GISD Superintendent praises relief, charity efforts

GONZALES — The Gonzales Independent School District (GISD) Board of Directors met for a routine monthly meeting on Monday, Oct 2.

GISD Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Strozier excitedly reported on several district activities, such as the Mighty Apache Band heading to competition, the girls cross-country team winning a second championship, several well-attended open house opportunities, participation in Fire Prevention Month and participation in Hispanic Heritage month.

“Our efforts to give back are huge right now,” she said. “Our cheer team at the high school has started their T-shirt sales for Breast Cancer Awareness Month; additionally, North Avenue has taken the lead in a district-wide effort to give back to our neighbors in Refugio.”

The Cheer Team’s PINK OUT “Go, Fight. Win.” T-shirt sales go toward mammograms for indigent and underinsured women of Gonzales County to receive routine and diagnostic procedures, through Gonzales Healthcare Systems

Strozier said under the leadership of North Avenue Intermediate, each GISD campus is collecting different much-needed school supplies, for Refugio ISD. The collection will go through Oct. 13, at which time supplies will be delivered to Refugio.

Strozier also noted the Jr. High Fun Run was a huge success and that Early Act First Knight Awards would be starting soon.

Strozier gave the board her monthly report, noting that the transfer of a gift from GISD benefactor Bob Young’s donation of $10,000 for playground equipment for East Avenue Elementary School. Strozier also reported a budget savings of $180,000 in GISD’s taxes, based on declining property values.

According to Strozier, enrollment this school year is in line with last year’s enrollment numbers. Attendance is down. The day before Hurricane Harvey hit, attendance was just 80 percent. Strozier reported that day will be waived.

The board took action to nominate candidates to Gonzales County Appraisal District. Currently GISD board members Sue Gottwald and Josie Smith-Wright served on the board. They re-nominated Smith-Wright and Gottwald and nominated Bud Box.

Smith-Wright was not present for this meeting, but the board did conduct the meeting with a quorum.