COLLEGE STATION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD WORKSHOP

April 16, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.

Administrative Conference Room

 

A.  CALL TO ORDER

President Valerie Jochen called the meeting to order at 5:01 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, Garland Watson, Carol Barrett and Kimberly McAdams.

 

C.  WORKSHOP SESSION

C-1.  Consideration, discussion and possible action related to the 2013-2014 budget

Superintendent Eddie Coulson and Deputy Superintendent Glynn Walker reported and led discussion regarding the 2013-2014 budget.  Administration is looking at budgeting to meet the needs of the district while still not sure what funding structure will be for next year.  Discussion centered on fund balance critical point and what level the Board feels comfortable with in moving forward.  Coulson and Walker reviewed the Fund Balance forecast.  The general consensus is that our plan is good, reasonable, and solid:  we need to use it now to meet the needs of the students until we know what the State will do.  Permission given to move forward with next year’s budget based on the plan presented, considering targeting funds to areas of deficiency vs. across the board increases.  Discussion occurred.

 

C-2.  Consideration, discussion and possible action related to the 83rd Legislative Session

Dr. Coulson reported related to the 83rd Legislative Session.  Districts will be reinstated between 5% and 150% of funds previously lost.  CSISD will receive about 5% - CSISD lost $7M.  CSISD will see about $350,000 restored.

 

Speculation is that a Special Session will be scheduled for next spring after the Supreme Court makes a decision related to the lawsuit against the State. 

 

Also, SB1458 affects TRS and the changes in the retirement landscape in Texas.  Currently the rule of 90 is in effect, while the proposal would have a minimum age of 62 to retire.  Also, a request for Districts that don’t pay social security to make a 1% payment (2014-2015) to the State is proposed.

 

SB14 requires districts to submit substantial data to the State prior to a bond election for transparency.  Public School District information is already online.  It is the most transparent system out there.

 

HB5 reduces the number of End of Course Exams from 15 to 5.

 

HS2824 relates to the Texas High Performance Schools Consortium.

 

Discussion occurred.

 

C-3.  Consideration, discussion and possible action related to the Team of Eight Training

President Jochen and Superintendent Coulson reminded the board and cabinet that the Team of Eight Training is scheduled for April 30, 2013 from 4-8 p.m.  The Team will be working with Consultant Missy Bender of Plano ISD.  Work will focus on material that would help us all work together on the work of Texas High Performance Schools Consortium and the Board’s role in transforming the school district.

 

C-4.  Receive Long Range Education Planning Committee update

Superintendent Eddie Coulson presented update information related to the Long Range Education Planning Committee.  The committee will meet again this week and will probably be ready to share recommendations at the May Board Meeting.  Committee members are currently touring the Natatorium.  The Bond Election deadline is in August so Trustees have ample time to process after the May Board Meeting.  Two major areas to discuss are:  CSISD Ninth Elementary, Alternative Learning Center.  Then plans are to move support services and revamp area behind Central Office.

 

C-5.  Consideration, discussion and possible action related to the 2013-2014 Head Start Budget Reductions due to Sequester

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Sharon Jackson, Director of Head Start/Pre K and Early Head Start, who presented information to the Trustees, reviewing the requirements for Head Start to reduce budget due to funding cuts across the Board.  The amount is not determined yet, but around 5% which equals $99,000.00.

 

Trustee Watson expressed concern that the Board needs to attempt to fund this program using the fund balance as per discussion earlier with Agenda No. C-1.  Discussion occurred.  Trustee Carol Barrett asked for a priority list.  Trustee Watson made a motion.

 

MOTION XXXX:  I move to fund the needs in the Head Start program at $99,000.00.  There was no second and the motion dies for lack of a second.  Motion withdrawn and trustees were very clear as to intent.  They will discuss at a later date as more funding information from the State becomes available.

 

Head Start must show a record of support from the Board for the programs.  Discussion occurred.  The Board understands the process and agrees with the process used.  Either way, Head Start will receive $99,000.00 less funding from the Federal government for the upcoming 2013-2014 school year.

 

D.  ADJOURNMENT

Without objection, President Jochen adjourned the workshop at 6:43 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                           

PRESIDENT                                                             SECRETARY