Argyle ISD outlines Phase 1 and Phase 2 staffing proposals, including new elementary supports

At a March 2 workshop, administrators presented staffing proposals split into phases and described how the hires fit into the district's budget planning.

Doctor Daniel (presenter) said Phase 2 is information-only at this point and listed priority additions for elementary and central-office staffing. "The Dean of Student Support, that is a position for three of our elementary schools," he said, adding that Hilltop already has the role and that the district wants to expand it to three more campuses because it has made a significant impact.

He identified additional roles the district is proposing: testing specialists at the high school, campus support aides to provide flexible coverage when substitutes are unavailable, a fine arts administrative assistant to handle planning and travel, and an additional band position at the GMS feeder because band participation has been "increasing." On central-office needs he said the district wants to restore an accountant position and create a director of staff, student and learner services to manage residency, grievance tracking, student-teacher placements and parent/principal communication.

Administrators said Phase 1 positions (previously identified as the most critical to fill quickly and to staff Gibson Middle School) are within the current budget; they will present exact dollar amounts before a Phase 2 funnel is proposed.

Why it matters: Staffing decisions are the largest part of the district's expenditure base (administrators said roughly 81% of the budget is staffing-related). Expanding student-support and special-program positions influences classroom coverage, special education services and operational capacity as new campuses open.

Next steps: Administrators plan to return March 23 with the same proposals unless changes occur and to bring Phase 1 for formal approval (which the board approved later in the meeting). If the board commits to opening configurations for Legacy High School, administrators said commitments from families will be needed by September and October to allow timely staffing.