The Katy ISD Board of Trustees hosted its first “Listening Circle” on September 11 at VFW Post 9182, 6202 George Bush Drive in Katy. Board president Victor Perez, joined by trustees Lance Redmon and Morgan Calhoun, met with community members who pre-registered to participate and share their priorities for public education.

This will be the first of four meetings, one held in each corner of the district, officials said. The feedback will give the Board more insight on the issues of common concern among District parents and provide space for greater civic engagement. District leaders will gather information from the meetings to draft an advocacy plan on issues that impact Katy ISD.

“Partnering with our parents and community is crucial for addressing student needs and shaping legislation that impacts Katy ISD classrooms,” stated Lance Redmon, Katy ISD Trustee and Board Legislative Committee Co-Chair. “This fall, we look forward to gathering the community's insights on education and legislative priorities as Trustees engage with different groups across the district.”

Community attendance was by pre-registration only; although over 130 signed up to attend, only about 35 community members actually attended, joined by a large number of Katy ISD administrators and staff.

The meeting was facilitated by Chief Communications Officer Andrea Grooms, who posed a series of “table top” discussion questions, leading to the setting of legislative priorities in advance of the 89th Texas legislative session.

Top legislative priorities expressed by community members included an increase in state funding, possible changes in the way the state funds schools (based on enrollment rather than attendance), more support for teachers, more vocational opportunities for students, changing the way state testing is done, guidelines for proper use of technology, recognition of “diverse learning needs” for special education students and better tools to deal with rapid growth in districts like Katy ISD.

The second listening circle was scheduled for September 18 after the Katy Times went to press for this issue. The remaining two meetings will be on September 25 and October 2 at locations to be announced. Board members will alternate at the meetings.