COLLEGE
STATION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD
WORKSHOP
November
15, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.
Administrative
Conference Room
A.
CALL TO ORDER
President
Valerie Jochen called the meeting to order at 5:00 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 related to CSISD long
range financial outlook
Superintendent
Eddie Coulson recognized Deputy Superintendent Glynn Walker, who updated the
Trustees related to finance. CSISD only
knows the current biennium specifics and current system specifics. Projections are based on current funding
system. Unknown is if and how the
legislature could change the funding scheme.
Discussion occurred. It is
estimated that over 500 districts across the state will join a lawsuit against
the State of Texas to decide if the state funding is: equitable, adequate, efficient, and if we
have a defacto tax system. President
Jochen wants “student achievement” to be the filter we use when reducing the
budget. Superintendent Coulson stated
that this situation is a Call to Action for CSISD and the community. Discussion occurred about keeping the
“passion” alive in the community to deal with public finance and reduction of
budgets.
C-2.
Consideration, discussion and possible action regarding possible
litigation related to school finance
Superintendent
Eddie Coulson led a discussion related to possible litigation as it pertains to
school finance. The litigation is based
on: not providing adequate funds to
provide education that is being required by the State; not efficient –
arbitrary; and no meaningful discretion for trustees to provide local input
into instructional requirements.
Discussion occurred.
C-3.
Consideration, discussion and possible action regarding November 1st
workshop item related to 3-tiered busing
Superintendent
Eddie Coulson reported to Trustees that implementing 3-tiered busing does not
solve budget issues. Trustees discussed
how this issue has been a personal issue and sparked high emotions among
some. Trustees discussed how it is
possible that 3-tiered busing will surface again in the future as we wrestle
with budget reductions. Trustees
expressed that they would rather use current fund balance right now and
postpone implementing 3-tiered busing.
Trustees discussed how the emotional energy that this issue generated
needs to be kept alive in the community to deal with the crisis in public
school funding. Dr. Coulson stated that
administration will plan the 2012-2013 budget without implementation of
3-tiered busing.
C-4.
Receive updated related to 2012-2013 School Calendar
Superintendent
Eddie Coulson recognized Deputy Superintendent for Administrative Services
Clark Ealy who reported regarding the 2012-2013 School Calendar process. Dr. Ealy presented calendar options for the
2012-2013 school calendar as developed by DEIC.
The intent is to put the options on the website for community feedback.
C-5.
Consideration, discussion and possible action related to 2004 Bond
refunding options
Superintendent
Eddie Coulson introduced Victor Quirego, CSISD’s financial advisor with
Southwest Securities. Mr. Quirego
reported and answered questions regarding refinancing opportunities related to
the 2004 bond. The opportunity would
include switching out a higher interest rate for a lower interest rate. Discussion occurred.
C-6.
Consideration, discussion and possible action related to:
a.
Report
from previous review (December 2010)
Superintendent
Eddie Coulson recognized Director for Birth to Five Head Start Program Sharon
Jackson. Mrs. Jackson reported to the
Trustees regarding the programs’ financial information, outcome measures,
children and families, preparation for kindergarten, services provided, parent
involvement and planning for the future.
The goals of the program are: All
children will be ready for school; All children will be healthy by the time
they enter Kindergarten; Parents/guardians will participate in their child’s
learning process; Parents/guardians will improve job skills, educational level
and/or parenting skills; Head Start will assist families to connect with
community agencies and providers; and Head Start classrooms are safe, caring
environments.
MOTION XXXX: I move approval of the
December 2010 report, as presented. The
motion was made by Trustee Randall Pitcock and seconded by Trustee Garland
Watson. The motion passed with seven
ayes and zero nos.
b.
Preparation for Federal Review 2011-2012
Director
Sharon Jackson will email this information to the Trustees.
c.
Approval calendar for Board of Trustees
This
information was distributed to Trustees.
d.
Communication tool for Board of Trustees
Communication
would be through Secretary.
C-7.
Consideration, discussion and possible action related to Schlechty
Center Board Conference – January 6-7, 2012
Superintendent
Eddie Coulson offered a training opportunity for Team of Eight training for
Board and Superintendent. The Schlechty
Center is offering a board conference in Austin, January 6-7, 2012 that would
deal with training how to talk to the community. Discussion occurred.
C-8.
Consideration, discussion and possible action related to board
communication with campuses
Superintendent Eddie
Coulson recognized Director for Communications Chuck Glenewinkel who reported
that there are two campus board recognitions left on the schedule for this year: December 15th at 3:30 p.m. –
Timber Academy – Mr. Pitcock will lead the presentation; January 17th
at 3:20 p.m. – Greens Prairie Elementary– Dr. Watson will lead the
presentation. After these two recognitions, we will have visited every campus
during the course of the last two school years.
Brief discussion occurred.
C-9.
Consideration, discussion and possible action related to TASB Policy
Update 91
Superintendent
Eddie Coulson recognized Chrissy Hester, Director for Student Services, who
briefly discussed Policy Update 91. The
update is primarily legal and a matter of law.
D.
ADJOURNMENT
Without
objection, President Jochen adjourned the workshop at 6:40 p.m.
PRESIDENT SECRETARY