Initial approval for DISD to join the state’s Teacher Incentive Allotment program was given by the school board during its Monday, Dec. 15 board meeting. Dublin ISD just started the initial 3-year process with the first step being a teacher survey seeing if they were interested in starting the TIA. Out of 95 teachers, 61 responses were received with 50 of them being in favor of beginning the process.
According to information provided on the state’s website, TIA is built for Texas school districts to designate and reward topperforming teachers. Teachers can earn one of three levels of designation – Recognized, Exemplary, or Master. These designations are based on teacher effectiveness measures, including classroom observation and student growth data. School districts receive annual funding through the Teacher Incentive Allotment for each eligible teacher they employ who holds a state-approved performance designation. TIA funds must be spent in accordance with state law: at least 90% of the allotment must be used on teacher compensation on the campus where the designated teacher works, and up to 10% may be used for developing the district’s local designation system or to support teachers in earning a designation. In Dublin, the range of funds is from $3,000 to $32,000.
A committee of teachers will be built including two from the elementary school, one from the intermediate school and two from the secondary school.
After the committee is appointed, which should happen this week, the committee will determine the metric.
In year 2, which will be the 2026-27 school year will be implemented and tracked.
In year 3, which is the 202728 school year, the payout will occur.
Superintendent Melissa Summers gave the board an update on roofing repairs which are going on throughout the district.
“We have materials everywhere,” she said. “Anywhere they can find a spot to put them, they have.”
Summers said they had a little problem with the main gym when they first started, but they worked through that and things were going well.
“We may hear some noises, or have to work around some things, but our staff has been great and very patient, great and flexible. That’s what we do in education,” Summers said.
“How many kids in high school get to play with a retractable roof?” Board member Pat Leatherwood joked, receiving laughter from the crowd.
The roofing crews will pause work on testing dates so as to not disturb students, and the project is anticipated to be completed by March.
The board also held a public hearing regarding the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) in which the district received an ‘A’ rating (96).
Summers complimented Business Manager Kassi Eads on always doing an excellent job with the district’s finances.
A slew of local district policy changes was approved after they were handed down from the Texas Association of School Boards who helps implement policy changes mandated by the Texas Legislature. Twenty-eight policies were changed or added.
After a closed session where the superintendent’s evaluation was completed, the board moved to add an additional year to her contract. The board is waiting on giving her a raise until other raises are done within the budget, which will occur in the spring.