COLLEGE STATION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING

CSISD Board Room

December 12, 2006

7:00 p.m.

 

A.  CALL TO ORDER

President Tim Jones called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

B.  DECLARATION OF QUORUM

President Tim Jones declared a quorum was present with seven members.  President Jones, Vice-President Mary Broussard, Secretary Randall Pitcock, Trustees Charlotte Slack, Marc Chaloupka, Garland Watson and Steve Aldrich were present.  M. Broussard left at 8:09 p.m. and returned at 8:11 p.m.  Watson left at 9:20 p.m. and returned at 9:21 p.m.

 

C.  RECOGNITIONS

C-1.  Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, the Texas Flag, and a Moment of Silence

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Pebble Creek Principal Nancy Thornberry who recognized Second Grade Teacher Sandra Hay.  Ms. Hay introduced second grade students who led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas Flag, and a Moment of Silence. 

 

Ms. Hay introduced Second Grader Isabela Cruz-Vespa, Kate Gray, and Shlok Mohanty.

 

C-2.  Recognize Campus Artwork Displayed

The art collection displayed in the Board Room was provided by art students at Pebble Creek Elementary, taught by Art Teacher Julie Zapalac and by art students at Rock Prairie Elementary, taught by Art Teacher Karen Dean.

 

C-3.  Staff

a.  Texas Monthly Recognition

The December 2006 issue of Texas Monthly listed 574 high performing Texas schools as determined by the National Center for Educational Accountability.  Four College Station ISD campuses made the list:  AMC High School, AMC Middle School, Oakwood Intermediate School, and Rock Prairie Elementary School.  The Austin-based National Center for Education Accountability evaluates schools differently than the Texas Education Agency.  THE NCEA compares the performance of campuses with schools of similar demographics (enrollment, percentage of economically disadvantaged students, and percentages of students by various ethnicities).  Campuses are rated on their TAKS performance in Reading/English Language Arts, Math, Writing, Science and Social Studies and how those scores compare with their peer campuses are designated as High Performing.  To ensure that consistently high performing campuses are selected, NCEA selects campuses based on the last three years of data, not just one year.

 

On behalf of their respective campuses, recognition was accepted by Principal Ron Fox, Principal Chris Scott, Principal Jane Rankin, and Principal Carl Dethloff.

 

C-4.  Students

a.  Cross-Country State Meet

Both the boys and girls teams finished in the top seven at the State Cross Country Meet.  The boys team finished third with defending state individual champion Duncan Phillips leading the Tigers with a second place finish.  The lady Tigers took seventh, placed by Annabelle Everitt’s Top 20 individual finish.  Congratulations to:  Ben Jeter – 33rd place, Jorell Laube – 44th place, Duncan Phillips – 2nd place, Jordan Pierce – 75th place, Josh Rychlik – 104th place, Chris Schuett – 62nd place and Daniel Tomkins – 16th place on the Boys team.  Congratulations to:  Jennifer Barrick – 102nd place, Kenda Carroll – 92nd place, Annabelle Everitt – 19th place, Morgan Hartmann – 88th place, Sally Hays – 22nd place, Katy Williams – 103rd place, and Keri Wood – 62nd place.

 

b.  AMC High School Robotics Team

Every fall semester the AMC High School Tiger Robotics Team competes in a competition known as B.E.S.T. (Boosting, Engineering, Science and Technology).  The program provides an opportunity for students to learn about and experience the engineering processes, team work, problem solving, and strategy.  The team is given six weeks to design and build a robot from a box of random supplies and gadgets provided by B.E.S.T.  Aside from building the robot, the team must create a business marketing scheme which includes a notebook, oral presentation, and a team promotional booth that explains our robot from conception to competition.  On October 28th the team competed in the regional Brazos B.E.S.T. competition and qualified to go to the Texas B.E.S.T. contest hosted in Lubbock, Texas.  In Lubbock the Robotics Team earned the third place Best Webpage award and third place in B.E.S.T. the top award for overall engineering.  Teacher Bart Taylor congratulated and recognized students:  Philip Adams, Chris Ballentine, Christie Birmingham, Johan Benjamin, Antonio Bermudez, Saum Chaudhuri, William Chen, Heidi Clarke, Katheryn Cunha, Tad Duncan, Carl Fitz, Rachel Flores-Meth, Elyssa Grant, Sean Grant, Brent Green, Stephen Green, Alex Gross, Sarah Guermond, Jimmy Hemmer, Steven Hess, Kyle Hobson, Michael Howard, Justin Hsu, Henry Inovejas, Andrew Jarrett, Sandeep Kancharla, Mac Kelly, Joshua Klein, Eddie Koslosky, Alex Liu, Frank Liu, Cody Martz, John Mayo, Wesley McDougal, Travis Milam, Kathryn Miller, Cody Mirth, Anthony Mulenga, Jake Oberg, Ignacio “Iggy” Olivera, Sean Osier, Ben Peacock, Frank Pei, Katie Prochaska, Shaofeney Qian, Frank Raushel, Aadil Razvi, Will Rooney, Michela Schulthies, Indrajit Sehbi, Rahul Srivastava, Tori Teel, Kasey Tucker, Miguel Urbina, Michael Walpert, Becca Yasskin.

 

D.  SUPERINTENDENT

D-1.  Consideration and Discussion regarding Planning For Growth

Superintendent Eddie Coulson reported the status of the Planning For Growth effort and led discussion related to the district’s next planning steps as they relate to the district’s growth.

 

Over the past year, CSISD has worked toward developing a list of current capital needs.  The work has included a Planning for Growth II Committee that was comprised of community members and staff members, as well as the work of the CSISD Board of Trustees and the CSISD Administration.  Based on the work that has been done, the following list of projects has been identified as needs:

·        CSISD Elementary School Number Seven

·        Demolition and reconstruction of College Hills Elementary

·        Renovations to the athletic facilities, including both field houses and the athletic stadium

·        Renovations and/or additions to current facilities, including but not limited to:

o       Renovations to the Career and Technology classrooms at AMCHS

o       Addition of a fine arts classroom at CSMS

 

E.  BOARD

E-1.  Board Directions and Reports/Announcements/Superintendent Report

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Bryan Bryant, the new Assistant Principal for Oakwood Intermediate School, effective January 2007.  He also announced that Becky Burghardt, the new Coordinator for Assessment and previous Oakwood Intermediate School Assistant Principal, will begin her new duties as Coordinator for Assessment after Winter Break and will be housed at Central Office in the Curriculum & Instruction Offices.

 

President Tim Jones noted that the format for the December meeting is different by not having a Workshop prior to the Regular Board Meeting.  Trustees are trying a different format and will send feedback to Mr. Jones.

 

CSISD will experience an early release day on Friday, December 15, 2006.  Venture, LEAP, and New Leaf will be released at noon.  AMC High School, Middle School campuses, and Intermediate School campuses will be released at 12:45 p.m.  Elementary campuses will be released at 1:30 p.m. Central Office employees will be released at 3:00 p.m.

 

F.  HEARING OF CITIZENS (Non-Agenda Items)

None

 

G.  HEARING OF EMPLOYEES (Non-Agenda Items)

Bobby Slovak, CSISD employee, addressed the trustees regarding his support of the construction of a new high school and requested projections regarding the high school growth.

 

H.  CONSENT AGENDA

Agenda Item I - Approval of Minutes – October 25, 2006 Workshop Minutes, November 20, 2006 Workshop Minutes, November 20, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes, November 29, 2006;  Agenda Item K – Personnel:  Agenda Item K-1:  Consider approval of Resignations; Agenda Item K-2: Consider approval of Employments; Agenda Item L – Business & Operations: Agenda Item L-5: Consider approval of Monthly Financial Reports – reports covering the period of November 1-30, 2006;  Agenda Item L-6: Consider approval of Monthly Budget Amendments – Amendments covering the period since last Board Meeting. 

 

MOTION 3755:  I move approval of the Consent Agenda, as presented.  The motion was made by Trustee Marc Chaloupka and seconded by Trustee Garland Watson.  The motion passed with seven ayes and zero nayes.

 

J.  CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

J-1.  Consideration and Discussion regarding the 2007-2008 School Calendar

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Executive Director for Accountability & Planning Clark Ealy who reviewed the calendar process with the Trustees and updated them as to the progress regarding the 2007-2008 school calendar.  The calendar issues are challenging during a normal planning year, but for the 07-08 school year, it seems more so.  The Texas Legislature passed a bill mandating that school cannot begin prior to the fourth Monday in August and eliminated any waiver process to start earlier.  As a result, the 07-08 school calendar will look different than CSISD calendars have in the recent past.  DEIC has developed four calendar options and is in the process of gathering feedback on this options.  The district has also developed a web-based survey (in English and Spanish) to gather feedback from more staff, parents, and community members.  The survey may be accessed at www.csisd.org.

 

J-2.  Receive Report related to new High School curriculum standards

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Greg McIntyre, Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Personnel, who reported information to the trustees related to new High School curriculum standards adopted by the State Legislature.  The standards will significantly impact students beginning with the students that are currently in Eighth Grade.  In a world where we are trying to increase options for kids, the Legislature has just significantly limited options for kids.  By increasing the number of math and science credits to four that would be required for students to graduate with a plan other than the minimum requirement plan, the decision has prescribed 26 of the 28 possible earned credits for high school students.  This would limit participation in extra-curricular activities, fine arts, athletics, career tech, etc.  Students could free up credits for other activities and interests through summer school, correspondence courses and dual credit courses.  CSISD trustees and staff are concerned that all families can not afford extra expense.  Trustee Garland Watson stated that the overall impact of this decision is discriminatory. 

 

University admission processes to universities require that students show participation in extra-curricular activities, clubs, leadership roles, etc. for acceptance.  This decision greatly impacts this process.

 

Discussion occurred regarding the need for a future workshop to address the need for a formal Board Resolution addressing this issue.

 

J-3.  Consider approval of new courses at AMC High School for the 2007-2008 school year

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized AMC High School Principal Ron Fox who reviewed potential new course offerings at AMCHS for the 07-08 school year with the trustees.  The consideration of new courses at the high school is the result of input based on new curricular requirements from the State Board and input based on student needs and interests.  The new courses are:

 

Physics: Principles of Technology (PTI) – This class uses a unique approach to the concepts of physics.  Students study the four energy systems through the use of technology and hands-on activities.

 

Principles of Science and Math – PSM is designed to reinforce math and science skills necessary for success in Algebra I and Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC).

 

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) – AVID is a nationally-recognized program designed to give students who ordinarily would not be in rigorous, academic, college-preparatory classes the opportunity to take such classes and the support necessary to succeed in them.  Students participate in lessons on note-taking, study skills, test taking, time management, SAT/ACT exam preparation, effective textbook reading, and library research skills.  Tutors are provided during the class period and work with individual students on the Pre-AP/Honors course work and other college preparatory skills.

 

Vocal Ensemble – This class is designed for students who have achieved the highest level of musicianship, vocal development and music reading skills. 

 

Introduction to Veterinary Assistant Technology (INVETECH) – This course develops knowledge and skills pertaining to the area of veterinary technician assistance.  It is a laboratory-oriented course that gives students hands-on experience in areas such as setting up and running diagnostic tests, techniques used in surgery practices, keeping client records, as well as the study of employer/employee relationships.  Certification can be obtained.

 

Introduction to Media Technology (IMT) – This course is a laboratory-oriented course that provides students with an understanding of the various careers in the media and communications fields.

 

MOTION 3756:  I move approval of new courses at AMC High School for the 2007-2008 school year, as presented.  The motion was made by Trustee Marc Chaloupka and seconded by Trustee Steve Aldrich.  The motion passed with seven ayes and zero nayes.

 

L.  BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS

L-1.  Consider approval of the Quarterly Investment Report for the three months ended November 30, 2006.

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Deputy Superintendent for Business and Operations Mike Ball who reported to the trustees regarding the Quarterly Investment Report.  The Public Funds Investment Act (The Act) requires that a quarterly report of all District investments be provided to the Superintendent and Board of Trustees.  The Act further requires that each investment officer receive at least ten hours of continuing education in investment responsibilities.  Both Michael Ball and Paul Jackson have complied with that requirement.

 

MOTION 3757:  I move approval of the Quarterly Investment Report for the three months ended November 30, 2006, as presented.  The motion was made by Trustee Steve Aldrich and seconded by Vice President Mary Broussard.  The motion passed with seven ayes and zero nayes.

 

L-2.  Consider approval of the audit report on the Annual Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2006

Deputy Superintendent Mike Ball recognized Paula Speiglehauer with the firm of Patillo, Brown & Hill, L.L.P., Certified Public Accountants, who has conducted the annual financial and compliance audit for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2006.  The firm rendered an unqualified opinion which is the highest opinion you could receive.

 

MOTION 3758:  I move approval of the audit report on the Annual Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2006, as presented.  The motion was made by Trustee Steve Aldrich and seconded by Trustee Marc Chaloupka.  The motion passed with seven ayes and zero nayes.

 

L-3.  Consider Competitive Sealed Proposals for Energy Management Systems for College Station Middle School and Rock Prairie Elementary School

Deputy Superintendent Mike Ball reported to the Board that funds were provided in the current year capital projects budget for the replacement of the energy management systems at College Station Middle School and Rock Prairie Elementary School.  Two responses were received from the solicitation for proposals as required by statute.  One response did not comply with the specifications.  The other response exceeded the amount budgeted for the project.  CSISD Administration recommends that trustees reject the proposals received.

 

MOTION 3759:  I move to reject all proposals received for Energy Management Systems for College Station Middle School and Rock Prairie Elementary School.  The motion was made by Trustee Steve Aldrich and seconded by Trustee Charlotte Slack.  The motion carried with seven ayes and zero nayes.

 

L-4.  Consider updated Interlocal Agreement for the Texas Local Government cooperative (Buyboard)

Deputy Superintendent Mike Ball reported that College Station ISD is a member of the Texas Local Government Cooperative.  This cooperative is also known as the BuyBoard.  The District has been operating under an agreement with this entity that was executed in 1998.  The BuyBoard has requested a new agreement be executed by all members that more appropriately reflects its current operations.  Membership in this purchasing cooperative enables the District to purchase items that have already been subjected to a competitive bidding process by the cooperative.

 

MOTION 3760:  I move approval of the updated Interlocal Agreement for the Texas Local Government Cooperative (Buyboard), as presented.  The motion was made by Trustee Marc Chaloupka and seconded by Vice President Mary Broussard.  The motion carried with seven ayes and zero nayes.

 

O.  ADJOURNMENT

Without objection, President Tim Jones adjourned the meeting at 9:38 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                           

TIM JONES                                                                RANDALL PITCOCK

PRESIDENT                                                              SECRETARY