In a concerted effort to deepen their understanding of the operational needs and challenges within the Victoria Independent School District (VISD), members of the Board of Trustees have embarked on an extensive tour of district facilities. This initiative, which builds on previous tours conducted in September 2023 and reflects the Trustees' January 2024 expression of interest in visiting more campuses and facilities, is a continuation of the Board's commitment to closely examine the conditions of campuses. It underscores their proactive approach to maintaining and enhancing educational environments.
The tour included stops at several campuses, beginning with Aloe Elementary, where Trustees observed significant improvements in progress. Here, they inspected the ongoing roofing and HVAC projects via live drone video and reviewed the current state of playground facilities. This visit was particularly insightful as it highlighted both the immediate facility needs and the steps being taken to address them.
The journey continued at FW Gross Early Childhood Center, which has recently transitioned part of its campus into a professional learning center for the district. During their visit, Trustees stepped into a classroom to observe students engaged in a lively educational activity, illustrating the vibrant learning that occurs daily within our schools.
At Shields Elementary, the Board conducted a thorough walkabout, assessing the status of restrooms, wall panels, and HVAC systems. Shields has undergone various transformations throughout the years - shifting from an open breezeway campus to being enclosed. They also reviewed the areas marked for roofing repairs scheduled for the upcoming summer, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to creating safe and conducive learning environments across all campuses.
A notable stop was at the VISD Success Academy, where the Trustees explored the DAEP (Disciplinary Alternative Education Program) classrooms and credit recovery facilities. This visit provided an opportunity to interact with students who are on tailored paths to success, demonstrating the district’s dedication to meeting diverse educational needs.
Lunch at Hopkins Elementary offered a unique chance for Trustees to sit and engage with students, gaining firsthand insight into how the youth perceive their educational experiences and facilities.
The tour also included Torres Elementary, one of the district's newer campuses at 15 years old. Trustees met with an HVAC technician who shared insights on the maintenance of chillers and building coils, showcasing how the district extends the lifespan of crucial equipment way beyond its shelf life.
The final leg of the tour brought the Trustees to Patti Welder Middle School, where they visited Building C. Known informally as the "dead zone" due to its lack of central HVAC, this area still supports learning in a limited number of classrooms through the use of portable AC and heaters in selected rooms. Observing the personalized learning environments within the sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade classrooms, Trustees could see the adaptability in teaching methods and the resilience of our students and staff under less-than-ideal conditions.
This series of visits not only allowed the Trustees to assess the physical state of each campus but also to understand the tangible impact of facility conditions on student learning and staff performance. It reaffirmed the critical importance of their roles in not just governance but in being actively informed advocates for all district stakeholders.
Through these hands-on visits, VISD Trustees are setting a precedent for proactive leadership and commitment to ensuring that our schools are not only places of learning but spaces where every student can thrive. This engagement is vital as we continue to navigate the complexities of educational needs and facilities management in our pursuit of excellence in education.