Gonzales ISD earns top financial rating, celebrates success on and off the field 

GONZALES — Gonzales ISD trustees met Oct. 13 to review district progress, hear construction and finance updates, and celebrate what Superintendent Dr. Dana Arreola called a season of “great things happening in GISD—on the field and in the classroom.” 

Chief Financial Officer Amanda Smith reported that Gonzales ISD once again earned a “Superior” (A) rating under the Texas Education Agency’s Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas for 2024–25 — the highest rating available. The designation, based on 2023–24 fiscal-year data, reflects continued accountability and fiscal strength. 

Smith said the district closed fiscal year 2024 with an actual deficit of about $2.5 million, an improvement of more than $1.6 million from what was budgeted. She credited new administrative procedures and operational efficiencies for cutting costs while maintaining classroom resources. “We’ve shown what can happen when efficiency and accountability come together,” Smith told trustees. Auditors will complete fieldwork next week, with the annual financial report expected in December. 

Dr. Arreola also commended district athletes and coaches for their recent success, noting the effort she sees from students daily. “Huge shout-out to all of our student athletes who are doing a phenomenal job,” she said. “We’re on a winning streak—go Apaches.” 

The board approved the consent agenda 4-0, with three members absent, and took action on several items. Trustees nominated Ross Hendershot for the Caldwell County Appraisal District Board of Directors for the 2026–27 term, approved performance objectives calling for a three-percent improvement in student growth, and granted an easement to Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative to provide power to the new Career and Technical Education and Agriculture Barn project. A vote on the 2025 tax roll was tabled while the district awaits information from the state. Trustees also approved participation in the Lone Star Governance program, which aligns board and district goals to improve student achievement. 

Project Manager Casey Sledge told the board the 2023 bond program remains ahead of schedule. About $16.8 million of the $50 million bond has been spent so far, with the CTE building and Ag Barn showing visible progress. Framing and masonry are nearly complete, parking-lot forms are in place, and furniture procurement has begun. The district still retains nearly all of its $1.17 million contingency fund. Sledge credited Weaver and Jacobs for efficient work and quick response to recent HVAC issues at the high school. 

In addition to the CTE and Ag Barn, districtwide security camera installations are more than 90 percent complete, new playgrounds and LED lighting have been installed, and roof repairs at the high school and junior high were completed at no cost by Roof Connect. 

Trustees also briefly discussed preliminary ADA accessibility improvements at Apache Stadium, with early planning underway and a priority list being developed to guide future projects. Possible lighting upgrades at Gonzales Elementary were also discussed, with trustees agreeing to explore more cost-effective options in coordination with the City of Gonzales. 

Dr. Arreola announced that Amanda Sanchez has been promoted to communications and community engagement specialist and is already coordinating outreach efforts such as Community Connections meetings, National Night Out on Oct. 20, Red Ribbon Week from Oct. 23–31, and a Nov. 3 beam-signing ceremony at the CTE facility. She also thanked staff and volunteers for supporting students during the Come and Take It parade and said the district plans an appreciation event recognizing community partners. 

Earlier in the evening, the board honored teachers and students from each campus for leadership and academic excellence and recognized all GISD principals in observance of Principal Appreciation Month. 

The district will continue monitoring its construction timelines, financial performance, and academic growth goals as it moves into the second quarter of the school year.