[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6625571,"mediaKeyId","2756703-46767ac846c68be1412e2165e2cf0560","parentId",2756703,"title","Johnson County Reach outlines youth prevention, family and recovery programs to Venus ISD board","audioSeconds",1567,"startMs",7440000,"endMs",9007000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2756703-46767ac846c68be1412e2165e2cf0560&start=7440&end=9007","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2756703-46767ac846c68be1412e2165e2cf0560/thumbnail_7440000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6625571/Texas/Johnson-County-Reach-outlines-youth-prevention-family-and-recovery-programs-to-Venus-ISD-board","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6625571-77dc46927456fb28a8b861546b71a62d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773597862&Signature=aInpUf2ubqVshkJml04zQTn5fJpQUQt3XIyI~gNq0VXaboEnYDpvFEhBho5lhrXdeKKLW5tPbeKV9JL2wVqNPeT9ulym2qOzjUrqYArwoy4RllwE7x7m2K7W0vKYlSiOTG9EGu1PazPdeGPrvKePRsAxefRv0-e3Fs~XyF1fA1s0XiMgSg2oEL~ea4kBZBsR~zmuZytYAVk8-sSqa7hBhhK34bVpCJvHTjdYLJFM7AV5DlIMsmRo94jXqmZ1dn3VMMy1zcvRszfNOlEN~6ngmdOepHzmgsGqfluuKgY9vOhtlRSkx8am5Z4ssEKOXMssUewvNNj4csjm4sTfxqZBXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Venus ISD ","date","2025-03-25T04:20:19.68Z","article","A representative from Johnson County Reach told the Venus ISD Board of Trustees about the nonprofit’s prevention-focused programs for students and families in Johnson County, with an emphasis on substance-misuse prevention, life-skills curricula and a youth recovery program.

The presenter described how prevention work focuses on reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors, citing research on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and positive childhood experiences as background for the organization’s approach. Reach outlined three tiers of programming: universal school-wide curriculum (delivered to entire grade levels), selective small-group interventions for at-risk students and indicated interventions or recovery support for youth who have already experienced substance-related harms.

Examples Reach offered included a vape-education escape-room activity, evidence-based curricula for life-skills development, a family program (Guiding Good Choices) that can be offered in person or virtually and a youth-recovery program serving ages 13–21 with peer-led supports and family wraparound services. The presenter said the organization’s programs are state-approved and free to schools and that Reach provides parent letters, TEKS alignment and optional family outreach components for districts that request them.

Trustees asked about program delivery in short-term disciplinary placements (DAEP). The Reach representative said many programs are flexible and can be adapted for short-term settings; the organization can also provide a sequence of sessions timed to students’ placement length or offer supplemental presentations. Reach also described a tobacco-prevention youth-coalition model that trains student leaders to lead peer messaging and social-media initiatives.

Ending: Reach offered to supply detailed curricula descriptions, TEKS crosswalks and local costs or grant options; the organization invited district staff to request specific program outlines and implementation timelines.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 24, 2025 Venus ISD School Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Representatives from Johnson County Reach described prevention and youth-recovery programs they offer to schools and communities, including curricula for universal classroom instruction, selective small-group interventions and a family program that focuses on relationship-building and communication.","taxTitle","VENUS ISD, School Districts, Texas","taxId",39484,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6625573,"After data review showing improved fill rates, Venus ISD approves ESS substitute staffing contract",626,7063000,7689000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2756703-46767ac846c68be1412e2165e2cf0560&start=7063&end=7689","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2756703-46767ac846c68be1412e2165e2cf0560/thumbnail_7063000.jpg","/articles/6625573/Texas/After-data-review-showing-improved-fill-rates-Venus-ISD-approves-ESS-substitute-staffing-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6625573-796a0af5b6eaa66a2af3ce1b911d2063/orig.mp4?Expires=1773597862&Signature=TCqY57Y05nnrhuUpxY8zUTux8LONQppKLUiNsEz9ynfBe~o0EzZjnar0wQWvGOzIHHOnIzTEMuOWIXhJGzGUo1jZzcITq-NqA~Knf-2zw6PsrHTp-RvjBpwEeY5Xpkz1~MAU5zd8ZUhRqNSo1Ce1VEWj6eqaowgNj-nlvJo-QQpJs1FHXJdNCRjsVevRzUPflONmS6OGAnszFxGx5dfwVNBlwFfQ0AtrFnNDJRO-E-CR8CgXNZEtU21FLxOnanJ75VkLP3f2nU1Vifjy3BY48ZtWlHOMcEgiL3l7odHUDHLpvN4X11NN5xQgCb1NP8Nxvl-Dkjhrzh99RK4oQr-VTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Venus ISD administrators presented data on substitute coverage produced in partnership with ESS and told trustees that overall daily fill rates had improved after program changes; trustees subsequently approved a 2025–26 substitute-services contract with ESS.

Mister Martinez, who led the presentation, summarized year-over-year trends: after a dip to roughly 36 percent fill in 2022–23, the district’s fill rate climbed to approximately 53 percent in the current reporting period. The presentation emphasized the importance of lead time: when absence requests are made with at least 24 hours’ notice, the district’s fill rate rose to about 74 percent this year, Martinez said.

Martinez said the number of active substitutes working with the district increased from about 33 in 2022–23 to 77 in the current year, with a larger applicant pipeline after ESS stepped up recruitment and orientation processes. He described ESS recruitment tactics (job boards, social media, local flyers) and said some campuses see lower fill rates because of extracurricular schedules and higher late-call absences.

Board members discussed local steps to increase advance notice and improve fills. One trustee suggested department-level reporting so program directors and coaches can be reminded to enter planned absences earlier. Martinez said ESS handles payroll taxes, workers’ compensation and other employer liabilities as part of the contract and that the district’s current annual substitute spending is roughly $100,000.

After the presentation, the board approved the substitute-services contract with ESS for the 2025–26 year. The motion was recorded as “Motion by Kirby, second by Amber. All in favor? Motion carries.” Administration said ESS will continue monthly meetings with the district to track fills, onboarding and recruitment and that the HR office will monitor performance metrics.

Ending: Administration and ESS will provide monthly performance reports and continue joint recruiting and lead-time initiatives to boost substitute fill rates, particularly for the high school.","District administrators presented ESS substitute-system data showing improved overall fill rates and a higher 24‑hour lead fill rate; trustees voted to approve a substitute-services contract with ESS for 2025–26.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6625578,"TEA cyclical review flags seven problem areas; Venus ISD must submit corrective action by December 2025",710,5829000,6539000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2756703-46767ac846c68be1412e2165e2cf0560&start=5829&end=6539","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2756703-46767ac846c68be1412e2165e2cf0560/thumbnail_5829000.jpg","/articles/6625578/Texas/TEA-cyclical-review-flags-seven-problem-areas-Venus-ISD-must-submit-corrective-action-by-December-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6625578-29dd882dd46fae9ddd3954e39d60b4f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1773597862&Signature=j-fqD72b150g6ns1SFkk0LUhWpKgbCYB5vbVCcatiNQ-ZkA8ysXuWL0kvhXGQys0LKPq9MFAyHfb73x~14L5EW-kBXVdJAOCO64Ce~xWHLcI~ho85NkwcBOY-dxpqG2SsZjcZtCq0FUhsB0EnvLSOu2ryt~3UUQ~2OqPeQ~-0JgoF1fwJ4B3ZZaK61USPBKCHJsJxYoGEQJ7Jy9YOjrFxAoN-w1Pzbsl7gAB16EBl51Zi8ANIJxBQvGtU6W8-s5ITj7NaIa7lFjhz7w5ZXeF1sCOH1rarOqT8Bw3CWpQhbmVs7SvnunLA6tK1amVeotL6ZyTZ3IFEWjk2Kmn6FxaOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Venus ISD’s special-education team told trustees that a Texas Education Agency cyclical review found deficiencies in a subset of special-education records and required the district to submit a corrective action plan by Dec. 31, 2025.

The district’s special-education presenter said TEA reviewed 24 student records and assessed policies and procedures. The presentation noted several “glows,” including full compliance with the district’s written special-education operating procedures and a compliant dyslexia program. TEA also praised parent participation in ARD meetings and other processes. However, the audit flagged seven priority areas of noncompliance across record samples; some were isolated problems and others were systemic, the presenter said.

The district reported it has been rebuilding its special-education staff since mid-2024 and has hired diagnosticians, speech therapists, paraprofessionals and other positions. The presenter said that, with the exception of a currently contracted licensed specialist in school psychology (LSSP), most vacancies have been filled and the district is actively recruiting to reduce contracted-service costs.

The presenter told trustees that parents of affected students were contacted in December and that no parents requested compensatory services after the audit’s findings; district staff have been correcting noncompliant records and discussing whether any students should receive compensatory services. The district emphasized it will continue internal folder audits and strengthen training on IEP goal writing and IEP development; the presenter said TEA has tightened its review expectations on measurable goals and that the district will provide additional training for case managers and administrators.

Trustees were given the timeline for the corrective-action plan and said staff must continue internal audits and training to prevent future noncompliance.

Ending: The district will return to the board with a corrective-action plan and updates on recruitment of a contracted LSSP and other staffing needs.","District special-education staff reported results of a Texas Education Agency cyclical review: auditors examined 24 student records, found seven areas of noncompliance in those sampled records, and required a corrective action plan with a December 2025 completion date.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6625582,"Ideal Impact tells board it can pay for energy retrofits and return ~$2.8M to Venus ISD over term",736,4053000,4789000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2756703-46767ac846c68be1412e2165e2cf0560&start=4053&end=4789","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2756703-46767ac846c68be1412e2165e2cf0560/thumbnail_4053000.jpg","/articles/6625582/Texas/Ideal-Impact-tells-board-it-can-pay-for-energy-retrofits-and-return-28M-to-Venus-ISD-over-term","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6625582-26414688624c0b2476de0011ae8ad153/orig.mp4?Expires=1773597862&Signature=dRjzTYhWViRJa~uTRAYnJBcUsxqGS3fWOwu7VaMSVocfT8-N-P2ZTAa3GnYbCTJtSnjt0AFknKqee0rKewryBjCcLLixNdlXU~GjH7KDrcre8eJsAoQEIhZ0HcpIFns756jOw8XqiuiigJVIhUv08P9-qAsAamCUZyeYcnBR8mR5tPP~ej9qHQegI2tfhyMjMEz3VhvhRUU0sI464UO2uVg3vAyrFrTObLl-Ogtd232A4w-muskBeUUqRWzKD96m5HZXV9QcBmqRlDQzPynli5iJFSSwHXtuDYtdgkfET8IIhAv6TLpULUoSxhrlC4RIPs9uyFL8WBgGobs3EGIhhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Wes McDaniel, founder and CEO of Ideal Impact, told the Venus ISD Board of Trustees that his company could pay for energy-efficiency retrofits for district buildings on a pay-from-savings basis and that the work would cost the district no upfront dollars.

“Give us 6 weeks,” McDaniel said while describing a prior project, adding that the company pays for the work and recovers its investment from shared utility savings. He told the board Ideal Impact’s typical approach is to fund the project, be repaid from a portion of verified savings, then leave the district with ongoing reduced costs.

McDaniel presented a number of performance examples from other Texas districts and churches, saying Ideal Impact had taken some districts’ energy use “down into the twenties” on BTUs per square foot and reduced bills as much as 66 percent at a high school in one case. For Venus ISD he said the firm had calculated an estimated project investment of about $697,137 and a committed-savings scenario that would return roughly $2.8 million to the district over the contract term, assuming energy-price inflation.

He described mechanics of the proposal — controls and economizer optimization, enhanced building monitoring and a proprietary “campus optimizer” that updates control setpoints nightly using 7-day weather forecasts and building schedules — and said the company takes demand and rate-structure savings into account when modeling payback. McDaniel said Ideal Impact typically structures contracts so the district pays 80 percent of measured savings until the company recovers its upfront cost, then keeps the additional savings after payback.

Board members asked clarifying questions about capital investment and payback. Kirby (board trustee) asked for an estimate of the company’s upfront investment and the payback period; McDaniel said the firm generally expects clients to repay the investment in about three and a half to six years and that the $697,137 number represented the firm’s review of Venus ISD’s meter data and systems. McDaniel said his bank requires a minimum quarterly payment in the early contract months but that Ideal Impact guarantees the district will never be asked to pay if the measured savings fall short: “If you don't save enough to cover that minimum quarterly payment, we write you a check the difference before you ever have to make a payment.”

The Ideal Impact presentation was informational; no contract vote was recorded that evening. Administrators and trustees discussed next steps for staff: review of the company’s proposal, verification of the firm’s model with district energy bills, and further vetting of contract terms before seeking board approval on any agreement.

Ending: McDaniel said the company has worked with more than 240 school districts and offered to provide written project-level assumptions and a more detailed financial model for Venus ISD upon request.","Ideal Impact presented a no-upfront-cost energy retrofit proposal the district could finance from measured utility savings; the presenter cited an estimated $697,137 upfront investment and projected roughly $2.8 million in total savings returned to the district over the contract term.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6625587,"Venus ISD trustees approve calendar, contracts, purchases and substitute services",4073,13552000,17625000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2756703-46767ac846c68be1412e2165e2cf0560&start=13552&end=17625","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2756703-46767ac846c68be1412e2165e2cf0560/thumbnail_13552000.jpg","/articles/6625587/Texas/Venus-ISD-trustees-approve-calendar-contracts-purchases-and-substitute-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6625587-392d9347264723da345989ddb6fde291/orig.mp4?Expires=1773597862&Signature=UJ6~lXqjGhdCwDl29M5SABG5XOFDgmx9~Ocgp7aGgA8J4fBnfwczB1Qcz2bQIIhhT8OUqSX7PFzc4Nd3HJIQWFzxcPzU14qhzmwDE8-1Wl1aIGl7Wwz4ajauakyoqFbY5hOwB~hfT8GzrOS6HvkSYrUd4AYPWQd0A3I2HIY9FTiPAvHz5XKhgjrYSf9SulzTBTVuBW~ftCbA-M454QPp8iiZqBbgB41W2W1OUcaWc~6qFYBaRDiFgb8YEPvpU40wA460Mdt4YofJKNEON7HpK8ZGsVS6yNlZEqSLAdVyNqUrY2Hr0yJZKvpOIDIZcDzoLqSaFoJl4LYV915O9m1h0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Venus ISD trustees on April 21 approved the district’s 2025–26 academic calendar and a string of personnel, purchasing and contractual items, including a contract with ESS for substitute staffing and several technology and facilities purchases.

The board adopted the calendar recommended by the district’s calendar committee, setting the first day of school for Aug. 6 and the last day for May 21. Trustees also approved renewals or new contracts for personnel and vendors and moved several purchases forward that the district said are tied to classrooms and maintenance.

The meeting opened with routine business and a consent agenda. “A motion by Amber, seconded by Greg. All in favor? Motion passes,” the board recorded when approving the consent agenda. Subsequent motions that passed included approval of teacher and staff contracts for the 2025–26 school year, the ESS substitute-services contract for 2025–26, the district’s instructional calendar, and local policy updates required by legal changes.

The board also approved several purchases and contracts the administration recommended, including:
- A Canon copier lease and service contract (renewal).
- Purchase of 22 interactive classroom displays to complete campus rollouts (grant and campus funds were cited as funding sources).
- Purchase of 500 refurbished Acer Chromebooks to replace older student devices, budgeted at up to $95,500.
- Purchase of two 72-inch commercial zero-turn lawn mowers for grounds maintenance, quoted at $29,019.12.

Trustees voted to change the district fiscal-year start date to July 1 beginning with the 2025–26 fiscal year and to join the Texas Department of Information Resources cooperative for technology purchasing.

Board members also certified unopposed candidates and approved the order of cancellation for the May 3, 2025, trustee election because the candidates ran unopposed. The trustees appointed an election judge for the May 3 election and approved multiple personnel actions (resignations, hires and contract amendments) as presented on the agenda.

The board recorded motions and seconders for each action; where tally details were not read into the record, the minutes note motions, seconders and that each motion passed.

The meeting concluded after reports from district staff and campus leaders and a standing schedule of follow-up items to be handled by the administration.

Ending: Trustees scheduled their next regular meeting for April 21 and said staff will circulate supporting materials in advance to help board members prepare further questions.","The Venus Independent School District Board of Trustees approved a slate of routine and operational items at its April meeting, including the 2025–26 academic calendar, teacher and staff contracts, a substitute-services contract with ESS, several technology and equipment purchases, and administrative policy updates.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Johnson County Reach outlines youth prevention, family and recovery programs to Venus ISD board

After data review showing improved fill rates, Venus ISD approves ESS substitute staffing contract

TEA cyclical review flags seven problem areas; Venus ISD must submit corrective action by December 2025

Ideal Impact tells board it can pay for energy retrofits and return ~$2.8M to Venus ISD over term

Venus ISD trustees approve calendar, contracts, purchases and substitute services