five campuses had reported a very smooth start to the 2024-2025 school year. “Our students and staff have been working hard, not only on day-to-day academics, but also on the many extracurricular activities offered during the fall.
Concerning outdoor activities he said, “We have paid very close attention to the heat, and our staff has been very diligent in making sure the students get plenty of water breaks.” He continued, “We have altered practice times to avoid some of the hottest temperatures. Our lower campuses avoid afternoon recess as a precaution on days that are especially hot.”
Starting off the new school, GISD has employed 33 additional teachers – five at primary, six at elementary, nine at intermediate, seven at junior high, and six at the high school.
In an email, Dr. Pollard spoke about the school security and the GISD police. “We recently purchased our 4th and 5th police vehicle for the Gatesville ISD Police Department. Thanks to a great deal by the Coryell County Sheriff’s Office, Chief Styles and Officer Brown now have official police transportation. These vehicles also act as a great deterrent when parked in front of each of our campuses.”
In addition to the purchase of the police vehicles, he said, “A few other financial items included the purchase of new risers for the choir program, a new Buzz mascot uniform, and new band uniforms. I think the students and the staff that participate in each of those three extra-curricular activities are excited about those much-needed purchases.”
