The school district in Hunt County confirmed the picture was taken Tuesday. Liggins is currently serving as an area Superintendent for the Grand Prairie Independent School District. Nov 1, 2021. texasisd.com . High 79F. Personnel changes occurred in the Finance Department and the Human Resources Department, where practices had come into question. Please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see all of the great thingshappening across our district on a daily basis! Greenville ISD Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins said their investigation ended Friday. "There is a line that you just dont cross with children or families," the superintendent said. Greenville ISDs curriculum provides a wealth of opportunities both within and outside of the classroom. 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. Greenville ISD is an educational community that is focused on the success and growth of every student. 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), On The Radio is the theme of this year's floorshow, GISD moving forward with needed repairs/purchases. The board will be allowed by law to issue Liggins a formal contract in 21 days. 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. The report also found theres no record of how $54 million in bond money was spent, with no invoices or cancelled checks. 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. 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 . In a statement, Dr. Liggins said the district will report this to the State Board for Educator Certification, and "they will determine what action might be taken concerning her teaching certificate.". Liggins said the district encourages teachers to build relationships, but believes this incident was different. The Greenville ISD may become the focus of a criminal investigation after an external forensic audit found evidence of financial fraud, theft and misconduct. Sharon Boothe is Greenville ISD's Superintendent. There was a $3.8 million shortfall resulting from poor financial management in previous years. Sharon Boothe is Greenville ISD's Superintendent. 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. You can find the details HERE. 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. Sharon Boothe, who was named lone finalist for the position of superintendent of the Greenville Independent School District, leads a staff meeting. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. The Greenville ISD school board was made aware of this, by Dr. Liggins, weeks ago. During that time, he has introduced a number of innovative academic initiatives across the district and increased student achievement. 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. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). 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. Yesterday the Greenville Independent School District Board of Trustees approved Dr. Demetrus Liggins as its new superintendent. READ MORE. Liggins has been the superintendent in Greenville ISD since April 2017. 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. We will be discussing some of the findings in the audit and then it will be up to him to move forward with that as he sees fit.. [6], In December 2017, the Texas Association of School Business Officials found problems with the school district's finances. The district has a healthy fund balance that ensures fund availability in case of emergencies. GISD released the audit and followed its recommendations, which included additional changes in key personnel. Job Description Asst. [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". Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. In 2009, the school district was rated "academically acceptable" by the Texas Education Agency. It was just poor, poor judgement and an extremely inappropriate thing to do,"Dr. Liggins said. "Mr. Underwood has a proven track record as an outstanding leader with a deep understanding of how to develop systems that enhance learning experiences for our students and enhance performance for our organization," Superintendent Sharon Boothe said. 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. Granger's spouse, Demetrus Liggins, was superintendent in Greenville ISD at . The recommendation was for a special called meeting next week to decide whether or not to fire the teacher. She has called Greenville home for the last few years, which allows her to be closer to extended family. Partly cloudy. 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. [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. In the case of GISD, there have been questions dating back to 2014. "Greenville ISD is a great place to be.". "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 ISD Mar 2017 - Jul 2021 4 years 5 months. 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. Liggins graduated from California State University in Fresno with a Bachelor Degree in English Language and Literature. 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. "He has a unique gift for both big-picture thinking and meticulous attention to detail.". Monday was Liggins first day in the district. 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. "I personally dont believe there was any malicious intent or racial issue there. [17] The survey included benefits of the proposal, but it did not mention that taxes would be lower without it. Welcome to Greenville ISD! 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. 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. 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. 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. Superintendent's Office. 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. The mother of the boy in the photo said in a Facebook post that she did not want the teacher to be fired. As Deputy Superintendent, Mr. Underwood will be supervising a number of areas that are essential to the school system running smoothly. The GISD budget for 2021-22 is $50.5 million, more than 80 percent of which is devoted to paying our teachers and staff. 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). Yesterday the Greenville Independent School District Board of Trustees approved Dr. Demetrus Liggins as its new superintendent. [12][14] As of June 2018, the Attorney General will not release information about the audit until its investigation is complete. If the Board decides to call a bond election, every detail of proposed spending will be covered in future communications. These relationships only make the connections stronger. 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). Our goal is to have graduates that are ready for success in college and careers and prepared to compete in a complex global economy. 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.. [7] Residents urged the school board to do a forensic audit,[8] but Superintendent Demetrus Liggins initially did not think a forensic audit was necessary. Those include: Superintendent Sharon Boothe said Underwood is the perfect fit for this role. Greenville ISD has accepted the resignation of the teacher who took a picture of her foot on the neck of a student. Instead, the teacher submitted her resignation through her attorney. Superintendent of Finance. He has also served at the campus level as an assistant principal and principal. We have a balanced budget, an A financial rating from the state, top ratings from Moodys, and a AAA bond rating. Winds light and variable. He supervised and coached campus principals to enable them to effectively evaluate and improve student achievement while providing substantive professional development for school leaders. [6] Join the Conversation. "As superintendent, that is a . The district calledit "staged," but it suspended the teacher while it investigated. Ms. Greenville ISD adopted a tax rate that will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year's tax rate. Every one of GISDs trustees also fully supports the release of the forensic audit. 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. All rights reserved, Nonprofit's Narcan Happy Hour' to Raise Awareness on Impact of Opioids, Bishop Arts Neighbors Complain Development Site Is a Nuisance, 7 Bodies Found During Search for Missing Oklahoma Teens, Texas Gov. Boothe has served as GISDs Deputy Superintendent since 2017, and she is known as an innovative educator with a laser focus on student achievement. 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. Before beginning her career in education, she held the positions of Vice President of Distribution at Mary Kay Cosmetics in New Jersey, Vice President of Customer Service and Distribution at both Bell South Mobility and SOL Communications (currently T-Mobile). As you may know, the Board of Trustees is considering calling a bond issue for May. [16], In July 2018, the district ran a phone survey to gauge public opinion about tax swap and drop. Were doing everything we can to make absolutely sure that we are being stewards of the districts finances, said Liggins. I believe in providing a culture of collaboration among students, administrators, teachers, staff, and parents. He grew up in San Angelo and earned his bachelor's degree in Political Science at Texas Tech University and his master's degree at Texas A&M University Commerce. The committee met six times over the last several months to study and evaluate current and future needs and to develop a plan to address growth and facilities in support of quality education for our students. 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. GISD officials told the Herald-Banner that Dodson chose to leave to "pursue other career opportunities." Dodson could not be reached for comment Friday. 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. With 6,000 students, the school district in Hunt County has a budget of $48 million. Born the second child to an unwed teenage mother, Liggins credits his grandmother with teaching him to work hard without excuses and . Our students have various backgrounds, experiences, and speak many languages, which provide a rich and diverse cultural context for learning. 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. If you have any questions, please email communications@greenvilleisd.com. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. Dr. Rankin is a 1999 Sulphur Springs High School graduate who has lived in Hopkins County . Anonymous Tips. 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 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.. 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. We serve approximately 5,400 students on eleven campuses from Pre-K through high school. 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. Greenville ISD strictly enforces and follows student privacy preferences and release of student information as outlined in FERPA guidelines (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). [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". 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. 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. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. I want to go on record here: As superintendent of GISD, I fully support the release of the forensic audit. 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. Demetrus Liggins joined Greenville ISD as the Superintendent of Schools on April 1, 2017, after the Board of Trustees conducted a nationwide search for the districts next leader. Lakadren Moore is the boys aunt. Job Title: Asst. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. [15] The Texas Attorney General's office was asked to investigate the matter. 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. Serving as the superintendent of Greenville ISD is an honor that I do not take for granted. GREENVILLE ISD: Dr. Demetrus Liggins. I am honored that the Board of Trustees has selected me as the lone finalist, Boothe said. His responsibilities included overseeing a diverse portion of the district's campuses while focusing on curriculum and instructional program development, instructional technology enhancements and instructional budgets. It is natural that whenever there is a discussion around issuing bonds, our community properly demands increased scrutiny regarding money and taxes. 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. 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 She has played a key role in introducing initiatives to add to student choice and preparation for college, career and military service. 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. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. The family says the teacher told the boy if he didnt get his work done she would put her foot on his neck. In the spirit of transparency, GISD hired a forensic auditor to conduct an in-depth look at finances dating back several years. We strongly value relationships with families, community organizations, and businesses. During his tenure in Grand Prairie, the district experienced greater growth in student achievement than any other school district throughout Dallas County. 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. William Stewart has been named Greenville High School Principal for the 2023-24 school year! Brookins served time in jail, and Sanders was ordered by the court to pay restitutions. 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. 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. 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 . 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. 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. [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. He received his Masters Degree from Stephen F. Austin University and his Doctorate from the University of Texas at Arlington. We are preparing students to enter a world that is rapidly changing and growing smaller every day due to innovation and developments in technology. The recommendation was for a special called meeting next week to decide whether or not to fire the teacher. Ms. Boothe is a Texas native, born in Sulphur Springs. 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). Although I did not arrive in GISD until 2017, I will attempt to reconstruct that history based on information available to me. 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. She then served as a coach, teacher, and elementary principal at Como-Pickton CISD. 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. Mr. Underwood started his career in education as a Social Studies teacher at Wolfe City Middle School. Liggins comes to Greenville ISD from Grand Prairie ISD, a district of nearly 30,000 students, where he served as Area Superintendent. [20], In October 2018, the district was facing a lawsuit for allegedly violating First Amendment rights of residents. Welcome from the Superintendent Superintendent of Schools Dear Families, Welcome to Greenville ISD! I am proud to report that GISD is in excellent financial health. Several criminal investigations were conducted as a result, and two former GISD employees (Tevin Brookins and Ralph Sanders) were charged with theft. 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. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Whether it is in the classroom, on stage, or on our athletic fields, we hold all of our students to the highest expectations. Greenville Independent School District (Greenville ISD or GISD) is a public school district based in Greenville, Texas, United States. Since her arrival in Greenville ISD, Boothe has played a key role in designing strategies and practices that resulted in innovative initiatives to add to student choice and preparation for college, career and military service: Ms. Boothe is known for her commitment to exploring and explaining the "Why" behind every decision. That is something that were having done as a full audit to actually look at bond funds and to see if there is an issue at all, said Liggins. You have permission to edit this article. Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. 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. On April 17, then-superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins presented the forensic audit report to Hunt County District Attorney Noble D. Walker.