Through the dedicated efforts of our administration team, we have successfully secured over $450,000 in grant funds that were not previously budgeted. These grants include funding for advancements in our CTE Health Science program, the JET Grant, and our recently announced LASO grant, which will provide academic advancement training for our incredible teachers. Additionally, our curriculum team is diligently working on securing future technology grants and initiatives that will have a direct and positive impact on student and staff success.
Beyond academics, we are prioritizing the safety of our bus riders. Our district is currently exploring systems that will allow students to check in and check out when riding the bus, providing parents with real-time information on their child’s location during transportation to and from school.
Another major focus for BGISD is energy efficiency. This initiative aims to upgrade our buildings and infrastructure to meet modern standards while reducing energy costs for the district.
Long-term facility planning is also a key priority, particularly as we look to prioritize our CTE programs. We are committed to offering services to the community through Health Science/Nursing, Ag Mechanics & Animal Science, Education Pathways, and Culinary Arts.
We want to take a moment to share an update on the district financial information of our school district. Currently, our fund balance stands at approximately four million dollars. As required by the state, school districts must maintain at least three months of operating costs in reserve, which equates to around three million dollars for our district. This reserve allows us to respond to unforeseen challenges while continuing to invest in the future of our students and facilities. A prime example of this was the recent hailstorm, where our district had to cover insurance costs, as well as our investment of over two million dollars in upgrading our HVAC systems to enhance our schools. Our district consistently strives to be responsible stewards of taxpayer funds while ensuring that we are prepared for unexpected needs.
We remain committed to continuously enhancing the learning environment for our students and staff, providing the best possible opportunities for success. I encourage all community members to explore our newly developed bond website at bgisdbond.com for detailed information. If you have any questions about the upcoming bond or any district matters, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
John Griggs,
BGISD Superintendent