Long-Range Planning Committee

A: The addition of more programs depends on several factors. If there is an obvious need or the interest level of students is high, Gilmer ISD is always looking to offer programs that best meet the needs of students. Offering more programs also comes with decisions. The cost of adding the program must be considered as well as how the addition impacts the overall participation in other programs. You also need to have an employee with the appropriate credentials to teach the intended courses.

A: Raptor is a closed notification system on the emergency side and will only send information to authorized employees and 9-1-1 dispatch. We use ParentSquare for any data release to parents.

A: Certain events may be difficult to “train” the community on common terminology, but school events could certainly be used to disseminate information or use public service announcements to educate the public.

A: Gilmer ISD currently uses our annual budget as well as grants to make facility improvements. However, this money is only enough to make minor improvements or to maintain current facilities. Large scale, or capital improvements, which require large sums of money can only be obtained through an increase in taxes after voter approval in a bond election.

A: Ideally, we would like the committee to make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees in December of 2026. We will use the meetings between now and then to evaluate all options and develop a timeline for how to address the needs impacting Gilmer Schools. Decisions will be made gradually at each meeting of the committee.

A: While CTE space in the future is a need, it is not necessarily the largest need for space. Classroom space at Bruce Jr. High School and Gilmer Intermediate would also be a very high priority.

A: Grade 5 could only be moved to the Elementary if more space is added or created at Gilmer Elementary or at another facility such as Gilmer Early Childhood Center. Adding space to Gilmer Early Childhood Center would allow you to re-locate Kindergarten and then Grade 5 could be moved down to the Elementary with the newly created space. Grade 6 could only be moved to Bruce Jr. High if more space is added or created at Bruce Jr. High.

A: Kindergarten could only be moved to Gilmer Early Childhood Center if additional classrooms were added to the facility. Space on the site was designed at the Early Childhood Center to allow for this option if/when it became necessary.

A: With the exception of portable buildings located behind the Elementary, all classrooms, including all other portables, are contained within perimeter security fencing. Each classroom has its own door which is required to remain locked during school hours. In addition, campus security frequently patrols the campus. While secure, any classroom space not located within the main building is more vulnerable.

A: Gilmer High School does not necessarily need to expand and only looks to expand with additional programs when there is a need or when there is high student demand. Current programs are facing space concerns as we are beginning to outgrow our welding facilities, and we would love to offer an auto shop that does not require our students to walk across the street for class.

A: The most pressing issue impacting our school facilities is classroom space at Bruce Jr. High and Gilmer Intermediate. Equally pressing would be roof replacement and HVAC replacement at Bruce Jr. High, Gilmer Intermediate, and Gilmer Elementary.

A: Re-configuration of grade levels is a consideration, but reconfiguration alone will not solve the challenge of growing student enrollment. Adding additional classroom space combined with re-configuring grade levels is a viable option.

A: Gilmer ISD provides ongoing cybersecurity training for all employees and routinely includes the education of our students in this process. Gilmer ISD also maintains an Interlocal Cooperation Contract with the University of Texas at Austin, and we work closely with the Region 7 Educational Service Center. Additionally, the district is a member of the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center which provides threat assessment and threat notification.

A: The age of the building combined with a lack of classroom space to accommodate a growing enrollment make Bruce Jr. High School a concern. However, the school does not necessarily have to be replaced. Expansion and re-modeling are certainly options. Facility Condition Index studies need to be examined to weigh the costs between the feasibility of re-modeling vs. replacing the building. In either scenario, the costs associated with the work would necessitate a bond election. Discussion of a bond election is an option that this committee would consider.

A: Barring an extremely generous donation to the school district, the only way to raise the funds needed to address the capital improvements needed is through a bond election.

A: Long-term plans will require more space to accommodate growing student enrollment. However, having multiple campuses for Bruce Junior High  and Gilmer Intermediate may not be necessary. Adding additional classroom space at one or more of our campuses may be more feasible. Constructing one large campus could also provide a solution. This would more than likely include a re-configuration of grade levels served on each campus.

A: Gilmer ISD will provide guidance on how the committee can keep community members informed about our facility needs. We will use surveys, town hall meetings, school related functions, social media, and a dedicated location on our website to keep transparency at a premium.

A: Gilmer ISD only hires fully certified drivers who have completed all necessary training and licensure. They also participate in on-going training throughout the school year. Our mechanics have implemented a preventative maintenance program designed to repair issues on our busses before they become bigger issues. This keeps our buses running safely on their routes. Our school buses also contain GPS to monitor location, and the buses also contain video cameras capable of monitoring activity in and around the bus. Gilmer ISD also routinely buys new buses to replace the ones that have reached the end of their service cycle.

A: Gilmer High School ensures that each student become a “completer” in at least one career pathway while also earning an Industry-based Certification. We are currently working with ETEX to offer fiber optic modules for our students who are interested in that career path.

A: Currently, the need/demand for a swimming pool is not remarkably high.

A: Some of our Life Skills students use the same bathroom facilities that all students utilize. For students that need more privacy and additional help, the bathroom in the nurse’s office is utilized. There is a need for additional or updated facilities where the needs of these students could be addressed within the classroom and without having to transition them to the nurse’s office.