First Leopard Academy Grads Get Diplomas
The first graduation ceremony for La Grange ISD’s Leopard Academy (which is an alternate path to a diploma) was held at Monday night’s school board meeting. The graduates were Camryn Jayce Alvarado, Trevor Dwayne Flood, and Silvestre Emanuel Lara-Villegas. Superintendent Andy McHazlett congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments.
Christmas Card Competition Winners The Christmas card competition winners recognized from elementary, middle, and high school.
Certificates and copies of the cards printed were presented to the winners – Reagan McCullough, elementary; Aylin Dominguez, middle school; and Journi Polk, high school.
Superintendent McHazlett congratulated the winners spoke about the importance of art in education.
Public Comments Jeff Parker expressed gratitude to the board and extended holiday wishes.
Administrative Reports
Superintendent Andy McHazlett told the board that the current enrollment is 1,870 students.
• Elementary: 966
• Middle School: 309 • High School: 595 The district average attendance is at 95.31%, up from last year.
The school board members were reminded to complete their required continuing education.
The board was also reminded of a recognition event for the school board at the elementary campus on Thursday, Dec. 19.
Assistant Superintendent Stacy Eilers reported on preparation for the spring semester with a focus on instructional strategies and training. Staff will have a purposeful focus day on Jan. 8 with students returning from the Christmas break on Jan. 9.
Director of Operations Sharon Muzny told the board that the district is migrating to a new emergency app (E3). This will replace Raptor. E3 should be more user-friendly.
She also reported that the district is in compliance with TEA’s window film installation requirements which make it more difficult to enter.
Financial Integrity Rating Director of Finance Diana Fitzpatrick reported that La Grange ISD scored a perfect 100 in financial audits.
Library Material Acquisition Seventy-five new items for the elementary library were presented to the board.
Budget Amendments
The board approved money transfers for specific expenditures. Money will be used to purchase a replacement Surface Pro for high school counselor Lori Kallus and lodging two employees at the TCEA Convention.
Non-Business Days Resolution designating non-business days for 2025 approved. Non-business days approved were: January 2, 2025; January 3, 2025; March 13, 2025; March 14, 2025; July 2, 2025; and July 3, 2025.
School Board Elections Election called for May 3, 2025, with places 1, 2, and 3 up for election. These are the places held by Anthony Wessels, Travis Ulrich, and Mary Gunn.
Chromebook Purchase
The board approved the purchase of 300 Chromebooks for $82,602 to replace outdated technology.