SHEPHERD — The Shepherd ISD Board of Managers approved District of Innovation certifications for the teachers taking classes toward teacher certification.
Superintendent Dr. Jason Hewitt said that under the District of Innovation plan, staff members are hired through an ACP/Alternative Certification Program. NSpire is the SISD in-house degree and certification program.
For Shepherd Intermediate School, Stephanie Hopkins has become degreed through NSpire, and is expected to complete certification EC-6 in 2027.
For Shepherd Middle School, Allyson Margison has become degreed through in Teachworthy, and is seeking certification in math.
Relatedly, the board discussed employment contracts that are recommended and approved by the superintendent after previously giving Hewitt hiring authority over certain employees.
Chapter 21 of the Texas Education Code requires specific full-time professional and administrative employees and school nurses to be employed by a probationary or term contract, called Chapter 21 contracts.
The law mandates specific rights and administrative procedures for each type of Chapter 21 contract. Term contract employees' statutory due-process rights above and beyond that provided by the U.S. Constitution before terminating, discharging, or non-renewing those employees.
A probationary contract is for one year only; it may be renewed for two additional one-year periods. Discharge can occur for failure to meet the accepted standards of conduct for the profession. Board action is not appealable.
A term contract may not exceed five school years. The discharge must be for reasons contained in the district policy. The teacher/administrator is entitled to a school board hearing. The decision can be appealed.
Non-Chapter 21 contracts are given to people in positions that do not require certification or are on a DOI exemption (Local Certification)
NSpire candidates are people not yet certified and are in the district NSPIRE program and not subject to Chapter 21 rules.
Contracts reported, had two finish and were offered contracts.
In other business, the board:
