[{"_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",6583139,"mediaKeyId","3075036-62f4dd3ef829e267ea62e2ad07412b71","parentId",3075036,"title","Board certifies instructional materials; district to align K–5 with Amplify and adopt Agile Mind for high‑school math","audioSeconds",132,"startMs",12816380,"endMs",12948610,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3075036-62f4dd3ef829e267ea62e2ad07412b71&start=12816&end=12948","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3075036-62f4dd3ef829e267ea62e2ad07412b71/thumbnail_12816380.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6583139/Texas/Board-certifies-instructional-materials-district-to-align-K5-with-Amplify-and-adopt-Agile-Mind-for-highschool-math","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583139-04f92b5e9ee087e76974d0d064e7eaec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771123716&Signature=D0MhHh4bvQEDPW-yZ5clcoWLoO2YJ9JAuVJR-mMI5JJGOJE7BKidedB8Qey3KofDL2L0H1Pu0XJnofqc6-SxuqXD7g-zpw~pLxaoiFeUJ6GLkUDAf28k~6WuytGzOqMuYHA2bK4dfH8VNgcT4uT-NjOkYBNWkzxrP1J58KwLIECnW6uAkvnYr44DuTDNsbdPjQyQTGhyeUr8IuEsyDDcYCKSDQGyjOHqMl6RmPWKnKyqOIZCJny-Ne6SaDoZK24964OoZkuUurmfuCJalDVu9J1WwKpQwpdKMjhoWn-Q8krm~AnCVJaOjM3ZBNL47DXHBC-ZUCfcufgSd2GR5RAxnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Venus ISD ","date","2025-04-22T03:19:25.873Z","article","The Venus ISD Board of Trustees certified the district’s 2025–26 instructional materials at the April 21 meeting and approved two curriculum changes recommended by district curriculum leaders.

District presentation: Dr. Morgan explained the required TEA certification and said the district must report which state‑approved materials and platforms it will use next year. Campus and curriculum teams reviewed options from TEA’s approved list. For K–5, curriculum leaders recommended adopting Amplify Texas for grades 3–5 to align with existing K–2 use; the district cited Amplify’s knowledge‑based sequence and phonics focus grounded in the science of reading.

At the secondary level, district staff said teachers and the math coordinator found the current secondary math materials unsuccessful this year and recommended switching to Agile Mind for Algebra, Geometry and Algebra II because it was the remaining option on the TEA list that covered those courses and teachers expressed preference to try it.

Other notes: The district will continue to report required compliance items (Children’s Internet Protection Act coverage, assessment platforms such as Eduphoria and TEA formative resources) in the 2526 submission. Staff said they are still evaluating MAP Growth usage and had not included it pending further campus discussion.

Board action: The certification and the two curriculum changes were approved; Donald Shaw seconded the motion to certify and the motion carried on a voice vote. Staff said the change would not require a curriculum purchase outside the grant described earlier and that next year’s teaching will inform whether further curriculum changes or adoptions are needed.

Why it matters: Curriculum adoption and alignment affect teaching plans, teacher training and classroom materials for the upcoming school year. District staff noted the adoption aims to provide consistent vertical alignment and stronger phonics and math instructional practice across campuses.

Ending: District staff will upload the signed certification to TEA and proceed with implementation planning and teacher support for the newly aligned materials.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 21, 2025 Venus ISD School Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Trustees certified the 2025–26 instructional materials and approved two curriculum changes: extension of Amplify Texas to grades 3–5 and adoption of Agile Mind for high‑school math courses.","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},6583143,"District completes turf installation; board discusses signage, access, maintenance and enforcement",206,13731145,13937434,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3075036-62f4dd3ef829e267ea62e2ad07412b71&start=13731&end=13937","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3075036-62f4dd3ef829e267ea62e2ad07412b71/thumbnail_13731145.jpg","/articles/6583143/Texas/District-completes-turf-installation-board-discusses-signage-access-maintenance-and-enforcement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583143-d1085b6cea1478adc25d0f3b9bd9d74c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771123716&Signature=Jsus89u24vQ2meCwif~3Hp5nREZHwPdrTfcz0oKzyvoLGkThbYil1~Mn9CVc~uPKSH0Lle~D7ea2ZLtUjI5dBYiqGK~yJXI~j7IAOcCOlOnaCr7uDEKK~LVS2STQ3LBzZ64gSqPbP-4tipGDkJDIHxFVOIqdFyJiBBKbTuZa6kyzx56IitD1PTSHuiQ~TxCLEkgHV5bAB0XLxmsQjMllPPFlDcP-3tBWyUe6XWpOn0J4WM-sso2GgOEDzc~2gVGcohHKWVkV08AJEhj-KhIhx9MpXr4wlFvU~6QOGbSoMPvFDUi-fqmYSVgiQPfJISAQw9ygI9h-G78XWFMo~03wKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff told the Venus ISD Board of Trustees on April 21 the new artificial turf installation is complete and usable; remaining items include shipment and installation of goal posts and asphalt repairs the vendor will fix at its cost. Staff said electronics and the scoreboard were tested and working.

Trustees and staff discussed policies and operational steps to protect the surface and manage public use. Board members asked for clearer protocols so parents, community groups and external users know how to request and document facility use. District staff said current practice is to route facility use requests through the athletic director (Coach Bridal), collect insurance and a signed application, and that the district will provide a signed copy of the application or an emailed receipt to permit holders on request.

Staff said they will install signage stating the field is restricted without a permit, lock gated access when not authorized and notify Venus Police Department of trespass expectations. Officials emphasized a staged enforcement approach: initial warnings for students or residents found on the turf, escalating to trespass actions for repeated violations. Staff also said maintenance and cleaning procedures are in place: maintenance staff were trained on a field sweeper/cleaning device and the district expects routine pre‑game cleaning; vendor Hellas will correct damaged asphalt at its expense.

Why it matters: The turf field is a high‑use, high‑cost district asset. Board members asked the administration to produce a written protocol identifying (1) how users obtain permits and insurance; (2) who signs and carries proof of authorization; (3) after‑hours contact and enforcement steps; and (4) routine maintenance frequency and documentation.

Follow‑up/direction: District staff agreed to produce written facility‑use procedures (including signage language), provide a copy of signed permits to Venus Police Department on request and document scheduled maintenance to protect the turf’s lifespan.","Venus ISD staff reported the new turf field is complete and said goalposts and minor asphalt repairs remain; trustees and staff discussed access control, permits, enforcement and routine maintenance to protect the new surface.",{"_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},6583148,"Five‑year child nutrition audit finds one indirect‑cost reporting issue; district submits corrective action",354,13230030,13584460,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3075036-62f4dd3ef829e267ea62e2ad07412b71&start=13230&end=13584","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3075036-62f4dd3ef829e267ea62e2ad07412b71/thumbnail_13230030.jpg","/articles/6583148/Texas/Fiveyear-child-nutrition-audit-finds-one-indirectcost-reporting-issue-district-submits-corrective-action","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583148-fd9167fcf984876d6d60391142184713/orig.mp4?Expires=1771123716&Signature=a5BXWvoXb-gUwjEGF0jfMIqSal6KHTZr3gsyNrKJfQK65iswonCps8fYlmWzowjAMDH-EEXjsDkLkBuN4uKRYtzHcrBg5t9yKlyrrEHbQtApedu8Nc3B5uClNahLV2nOr9qTEbsvhjO8WCEQ-hUExe5qta-jaZ1FhE9r00yiDLek2QEZCSiGoUEWPSJU0IUQUKH1yszO3wNJ2Ud97whC5KsP8BroCmATKb~JB6EgRfh0luvr12NlljowZ-4n5Sjb40TwfYDLXqG3~u5sNwaSWrsjYlwvryfJBw37plFLiyf2k37KUyh88IphOL-UUiX7g0oxac2pdTeOXY6Wc~0bGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff reported the completed five‑year audit of the Venus ISD Child Nutrition program and an associated administrative review at the April 21 board meeting. The auditors reviewed procurement procedures, production records, menu documentation, on‑site monitoring, local wellness policy documentation, smart‑snack compliance and staff professional standards.

Administrator summary: The presenter (child nutrition staff) said there were no findings in most review areas but disclosed a single finding related to the indirect cost ratio applied to federal program expenditures. The presenter said Venus had not previously charged indirect costs to child nutrition. The auditor review found that the district’s approach to calculating and applying indirect cost charges did not conform to the auditors’ expectations for one fiscal decision the presenter made.

Details explained by staff: The presenter said district finance had applied an unrestricted indirect rate on ESSER funds previously and attempted to apply a mixed approach this audit cycle. Applying the full unrestricted rate to child nutrition would have moved $159,570 from child nutrition into the general fund (the presenter said that amount would have consumed much of child nutrition’s fund balance). Applying the restricted rate would have recouped $37,009.29. The presenter said she charged an intermediate amount ($78,858) based on her interpretation of permissible practice; auditors issued a finding for that approach. The presenter took ownership of the error, said the district submitted corrective action and stated that going forward the district will charge the restricted rate for federal programs where applicable.

Why it matters: Indirect cost charges reallocate federal program funds into the general fund to recover central administrative costs. The audit finding does not indicate misused funds, but the district will report corrective action and adjust its indirect cost practice going forward. The presenter said there is no fiscal note attached to the finding (no additional payment required), but staff will follow the auditors’ corrective instructions.

Board response: Trustees asked clarifying questions; the presenter reiterated acceptance of the finding and explained the corrective steps.

Ending: District staff said corrective action was submitted and the child nutrition review otherwise passed; the board received the report.","A five‑year administrative review of Venus ISD child nutrition records found no major programmatic findings but recorded one audit finding related to the indirect cost rate charged to federal programs; district staff accepted responsibility and filed corrective action.",{"_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},6583153,"Mentors Care coordinator reports student gains; junior says mentoring changed his outlook",552,7438560,7991110,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3075036-62f4dd3ef829e267ea62e2ad07412b71&start=7438&end=7991","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3075036-62f4dd3ef829e267ea62e2ad07412b71/thumbnail_7438560.jpg","/articles/6583153/Texas/Mentors-Care-coordinator-reports-student-gains-junior-says-mentoring-changed-his-outlook","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583153-95b0e550cea1580d93235ce65e2dc0b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771123716&Signature=V8f6wdyEajwa-61wsnK8gdb632vQB8gI5fhv05waIX9CgIqaeQgoH5Prxjz9hTnBYMQx9J8RINKEKTZqcbnEK26SXRBCwYXipK-KxU-xX4k5mX22Ze~z0-tLr-neUDqMW9igMgZkqCXJYgEgXHgGu7DzYHaMXRMdZk9MuyU~1yC5~IIWaamGWOLLUSgWtJ2Pjt95dAzE8L9rqacs-vCCNZU4e659R1vbUxSbhcUmDRqS~Ju7dpB3Q~07HdRSE90eMl-YViM7YtZSWHtkpygACPv7iCrtLl8d7y3283pj9UrdKaknpeFTR28L196KIqDZ9MOox~1uNci7MvSpTaiXPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the April 21 meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Venus Independent School District, representatives from Mentors Care described program results for Venus High School and the wider service area from August 2024 through January 2025.

Program staff said Venus has an on‑site coordinator, Nicole Weldon, who managed recruitment and matches. Mentors Care presented aggregated program statistics and local results, saying 75 students had been referred in January and 39 students had been matched with mentors; the district reported 44 mentors on record and noted Venus is one of the few partner districts with mentors waiting on a roster rather than students waiting for mentors.

Mentors Care reported improvements among students who participated: for example, 48 percent of students who identified self‑harm as an issue in intake reported that self‑harm was no longer an issue in a post‑match check; 30 percent of students who reported being bullied said bullying was no longer an issue. Staff said the program identifies students using TEA at‑risk indicators (attendance/grades/DAEP history) and additional school‑level factors such as motivation, lack of family support and social struggles. Staff also described the program’s “outcries” caseload (45 instances August–January) and direct help with basic needs (food, clothing, caps and gowns for graduation) and referrals to school counselors when issues exceeded the program’s scope.

Student testimony: Ethan Sanders, a junior at Venus High School who is in the Mentors Care program, told the board the match “helped me shed a new light on where I'm headed in life. … She made me look at school differently. I didn't think I wanted to go to college before this, but now I'm seriously considering community college.” He said his mentor gave him “options” he had not considered before and that peers often compare mentors positively.

Why it matters: Mentors Care provides one‑to‑one adult mentoring and coordination intended to improve attendance, behavior and graduation prospects. Board members and staff noted the program’s local volunteer base; Mentors Care reported volunteers contributed 3,535 hours across partner schools through January (the presentation said an average of 8 hours per volunteer in Venus and noted several mentors have higher hours totals).

Follow‑up/direction: District staff and Mentors Care said they will continue matching referred students, report program metrics, and supply any requested documentation on referrals and outcomes to the board. Mentors Care thanked the district leadership and said it hopes to sustain and grow the partnership.","Mentors Care staff told the Venus ISD board that mentors have been matched with students and reported improvements in bullying, self‑harm indicators and school engagement; a junior, Ethan Sanders, described how his mentor reshaped his plans for college and career.",{"_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},6583157,"Board approves grant contract, travel to nationals and multiple administrative items",334,12333275,12668115,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3075036-62f4dd3ef829e267ea62e2ad07412b71&start=12333&end=12668","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3075036-62f4dd3ef829e267ea62e2ad07412b71/thumbnail_12333275.jpg","/articles/6583157/Texas/Board-approves-grant-contract-travel-to-nationals-and-multiple-administrative-items","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583157-5b817a820b5b7320da77b7795d03f8aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771123716&Signature=U2CIuvGQvXJXPVXDRib-p3MQRgsDXYK1D0Hj8YPcqtliJq87-plryObKPOt4yqAhZRtYyoMu5903UECUJYHKhBqz8Vw0eA~dftUMKtJZ-iKZAUF2rhIDeZ1VYeZ~h~cqoJ4EDNZtORNSatQsNKv6e71msDtqzehjdc4qVbxgAqA8vztPje0TiTBWHEAMuI4tFxgxqH61Xy0YjzxQ-HdJjBYdhnfpRIyZniFF7E3dxHQ6OuO2uXWnTO2b0Z1VNxbdWShY9lU1AQqsLN5w8jIFKbaxFXeZNFdRmzKaXTg92qoYL2Dip2EV7BKTecIaKZk5vrcFNUWUE3TrwY349Agg-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Trustees of the Venus Independent School District on April 21 approved a package of administrative items including a state planning grant contract, out‑of‑state student travel for career and technical student organizations and routine financial and personnel resolutions.

The board voted to accept the Strong Foundations Planning Grant technical assistance contract with SustainED Leaders. The district reported the grant award total at $140,000 and said 50% ($70,000) of the award will pay the provider for a multi‑phase plan to develop a district math instructional framework across this school year and the next; the district said the provider selection was required by the Texas Education Agency grant process. A motion to approve the contract was made by Randall (board member) and seconded by Greg Hoffman; the board approved the proposal.

Trustees also authorized student travel for Technology Student Association (TSA) and Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) teams advancing to national competitions. The district indicated campus budgets (Miss Buck’s campus budget for TSA this year) cover the travel costs and no district budget amendment is required. A motion to approve travel was made by Randall and seconded by Amber Crafton; the motion carried.

The board certified the 2025–26 provisions of instructional materials required by the Texas Education Agency. The report announced two curriculum changes for next year: adoption of Amplify Texas for grades 3–5 (bringing K–5 into alignment with existing K–2 materials) and a secondary math change to Agile Mind for high‑school Algebra/Geometry/Algebra II courses; trustees approved the certification with a motion (mover not specified in the roll call) and a second by Donald Shaw.

Other routine actions approved included: adoption of the consent agenda; authorization to participate in the LOGIC investment co‑op and to reactivate the district’s TechStar investment account (amending the resolution); delegation to the superintendent authority to hire contract personnel from April 21 through Aug. 31, 2025; and approval of personnel matters listed on the agenda. All motions carried on voice votes; individual roll‑call tallies were not recorded in the meeting transcript.

Why it matters: The grant contract funds a districtwide project to develop a common math instructional framework and professional development timeline. The curriculum certifications govern which state‑approved instructional materials the district will report to the Texas Education Agency for 2025–26. Approvals for investment accounts expand options for managing district funds.

Votes at a glance
- Consent agenda: Motion by Kirby Sansom; second by Joe Russell; outcome: approved. Note: items on the consent agenda were not individually discussed in the transcript.
- Approve SustainED Leaders contract (Strong Foundations Planning Grant): Motion by Randall Buck; second by Greg Hoffman; outcome: approved. Grant award: $140,000; provider fee (50% per grant rules): $70,000 (paid from grant funds).
- Approve TSA/TAFE student travel to national competitions (Nashville, TN and other nationals): Motion by Randall Buck; second by Amber Crafton; outcome: approved. Funding: campus budget(s) cover costs this year.
- Certify 2025–26 provision of instructional materials (TEA form 2526): Motion (mover not specified in transcript); second by Donald Shaw; outcome: approved. Noted changes: Adopt Amplify Texas for grades 3–5; adopt Agile Mind for high‑school math courses.
- Approve participation in LOGIC local government investment co‑op: Motion by Randall Buck; second by Greg Hoffman; outcome: approved.
- Approve amending resolution to reactivate TechStar account: Motion by Kirby Sansom; second by Donald Shaw; outcome: approved.
- Grant superintendent authority to hire contract personnel 4/21/25–8/31/25: Motion by Kirby Sansom; second by Joe Russell; outcome: approved.
- Approve personnel matters (resignations, employment, contract amendments listed on agenda): Motion by Kirby Sansom; second by Randall Buck; outcome: approved.

Notes: The board used voice votes for these actions; the transcript reports movers and seconders for most motions but does not include a formal roll‑call voting record in the public minutes.","At the April 21, 2025 meeting the Venus ISD Board of Trustees approved a state planning grant contract for math instruction, authorized out‑of‑state student travel to national competitions and passed routine financial and personnel items on the consent agenda.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board certifies instructional materials; district to align K–5 with Amplify and adopt Agile Mind for high‑school math

District completes turf installation; board discusses signage, access, maintenance and enforcement

Five‑year child nutrition audit finds one indirect‑cost reporting issue; district submits corrective action

Mentors Care coordinator reports student gains; junior says mentoring changed his outlook

Board approves grant contract, travel to nationals and multiple administrative items