Dr. Strozier touts progress, servitude at Gonzales Noon Lions

Gonzales Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Strozier spoke to the Gonzales Noon Lions on Monday, just in time for the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year, which starts next Monday (August 21).

Strozier started with a plug for the GISD "Stuff the Bus" events happening 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. today (Tuesday, Aug. 15) at H-E-B and 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 17, at Walmart. The annual event is to collect school supplies for the entire district. The supplies are then divided and split between campuses, so that students who are at an economic disadvantage may start the school year with the items they need.

She spoke briefly about the recent Teacher Convocation and said the district welcomes back about 450 employees.

"About half of those employees teach, are instructional paras to assist us or administration; and the other half — well it takes that many to run a school district," Strozier said.

According to Strozier the district has hired about 25 new teachers, leaving just one opening to fill.

Campus alignments are holding steady. Strozier said Gonzales Primary has room to grow and growth has been steady.

"It is interesting to note we are beginning this year with as many students registered today as we had at the close of last year," Strozier said. "We are not finished with registration yet, so anyone new is evidence of growth."

According to Strozier the districts number are: "Over 200 in every grade level, with the exception of Pre-K and kindergarten – and then sometimes you'll see a drop in the senior class but I don't expect that to happen this year – so we're looking at just under 3,000 students."

Strozier said the district has many benefactor types, who like to see progress and benevolence.

"I think it speaks well to the sponsorship in our schools that we promote servitude in the community," she said. "One of the big gifts that was given by our students was by our cheerleaders to the hospital, for women who cannot afford mammograms. The have given thousands of dollars – $5,000 recently, bring their five-year total to almost $30,000."

Early Act First Knight is a program Strozier said continues to gain momentum, teaching younger students – grades one through four – how to serve and give back.