COLLEGE STATION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

JOINT MEETING WITH CITY OF COLLEGE STATION CITY COUNCIL

March 7, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.

Transportation Center Training Room

A. CALL TO ORDER

President Valerie Jochen called the meeting to order at 6:25 p.m. and declared a quorum was present with seven members present.

B. DECLARATION OF QUORUM

In attendance were President Valerie Jochen, Vice President Paul Dorsett, Secretary Jeff Harris, Trustees Randall Pitcock, Carol Barrett, Garland Watson and Kimberly McAdams.

C. WORKSHOP SESSION

C-1. Consideration, discussion and possible action regarding school financing and College Station budget

Superintendent Eddie Coulson presented information and led discussion regarding school financing and the CSISD budget. Dr. Coulson reported that the 2011-2012 budget has a $2.5M deficit. The 2012-2013 projected budget has a projected $4.6M deficit. CSISD will have over a 9% reduction in per pupil funding comparing the 2010-2011 school year and the 2012-2013 school year. CSISD will draw upon its $35M fund balance. Due to the opening of Greens Prairie Elementary in 2011-2012 and the opening of College Station High School in 2012-2013, the deficit budgets were planned. Additionally, $4.5M has been reduced from the budget to accommodate for new buildings and associated costs.

CSISD, as well as over 500 Texas school districts, are participating in a school finance lawsuit. The lawsuit accuses the state of:

· Funding is not ADEQUATE for the expectations of state and local communities have for school districts

· The current system has allowed a de facto state wide property tax where local school districts have no meaningful discretion

· The current system is arbitrary; thus, by its very nature cannot be an efficient system of funding

Dr. Coulson discussed that the way forward is: community involvement; legislators that will support public education, regardless of party affiliation; a sustainable system that provides funding to prepare all students for post-secondary education; and CSISD will host a community forum on 3/29/12 at 6:30 p.m.

Jeff Kerstens, City of College Station Financial Director, discussed the City budget.

C-2. Consideration, discussion and possible action regarding an update on the construction of College Station High School as well as current and/or future capital projects

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Clark Ealy, Deputy Superintendent for Administrative Services, who updated the board and council regarding construction projects. A&M Consolidated High School will be updated and logistical issues dealt with beginning Summer 2012. The scope of the update will include: Career & Technology – STEM and Computer Maintenance, Art – 3 studios, Special Education – Life Skills/CASL Independent Living Suite, Library Exterior – seating, Electrical/HVAC , Front Entrance Facade, Testing office and storage, book room and custodial office. Phase II will occur Summer 2013 and will include a student commons area and library work. Dr. Ealy presented an updated related to the construction of CS High School. The project is still in budget and still on schedule for completion in June 2012. The project has surpassed 88% completion at this time.

Chuck Gilman, City of College Station Capital Projects Director, presented information and gave a brief update related to Barron Road, Victoria Avenue, South Koll Utility Rehab – to upgrade water and sewer and roads, Creek View Park and Hike & Bike Extension. Discussion occurred.

C-3. Consideration, discussion and possible action regarding the disbursement of Wolf Pen Creek Tax Increment Financing funds

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Deputy Superintendent Glynn Walker who presented information regarding the disbursement of TIF funds. Because of the State of Texas Public School Funding scheme, CSISD will have to send the refund money to the state, but will not be charged interests and penalties.

C-4. Consideration, discussion and possible action regarding an update of the State Assessment Program (STAAR) and end of course exams

Superintendent Eddie Coulson reported related the State Assessment Program (STAAR) and end of course exams. Discussion occurred. A set of sample questions were reviewed.

C-5. Consideration, discussion and possible action regarding statistics on CSISD demographics and programming

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Deputy Superintendent for Administrative Services Clark Ealy who presented information and led discussion related to statistics on CSISD demographics and programming. He reviewed CSISD projected enrollment growth by school level with new campus projections through 2021-2022, enrollment history by student group since 2001, enrollment trends and shared a map of CSISD showing real estate currently owned by CSISD and showing where students live. Discussion occurred.

D. ADJOURNMENT

Without objection, President Jochen adjourned the workshop at 8:30 p.m.

PRESIDENT SECRETARY