BIG SPRING, TX — During last week’s meeting of the Big Spring ISD Board of Trustees, approximately 25 teachers who were validated as recognized, exemplary, and masters were awarded checks in amounts that ranged from $4,000 – over $18,000 as part of the with Teacher Incentive Allotment program. According to BSISD Superintendent Jay McWilliams, the program has been around for a few years. It’s a grant program that awards teachers for doing excellent work in the classroom. There’s a lot of work that goes into getting validated for the program. He went on to say that teacher evaluations have to meet a certain standard, plus there has to be a certain amount of growth that can be measured from pre-tests and post-tests in order for teachers to qualify.
This was the first year that the district was able to present the allotments. McWilliams went on to say that there’s a lot of work that goes into getting teachers validated. He went on to say that Dana Scott, Assistant Superintendent over Curriculum and Assessment, and Becky Otto, Secondary Curriculum Director, worked with Susan Bryan, CFO for BSISD, to make it all happen.
“It wouldn’t have happened without the work of those three,” said McWilliams.
It was also noted that these teachers would be receiving these allotments for 5 years and it would be figured into their annual salary. This means that this would increase the amount of the benefits they receive when it comes time for them to retire.
Teachers recognized at the meeting:
Recognized – Amber Hanson, Melissa Gomez, Kayla Lincoln, and Cristina Raney
Exemplary – Loryne Colette, Porsha Bryant, Tonya Becker, Haleyna Smith Davidson, Selene Moreno, Tammie Flores, Cassidy Norwood, Carmen Pedraza, and Melissa Newton
Masters – Letitia (Michelle) Cochrane, Jennifer Adams, Sharon Chancy, Matthew Carrillo, Brayza Castellanos Davis, Rebecca Escobedo, Bronson Gervasi, Georgia Molina, Stefani Wood, and Lisa Hooper
School board members also approved the Student Code of Conduct for the 2023-2024 school year. In it, is the strict prohibition of vapes, as per HB 114, enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas 2023. It states that there are NO VAPES ALLOWED on district property or at a school event. Students found in possession of a vape on district property or at a school event, by law, must be placed in a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP). For BSISD, the first incident will include 20 days of DAEP with a 10-day review possible.
BSISD Board of Trustees also approved a partnership with Martin County Family Clinic for a school-based health clinic. Pods will be available for staff and students to use at each campus. Co-pays and Medicaid will be accepted. It’s like having a “virtual clinic” on each campus.
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