The Brownwood ISD (BISD) Board of Trustees met for a special session budget meeting on Monday, August 8, 2022 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Board entered the regular session meeting at 6:34 p.m. The session was called to order by BISD Board President Michael Cloy. BISD Board of Trustees member Eric Evans gave the invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by BISD Board President Michael Cloy.
INSTRUCTIONAL FOCUS
Deputy Superintendent Liesa Land provided an update regarding state assessment results for the 2021-2022 school year. Results showed BISD students have improved in most areas indicated by Approaches, Meets, and Masters percentages for state grade level assessments. Land noted that BISD has a target of Meets and the district is working to improve STAAR results from students in our Special Education program. An instructional facilitator has been added who will be helping teachers meet individualized needs of special education students. Land also reported that according to attendance data, ninety-nine percent of the third-grade students who earned less than Approaches on the STAAR had more than eight absences. Special Programs Coordinator, Dr. Stacy Loftin is working with four parent liaisons on plans to improve attendance throughout the year and motivate students to, “attend, achieve, and succeed.”
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
• 52 teachers attended New Teacher Orientation Monday, August 8, at 8:00 a.m.
• All classroom teacher jobs have been filled.
• 22 teachers are new to the profession and BISD is providing continued support and mentorship to help drive their success.
• Convocation was held Tuesday, August 9, at Brownwood High School (BHS) with breakfast provided from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 followed by performances by the BHS Band, Choir, and teacher grant awards presented by Brownwood Education Foundation.
DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: The following reports and program updates were presented for review:
• Athletic Report – Sammy Burnett
• Staff & Student Handbooks
• Quarterly Finance Report – Mitch Moore
FIRST READING: TASB-INITIATED POLICY UPDATE 119
This update included TASB localized policy manual updates including revisions on nine LOCAL policies. Details are available in the Board Book published on the Brownwood ISD website (https://www.brownwoodisd.org/boardbook). The update was presented as a first reading only, with no action on the item scheduled until next month.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT:
The Student Code of Conduct for the 2022-2023 year was provided. No major changes were reported, only minor updates for clarity. This is an annual approval required by the state, and the Texas Association of School Boards provides the updated document each year, ensuring that it complies with all laws on student discipline. Trustee Diane Thompson motioned that the Student Code of Conduct be approved as presented. Trustee Eric Evans seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF PROPOSED TAX RATE FOR PUBLIC NOTICE:
The proposed budget is based on a tax rate of $0.8634 for Maintenance and Operations and $0.17859 for Interest and Sinking. This overall tax rate of $1.04199 reflects a rate decrease of $0.03341 for the 2022-2023 school budget year. Trustee Codie Smith motioned that the proposed tax rate for public notice be approved as presented. Trustee Amary Doremus seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF DESIGNATING AUGUST 25, 2022 AS THE DATE TO APPROVE THE 2022-2023 BUDGET AND TAX RATE:
The date of August 25, 2022 was presented for approval as the date to approve the 2022-2023 BISD budget and tax rate. Trustee Evans motioned to approve the date as presented. Trustee Smith seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF PUBLIC FUNDS INVESTMENT POLICY RESOLUTION:
A resolution for the Public Funds Investment Policy was provided for approval with no changes. Trustee Doremus motioned that the policy be approved as presented. Trustee Evans seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF ORDER CALLING FOR BOARD OF TRUSTEES ELECTIONS TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 8, 2022 FOR PLACES 1, 3, 6, and 7
Approval of this order calls for the Board of Trustee election on November 8, 2022. The first day to file for a place on the ballot is July 25, 2022. The last day to file for a place on the ballot is August 22, 2022. The Brown County Elections Office will conduct the election for the district, pending approval of the Board. Trustee Evans moved to approve the order callinSpecial Board Meeting: August 25; Next Regular Board Meeting: September 12g for the Board of Trustee Election to be held on November 8, 2022 for Place 1, Place 3, Place 6 and Place 7. Trustee Doremus seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were listed for consideration on the Consent Agenda.
- Approval of T-TESS Appraiser List
- Approval of Teacher Appraisal Calendar
- District Improvement Plan
- Property/Casualty Contract for 2022-2023
- Extension of Janitorial Contract for 2022-2023
- Transportation Agreement for 2022-2023
- District of Innovation Teacher Certifications
- May 9, 2022 Board Meeting Minutes Trustee Evans moved that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented. Trustee Smith seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The board moved into executive session at 6:54 p.m. to discuss personnel matters. They returned to open session at 7:26 p.m. No additional action was taken on executive session matters. ANNOUNCEMENTS
The following announcements were made:
• BISD Convocation: August 9, 2022
• First Day of School: August 17, 2022
• Special Board Meeting: August 25, 2022
• Labor Day Holiday: September 5, 2022
• Next Regular Board Meeting: September 12, 2022
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m