COLLEGE STATION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD WORKSHOP

May 21, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.

Grace Bible Church – Southwood Campus

 

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, including salaries and benefits

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 CSISD Long Range Education Planning Committee and their priorities

Superintendent Coulson led discussion related to committee work and priorities.

 

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

Brief discussion occurred and Trustees discussed that they want to continue the training they began with the Team of Eight consultants. 

 

C-4.  Consideration, discussion and possible action related to the Board meeting schedule in July, 2013

Discussion regarding cancelling the July Board Meeting.

 

C-5.  Consideration, discussion and possible action related to the 83rd Legislative Session

Dr. Coulson reported related to the 83rd Legislative Session and reviewed and led discussion related to information related to districts.  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.

 

D.  ADJOURNMENT

Without objection, President Jochen adjourned the workshop at 6:55 p.m .

 

 

                                                                                                                                                           

PRESIDENT                                                             SECRETARY