COLLEGE STATION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING

CSISD Board Room

June 16, 2009

7:00 p.m.

 

A.  CALL TO ORDER

President Charlotte Slack called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with five members present.

 

B.  DECLARATION OF QUORUM

President Charlotte Slack declared a quorum was present with five members.  President Slack, Vice President Randall Pitcock, Trustees Paul Dorsett, Carol Barrett, and Garland Watson were present.  Trustees Valerie Jochen and Mary Broussard were absent.

 

D.  RECOGNITIONS

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

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Robyn Keefer, Summer School Elementary Enrichment Principal, who introduced Zachary Jasper, Molly Fleener, Derek Elder, and Madelyn Byrd who led the audience in the pledges and the moment of silence.  These students are participating in Camp U – the Elementary Enrichment Summer Program for 5th and 6th Graders. 

 

D-2.  STUDENTS

a.  Family, Career, & Community Leaders of America

Several AMC High School FCCLA students competed at the state competition for STAR events in Corpus Christi.  Dana Arnold placed 1st in Fashion Design.

 

b.  National French Contest – presented by Randi Costenbader

On March 5th, sixty-three French students participated in the National French Contest (Le Grand Concours) at AMC High School.  The students had 60 minutes to take this test which consisted of both listening and reading comprehension, grammar, and culture.  Over 100,000 students from all fifty states took this exam.  We had seventeen students who placed in the top 10.  The following students were invited to an awards reception at the University of St. Thomas in Houston on May 1st at 4:30 p.m.  Honored at Level 1 for 7th place - Henrike Bernhardt and for 10th place – Shannon Earnest.  Honored at Level 2 for 5th place – Franco Bettati, for 8th place – Nevin Blum, for 9th place – Divya Chowdhary, for 3rd place – Michael Dror, for 4th place – Katy Massey, for 10th place – Katherine Park, for 5th place – Lauren Porter, for 2nd place – Debra Ann Roussel, for 4th place – Serena Wang, and for 8th place – Tess Yadav.  Honored at Level 3 for 10th place – Alyussa Adcock, for 10th place, Martin Aucoin, for 8th place – Eunice Quiroga, and for 2nd place – Alex Reese.  Honored at Level 5 for 8th place – Kathryn Roussel.

 

c.  A&M Consolidated Girls Golf Team – presented by Mike Terrell

A&M Consolidated girls’ golf team made a strong charge at the UIL State Golf Championships on Friday with a back-nine rally that produced silver medals and boosted the Lady Tigers’ hoe for gold next year.  Congratulations to:  Lauren Ballenger, Chikhi Cheruku, Casey Grice, Erin Jang, and Angela No.

 

d.  The Roar – presented by Courtney Wellmann

The Roar newspaper was awarded the Silver Star by the interscholastic League Press Conference at the state convention in April.  This award places the newspaper in the top 5% of scholastic newspapers in Texas.  It was one of 29 newspapers statewide to be recognized by the ILPC, an affiliate of the University Interscholastic league and one of the nation’s largest state high school associati8ons of student newspapers and yearbooks.  Congratulations to:  Katrin Abel, Jennifer Acuff, Aubry Anderson, Katie Gibson, Dnaiel Laprea, Megan Lightsey, Amanda Martin, Katy Massey, Emily Nelson, Stephen Nock, Alejandra Oliva, Robby Smith, Elizabeth Sterling, Dini Susanto, Alison, Vellas, and Hannah White.

 

e.  The Roar – State Editor-in-Chief – presented by Courtney Wellmann

Daniel Laprea, editor-in-chief of The Roar newspaper at A&M Consolidated High School was selected as the Newspaper Editor of the Year in Texas by the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC).  He was nominated by his newspaper advisor Courtney Wellmann and selected by a panel of judges.  Daniel received this award at the state convention at the University of Texas at Austin on April 19th.

 

f.  The Roar – State Journalism presented by Courtney Wellmann

Junior Robby Smith competed in editorial writing and sophomore Alejandra Oliva competed in news writing at the state meet on the UT campus in Aust5in.  Both girls finished 7th in their events.

 

g.  National Math League

On Saturday, March 21st, eleven Consolidated High School students gave up the last weekend of their Spring Break to compete at the Texas Math and Science Coaches Association (TMSCA) State Meet on the campus of University of Texas – San Antonio.  This contest brings together most of the top math and science competitors from across the state.  Students compete against those in their grade and classification.  Out of 33 schools in the 5A division, Consolidated had the 6th place Mathematics and Science teams (top 4 scores combined) and the 9th place Number Sense team.  Overall, they placed 12th out of the 33 schools;  this without a single senior competitor.  Congratulations to:  Saum Chaudhur y– 8th place Science, Kevin Li – 2nd place Mathematics, 2nd place Science, Top Physics score and 4th highest points among freshman, Lazar Kish – 8th place Science, Adam Wang – 5th place Mathematics, Zachary Wu – 4th place Mathematics, 9th place Science; and Bruce Zhang – 4th place Science with Top Chemistry score, 3rd place Number Sense, 9th place Mathematics, and 3rd highest scoring sophomore.

 

h.  UIL State Track Meet – presented by Rodney Wellmann

Keri Wood concluded a stellar career for A&M Consolidated with a bronze-medal finish Saturday.  Keri Wood ran 5 minutes, 00.98 seconds to finish third in the Class 5A 1600 meters.

 

E.  BOARD

E-1.  Board Directions and Reports/Announcements/Superintendent Reports

President Charlotte Slack appreciated the artwork adorning the walls of the Board Room.  It was provided by Summer School Elementary Enrichment students.

 

President Slack announced that:

  • Trustee Mary Broussard is representing the area in the Jefferson Awards Ceremony in Washington DC
  • Team of 8 Training is scheduled for 7/31/09 – All Day training
  • Summer Leadership Institute is scheduled for 6/17/09 in Fort Worth

 

Superintendent Eddie Coulson commented about the success of graduation ceremonies for high school graduates from Timber Academy and A&M Consolidated High School.

 

Superintendent Coulson announced that CSISD Board of Trustees have been contacted again regarding CRSS Training.

 

F.  HEARING OF CITIZENS (Non-Agenda Items/Agenda Items)

1.  Jack Hawthorne addressed the Board of Trustees, thanking Superintendent Coulson and staff for their support of him in the leadership of A&M Consolidated Middle School this year.  Mr. Hawthorne pointed out that Dr. Coulson “puts kids first”!

 

G.  CONSENT AGENDA

Agenda Item E – BOARD:  Agenda Item E-2:  Consider approval of 2009-2010 Board Meeting Dates – annual approval; Agenda Item H – APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 19, 2009 Board Workshop, May 19, 2009 Regular Board Meeting;  Agenda Item J - PERSONNEL:  Agenda Item J-1:  Consider approval of Resignations;  Agenda Item J-2: Consider approval of Employments;  Agenda Item K - BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS:  Agenda Item K-6:  Consider responses to Request for Bids for the following items: (a) Library Books Annual Bid RFB #9-020 and (b) Library books for College Hills Elementary: Agenda Item K-7:  Consider responses to Request for Proposals for Office Supplies Annual RFP #9.-021; Agenda Item K-8:  Consider authorization of purchase through the Department of Information Resources (DIR) of the following items: (a) Thin Client Computers for Creek View Elementary and College Hills Elementary Libraries and (b) Computers for Cypress Grove Intermediate School, Agenda Item K-10:  Consider authorization for purchase of Media Tech Equipment for A&M Consolidated High School CATE Renovation through the Texas Multiple Awards Schedule (TXMAS),  Agenda Item K-11: Consider authorization of purchase through the Region VI Purchasing Cooperative of the following items: (a) Non Consumable Classroom materials for College Hills Elementary and (b) Microscopes for A&M Consolidated High School CATE Renovation; Agenda Item K-12: Consider authorization of purchase through The Cooperative Purchasing Network (TCPN) of student chairs for A&M Consolidated High School CATE Renovation; Agenda Item K-13: Consider approval of Monthly Budget Amendments – Amendments covering the period since last Board Meeting; Agenda Item J-14: Consider approval of Monthly Financial Reports – Reports covering the month ended  May 31, 2009.

 

The administration pulled Agenda Item K-9 for further information and clarification.

 

MOTION 4109:  I move approval of the Consent Agenda as presented minus Agenda Item K-9.  The motion was made by Vice President Randall Pitcock and seconded by Trustee Garland Watson.  The motion passed with five ayes, zero nos and two absences.

 

I.  CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

I-1.  Receive Preliminary TAKS Report from Dr. Clark Ealy, Executive Director for Accountability and Planning

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Dr. Clark Ealy, Executive Director for Accountability and Planning who reported to the Trustees regarding the TAKS Preliminary Results.  The District administers a number of tests.  The TAKS test is given to all students, Grades 3-11, in Reading/ELA, Math, Writing, Science and Social Studies.  The TAKS-Accommodated is given to Students with Disabilities in Grades 3-11 and for accountability purposes, report Reading, Math and Writing for Grades 3-10.  TAKS Modified is given to students with Disabilities (2%) in Grades 3-11 and for accountability purposes.  TAKS Alternative is given to students with disabilities (1%) in Grades 3-11 in all subjects and is not used in accountability rating. 

 

We only have state level data available at this time.  CSISD has a higher passing rate than the state on all grade levels and in all subject areas. 

 

Has CSISD improved as a system?  The passing rates increased on all subject tests.  Math increased three points and Science increased 5 points.

 

How did CSISD student groups perform?  All students and all student groups surpassed state averages in all subject areas with the exception of African American Performance in Science.

 

Where have we raised the bar and closed the gap?  For the 2008-2009 school year, the areas of focus were Math and Science.  In Math we have decreased the gap in 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th grades.  We have increased the gap in Math in 3rd and 6th grades.  In Science we have decreased the gap in 8th, 10th and 11th grades.  We have increased the gap in Science in 5th grade.  The areas of focus for the 2009-2010 school year will continue to be focused on Math and Science.

 

How did CSISD students perform at the Commended level?  CSISD students earned commended performance at a higher rate than the state, except for African American in Science and Social Studies and Economically Disadvantaged in Science.  The percentage of CSISD students earning commended performance has risen over the past three years in Math, Science and Social Studies, with a slight dip in Reading/ELA and Writing.

 

How did TAKS-M students perform?  TAKS-Modified students established standards in Reading and Math, Grades 3-8 and Grade 10 and in Science, Grades 5, 8, and 10.  No Standard was established in Writing and Social Studies or in Grades 9 and 11 for all tests.  In Reading/ELA 112 students were tested and 82.1% met the standard.  In Math 149 students were tested and 77.9% met the standard.  In Science 57 students were tested and 57.9% met the standard.

 

Who takes TAKS-Alt?  TAKS-Alt will be used to assess those students receiving special education services who have the most significant cognitive disabilities and are unable to participate in the other statewide assessments, even with substantial accommodations and/or modifications.  In Reading/ELA 47 students were tested and 100% met the standard.  In Math 47 students were tested and 100% met the standard.  In Writing 12 students were tested and 100% met the standard.  In Science 15 students were tested and 100% met the standard.  In Social Studies 12 students were tested and 100% met the standard.

 

How will scores be applied for accountability?  Only the scores of the students enrolled on the Snapshot date (4th Friday in October 2008) will apply.  The tests used for accountability are TAKS, TAKS-Acc in Science for 5th, 8th, 10th grades and Exit, TAKS-Acc in Social Studies for 8th and 10th grades and Exit, and in ELA and Math for Exit level.  The State Ratings are expected July 31st and Preliminary AYP Ratings are expected the 1st week of August.    

 

I-2.  Receive Report regarding Math and Science Initiatives from Becky Burghardt, Director of Assessment

Superintendent Coulson recognized Becky Burghardt, Director for Assessment, who reported to the Board of Trustees regarding the CSISD Mathematics and Science Journey.  M. Burghardt reviewed with the Board that in the Summer 2007 teachers met to discuss the need for district-wide mathematics scope and sequence.  The concerns were increasingly mobile student population, inability to determine why some student groups were not being successful and students across the district were not receiving a guaranteed and viable curriculum.  After much trial, study, research and consternation we learned that CMBs and observations revealed issues with both the curriculum AND instruction.  Screening verified additional support was needed for two Title 1 campuses and Math Conference confirms the need for professional development in mathematics instruction.  In April and May 2009, the UT Dana Center assisted in the revision of elementary math scope and sequence, documents were revised and shared with teachers and an additional math specialist was hired.  In Science, key learning experiences were determined and scope and sequence for 2009-2010 was shared with teachers.  Over the 2009 Summer mathematics work will include CMBs for 2009-2010, parent letters will be prepared, resources will be purchased for lesson clarification, and August professional development will be planned.  In Science the 2009 Summer will bring resources being purchased for TEKS aligned lessons and activities and August professional development will be planned.  Plans for 2009-2010 in Math and Science revised math and new science scope and sequence documents will be implemented, CMBs for 4th Grade – high school science will be developed, and grade level meetings will be planned to focus on who, what, and how we are teaching and what we do when our students “don’t get it”.

 

I-3.  Consideration, discussion and possible action related to the Head Start Expansion Grant submission

Superintendent Coulson recognized Deputy Superintendent Greg McIntyre who recognized Sharon Jackson, Director for Head Start and Pre-K Services.  “Whole Child, whole family” Head Start services have been successfully offered in this district since 1965 for children three to five years old.  In the last five to seven years, expanding wait lists have indicated the need for additional classes but federal funds were not available for expansion.  This has been a discussion item in both program meetings and Policy Council.  The Policy Council recently voted to write for increasing enrollment to meet the needs of more children and families as soon as funds are available.  This approval coincides with the recent release of funds from Congress to enroll more children in Head Start. The focus for the CSISD program, which comes from self assessment, formal community assessment and program staff discussions with consultants, will be to serve more bilingual children specifically, while addressing the waiting list of three and four year olds.  The total request will be for 78 children.

 

MOTION 4110:  I move approval of the submission of the Head Start Expansion Grant as presented.  The motion was made by Trustee Garland Watson and seconded by Trustee Paul Dorsett.  The motion passed with five ayes, zero nos and two absences.

 

K.  BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS

K-1.  Consider approval of the Quarterly Investment Report for the three months ended May 31, 2009

Superintendent Coulson recognized Amanda Dotson, Director for Business Services, who reported to the Trustees regarding the Quarterly Investment Report for the three months ended May 31, 2009.  The Public Funds Investment Act (The Act) requires that a quarterly report of all District investments be provided to the Superintendent and Board of School Trustees.  The Act further requires that each investment officer receive at least ten hours of continuing education in investment responsibilities.  This presentation meets the requirement of a quarterly report of all District investments and the requirement that each investment officer receive at least ten hours of continuing education.

 

MOTION 4111:  I move approval of the Quarterly Investment Report for the three months ended May 31, 2009 as presented.  The motion was made by Trustee Garland Watson and seconded by Trustee Paul Dorsett.  The motion passed with five ayes, zero nos, and two absences.

 

K-2.  Consider approval of proposed acquisition of College Station ISD property by the City of College Station 1.44137 acres situated on Barron Road at Victoria Avenue

Superintendent Eddie Coulson recognized Deputy Superintendent Mike Ball who reported that the City of College Station is proposing to continue the widening of Barron Road between State Highway 6 and FM 2154 (Wellborn Road).  As part of that project, the City is in need of additional property owned by College Station ISD.  The land is needed for the roadway and public utility easements.  The City’s offer to Purchase Real Property in the amount of $42,292 is recommended.

 

MOTION 4112:  I move approval of the proposed acquisition of College Station ISD property by the City of College Station 1.44137 acres situated on Barron Road at Victoria Avenue, as presented.  The motion was made by Vice President Randall Pitcock and seconded by Trustee Garland Watson.  The motion passed with five ayes, zero nos, and two absences.

K-3.  Consider approval of an Interlocal Agreement For Joint Use of Facilities Between College Station Independent School District and The City of College Station, Texas

Superintendent Coulson recognized Deputy Superintendent Mike Ball who reported that College Station ISD and The City of College Station have been participants in an Interlocal agreement for joint use of facilities for a number of years.  Changes to the agreement primarily involve issues associated with Kids Klub and Natatorium operations.  Those changes bring the agreement into line with actual practice and provide a more equitable means of sharing expenses.

 

MOTION 4113:  I move approval of an Interlocal Agreement For Joint Use of Facilities Between College Station Independent School District and The City of College Station, Texas as presented.  The motion was made by Trustee Garland Watson and seconded by Trustee Paul Dorsett.  The motion passed with five ayes, zero nos, and two absences.

 

K-4.  Consider approval of Marketing and Advertising Representation Agreement between College Station and Home Team Marketing, LLC

Superintendent Coulson recognized Deputy Superintendent Mike Ball who reported that Home Team Marketing, LLC, is proposing a marketing and Advertising Representation Agreement in relation to the athletic department at A&M Consolidated High School.  The concept underlying the proposed agreement is that the AMCHS athletic department would participate in advertising and marketing ventures involving regional and national advertisers.  The advertising proceeds would be shared among participating schools in the region.  The concept is that local businesses would not be contacted to participate in the advertising.  The potential is to involve advertisers that are national in scope that would typically not be interested in advertising at one high school.

 

MOTION 4114:  I move approval of Marketing and Advertising Representation Agreement between College Station and Home Team Marketing, LLC, as presented.  The motion was made by Vice President Randall Pitcock and seconded by Trustee Garland Watson.  The motion was approved with five ayes, zero nos, and two absences.

 

K-5.  Consider authorization of Sole Source purchases for the following items:

a.     Safari Montage Video Distribution Center

b.    Read 180 Curriculum for A&M Consolidated High School

 

Superintendent Coulson recognized Deputy Superintendent Mike Ball who reported that one of the identified needs of CSISD is a digital video distribution system.  The Safari Montage Video Distribution system provided by Pathway Communications in the amount of $73,270 is recommended by administration.

 

MOTION 4115:  I move authorization of Sole Source purchases for the following items: (a) Safari Montage Video Distribution Center and (b) Read 180 Curriculum for A&M Consolidated High School, as presented.  The motion was made by Vice President Randall Pitcock and seconded by Trustee Garland Watson.  The motion passed with five ayes, zero nos, and two absences.

 

K-9.  Consider authorization of purchase of Audio Visual Equipment for Cypress Grove Intermediate School utilizing the Texas A&M University Master Agreement

The agenda item was pulled from the Consent Agenda by CSISD administration for clarification.

 

L.  EXECUTIVE SESSION

L-1.  The Board will meet in executive session to discuss and consider the Superintendent Evaluation and amendments/modifications to the Superintendent Contract.  The executive session deliberations will be held pursuant to the “Personnel Matters; Closed Meeting” exception to the Texas Open Meetings Act as set forth in Section 551.074 of the Texas Government Code.

The Board went into Executive Session at 8:40 p.m.

 

N.  OPEN SESSION

The Board returned to Open Session at 10:57 p.m.

 

O.  ADJOURNMENT

Without objection, President Slack adjourned the meeting at 10:57 p.m.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                           

CHARLOTTE SLACK                                             VALERIE JOCHEN

PRESIDENT                                                             SECRETARY