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.

 

 

VALERIE JOCHEN                                                 JEFF HARRIS

                                                                                                                                                           

PRESIDENT                                                             SECRETARY