GISD celebrates Torres’ 40 years of service with district

The Gonzales ISD school board held its regularly scheduled meeting Monday, April 8 at the GISD Administration building.

The board celebrated one of their own at meeting; school board member Gloria Torres was recognized for her dedication to the school district as she has been on the board for 40 years.

“She’s an advocate for students, educators and community progress. Her belief in progress and her commitment to creating a brighter educational landscape has remained the focus of her leadership,” said Veronica Johannsen, chief of communications for GISD. “She knows that education is the cornerstone of a thriving community, and she continues to champion that cause.”

Torres received the Legacy Lifetime Achievement Award from the school district at the meeting.

In other board business, the board went over the proposed date for the 2024-2025 proposed budget and tax rate meeting.

The board approved Monday, Aug. 26 for the budget and tax rate meeting at 5:30 p.m.

GISD Police Chief Greg Brooks spoke to the board, seeking approval of two agenda items — a Justice Assistance Grant and Bullet-Resistant Grant for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.

If awarded the Justice Grant, the funds from the grant will purchase four body-worn cameras and in-car cameras, along with a video storage and upload system, Brooks said. This would allow GISD officers to video all students, parents, and citizens for accountability and evidence-gathering in criminal investigations, Brooks added.

If awarded the Bullet-Resistant Shield Grant, it will fund the purchase of bullet-resistant shields for district police officers.

“This would provide safety equipment for the officers to use during an active shooter threat on any of our campuses or school district facilities,” Brookes said.

The board unanimously approved both agenda items.

The board also approved a resolution authorizing the sale of real property, Including Possible Approval of the Purchase-Sales Agreement with C3 Investments, LLC.