Category: Natalia ISD

Important issues discussed at Natalia School Board Meetings

Local schools still have 45+ job openings to fill before upcoming school year

Devine ISD
Elementary School Instructional Aide (PK-2)
Must meet ESSA ‘Highly Qualified’ requirements (48 college hrs./2 hrs. or attend TOPP training at ESC20) and local criteria. Must have knowledge of basic computer operations and skills; ability to operate personal computer and educational software; ability to work with students and teachers effectively; effective organization, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Intermediate School Assistant Principal (3-5)
Full Texas Administrator’s Certification; Assistant Principal’s experience preferred; T-TESS evaluator; working knowledge of elementary school curriculum and instruction; strong organizational skills; STAAR Test coordinator skills and an ability to evaluate instructional programs and teaching effectiveness; implement policy and procedures; and to interpret data as well as use a variety of software applications for data disaggregation.

Intermediate School Teacher (3-5)
Generalist EC-4 and/or 4-8 or Generalist EC-6 Bachelor’s degree with valid Texas teaching certificate; knowledge of curriculum and instruction; ability to instruct students and maintain highly structured and orderly environment; strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Intermediate School Instructional Aide (3-5)
Must meet ESSA ‘Highly Qualified’ requirements (48 college hrs./2 hrs. or attend TOPP training at ESC20) and local criteria. Must have knowledge of basic computer operations and skills; ability to operate personal computer and educational software; ability to work with students and teachers effectively; effective organization, communication, and interpersonal skills.

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Natalia ISD calls Special Meeting Oct. 10 to discuss personnel

The Agenda states: Notice of Special Meeting BOARD OF TRUSTEES Natalia ISD Notice is hereby given that on Thursday, October 10, 2024, the Board of Trustees of the Natalia ISD will hold a Special Meeting beginning at 7:30 PM at Natalia Junior High School, Cafeteria, 401 8th Street, Natalia, TX 78059.
Agenda Items 3. CLOSED SESSION A. Pursuant to Texas Government Code section 551.074 and 551.071 discussion and consultation with attorney regarding possible proposed termination of administrator term contract employee, Marshall Lee Myers. 4. OPEN SESSION A. Discuss and take possible action regarding possible proposed termination of administrator term contract employee, Marshall Lee Myers. 5. ADJOURN Dr. Lana Collavo Dr. Lana Collavo, Superintendent Eric Smith, Board President
Dr. Lana Collavo’s statement on behalf of the District: “Natalia ISD (“District”) is able to confirm that an administrator has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with established District procedure. While the District is unable to discuss specific personnel matters in public, the District can confirm that serious issues have been brought to the attention of District Administration that have been examined by a third-party, independent investigator, and there is an ongoing law enforcement investigation resulting from the same alleged actions of the administrator.  The third-party, independent investigator’s report will be considered by the School Board in closed session, and based upon the findings and recommendation of the District Administration, the Board may take action in open session.  The District is committed to handling this matter with integrity and will take any necessary, appropriate action to ensure that the District’s workplace remains a safe and comfortable working environment for all employees”.

Building project plans at Natalia ISD under development, meeting times to change

By Catherine Richard
The Natalia ISD Board of Trustees approved the 2024 tax rate, altered its meeting times and began planning extensive renovations and building projects for the 6:30 p.m. meeting on August 26 in the Junior High Cafeteria.
With the money yielded from the bond program, Natalia ISD will be building up its campus, adding two additional buildings and transforming one of the wings into a library and clinic area that will replace the current building.
Pfluger Architects, the company which has been planning the projects, was represented by Senior Project Manager Braden Haley.
These projects include a new entrance wedged between the two existing classroom wings, a new play area, the demolition of the current clinic and library building and the construction of a new 11 classroom space.
Natalia ISD voters approved the $17.4 million bond for elementary improvements and the $5.5 million bond for the baseball/softball projects.
Chief appraiser Norma Friddle opened the meeting with an opportunity for the public to put forth questions on the changed budget and the altered tax rate that were published in The Devine News. Maintenance and operation had a budget increase of 3.85%, debt service increased by 9.63% and total expenditures increased by 4.35%.

This increase is also seen in student enrollment, which rose from 1,257 to 1,296 this semester.
The 2024 total tax rate of 1.1574 was approved by the board.
The president of the Board of Trustees, Eric Smith, commented to the News, “As a board it was very important that we did not recommend a tax rate hike as everyone is already on very tight budgets.”
Smith also made a motion to change the meeting time to 7 p.m. This may be a temporary measure, but it will be tried for a few meetings to see if it is more compatible with the schedules of board members, school staff and the public.
There was some public participation in this meeting.
Dodie Maddox, the mother of a Natalia High School student, addressed the board with concerns regarding the accommodation for special need students.
Maddox cited the lack of class schedules and mistakes in the course walk as disruptive to the education of her child, for whom familiarity with the schedule and classrooms would have been helpful for navigating the school. She also mentioned that her child had been signed up for classes that he did not have the prerequisites for.
“What other procedures are not being followed?” Maddox asked.
Amanda Lopez briefed the board on the Natalia ISD Mentor Program, which is designed to train teachers who are new to the school and will begin in August.
Leticia Buenrostro presented on the federal programs and funding that have been used by Natalia ISD, including Title I, Title II, Title IV and Special Education.
The programs are used to “close the academic gaps and support students who are at risk,” said Buenrostro. This can be done through additional school materials or seeing to daily needs through meal programs.
ESSER II and III funds must be used by September. Both are a part of a subgrant that was given to support schools that were affected by COVID-19. They have been used to fund extra staff.
For the expansion and renovation of the baseball and softball complex, AGCM Inc. was chosen to manage the project.

Clarke earns Golden Owl Award

Natalia FFA Advisor Patrick Clarke, 2024 FFA Golden Owl Award winner, pictured here with his family.

State FFA Convention

Natalia FFA Advisor Patrick Clarke was the 2024 recipient of the Golden Owl Award at the 96th Annual Texas FFA Convention.
Natalia ISD FFA posted, “Words cannot describe our feelings on this one. Mr. Clarke was nominated by all of YOU for the Golden Owl Award. He was made an Area finalist because of all of your submissions, and WON! Mr. Clarke is so deserving of this award because he truly puts all of his students first. He has put in many countless hours at livestock shows, or driving across the state for CDE contests, and in the welding shop for his students. He always goes above and beyond for everyone! We are proud to have him as our advisor!”

Natalia Students Back to School events

Natalia Elementary Meet the Teacher is August 2, 5pm-6pm
School Starts on August 5th. For questions please call (830)663-4416 ext. 2000
NHS news
Natalia High School will be having Fish Camp July 30th for incoming freshman (Class of 2028) from 1:30-3:30. Visit Natalia High School or Natalia ISD facebook pages.

New Student Registration will be at the High School July 24-25 from 9am-6:30pm. There will be laptops available for family use. Returning students must complete the online registration packet. Parents may stop by during registration to drop off documents. Please call your campus if you are missing your password or are having difficulty with the registration process.

Local Student Graduates from Texas Boys State

Adam Terrazas of Natalia High School has graduated from the American Legion Texas Boys State.

One of hundreds of future leaders that assembled for the prestigious program spent a week at University of Texas learning about government
AUSTIN, Tex. – The American Legion, Department of Texas, today announced that Adam Terrazas of Natalia High School has graduated from the American Legion Texas Boys State.

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Class of 1974 Natalia High School 50 Year Reunion

The NHS Class of 1974 will be having its golden 50 Year Reunion on June 22nd at the Triple C Restaurant in Devine from 4 to 9:30 pm. The cost is $30 per person to cover the meal, beverage and appetizers. Pay upon entry in cash, by Paypal or Cashapp.
There will be awards, free drawing prizes, trivia about classmates and much more.
See our Facebook page: Natalia High School Class of 1974 or you can call Paul at (210) 378-8767.