She has been with GISD since 2017 as Deputy Superintendent. Mr. Underwood is returning to GISD, where he previously worked for seven years in several leadership positions including Chief Leadership Officer and Assistant Superintendent of Operations. Our faculty and staff understand that each child is unique and develops academically, socially, and emotionally at different rates. Dr. Liggins received his Bachelors degree from California State University, Fresno and a Master of Education degree and Superintendent Certification from Stephen F. Austin State University. His responsibilities included overseeing a diverse portion of the districts campuses while focusing on curriculum and instructional program development, instructional technology enhancements and instructional budgets. A 10-year-old Black student at Lamar Elementary School in Greenville was seen in a picture with a foot on his neck. Greenville ISD adopted a tax rate that will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year's tax rate. Nov 1, 2021. texasisd.com . Greenville is a community that is rich in traditions, history and pride, and during the last five years in which I have had the privilege of serving on the GISD leadership team, I have been inspired to see that sense of pride continue to flourish. "As superintendent, that is a . The statement from Superintendent Demetrus Liggins came about 18 hours after news broke about the lawsuit, which alleges that a child attending the KGJ STEM Academy in Greenville ISD was sexually assaulted by another student twice on campus and that school and district officials failed to report the first incident or protect the child from the The District called the Attorney Generals office on January 19, 2022 to request that the forensic audit be released; we were told that officials would review the status of their work and provide us with an update by the end of the month. According to the family, the boy and other students said she would not and he got on the ground, and thats when the picture was taken. Liggins was the one and only applicant for the position and now after the 21 day waiting period the district has made Liggins a formal offer and approval of acceptance. The audit focused mostly on, and it found most of it was in payroll, where there had been some financial improprieties, said Liggins, who joined the district in April 2017. There have been several public information requests filed for release of the forensic audit. PREVIOUS STORY:Greenville ISD teacher suspended for photo showing her foot on Black students neck. Boothe is a true expert in the field of teaching and learning, and she shines as a leader, GISD School Board President Trena Stafford said. As superintendent of schools for Hempstead ISD, I am committed to innovation and constantly seek new ways to engage with our school community. Monday was Liggins first day in the district. Throughout his career he has developed a reputation for having high expectations for success and being aneducational leader who is passionate about reaching our youth and providing an environment for students to thrive in school and in life.. Greenville ISD Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins said their investigation ended Friday. Liggins comes to Greenville ISD from Grand Prairie ISD, a district of nearly 30,000 students, where he served as Area Superintendent. The drum line, cheerleaders and Flaming Flashes greeted the guests with fanfare. We realize that our financial house has to get in order, said Dr. Demetrus Liggins, GISD superintendent. Greenville Educational Enrichment Foundation, Clear Bag Policy for GISD Athletic Events, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC), Police Department and Student Engagement Officers, Texas Academic Performance Reports (TAPR), Texas Performance Reporting System (TPRS), Wes Underwood has been named Greenville ISD's Deputy Superintendent of Administration, Security (in partnership with the GISD Police Department). Boothe has served as GISDs Deputy Superintendent since 2017, and she is known as an innovative educator with a laser focus on student achievement. Greenville ISD is an educational community that is focused on the success and growth of every student. She is a consensus-builder who appreciates this fine community, and we are proud to name her as the lone finalist for the post of superintendent.. Several criminal investigations were conducted as a result, and two former GISD employees (Tevin Brookins and Ralph Sanders) were charged with theft. The Hunt County District Attorney said he will most likely refer the forensic audit to the Greenville Police Department to begin what could become a criminal investigation. The family says the teacher told the boy if he didnt get his work done she would put her foot on his neck. Superintendent of Finance. She is committed to providing all students with an outstanding education, regardless of their ability, race, language, or family income, with opportunities and experiences to become successful, productive students and citizens. Join the Conversation. [17] The survey included benefits of the proposal, but it did not mention that taxes would be lower without it. The recommendation was for a special called meeting next week to decide whether or not to fire the teacher. The districts current deficit is approaching $3 million, and thats on top of a $6.4 million shortfall last year. In the interim, Barbara Price will act as Superintendent for the district. Texas Association of School Business Officials completed a 52-page procedural audit that detailed the problems in the Finance and Human Resources Departments. Greenville Junior/Senior High School Home of the Indians 117 Grand Street, Greenville, CA 95947 Ph: (530) 284-7197 x2101 | F: (530) 284-6710 246 Alder Street, Quincy, CA 95971 Ph: (530) 283-6557 | F: (530) 283-6085 Transcript Request State law requires a 21-day waiting period after a school board names a lone finalist before the future school superintendent can sign a contract. She then served as a coach, teacher, and elementary principal at Como-Pickton CISD. Greenville ISDs curriculum provides a wealth of opportunities both within and outside of the classroom. Jun. Welcome from the Superintendent Superintendent of Schools Dear Families, Welcome to Greenville ISD! I want to go on record here: As superintendent of GISD, I fully support the release of the forensic audit. Although I did not arrive in GISD until 2017, I will attempt to reconstruct that history based on information available to me. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). I am excited to be back in Greenville ISD and continue working to positively impact students and families to set a foundation for success, Underwood said. Underwood is known for his genuine heart and a leadership style that others want to follow, which will serve him well in his new position. The National School Public Relations Association recently named Greenville ISD's superintendent, Dr. Demetrus Liggins, as one of its "24 Superintendents to Watch." The NSPRA selects superintendents for the honor who have fewer than five years of experience as a superintendent, but who have shown "fast-paced leadership" and strong communication. Our students have various backgrounds, experiences, and speak many languages, which provide a rich and diverse cultural context for learning. During the 2017-18 school year, GISD faced a serious budget crisis. Updated: 11:23 PM CDT April 28, 2022 FORT WORTH, Texas Fort Worth Independent School District Superintendent Kent Scribner is recommending that a teacher be fired after a video involving a. Superintendent Sharon Boothe released the following statement amid social media scrutiny: Photo: Submitted Superintendent Sharon Boothe released the following statement amid social media scrutiny: Serving as the superintendent of Greenville ISD is an honor that I do not take for granted. He received his Ph.D. in K-16 Educational Leadership from University of Texas at Arlington. In todays real talk letter to the community, I want to focus on the commitment that the Board of Trustees and I have to managing taxpayers dollars with care and transparency. GISD released the audit and followed its recommendations, which included additional changes in key personnel. August 4, 2022 Wes Underwood has been named Greenville ISD's Deputy Superintendent of Administration. [16], In July 2018, the district ran a phone survey to gauge public opinion about tax swap and drop. Greenville ISD Jun 2019 - May 2020 1 year . I believe in providing a culture of collaboration among students, administrators, teachers, staff, and parents. Greenville ISD adopted a tax rate that will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year's tax rate. A native of Longview, Texas,Dr. Liggins is known asa man of integrity and substance who leads with a laser focus on student achievement, a compassion for students and staff, and a fierce determination to make a difference, stated school officials. In 2009, the school district was rated "academically acceptable" by the Texas Education Agency. After reviewing the documents, Mr. Walker decided to avoid any potential conflicts of interest in carrying out the criminal investigation and requested that the Texas Attorney Generals Office conduct the investigation and go forward with the prosecution of any former or current employees of GISD alleged to have participated in instances of theft, fraud, or misconduct. With 6,000 students, the school district in Hunt County has a budget of $48 million. Please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see all of the great thingshappening across our district on a daily basis! From there he served as the Elementary Principal for the Corsicana ISD and then Middle School Principal for the Mansfield ISD. Greenville ISD plans to name an interim chief financial officer in February after confirming that Sherry Dodson, who had been assistant superintendent for finance, resigned earlier this month. High 79F. First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Granger's spouse, Demetrus Liggins, was superintendent in Greenville ISD at . Anonymous Tips. TABSE Partners Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney *Aldine ISD Dr. Anthony Mays Alief ISD Anthony Jefferson *A. W. Brown Leadership Academy Dr. Shannon Allen Beaumont ISD Mr. Travis Fanning *Bellville ISD Dr. Tiffany Spicer Buna ISD Dr. Thyron Hurst Calvert ISD Dr. Gerald Hudson *Cedar Hill Dr. Tory Hill Channelview ISD Lamond Dean Chappell Hill Brandon . It is natural that whenever there is a discussion around issuing bonds, our community properly demands increased scrutiny regarding money and taxes. It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the superintendent of the Greenville Independent School District. Looking back in history, GISD voters passed a bond in 2014 that paid for the projects listed in the chart above: All those projects are completed, and the expenditures are listed in detail in this report. The Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent of Communications or designee shall be the official spokesperson for Greenville ISD. . These relationships only make the connections stronger. Family Health Connection. Brookins served time in jail, and Sanders was ordered by the court to pay restitutions. The Greenville ISD Board of Trustees named Interim Superintendent Sharon Boothe as the lone finalist to serve as the next superintendent for the district at its Aug. 26 special meeting. We serve approximately 5,400 students on eleven campuses from Pre-K through high school. . The Greenville Independent School District may become the focus of a criminal investigation after an external forensic audit found evidence of financial fraud, theft and misconduct. Personnel changes occurred in the Finance Department and the Human Resources Department, where practices had come into question. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. The mother of the boy in the photo said in a Facebook post that she did not want the teacher to be fired. If the Board decides to call a bond election, every detail of proposed spending will be covered in future communications. Greenville ISD adopted a tax rate that will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year's tax rate. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Boothe has served as GISD's Deputy Superintendent since 2017, and she is known as an innovative educator with a laser focus on student achievement. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). The Greenville ISD Board of Trustees named Interim Superintendent Sharon Boothe as the lone finalist to serve as the next superintendent for the district at its Aug. 26 special meeting. Superintendent Demetrus Liggins has signed and accepted the contract that the Greenville Independent School District Board with no change to his annual salary. During a public forum, the auditor reported concerns with the actions and financial practices of the previous administration. Sharon Boothe is Greenville ISD's Superintendent. During his tenure in Grand Prairie, the district experienced greater growth in student achievement than any other school district throughout Dallas County. [11] According to the investigator, "former GISD officials engaged in cronyism, misappropriation of payroll assets, misconduct to include mismanagement and abuse of position, and theft by gift of tax payer monies". Welcome to our community and I encourage you to take full advantage of our many high quality academic and extracurricular offerings. As superintendent, that is a priority of mine to insure that if one cent is missing that we find it and we recover it for our students.. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Liggins graduated from California State University in Fresno with a Bachelor Degree in English Language and Literature. [15] The Texas Attorney General's office was asked to investigate the matter. We are preparing students to enter a world that is rapidly changing and growing smaller every day due to innovation and developments in technology. Our goal is to have graduates that are ready for success in college and careers and prepared to compete in a complex global economy. He over-sees 11 campuses including; South Grand Prairie High School, 3 middle schools, 6 elementary schools, and the Marshall Leadership Academy. During that time, he has introduced a number of innovative academic initiatives across the district and increased student achievement. GREENVILLE ISD: Dr. Demetrus Liggins. The school district in Hunt County confirmed the picture was taken Tuesday. [9] In early 2018, the school board hired an investigator to perform a forensic audit. Greenville ISD plays a critical and integral role in the community. She saidher nephew told them the teacher called him out for acting out in class. "Its a matter of dignity that should be in place with all of our students, and I personally think that line had been crossed.". Greenville, Texas, United States . On behalf of the faculty, it is my great pleasure to share our commitment to provide the highest quality educational experiences for all of our students. Board members on Jan. 10 unanimously voted to offer Liggins a five-year extension, meaning that he will be the superintendent of the district until June 30, 2024 under his new contract. He is the proud father of one son, a 16 year-old high school junior. GREENVILLE, Texas - Greenville ISD has accepted the resignation of the teacher who took a picture of her foot on the neck of a student. Dr. Rankin has 18 years of experience in education, and before arriving in Miller Grove, she served as both a teacher and coach at Greenville ISD and Sulphur Springs ISD. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Greenville ISD teacher suspended for photo showing her foot on Black students neck, White Settlement police looking for armed group stealing from cars, Texas House bill would require college athletes to compete as gender assigned at birth, Dallas 7-Eleven shooting victim loses eye, crushing chances to join the Navy, Shocking details revealed during 'Doomsday mom' Lori Vallow's murder trial: Live updates, Watch: Surprised principal darts after bear pops out of school dumpster, 7 bodies found during search for missing Oklahoma teens, US to end most federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates next week, LEGO unveils new Star Wars sets ahead of May the 4th. For now, the forensic audit itself remains under wraps, but Liggins plans to share the full report with the Hunt County District Attorney on Tuesday. [19], The proposal was narrowly approved, with 4,161 (52.39%) people voting in favor of it and 3,776 (47.61%) people voting against it. Calendar. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. His philosophies are; I am a passionate educational leader who believes in providing a safe and inviting learning environment that promotes academic achievement for all students. I am honored that the Board of Trustees has selected me as the lone finalist, Boothe said. A detailed bond issue proposal was presented during the Jan. 18 board meeting by Citizens Advisory Committee co-chairs John Kelso and Sonya Cathey, who represent a large committee of parents, grandparents, campus staff, community members, business owners, church leaders, and others. Focus on Education - Hunt County News Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. "I personally dont believe there was any malicious intent or racial issue there. They were welcomed to Greenville High School by seniors Joel Luna and Bentley Love. Ms. Boothe is a Texas native, born in Sulphur Springs. Caddo Mills ISD Superintendent Luke Allison has said Proposition A was to pay for a new elementary school in the Trailstone subdivision, a new intermediate campus, additions to the high school. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Liggins has demonstrated his commitment towards education throughout his career by serving in the positions of bilingual and ESL classroom teacher, assistant principal, elementary, middle and high school principal and as an area superintendent of schools. The district deleted comments on its Facebook page that were unfavorable to the district, including comments by a former school board member. Partly cloudy. He is also superintendent who cares for all and enjoys sharing the teaching experiences with all who will . In October 2018, the district updated its website to include this extra information. Greg Abbott Faces Backlash as Search for Mass Gunman Drags On, Canadian Folk Singer Gordon Lightfoot Dies at 84, Post-Military Life Can be Challenging for Texas Veterans and Their FamiliesThese Resources Can Help. In the case of GISD, there have been questions dating back to 2014. Lakadren Moore is the boys aunt. However, we are bound by law to follow the directive of the Attorney General, whose office has ruled that the audit should not be released because of pending criminal investigations. Instead, the teacher submitted her resignation through her attorney. Mr. Underwood started his career in education as a Social Studies teacher at Wolfe City Middle School. Every one of GISDs trustees also fully supports the release of the forensic audit. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. Greenville ISD Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins said their investigation ended Friday. Sharon Boothe , Interrim Superintendent, Greenville ISD , has been named New Super of Greenville ISD . There was a $3.8 million shortfall resulting from poor financial management in previous years. The recommendation was for a special called meeting next week to decide whether or not to fire the teacher. She has played a key role in introducing initiatives to add to student choice and preparation for college, career and military service. Prior to coming to Greenville, she has served as Elementary Principal, Middle School Strategist, Dean of Instruction at Grand Prairie ISD, and Executive Director of Special Education. Job Title: Asst. Send Us Your News. Greenville ISD has accepted the resignation of the teacher who took a picture of her foot on the neck of a student. Students have opportunities to engage in STEM activities beginning in elementary school and building into robotics, computer science, and design courses at the middle and high school levels. She received her bachelor's degree in Business from the University of Texas at Arlington and her Master's in Education Administration and Superintendent Certification from Lamar University. The district calledit "staged," but it suspended the teacher while it investigated. "Greenville ISD is a great place to be.". [21] After the district apologized, the legal challenge was rescinded.[22]. I would describe the proposal as a nuts-and-bolts plan that focuses on renovating and replacing aging facilities and expanding learning opportunities for students. The boys teacher texted it to his mother this week, the same day Derek Chauvin was convicted for George Floyds death. The Greenville ISD school board was made aware of this, by Dr. Liggins, weeks ago. Prior to coming to Greenville, she has served as Elementary Principal, Middle School Strategist, Dean of Instruction at Grand Prairie ISD, and Executive Director of Special Education. Dr. Rankin is a 1999 Sulphur Springs High School graduate who has lived in Hopkins County . Superintendent Demetrus Liggins, who has led the Fayette County Public Schools since July 2021, is a seasoned educator with more than two decades of teaching and leadership experience. She has been with GISD since 2017 as Deputy Superintendent. "There is a line that you just dont cross with children or families," the superintendent said. As you may know, the Board of Trustees is considering calling a bond issue for May. [10], In April 2018, the investigator announced that he could not find proof of payment for "$54 million out of the $72 million bond approved by voters in May 2014". Those funds are completely separate from bond funds. [12][13][14] Days later, the school district board directed the superintendent to "report all alleged acts of misappropriation, whether outlined in the forensic audit or not, to the appropriate law enforcement". [6] The report also found theres no record of how $54 million in bond money was spent, with no invoices or cancelled checks. This page is not available in other languages. Born the second child to an unwed teenage mother, Liggins credits his grandmother with teaching him to work hard without excuses and . Dr. Demetrus Liggins, Superintendent, Greenville ISD (Greenville ISD) Meantime, GISD Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins, (pictured right) told the WBAP/KLIF newsroom that his initial thought upon seeing the photo that it is "disturbing." He says that he immediately got the district's human relations office involved to conduct an . If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. The district has a healthy fund balance that ensures fund availability in case of emergencies. Greenville ISD Interim Superintendent Sharon Boothe was selected Thursday as the lone finalist for the position of superintendent by the district's Board of Trustees. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. 3Greenville High School and the Katherine G. Johnson STEM Academy at Crockett Elementary School will both host open houses on the campuses next Tuesday, in which members of the community. We serve approximately 5,400 students on eleven campuses from Pre-K through high school. Meanwhile, they found trustee Rhonda Davis-Crawford was hired in an administrative role in Greenville ISD in mid-2020. Sharon Boothe, who was named lone finalist for the position of superintendent of the Greenville Independent School District, leads a staff meeting. Our goal is to develop and support learners who are prepared to think critically and creatively, problem solve, and are flexible and adaptive to our changing world. Ms. She is active in the community, where she is a member of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, Greenville Rotary Club, and Child Advocacy Center. He has also served at the campus level as an assistant principal and principal. On behalf of the faculty, it is my great pleasure to share our commitment to provide the highest quality educational experiences for all of our students. Winds light and variable. [18] In August 2018, the district school board proposed a tax swap and drop measure, to be approved by voters in the 2018 midterm election (November 6, 2018). Liggins steadfast goal is to provide all students, regardless of their learning style, race, language, ability, or family income, with opportunities and experiences to become successful, productive students and citizens., Dr. In 2009, the school district was rated "academically acceptable" by the Texas Education Agency. Follow Superintendent Liggins on Twitter @DrLiggins, Lone Oak ISD names Morrow as new high school principal || Content sponsored by Quality Care ER, Greenville High School Robowranglers wins their division at World First Robotics Competition, GISD moving forward with needed repairs/purchases || Content sponsored by Quality Care ER, King Charles III coronation: watch the ceremony as Britains monarch is crowned, Authorities offer $80,000 reward for Texas mass shooting suspect, Hunt County Sheriffs Office make methamphetamine arrest in Quinlan, City of Greenville receives distinguished budget presentation award. Dr. William Stewart has been named Greenville High School Principal for the 2023-24 school year! By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Yesterday the Greenville Independent School District Board of Trustees approved Dr. Demetrus Liggins as its new superintendent. [6], In December 2017, the Texas Association of School Business Officials found problems with the school district's finances. Both the School Board and the new superintendent, who started in 2017, were committed to finding out what went wrong and how to correct the errors that led to the problems initially. She has one son and two grandsons. You have permission to edit this article. [5], Travis Elementary School was a 1987-88 National Blue Ribbon School. There are so many things that make the Greenville community special, and the one that always speaks to my heart is the pride in our schools.. Liggins was the one and only applicant for the position and now after the 21 day waiting period the district has made Liggins a formal offer and approval of acceptance. "He has a unique gift for both big-picture thinking and meticulous attention to detail.". [5] Travis Elementary School was a 1987-88 National Blue Ribbon School. Greenville Educational Enrichment Foundation, Clear Bag Policy for GISD Athletic Events, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC), Police Department and Student Engagement Officers, Texas Academic Performance Reports (TAPR), Texas Performance Reporting System (TPRS). Liggins comes to Greenville ISD from Grand Prairie ISD, a district of nearly 30,000 students, where he served as Area Superintendent. As Deputy Superintendent, Mr. Underwood will be supervising a number of areas that are essential to the school system running smoothly. King Charles III coronation: watch the ceremony as Britains monarch is crowned, Authorities offer $80,000 reward for Texas mass shooting suspect, Hunt County Sheriffs Office make methamphetamine arrest in Quinlan, City of Greenville receives distinguished budget presentation award, Lone Oak ISD names Morrow as new high school principal || Content sponsored by Quality Care ER. It was just poor, poor judgement and an extremely inappropriate thing to do,"Dr. Liggins said. I believe in the power of positive relationships and mutual respect between teams including faculty, students, parents, community, and all stakeholders with an interest in the academic success of our students., Lone Oak ISD names Morrow as new high school principal || Content sponsored by Quality Care ER, Greenville High School Robowranglers wins their division at World First Robotics Competition, GISD moving forward with needed repairs/purchases || Content sponsored by Quality Care ER, King Charles III coronation: watch the ceremony as Britains monarch is crowned, Authorities offer $80,000 reward for Texas mass shooting suspect, Hunt County Sheriffs Office make methamphetamine arrest in Quinlan, City of Greenville receives distinguished budget presentation award.