COLLEGE STATION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING

 

CSISD Board Room

August 21, 2007

7:15 p.m.

 

 

A.  CALL TO ORDER

President Tim Jones called the meeting to order at 7:15 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.

 

C.  RECOGNITIONS

 

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

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Ann Ganter, Director for Public Relations and the Education Foundation.  Ms. Ganter announced that a new Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas Flag had been implemented and she taught and led the audience in the new pledge.

 

“Honor the Texas Flag; I pledge Allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.”

 

President Tim Jones announced that Trustee Charlotte Slack has been chosen to participate in TASB Leadership.   She was chosen as a participant in the year- long program from Trustees across the state of Texas representing 1050 Texas Public School Districts. 

 

C-3.  TEACHERS

 

a.  Staff Members that have logged 500+ miles

Superintendent Eddie Coulson congratulated staff members participating in the District-wide Health and Wellness Initiative and have logged 500+ miles:  Linda Barrs – 572 miles, Tina Brattin – 500 miles, Jeff Clifford - 571.25 miles, Ryan Goodwyn - 568.1 miles, Jeff Mann - 566.3 miles, Chris Parr -1065.3 miles, Laurie Rath – 500 miles, and Rodney Wellmann – 837 miles.  

 

 

 

C-4.  STUDENTS

 

a.  FFA Agri-science Fair – Teacher Lisa Pieper

Colton Atkins and Jacob Brown of the A&M Consolidated FFA Chapter, placed third and second respectively in their divisions in the FFA Agriscience Fair at the 79th Annual Texas FFA Convention in Corpus Christi, Texas July 10-13, 2007.  Colton and Jacob both participated in the zoology category.  The Agriscience Fair fuses the traditional science fair with agriculture.  FFA members conduct cutting edge agricultural research to compete in categories such as biochemistry and microbiology, environmental science, zoology, botany and engineering.  There were 102 entries participating this year, an all-time high for the state agriscience fair.

 

b.  Texas FFA Convention – Teacher Lisa Pieper

FFA members who attended the convention are as follows:  Colton Atkins, Landon Bissett, Wesley Bissett, Jacob Brown, Shelby McIntyre, Christine Phillips, Daniel Pilger and Travis Stokes.  Wesley Bissett was awarded a $1000 Young Farmer Scholarship for his active involvement in and dedication to the FFA.  The Chapter received the prestigious Gold Emblem rating for the National Chapter which includes the chapter’s community, chapter and student involvement throughout the year.  The Gold Emblem rating is only bestowed upon the top 10% of FFA chapters in Texas.  Gold Emblem FFA chapters advance to the national level to be judged for the National FFA Chapter Rating. 

 

D.  BOARD

 

D-2.  Board Directions and Reports/Announcements/Superintendent Reports

Trustee Charlotte Slack and Secretary Randall Pitcock commented about the “We’re Ready Rally” and what an incredible experience it was for everyone.

 

President Tim Jones appreciated the NTI luncheon and the work and effort that goes into CSISD staff development.

 

Trustee Charlotte Slack reflected on the recent Joint Meeting with the City of College Station City Council and her desire to schedule future joint meetings.

 

Secretary Randall Pitcock appreciated CSISD’s typical response when called upon for help, and commented about the participation of the Transportation Department in the State Hurricane Evacuation Preparedness. 

 

 

 

 

D-3.  Consideration, discussion and possible action regarding selecting a TASB Delegate

 

MOTION 3805:  I nominate Trustee Charlotte Slack as TASB Delegate to represent CSISD at the TASB Delegate Assembly on September 29, 2007.  The motion was made by Secretary Randall Pitcock and seconded by Vice-President Mary Broussard.  The motion passed with seven ayes and zero nos.

 

MOTION 3806:  I nominate Trustee Steve Aldrich as TASB Delegate Alternate to represent CSISD at the TASB Delegate Assembly on September 29, 2007.  The motion was made by President Tim Jones and seconded by Trustee Marc Chaloupka.  The motion passed with seven ayes and zero nos.

 

E.  HEARING OF CITIZENS

None

 

F.  HEARING OF EMPLOYEES

None

 

G.  CONSENT AGENDA

 

Agenda Item H - Approval of Minutes – July 24, 2007 Board Workshop Minutes, July 24, 2007 Regular Board Meeting Minutes, August 13, 2007 Special Board Meeting Minutes, August 15, 2007 Special Board Meeting Minutes; Agenda Item I – Curriculum & Instruction:  Agenda Item I-2:  Consider approval of Update 80 – A25 (INDEX) Replace, BA (LEGAL) Replace, BBFA (LEGAL) Replace, BBFA (LOCAL) Add, BBFB (LEGAL) Replace, BQA (LEGAL) Replace, BQB (LEGAL) Replace, CMD (LEGAL) Replace, CPC (LEGAL) Replace, CPC (LOCAL) Replace, CS (LEGAL) Replace, D (LEGAL) Replace, DBA (LEGAL) Replace, DBA (LOCAL) Replace, DBD (LEGAL) Replace, DBD (LOCAL) Replace, DBE (LEGAL) Replace, DC (LOCAL) Replace, DC (EXHIBIT) Review; DCB (LOCAL) Add, DCD (LOCAL) Replace, DCE (LOCAL) Replace, DEA (LEGAL), Replace, DEAA (LEGAL) Add, DEAA (LOCAL) Add, DFBB (LOCAL) Replace, DH (LOCAL) Replace, DMA (LEGAL) Replace, DN (LOCAL) Replace, E (LEGAL) Replace, EC (LEGAL) Replace, EEJB (LOCAL) Replace; Agenda Item I-3:  Consider Approval of Policy CW (LOCAL) – naming of facilities, portions of facilities/events; Agenda Item I-4:  Consider Approval of Local Identification Criterion for State Compensatory Education – local renewal; Agenda Item J – Personnel:  Agenda Item J-1:  Consider approval of Resignations; Agenda Item J-2: Consider approval of Employments; Agenda Item K – Business & Operations: Agenda Item K-5:  Consider Responses to Requests for Proposals for the following items: (a) RFP#7-023, Electrical Supplies, (b) RFP#&-025, Plumbing Supplies, (c) RFP#&-024, Building Supplies; Agenda Item K-6: Consider Approval of Sole Source Purchase of Tech Paths Curriculum Mapping Software from Performance Pathways in the amount of $34,077.00; Agenda Item K-7: Consider Approval of Responses to Request for Quote (RFQ) #7-030, Annual Printer Cartridge Quotation, issued as a Catalog Information Systems Vendor (CISV) quote; Agenda Item K-8: Consider Authorizing the Custodial Department to purchase custodial supplies and equipment for the 2007-2008 fiscal year using the following cooperatives: TASB Buyboard, the Cooperative Purchasing Network (TCPN) and the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) Cooperative, instead of utilizing an annual bid process; Agenda Item K-9: Consider approval of Monthly Financial Reports – Reports covering the month ended July 31, 2007;  Agenda Item K-10: Consider approval of Monthly Budget Amendments – Amendments covering the period since last Board Meeting.

 

The administration pulled Agenda Item I-2: Consider approval of Update 80 from the Consent Agenda for clarification.

 

MOTION 3807:  I move approval of the Consent Agenda, as amended.  The motion was made by Trustee Steve Aldrich and seconded by Trustee Marc Chaloupka.  The motion passed with seven ayes and zero nayes.

 

I.  CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

 

I-1.  Consider Approval of Policy FNA (LOCAL) – STUDENTS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Greg McIntyre, Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction and Personnel, who reviewed new requirements on adopting local policy on student expression, as it pertains to House Bill 3678 out of the recent 80th Texas Legislature.  HB 3678, also called the Religious Viewpoints Antidiscrimination Act (RVAA), addresses four general areas:

(1)   freedom of religious expression

(2)   student speakers

(3)   class assignments

(4)   freedom of association

 

RVAA requires all districts to adopt and implement a local policy regarding a limited public forum and voluntary student expression of religious viewpoints.  The law states that if a school district voluntarily adopts and follows the model policy, then the district is in compliance with the provisions covered by the model policy contained within the RVAA.  The RVAA takes effect with the 2007-2008 school year.

 

MOTION 3808:  I move approval of the State model policy FNA (Local) as presented.  The motion was made by Secretary Randall Pitcock and seconded by Vice President Mary Broussard.  The motion carried with five ayes and two nos.  Trustee Marc Chaloupka and Vice President Mary Broussard voted no.

 

 

I-2.  Consider Approval of Update 80

 

The administration pulled Agenda Item I-2 for clarification.  A complete list of Codes and Action to be Taken was placed at the Board Table.

 

A25 (INDEX) Replace

DEA (LEGAL) Replace

BA (LEGAL) Replace

DEAA (LEGAL) ADD

BBFA (LEGAL) Replace

DEAA (LOCAL) ADD

BBFA (LOCAL) ADD

DFBB (LOCAL) Replace

BBFB (LEGAL) Replace

DH (LOCAL) Replace

BQA (LEGAL) Replace

DMA (LEGAL) Replace

BQB (LEGAL) Replace

 DN (LOCAL) Replace

CMD (LEGAL) Replace

E (LEGAL) Replace

CPC (LEGAL) Replace

EC (LEGAL) Replace

CPC (LOCAL) Replace

EEJB (LOCAL) Replace

CS (LEGAL) Replace

EF (LEGAL) Replace

D (LEGAL) Replace

EGA (LEGAL) Replace

DBA (LEGAL) Replace

EHAC (LEGAL) Replace

DBA (LOCAL) Replace

EHBJ (LEGAL) DELETE

DBD (LEGAL) Replace

EHDD (LEGAL) Replace

DBD (LOCAL) Replace

EIF (LEGAL) Replace

DBE (LEGAL) Replace

EIF (LOCAL) Replace

DC (LOCAL) Replace

F (LEGAL) Replace

DC (EXHIBIT) Review

FL (LEGAL) Replace

DCB (LOCAL) No policy enclosed

FNCA (LOCAL) Replace

DCD (LOCAL) Replace

GA (LEGAL) Replace

DCE (LOCAL) Replace

 

 

MOTION 3809:  I move approval of Update 80 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 nos.

 

K.  BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS

 

K-1.  Consider Adoption of the budget for the fiscal year beginning September 1, 2007 and ending August 31, 2008

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Deputy Superintendent Mike Ball who reported that CSISD has held duly posted public meetings for the purpose of conducting budget workshops related to the proposed budget for the 2007-2008 fiscal year.  During those public workshops, the Board reviewed and discussed the budget for the 2007-2008 fiscal year.  Campus administrators, employee groups and central office administrators have provided input into the budget development process as the budget planning progressed.  The work of these groups combined with the outgrowth of the budget workshops held by the Trustees has led to the budget that is now proposed.  The proposed 2007-2008 budget is a balanced budget, that is, the estimated revenues exceed the appropriations.  Additionally, the proposed budget positions the District financially to deal with student growth and additional ongoing expenditures associated with such growth.

 

MOTION 3810:  I move approval of the proposed budget for the 2007-2008 fiscal year, as presented.  The motion was made by Trustee Charlotte Slack and seconded by Trustee Marc Chaloupka.  The motion passed with seven ayes and zero nayes.

 

Superintendent Eddie Coulson pointed out that upon approval, the budget will be available via the website.

 

Trustee Marc Chaloupka thanked Deputy Superintendent Mike Ball for management of CSISD’s financial services.

 

K-2.  Consider Approval of Ordinance Adopting a 2007 Tax Rate for the 2007-2008 fiscal year

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Deputy Superintendent Mike Ball who briefly reviewed the Ordinance Adopting a Tax Rate for the 2007-2008 fiscal year.  He reported that A Notice of Public Meeting To Discuss Budget and Proposed Tax Rate has been published as required by law on 8/10/07, in The Bryan-College Station Eagle. The Notice informed the public of the meeting and The Rollback Rate published in the notice is $1.328937 per $100 in taxable property value.  The Commissioner of Education has reviewed the District’s wealth equalization plan and has authorized the District to proceed with its tax rate adoption process.

 

MOTION 3811:  I move adoption of the Ordinance Levying a Tax Rate for the 2007 tax year, as presented.  The motion was made by Trustee Steve Aldrich and seconded by Vice President Mary Broussard.

 

While making the motion and reviewing proposal, it was discovered that the Ordinance form had a typo on it as it refers to “the tax year 2006”.  The motion was withdrawn and corrected to read “the tax year 2007”.

 

MOTION 3812:  I move adoption of the Ordinance Levying a Tax Rate for the 2007 tax year as amended.  The motion carried with seven ayes and zero nos.

 

K-3.  Consider Approval of Order authorizing the issuance and sale of College Station Independent School District Unlimited Tax School Building Bonds, Series 2007, in the principal amount of $67,420,000, making provisions for the security thereof and ordaining other matters relating to the subject

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Deputy Superintendent Mike Ball reported that at a duly called election on May 12, 2007, the voters of College Station Independent School District approved a ballot proposition authorizing the sale of School Building Bonds in the amount of $67,420,000.  The legal requirements for that sale have been met and the public bid for the sale of these bonds closed on 8/21/07 at 11:00 a.m. 

 

Mr. Ball introduced Pete Tart, District’s Bond Counsel – McCall, Parkhurst and Horton and Victor Quiroga, Representative of the District’s Financial Advisor – Southwest Securities.

 

Mr. Quiroga recommended that the trustees adopt the order awarding the bonds to LaSalle Financial Services at an interest rate of 4.718%.  Mr. Quiroga noted that the reason the district was able to receive such a competitive interest rate was because of the upgrade in ratings: “Aaa” and “AAA” with Permanent School Fund (PSF) Guarantee from Texas Education Agency by Moody’s Rating Service and Standard & Poor’s, respectively.  Affirmed underlying rating of “A1” by Moody’s and received a rating upgrade rating by Standard and Poor’s of “AA-“ from “A+”.

 

MOTION 3813:  I move adoption of the Order awarding the bonds to LaSalle Financial Services as recommended.  The motion was made by Trustee Steve Aldrich and seconded by Trustee Marc Chaloupka.  The motion carried with seven ayes and zero nos.

 

Secretary Randall Pitcock thanked his colleagues on the Board and the CSISD administration for their work ethic and management of CSISD funds which is what led to the rating upgrade, which in turn, led to the better interest rate.

 

K-4.  Consider approval of membership in the Texas School Coalition and payment of membership dues for the 2007-2008 school year

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recommended that the CSISD School Board approve membership for CSISD in the Texas School Coalition at a fee of $8,500 for the 2007-2008 school year.

 

The Texas School Coalition is organized for the purpose of bringing together independent school districts that have an interest in improving the school funding laws for all school districts.  The organization provides research, information, and consultation regarding school finance legislation.  The Texas School Coalition is comprised of approximately 120 Texas school districts, and has an Executive Committee of that which includes the Texas School Coalition Executive Director and twelve Texas superintendents.  By continuing our partnership with the Texas School Coalition, we will continue to have the opportunity to have access to the latest school finance information, attend workshops and conferences related to school finance, and participate in the debate that will bring final resolution to the school finance issues.

 

MOTION 3814:  I move approval of membership for CSISD in the Texas School Coalition at a fee of $8,500 for the 2007-2008 school year, as presented.  The motion was made by Secretary Randall Pitcock and seconded by Trustee Marc Chaloupka.  The motion passed with six ayes and one no.  President Tim Jones voted no.

 

L.  EXECUTIVE SESSION

None

 

M.  OPEN SESSION

None

 

N.  ADJOURNMENT

Without objection, President Tim Jones adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                           

TIM JONES                                                                RANDALL PITCOCK

PRESIDENT                                                              SECRETARY