GISD trustees recognize students, honor volleyball and color guard, adopt updated vision and mission, review bond progress

The Gonzales ISD Board of Trustees opened its first meeting of 2026 on Monday with campus recognitions, student organization spotlights, and several unanimous action items — including adopting updated vision and mission statements and reviewing continued progress on the district’s 2023 bond projects.

Board President Justin Schwausch declared a quorum with all seven trustees present. With no public comments, the board moved into recognitions from each campus.

Gonzales Primary Academy recognized student Kalia Hatley for her positivity and kindness, and staff member Stephanie Vela for her organization and welcoming demeanor. Gonzales Elementary honored second-grader Aaron Webb for effort, growth and leadership, and music teacher Carol Oakes for expanding fine arts opportunities through campus performances. North Avenue Elementary recognized student Abigail Martinez for consistently demonstrating “the Apache way,” and teacher Horton for professionalism and high expectations. Gonzales Junior High recognized student Lex Holmes for integrity, work ethic and a positive presence in the classroom, and staff member Staton for reliability and support across campus.

At Gonzales High School, trustees recognized the color guard for their performances and ongoing competitive work, and also honored staff member Scotty Upshaw for supporting the program and contributing to JV cheer.

Athletic Director Lyndon Hamilton introduced the 2025 varsity volleyball team and head coach Jenna Lamb, highlighting a season defined by growth, teamwork and resilience. Lamb praised the team’s composure through adversity and said the program is positioned well moving forward with most of the roster returning.

During Board Appreciation Month, students from multiple campuses thanked trustees with messages and student-made gifts.

Trustees then approved the consent agenda, including an agreement tied to a teacher alternative certification support program. The board also approved the annual interlocal agreement with the University of Texas at Austin for OnRamps dual-enrollment courses.

The board unanimously approved an application related to House Bill 2 implementation and certification requirements under District of Innovation guidance. District staff said Gonzales ISD currently has seven uncertified teachers serving as teachers of record in foundation areas who are enrolled in alternative certification programs, and the delay would support an orderly transition while maintaining instructional continuity.

Trustees also adopted the district’s current Lone Star Governance progress tracker points and approved the updated vision and mission statements developed through that process. The board adopted a vision focused on a thriving learning community where every student feels safe, respected and empowered to achieve academic success, and approved a mission centered on preparing future-ready students through high-quality instruction, supportive relationships, equitable learning opportunities and a safe learning environment.

In reports, administrators shared progress measures tied to early elementary reading and math growth, explaining how K–2 MAP data is being used to track movement out of the lowest performance bands and toward stronger academic benchmarks. Trustees also received the monthly update on the district’s voter-approved $50 million 2023 bond program, reporting spending at roughly 47% and continued progress on the CTE and ag facilities, security upgrades, and planning steps tied to upcoming HVAC work.

The meeting concluded with superintendent and board reports before the board recessed into closed session.