COLLEGE STATION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING

CSISD Board Room

September 19, 2006

7:00 p.m.

 

A.  CALL TO ORDER

President Tim Jones called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with seven members present.

 

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 Forest Ridge Elementary School Principal Terresa Katt who introduced students who led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas Flag, and a Moment of Silence. 

 

Ms. Katt recognized Fourth Graders Hanna Polen, Thomas Torres, Megan Paradowski, Josh Moore, Haley Parker, Kalin Warlick, Gabbi Orzabal, Kailee Kema, Cole Hittlesey, Drake Carnes, Haley Wagner, Bri’An Washington, Christina Hendershot, and Brian Brunson.  Led by Music Teacher Lee Hood, the students also surprised the audience with a rendition of their school song, written and composed by Music Teacher Lee Hood, “Falcons Soar”!

 

C-2.  Recognize Campus Artwork Displayed

The art collection displayed in the Board Room was provided by art students at AMC High School.

 

C-3.  Staff

Maureen Haggerty, Special Education Teacher at South Knoll Elementary, won the Region VI Teacher of the Year Award.  She will now compete for Texas Teacher of the Year.

 

C-4.  Students

a.  The Roar, presented by Sponsor Courtney Wellmann

The A&M Consolidated High School Newspaper, The Roar, was awarded Marks of Distinction and named an All-American Newspaper by the National Scholastic Press Association.  This is the organization’s highest honor.  Marks of Distinction were awarded for coverage and content, writing and editing, layout and design and leadership. Congratulations to Executive Editor Laura Acuff, Sports Editor Afreen Bhaidani, Assistant News Editor Liz Blomstedt, Features Editor Britney Burback, News Editor Brandi Davis, Managing Editor Jessica Gold, Assistant News Editor Taylor Jackson, Opinions Editor Clare Lynch, Assistant News Editor Brian Ransom, Senior Reporter Mary Beth Schaefer, Editor-in-Chief Suzanne Swierc, Assistant Features Editor Sam Walker, Entertainment Editor Sarah Watson, and Senior Editor Kathy Wolfe.

 

C-5.  Special Recognition

a.  TASA/TASB to CSISD for Forest Ridge Elementary – presented by VLK Architects

Architect Steve Aloway with VLK Architects presented a design award to CSISD for Forest Ridge Elementary.  The award was presented by TASB/TASA and was awarded for Design and Educational Appropriateness.  Dr. Coulson accepted the award on behalf of CSISD and Principal Terresa Katt accepted the award on behalf of Forest Ridge Elementary.

 

D.  BOARD DIRECTIONS AND REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/ SUPERINTENDENT REPORT

 

President Tim Jones reminded the audience that the VLK Project of the construction of Forest Ridge Elementary School was on time and within budget.

 

Trustee Marc Chaloupka reported that the TIF committee has met and approved the budget for completion of the project which is expected to be completed December 2009.

 

President Tim Jones commented on the events of Friday, September 15th where a Westlake High School senior collapsed on the sideline of the Tiger Football game in College Station.  After the student’s parents (both physicians) performed CPR on their son, he was revived by an emergency medical crew, which used an AED on the sidelines after they did not detect a pulse.  On that same day in a separate incident, a recent AMC graduate that was connected with the Tiger Football program was killed in an automobile accident in College Station.  President Tim Jones commented on Friday being a most difficult day and that it is very comforting to him as a trustee to know that when needs arise, CSISD personnel rise to the occasion.

 

Superintendent Eddie Coulson appreciated the community and the support given CSISD during crisis.  Dr. Coulson reported that he had been contacted by Westlake supporters that were so appreciative and supportive of the College Station community and school district during their crisis.  They felt that they had experienced the “heart” of College Station.

 

Superintendent Eddie Coulson stated how tragic the death of Ed King was and especially for some of the students at Consol and how proud he is of CSISD and who we are.

 

E.  HEARING OF CITIZENS (Non-Agenda Items)

None

 

F.  HEARING OF EMPLOYEES (Non-Agenda Items)

None

 

G.  CONSENT AGENDA

Agenda Item H - Approval of Minutes – August 15, 2006 Workshop Minutes, August 15, 2006 Regular Board Minutes, August 28, 2006 Public Hearing Minutes, August 28, 2006 Special Meeting Minutes, September 5, 2006 Workshop Minutes; Agenda Item J – Personnel:  Agenda Item J-1:  Consider approval of Resignations/Retirements, Agenda Item J-2:  Consider approval of Employments; Agenda Item K – Business & Operations: Agenda Item K-5: Consider approval of the purchase of three cargo vans for the Technology Department through the Houston Galveston Area Council Purchasing Cooperative (HGAC) – Authorization for budgeted purchase;  Agenda Item K-6: Consider approval of Monthly Financial Reports – reports covering the period of August 1-31, 2006; Agenda Item K-7: Consider approval of Monthly Budget Amendments – Amendments covering the period since last Board Meeting. 

 

MOTION 3741:  I move approval of the Consent Agenda, as presented.  The motion was made by Trustee Marc Chaloupka and seconded by Trustee Garland Watson.  The motion passed with seven ayes and zero nayes.

 

I.  CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

I-1.  Receive Report regarding State Accountability and AYP Ratings

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Clark Ealy, Executive Director for Planning and Accountability reported to the trustees regarding State Accountability and AYP Ratings for CSISD for the 2005-2006 school year.  Every year the Texas Education Agency reports district and campus accountability ratings under the state system and progress toward meeting performance targets set forth in the No Child Left Behind federal legislation.  Based on student performance on reading/English language arts, math, writing, science and social studies tests, and student dropout and completion rates, schools and districts receive a state rating of either Academically Unacceptable, Academically Acceptable, Recognized, or Exemplary.  College Station ISD and all CSISD campuses met Adequate Yearly Progress.  2006 State Accountability Ratings are:  College Station ISD rated as Academically Acceptable, Pebble Creek Elementary as Exemplary, AMC Middle School, Oakwood, Forest Ridge Elementary, Rock Prairie Elementary, South Knoll Elementary, and Southwood Valley Elementary as Recognized, and AMC High School, College Station Middle School, Cypress Grove Intermediate, College Hills Elementary, and Timber Academy as Academically Acceptable.

 

Superintendent Eddie Coulson pointed out that TAKS and SDAA is one measure of success for CSISD.

 

I-2.  Consider approval of adjusted 2006-2007 Calendar

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Dr. Clark Ealy, Executive Director for Planning and Accountability, who reported to the Board of Trustees regarding the proposal to adjust the 2006-2007 Calendar.  In February 2006, TEA adopted a state-wide assessment calendar for 2006-2007.  In that calendar, the February 2007 testing week was moved from the third week to the second week of the month.  That move allowed CSISD and many other Texas school districts across the state of Texas to allow a student holiday on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 19th.  In the past, CSISD has taken a staff development day in February, but not President’s Day because it was the day before high-stakes exams.  On April 18th the CSISD Board of Trustees adopted our current 2006-2007 school calendar.  On April 24th, CSISD received notice that TEA had changed the February testing week back to the third week of the month.  The change means that under the current calendar, CSISD students would have a holiday the day before exams.  The exams affect grade promotion for 3rd and 5th graders, graduation for 11th and some 12th graders, and state ratings and adequate yearly progress for all campuses.

 

CSISD administration recommends that the trustees approve the adjusted 2006-2007 proposed District Calendar which adjusts the February student holiday to Friday, February 16, 2006.

 

MOTION 3742:  I move approval of the adjusted 2006-2007 District Calendar 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.

 

Superintendent Coulson commented that advertisement of the adjusted calendar will be on-going and appropriate.

 

K.  BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS

K-1.  Consider adoption of a resolution stating that the Board of Trustees has reviewed the investment policy and investment strategies

Deputy Superintendent for Business and Operations Mike Ball reported regarding the adoption of a resolution stating that the Board of Trustees has reviewed the investment policy and investment strategies.  The Public Funds Investment Act requires the governing body of an investing entity to review its investment policy and investment strategies not less than annually.  The Act also requires the governing body to adopt a written instrument by rule, order, ordinance, or resolution stating that it has reviewed the investment policy and investment strategies.  There are no changes that are recommended for adoption to the investment policy and investment strategies and the trustees reviewed both in the September 19th Board Workshop.

 

MOTION 3743:  I move approval of the Resolution Related To Review Of Investment Policy and Investment Strategies, as presented.  The motion was made by Trustee Marc Chaloupka and seconded by Trustee Steve Aldrich.  The motion passed with seven ayes and zero nayes.

 

K-2.  Consider approval of the Quarterly Investment Report for the three months ended August 31, 2006, and an annual portfolio report for the year ended August 31, 2006.

Deputy Superintendent Mike Ball reported that The Public Funds Investment Act requires that a quarterly report of all District investments be provided to the Superintendent and Board of Trustees.  The Act further requires that each investment officer receive at least ten hours of continuing education in investment responsibilities.  Both Michael Ball and Paul Jackson have complied with that requirement.

 

MOTION 3744:  I move approval of the Quarterly Investment Report for the three months ended August 31, 2006 and the Annual Portfolio Report for the twelve months ended August 31, 2006, as presented.  The motion was made by Trustee Steve Aldrich and seconded by Trustee Charlotte Slack.  The motion carried with seven ayes and zero nayes.

 

K-3.  Consider approval of the District’s Wealth Equalization Plan for the 2006-2007 fiscal year, an Option 4 agreement with Bryan Independent School District agreement under the authority of Chapter 41 of the Texas Education Code.

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Deputy Superintendent Mike Ball who reported to the trustees regarding a proposed agreement with Bryan ISD whereby College Station ISD would purchase attendance credits in an amount sufficient to equalize the wealth in accordance with Chapter 41 of the TEC is submitted for the Board’s consideration and approval.  The agreement would result in $10.0 million being paid to Bryan ISD for the 2006-2007 school year.

 

MOTION 3745:  I move approval of the proposed District’s Wealth Equalization Plan for the 2006-2007 fiscal year, an Option 4 agreement with Bryan Independent School District agreement under the authority of Chapter 41 of the Texas Education Code.  The motion was made by Trustee Marc Chaloupka and seconded by Vice-President Mary Broussard.  The motion carried with seven ayes and zero nayes.

 

K-4.  Consider authorization of the acquisition of a portable building and associated infrastructure items using either a purchase or lease arrangement for placement at Forest Ridge Elementary School.

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Deputy Superintendent Mike Ball and excused himself to attend and speak at the Memorial Service for Ed King.  Mr. Ball reported to the Board that growth in student enrollment at Forest Ridge Elementary School has created a need for a portable building at that campus.  Additional classroom space is needed in order to comply with the State mandated student to teacher ratio in those grade levels.  CSISD administration recommends board approval to purchase a portable building through the Buyboard from Comark Building Systems for a total cost of $55,305.

 

MOTION 3746:  I move approval of the purchase of a portable building through the Buyboard from Comark Building Systems as presented and also approval of any infrastructure needs associated with plans for an additional portable when needed.  The motion was made by Trustee Marc Chaloupka and seconded by Trustee Garland Watson.  The motion carried with seven ayes and zero nayes.

 

N.  ADJOURNMENT

Without objection, President Tim Jones adjourned the meeting at 7:55 p.m.

 

 

                                                                                                                                                           

TIM JONES                                                                RANDALL PITCOCK

PRESIDENT                                                              SECRETARY