COLLEGE STATION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES WORKSHOP MEETING
Administrative Conference Room
April 15, 2008
5:00 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER
President Tim Jones called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. with six members present.
B. DECLARATION OF QUORUM
President Tim Jones, Vice President Mary Broussard, Secretary Randall Pitcock, Trustees Garland Watson, Charlotte Slack and Steve Aldrich were present. Trustee Marc Chaloupka arrived at 5:07 p.m.
C. WORKSHOP SESSION
C-1. Receive Report from Don McLeroy, State Board of Education Board Member
President Tim Jones welcomed State Board of Education Representative Don McLeroy. As part of Trustee Charlotte Slack’s Leadership TASB course, trustees are encouraged to meet with elected officials and representatives. Trustee Slack arranged for Rep. McLeroy to meet with Trustees. Rep. McLeroy explained that the State Board of Education implements what legislators pass. Discussion occurred.
C-2. Discussion related to CSISD staff compensation
Discussion occurred. Trustee Charlotte Slack expressed her desire to invest in teachers and results (accountability ratings) will come. Trustee Slack discussed incentives such as National Board for Certification, increasing the Masters stipend, etc.
Trustee Steve Aldrich commented that CSISD is running a surplus – if extra raises are not given to employees, then the taxes should be lowered. Trustee Aldrich issued a leadership challenge: know what it takes to recruit and retain the best teachers, know what the community is willing to pay, and pay teachers what they need to receive to be valued. Trustee Aldrich expressed his feeling of being reactive – not proactive. Secretary Randall Pitcock disagreed. Secretary Pitcock pointed out that the Board was in a discussion mode to decide whether to react or not.
Trustee Slack focused her comments on professionalism. She wants to give opportunities to teachers to become better teachers and then reward them. Ms. Slack suggested that CSISD host a survey in the Fall 2009 to gather feedback from teachers regarding benefits that they would prefer.
C-3. Consideration, discussion and possible action regarding the 2008-2009 Draft Budget
Superintendent Coulson recognized Deputy Superintendent Mike Ball who distributed 2008-2009 draft budget information. Brief discussion occurred. Superintendent Coulson pointed out that the draft budget includes funds for new staff designed to meet the needs as we move toward a “recognized” status.
Trustee Charlotte Slack wants to see other salary increase options.
C-4. Discussion related to designating fund balance monies toward expenditures related to new facilities
Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Deputy Superintendent for Business and Operations Mike Ball who distributed preliminary budget information and led discussion regarding designating a portion of the district’s fund balance for future issues with opening new campuses. To designate a portion of fund balance would be a way for the Board to recognize the district’s plan. As the information enters the State Reporting System, it would demonstrate the district’s plan to the state. PEIMS data includes only undesignated fund balance information. Additionally, our auditor suggested in the current Audit Report to designate funds in the fund balance.
C-5. Consideration, discussion and possible action regarding Policy Update 82
No discussion was needed regarding Policy Update 82.
C-6. Consideration, discussion and possible action regarding graduation procedures
President Tim Jones led discussion among Trustees as it pertains to graduation ceremonies. Trustees desire a dignified, streamlined process. The stage will be rearranged to accommodate all seven Trustees standing in a line across the stage at the same time. Principal Ron Fox will hand out diplomas. If a Trustee or employee wishes to hand a student their diploma, it must be limited to their own child.
D. ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, President Jones adjourned the meeting at 7:05 p.m.
TIM JONES RANDALL PITCOCK
PRESIDENT SECRETARY