By George Slaughter
Lindsey Chase (Katy ISD photo)
Lindsey Chase has been appointed principal at Cimarron Elementary School.
Her appointment became official at Monday’s Katy Independent School District Board of Trustees meeting.
Chase began her career in 2007 in the Huntsville Independent School District, where she was an intermediate school math teacher.
In 2012, Chase came to Katy. She taught at Mayde Creek Junior High. She later became a classroom technology designer, where she oversaw and developed classroom technology at four junior high campuses. Chase held that role for three years and then took a position as a math instructional coach at Tays Junior High.
Chase was named assistant principal in 2017 of WoodCreek Elementary. Now she will lead Cimarron.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve the Cimarron community in this capacity,” Chase said. “I’m excited to meet the students and thrilled to partner with the parents as I work to ensure their children grow in a challenging, safe, nurturing, and respectful learning environment.”
Chase earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational communications studies at Texas State University. She earned a master’s degree in education administration from Lamar University.
Attendance Boundary Modification Approved
Boundary modifications for the elementary school #44, set to open in August 2022. (Katy ISD graphic)
Trustees approved an attendance boundary modification, called an ABM, for elementary #44, which is scheduled to open in August 2022.
The ABM provides enrollment relief to Bryant Elementary, and transitions students in the Cane Island development to the new elementary school.
“We review attendance boundaries on an annual basis to ensure the district is adequately addressing its rapid growth, as well as student and staff capacity at campuses,” Ted Vierling, the district’s chief operations officer, said. “Balancing school enrollment across campuses is essential to ensuring that each of our students has access to safe and engaging learning environments.”
Boundary modifications for Paetow and Morton Ranch high schools for the 2022-23 school year. (Katy ISD graphic)
Trustees also approved a minor ABM for Paetow High School to provide campus enrollment relief and increase the student population at Morton Ranch High School. A small number of current eighth-grade students zoned to PHS will be affected by this change.
District officials expect that the district’s northwest quadrant will see increased growth within the next two to three years, including several new housing developments.
Trustees Approve Additional Lump Sum Payment for Employees
Trustees approved an additional 1% lump sum payment for all employees for their December paychecks.
The payment is in addition to the December 1% lump sum payment that trustees had already approved as part of the district’s compensation plan. As a result, all district employees will now receive a total of a 2% lump sum payment this December.
Brian Schuss, the district’s chief human resources officer, said it’s been a tough year-and-a-half for employees, given the pandemic.
Superintendent Dr. Ken Gregorski said the amount per 1% lump sum is approximately $6.2 million.
“It’s not easy to find that in the budget,” Gregorski said.
The 2% lump sum district staff will receive this December is in addition to the pay increase employees had already received in July.
“The Board of Trustees approved the lump sum payment to acknowledge and reward the work of all Katy ISD employees during the recent challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, including staffing shortages and the need to navigate a variety of safety measures,” Greg Schulte, board president, said. “We are immensely grateful to our team of committed professionals who have worked incredibly hard to ensure our students can safely learn, engage, and grow.”
District Earns Superior Achievement Financial Rating
The lump sum payments come as the district learned that it received a rating of “A – Superior Achievement” under the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST). The rating is the state’s highest.
The Texas Education Agency developed FIRST to hold school districts accountable for the state’s quality performance in the management of financial resources.
The agency assigns one of four ratings to Texas school districts. The highest is “A – Superior Achievement,” followed by “B – Above-Standard Achievement,” “C – Standard Achievement,” and “F – Substandard Achievement.”
The district has achieved the highest rating each consecutive year since 2002.
“We are proud of Katy ISD’s FIRST rating,” said Christopher J. Smith, the district’s chief financial officer, said. “This rating shows that our district is effectively and efficiently utilizing our taxpayer dollars, and demonstrates that Katy ISD is accountable for not only student learning, but also for achieving results that meet the needs of the students, families and community that Katy ISD serves.”
Other Actions Taken
In other action Monday, the board:
- Observed the presentation of two proclamations from state Rep. Mike Schofield, R-Houston, whose district includes much of Katy. One proclamation honored Katy High School football coach Gary Joseph, who received the Tom Landry Award from the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame. The other proclamation honored former coach Maurice “Bubba” Fife for earning the GoBeGreat Award.
- Approved a termination of a cost sharing and development agreement associated with the Haskett Junior High School site.
- Approved the September meeting minutes.
- Heard a presentation on the district’s rating on the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas.
- Approved the August 2021 check register.
- Approved the October 2021 budget amendments.
- Approved pursuing a District of Innovation designation for the district and the appointment of the innovation plan committee.
- Approved the English Learner (EL) Enrollment and the 2021-22 Bilingual Education Exception/ESL Waiver Application.
- Approved a contract for renovations to the Miller Career and Technology Center.
- Approved the design associated with the comprehensive renovations and building addition to Diane Winborn Elementary School.