The Goodrich ISD school board learned of TEA grades for the district, passed a budget, and decided on a tax rate in its meeting Thursday in the administration building.
In accountability ratings handed out by the Texas Education Agency, Goodrich ISD earned an 86/B, plus its district-level college, career and military readiness distinction. The high school rating was exceptional, earning the high mark of 96/A with three distinctions. TEA also recognized Goodrich High School as number two in the state among high-poverty districts outperforming peers. The elementary received a grade of D after testing irregularities affected the calculation. School leaders outlined stronger writing, math, reading, and science supports. The middle school earned an A (reported at 90) with six of seven distinctions.
The proposed operating budget for 2026-27 was built conservatively around average daily attendance of approximately 240 students. General fund spending is largely payroll, and the underlying year-to-year budget change was reported as $339 after separating prior athletic facility construction funding. Child nutrition shows a planned $44,455 deficit, although staff intend to control food and personnel costs, and avoid an actual year-end deficit.
A tax rate was proposed for the year. The rate for maintenance and operations remains unchanged. The interest and sinking rate increases slightly, as prior-year collections were below the amount needed for debt service. The district has one remaining bond obligation, with $110,000 in principal and $61,325 in interest due this year.
Goodrich ISD receive4d a $19,500 rural low-income school grant. Its preliminary FIRST score is 90, still a Superior/A rating; ten points were lost under a new measure comparing budgeted and actual state revenue. Staff will use year-end budget amendments to improve alignment, while retaining conservative practices.
The new house system and Goodrich Leadership Academy launched successfully for grades 3-8. Students and staff are grouped across ages and roles, earning house points for attendance, academics, reading, service, respect, and other positive behaviors. High school and early elementary participation will be expanded through mentoring, rallies, and future activities.
In action items, the board approved the 2026-27 operating budget. Also approved was the purchase of 70 Chromebooks with licensing and a three-year accidental damage warranty for $40,717. Finally, they unanimously agreed on an academic calendar revision, making Oct. 30 a professional development/parent conference day and Nov. 2 a holiday.
Athletic field drainage was tabled, while duplicate access road and dirt-hauling costs are removed from revised pricing. Reapproval of the interlocal school resource officer/constable agreement was also tabled pending clarification of county benefit calculations and the final annual cost.
