In this episode of "More Than a Test," host Jennie Tookoian sits down with Dr. Matthew Neighbors, the superintendent of Galveston Independent School District (GISD). With nearly two decades of experience in the district, Dr. Neighbors shares his personal journey, discussing the unique qualities of the Galveston community and the exciting educational initiatives under his leadership. The conversation delves into how GISD is embracing AI-powered learning tools, expanding academic opportunities, and addressing teacher retention challenges. Dr. Neighbors highlights the district's commitment to empowering students and fostering a culture of trust and resilience among educators. Tune in to discover how GISD is navigating the evolving landscape of public education in Texas and the innovative programs that make it stand out.Key Moments04:28 Free College and Job Opportunities08:18 Galveston's Resilient Historical Legacy12:29 "Building Trust with Principals"15:50 Midyear Student Feedback Survey Initiative16:39 Valuing Community and Maximizing Resources19:42 Galveston Teacher Incentive Program23:50 Inspiring Journey of a GISD Teacher28:19 AI Integration in Education Testing29:22 Effective Feedback Boosts Student Growth34:08 Integrated Student Support Database Pilot37:15 Survey Customization Feedback39:19 "Advancing Student Reading Levels"44:00 From Below Average to Top Graduate46:50 Eager for Solar Window Film50:09 Island's Recovery and Welcoming spiritConnect with Dr. Matthew NeighborsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-neighbors-edd-39014b31/Website: https://www.gisd.org/