After the Snook School Board promoted Kimberly Giesenschlag as the district’s new superintendent, the district then had a vacancy in the Director of Curriculum & Instruction and Federal Programs position.
On Monday, during the board’s regular monthly meeting, the position was filled with the hiring of Lucy Chalker.
Chalker has over 20 years of experience in elementary and secondary education as a teacher, instructional coach and most recently as the Associate Dean of Instruction, and Project Manager for Texas A&M University’s College of Education and Human Development.
During her stint in education, she has led initiatives that strengthen instructional leadership and educator development, according to Giesenschlag.
Giesenschlag said, “Lucy is excited to take on the role of Director of Curriculum and Instruction and Federal Programs for Snook ISD, where she will continue her commitment to educational excellence and empowering educators to drive student success.
Chalker was hired after the board reconvened after meeting in closed session to discuss her hire.
In other business, the board:
* Was told that the district has applied for two LASO 4 grants.
Learning Acceleration Support Opportunities (LASO) is a single, consolidated application that combines grants, allotment, and in-kind supports, bundled around strategies to accelerate academic gains.
LASO Cycle 4 offers 15 opportunities focused on curriculum and instruction, educator training, more time and innovative school models.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is awarding an estimated $500 million that will support approximately those 15 different initiatives to support learning acceleration and innovation.
From TEA’s website, it is anticipated that 350- 475 applicants will be awarded grants ranging from $235,000 to $1,500,000 per school system -- based on the formula that corresponds to the school system’s year of entry, specifically the LIFT (Leadership & Instructional Foundations for Texas) and Preparing and Retaining Educators Program (PREP) Allotment: Mentorship Program.
* Was told that the district passed its safety audit pertaining to its exterior doors.
* Was given an update from the Snook Education Foundation by Dr. Lauren Williams.
Dr. Williams told the board that she was recently elected as the foundation’s new president, and the other new board of directors included Jamie Hardin, vice president and secretary, Justin Lewis, treasurer, and Kayle Shutt, director.
Dr. Williams said that the foundation raised over $13,000 through Brazos Valley Gives, and hopes that more teachers will apply for education grants through the foundation for the fall 2026 semester.
* Was told that the May 2026 trustee election will be for the seats currently held by Adam Janac and Joey Withem.
* Accepted donations from: Burleson County Cops for Kids, $500 for Angel Tree; Snook Booster Club, for powerlifting.
* Was told that district enrollment was 586 students.
The next board meeting will be Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 6:30 p.m.