COLLEGE STATION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING

CSISD Board Room

February 20, 2007

7:00 p.m.

 

A.  CALL TO ORDER

President Tim Jones called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.

 

B.  DECLARATION OF QUORUM

President Tim Jones declared a quorum was present with seven members.  President Jones, Vice-President Mary Broussard, Secretary Randall Pitcock, Trustees Charlotte Slack, Marc Chaloupka, Garland Watson and Steve Aldrich were present.

 

C.  RECOGNITIONS

C-1.  Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, the Texas Flag, and a Moment of Silence

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized College Hills Elementary School Principal Debbie Hudson who introduced Kindergarten students Jack Ealy, Maggie Ealy and Lucia Carbajal.  The students led the audience in the pledges and a moment of silence.

 

C-2.  Recognize Campus Artwork Displayed

The art collection displayed in the Board Room was provided by art students at College Hills Elementary, taught by Art Teacher Norma Munoz and by art students at South Knoll Elementary, taught by Art Teacher Amber Bell.

 

C-3.  Staff

a.  T&I T.E.A.M. Member

AMC High School Teacher Bart Taylor has been awarded membership into the T&I T.E.A.M., which stands for Trade and Industrial – Together Everyone Achieves More.  It is a membership award for leaders in the CATE field and hosted between the TIVA and SkillsUSA organizations.  It is in recognition of Bart’s valuable contribution and dedication to the highest standards of Career and Technology Education.  Bart has implemented a successful T&I program that drives students to leadership, knowledge and skills that will help them reach their future career and educational goals.

 

b.  National Siemens Award

Kathleen Li is one of the National Winners of the 2006-2007 Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement.  Kathleen was selected for this award based on her exceptional performance in AP math and science.  This award recognizes one male and one female student in all 50 states who will each receive a $2000 scholarship and then award two additional students with a $5000 college scholarship as National Winners.  Being named the National winner means that of all the females in the entire country, Kathleen had the greatest number of scores of 5 on the eight AP math and science exams that are considered for this award.  The winners of the 2006-2007 Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement will be listed in a full-page advertisement in the USA Today and on the Siemens Foundation website at www.siemens-foundation.org in late February.

 

b.  State Siemens Award

Brian Liu has been named one of the 2006-2007 state winners of the Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement.  Brian was selected for this award based on his exceptional performance in AP math and science.  This award recognizes one male and one female student in all 50 states.

 

c.  National Science Bowl

The A&M Consolidated High School Science Bowl team will be returning to the National Science Bowl competition in Washington, D.C. for the 7th time in school history after winning the Regional Science Bowl competition at Texas A&M.  AMC entered three teams in the 30 team tournament.  Team #1 was undefeated, winning some matches by nearly 200 points and defeating Pearland in the Championship round by a score of 118-18.  Team 2 won five straight games before losing the last two games by one question each.

 

The National Science Bowl is sponsored by the US Department of Energy and tests teams in all areas of science and math using a fast-paced question and answer format similar to Jeopardy.  The winners of 67 regional events each receive an expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. April 26th-30th to compete for the national title and other prizes including three trips.  This year’s team trips include France, Australia, and Virginia.  In past years, AMC has placed 2nd once and 3rd twice at nationals.  They enjoyed trips to Boston (MIT) and Savannah River Site/Charleston, SC (twice).  Congratulations to Jeffrey Chen, Paul Gustafson, Sean Lau, Brian Liu, Dimitar Popov, and Sponsor Kristen Jones, teacher at AMC High School.

 

d.  All State Choir

Three Consolidated Choir students were named to the Texas All-State Choirs.  Chris Lewis, Martina Schneider and Kaylie Kahlich had to endure two separate auditions and finish in the top of their section each time to qualify for the State Audition.  In the process, they were required to learn ten musical selections and sight-read a musical phrase.  Of the thousands that begin the audition process, only a few hundred are chosen from state-wide auditions.  Each student was judged on their vocal tone and production, and the accuracy and musicality of their performance.  They rehearsed and performed with their All-State Choir at the TMEA Convention February 14-17 in San Antonio.  Congratulations to these students and Sponsor Travis Angel, teacher at AMC High School.  Mr. Angel thanked his colleague, Kearby Ethredge – music teacher with CSISD at the middle school/intermediate school level who has worked with and continues to work with these students.

 

D.  BOARD

D-1.  BOARD DIRECTIONS AND  REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/ SUPERINTENDENT REPORTS

Superintendent Eddie Coulson reported that TAKS Testing began across the district on 2/20/07.

 

Dr. Coulson reminded the audience that February is Black History Month and CSISD has activities and studies planned in conjunction with Black History Month.

 

Dr. Coulson mentioned that the funeral of long-time CSISD educator Kitty Worley had occurred earlier in the day.

 

Dr. Coulson also announced that CSISD has had sixteen National Merit Finalists named this month.

 

E.  HEARING OF CITIZENS

Jennifer Cieri addressed the Trustees regarding the need for additional staff with Special Needs students at AMC High School in conjunction with job skills and transitions. 

 

F.  HEARING OF EMPLOYEES

None

 

G.  CONSENT AGENDA

Agenda Item H - Approval of Minutes – January 24, 2007 Workshop Minutes, January 24, 2007 Pubic Hearing Minutes and January 24, 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes; Agenda Item K – Personnel:  Agenda Item K-1:  Consider approval of Resignations; Agenda Item K-2: Consider approval of Employments; Agenda Item K-3: Consider approval of Administrator Contracts; Agenda Item L – Business & Operations: Agenda Item L-6: Consider approval of responses to Request for Quotes from Catalog Information Service Vendors (CISV) for: (a) Physics Lab Equipment for A&M Consolidated High School and (b) Desktop computers; Agenda Item L-7: Consider approval of Monthly Financial Reports – reports covering the period of January 1-31, 2007;  Agenda Item L-8: Consider approval of Monthly Budget Amendments – Amendments covering the period since last Board Meeting; Agenda Item M – Elections: Agenda Item M-2: Appointment of Designees for Filing Purposes; Agenda Item M-3: Consider Approval of a Joint Resolution of the City Council of College Station and the Board of Trustees of the College Station Independent School District order joint elections for Mayor and City Council positions 1 and 2 and CSISD Trustee positions 3, 4, and 5 on May 12, 2007. 

 

MOTION 3764:  I move approval of the Consent Agenda, as presented.  The motion was made by Trustee Charlotte Slack and seconded by Secretary Randall Pitcock.  The motion passed with seven ayes and zero nayes.

 

I.  SUPERINTENDENT

I-1.  Consider an Order calling a Bond Election to be held on May 12, 2007

Superintendent Eddie Coulson presented information to the Trustees regarding the need for a bond election to meet the facility needs of College Station ISD.  Based on information gathered from the PFG II Committee and other research, it was determined that the most immediate needs for CSISD include:

Construction of a new elementary school, Reconstruction of College Hills Elementary, Renovations and/or additions to existing facilities including, but not limited to: a fine arts classroom at CSMS and renovations to the CATE area of AMCHS, renovations to the current athletic facility, land acquisition, and upgrading technology network infrastructure.     

 

MOTION 3765:  I move approval or the Order calling a Bond Election to be held on May 12, 2007 in the amount of $67,420,000, as presented.  The motion was made by Trustee Steve Aldrich and seconded by Trustee Garland Watson.  Trustee Marc Chaloupka asked for a roll call vote.  President Tim Jones polled the Trustees:  Charlotte Slack – aye, Steve Aldrich – aye, Randall Pitcock – aye, Tim Jones – aye, Mary Broussard – aye, Marc Chaloupka – aye, and Garland Watson – aye.  The motion passed with seven ayes and zero nayes.

 

J.  CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

J-1.  Consider approval of Goals and Objectives for the 2007-2008 District Improvement Plan

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Personnel Greg McIntyre who reported to the Board of Trustees regarding approval of the District Goals and Objectives for the 2007-2008 school year.

 

MOTION 3766:  I move approval of the Goals and Objectives for the 2007-2008 District Improvement Plan, as presented.  The motion was made by Trustee Charlotte Slack and seconded by Vice-President Mary Broussard.  The motion passed with seven ayes and zero nayes.

 

J-2.  Consider approval of Math Textbooks as recommended by the Math Textbook Committee

Deputy Superintendent Greg McIntyre introduced Donna Adams, Director of Curriculum, who reported to the Board regarding the annual process of the adoption of textbooks instituted by the Texas Education Agency on a cycle for each of the content areas taught in our schools.

 

MOTION 3767: I move approval of Math Textbooks recommended by the Math Textbook Committee, as presented.  The motion was made by Trustee Steve Aldrich and seconded by Trustee Marc Chaloupka.  The motion passed with seven ayes and zero nayes.

 

J-3.  Consider approval of the 2007-2008 School Calendar

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Clark Ealy, Executive Director for Accountability & Planning, who reported information to the trustees regarding the proposed 2007-2008 school calendar.  House Bill 1 mandated a school start date no earlier than the fourth Monday in August each year.  The calendar subcommittee of DEIC drafted  three 07-08 calendar options, with a beginning date no earlier than August 27th. 

 

MOTION 3768:  I move approval of the 2007-2008 School Calendar as presented.  The motion was made by Trustee Steve Aldrich and seconded by Vice-President Mary Broussard.  The motion passed with six ayes and one nay.  Trustee Marc Chaloupka voted no.

 

L.  BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS

L-1.  Consider approval of responses to Request for Competitive Sealed Proposals for Energy Management Systems at Rock Prairie Elementary and College Station Middle School

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Deputy Superintendent for Business and Operations Mike Ball who reviewed information pertaining to the replacement of energy management systems at College Station Middle School and Rock Prairie Elementary.  Prior to the winter break, the Trustees considered a previous Request for Sealed Proposals for the replacement of energy management systems.  All of those proposals were rejected.

 

A new request for sealed proposals has been developed and advertised to the public.  The same respondents replied to the new request for proposals, with one response not meeting the specifications.  The response that does meet the specifications exceeds the budgeted amount by $22,299.

 

The staff is recommending that these projects proceed even though they are over budget.  It is believed that the additional cost of utilities during a waiting period until a subsequent budget year would exceed the additional project cost of $22,299.

 

MOTION 3769:  I move approval of the proposal from T.E.A.M. Solution, Inc. in the amount of $322,299 for the replacement of energy management systems for College Station Middle School and Rock Prairie Elementary School, as presented.  The motion was made by Trustee Steve Aldrich and seconded by Trustee Marc Chaloupka.  The motion carried with seven ayes and zero nayes. 

 

L-2.  Consider approval of responses to Request for Proposals for Band Uniforms for the A&M Consolidated High School Band

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Deputy Superintendent Mike Ball who briefly described the condition of the current band uniforms for the A&M Consolidated High School band.  Three responses were received to the Request for Proposals for new uniforms after advertising it to the public and those responses were evaluated by a committee utilizing criteria established at the inception of the process.  The committee concluded that the best value to the District would be provided by Fruhauf Uniforms.

 

MOTION 3770:  I move approval of the proposal from Fruhauf Uniforms in the amount of $48,146.07 for 175 band uniforms and 24 color guard uniforms, as presented.  The motion was made by Trustee Marc Chaloupka and seconded by Secretary Randall Pitcock.  The motion carried with seven ayes and zero nayes.

 

L-3.  Consider authorization of purchases through the Texas Local Government Statewide Purchasing Cooperative (TASB Buyboard) of portable classroom buildings for South Knoll Elementary School and Southwood Valley Elementary School and consider authorization for administrative staff to proceed with purchase of ancillary infrastructure items needed for portable buildings.

Superintendent Eddie Coulson reported to the trustees about the on-going portable classroom building need in CSISD.  The current need is at South Knoll Elementary and Southwood Valley Elementary.  Dr. Coulson recognized Deputy Superintendent Mike Ball who reported to the Board regarding the availability of and the cost associated with portable classroom buildings.  These buildings are available through the BuyBoard (Texas Local Government Statewide Purchasing Cooperative) which is administered by TASB. 

 

MOTION 3771:  I move approval of purchases through the Texas Local Government Statewide Purchasing Cooperative (TASB Buyboard) of portable classroom buildings for South Knoll Elementary School and Southwood Valley Elementary School in the amount of $84,736 and authorization for administrative staff to proceed with purchase of ancillary infrastructure items needed for portable buildings, as presented.  The motion was made by Trustee Marc Chaloupka and seconded by Vice-President Mary Broussard.  The motion carried with seven ayes and zero nayes. 

 

L-4.  Consider responses to Request For Bids for passenger minivans and cargo vans

Superintendent Coulson recognized Deputy Superintendent Mike Ball who recommended that the Trustees reject all bids for the purchase of passenger minivans and cargo vans.

 

The Ford Motor Company has discontinued the production of Ford Freestar vans.  The Board had previously authorized the purchase of these vans.  Hoping to locate a van available on a dealer lot at a competitive price, a request for bids was developed and advertised for comparable vans.  During the time the bid was circulated to the public, the State of Texas approved the new State contract for vehicles.  The two bids received for vehicles are both in excess of the cost of vans available through the new State purchasing contract.

 

MOTION 3772:  I move that we reject all bids for the purchase of passenger minivans and cargo vans.  The motion was made by Trustee Marc Chaloupka and seconded by Trustee Steve Aldrich.  The motion carried with seven ayes and zero nayes.

 

L-5.  Consider authorization of the purchase of vehicles through a contract administered by the State of Texas Building and Procurement Commission

Deputy Superintendent Mike Ball reported that after exploring the market through a bid process, it appears that the best value to the District in acquiring similar vans to the Ford Motor Freestar van would be through the Texas Building and Procurement Commission (TBPC).

 

MOTION 3773:  I move approval of the purchase of vehicles through a contract administered by the State of Texas Building and Procurement Commission, as presented.  The motion was made by Trustee Marc Chaloupka and seconded by Vice-President Mary Broussard.  The motion carried with seven ayes and zero nayes.

 

M.  ELECTIONS

M-1.  Receive Report on School Board Continuing Education

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Beth French, Elections Coordinator for CSISD.  Ms. French reported that Board policy requires that at the annual Board meeting at which the call for election of Board Members is normally considered, the Board President shall cause the minutes to reflect the members who have and have not completed the required continuing education.  After the first year of service Board members shall receive at least five hours of continuing education annually in fulfillment of assessed needs.  Each member of the Board of Trustees has completed all of the Continuing Education requirements for this year:  Place 1 – Marc Chaloupka – 21.75 hours; Place 2 – Tim Jones – 18.75 hours; Place 3 – Garland Watson – 20.00 hours; Place 4 – Mary Broussard – 23.00 hours; Place 5 – Randall Pitcock – 17.75 hours; Place 6 – Charlotte Slack – 28.50 hours; Place 7 – Steve Aldrich – 15.25 hours.

 

N.  EXECUTIVE SESSION

None

 

P.  ADJOURNMENT

Without objection, President Tim Jones adjourned the meeting at 8:53 p.m.

 

TIM JONES                                                                RANDALL PITCOCK                                  

TIM JONES                                                                RANDALL PITCOCK

PRESIDENT                                                              SECRETARY