The Goodrich School Board approved a proposed tax rate, and received an update on accountability grades and maintenance in their monthly meeting for August.
This year's proposed tax rate was accepted at $0.81435. That is a drop from last year, which was $0.84574. The tax rate at Goodrich ISD has fallen seven of the past eight years. In the 2018-19 school year, the rate was $1.3301.
The reason for this year's difference in tax rate is property valuations in the district that increased by $16 million.
Estimated grant revenues for the 2025-26 school year have been set at just over $745,000, while just over $780,000 have been appropriated. The difference will be made up in the $35,000 the district receives for a lunch program.
Anticipated costs out of the general fund will be over $4.8 million, with $3.4 million going toward payroll.
Debt Service expenditures are expected to be around $175,000, with 63% of that going toward principal and just under 37% going to interest.
The daily average attendance at Goodrich last year was just over 247 students. That is a drop of about two students from the year prior.
Principals Brenda Langley and Aubrey Vaughan were eager to speak to the board concerning the TEA’s accountability letter grades that were recently released.
Goodrich Elementary received an overall grade of 86, earning a "B" average. They received an 88 for school progress, accounting for 70% of the score, and an 81 in closing the gaps (addressing disparities in performance among different student groups) which is 30% of the grade. Distinctions earned were academic achievement in reading and language arts, as well as mathematics. They were in the top 25% in comparative academic growth and comparative closing the gaps, and received high marks for post-secondary readiness.
The middle school received an overall score of 86 for a “B” average. They scored an 88 in school progress and 81 in closing the gaps. Distinctions included academic achievements in reading and language arts and mathematics, top 25% in comparative academic growth, and high marks in post-secondary readiness.
The high school received an overall grade of 90 for an “A” average. They scored a 92 in school progress and 84 in closing the gaps. Their distinctions included academic achievement in reading and language arts and social studies, top 25% in comparative closing the gaps, and scoring high in post-secondary readiness.
Charts provided showed that Goodrich and Big Sandy received the highest scores in the TEA's grading system for schools in the area.
The principals also said that the state's new no-phone policy has not been an issue in the schools.
Ag shop renovations are still ongoing and are expected to continue into early September. The air conditioning has been installed, and floors are the next to go in.
"Everything to this point, they have done a phenomenal job," Goodrich Superintendent Daniel Barton said.
The old gymnasium roof has been finished. Both the solar company and roofing company have completed the task.
A new five-ton HVAC system was put into the elementary school. However, a 10-ton unit is in need of repair. A new unit is expected Sept. 3.
Goodrich is planning an alumni day that will occur Friday, Oct. 24. Visitors will receive a tour of the school and lunch.
"That is something that is huge from a culture standpoint and I want to show off the work that we have done and that is going on with our alumni," Barton said. "If you haven't been on the campuses and don't really know what's going on up here, you assume that it's the same that it has always been. That is not the case. I am excited about being able to share."
The board also approved a community relations policy that sets a price on renting the gymnasium. Shepherd will use the gym, at a time the school is hosting a tournament, for a game scheduled with Dayton. The rate has been set at $200 for the first hour and $50 each additional hour. The price was set to be competitive with other area schools. Security and custodial work are additional charges.
