Parents praise Northwest ISD programs; one urges continued small-group dyslexia support

At the Northwest Independent School District board meeting, two residents used the public-comment period to thank trustees and highlight district programs.

Ashley Majors thanked trustees for the opportunities her son received in Northwest ISD, including enrollment in the Aviation Academy and earning a drone pilot license as a junior. “I’m just here to say thank you,” Majors said, and singled out teacher Mr. Neaves for playing a “pivotal role” in her son’s education.

Cindy Barksdale, a retiring educator who said she will leave the profession after 30 years, spoke about her daughter’s experience with dyslexia and the district’s MTA program. Barksdale described a years-long progression from not being able to read billboards to graduating with honors and nearly 30 hours of dual credit and more than $30,000 in scholarships. She urged the board to trust individualized instruction and smaller classes for dyslexic students. “Is MTA worth the money? … This mom says yes,” Barksdale said.

Board rules for public testimony were read aloud before the speakers took the podium; the board limits presentations to three minutes and asks speakers to refrain from naming employees or students in complaints.

The board did not take immediate action in response to either comment during the meeting; the superintendent and trustees thanked the speakers before moving on to the agenda.