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