The Brownwood ISD (BISD) Board of Trustees met for a regular session meeting on Monday, September 10. The session was called to order by BISD Board President Michael Cloy. Pastor Tim Skaggs from Coggin Avenue Baptist Church gave the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Coggin Intermediate 5th grade students, Luke Hagood and AJ Gonzalez.
RECOGNITIONS
The following groups and individuals were recognized by BISD and were presented with certificates highlighting their achievements.
BHS HOSA:
Brownwood High School HOSA (Future Health Professionals) students were recognized for their accomplishments participating in the International HOSA Competition over the summer. The following students were honored: James Bautista (Health Care Issues Exam and Outstanding HOSA Chapter), Laurel Glass (Health Care Issues Exam), MacKinley Coppic (Health Care Issues Exam), Loralei Briley (Health Care Issues Exam), and Maecy DeLaCruz (International Recognition for HOSA Service Project). Pictured below are the HOSA students with BISD Trustee, Eric Evans and teachers Annalyn Deen and Ann Tew.
BHS OnRamps Teachers:
Brownwood High School OnRamps teachers were recognized for their participation in summer training at the University of Texas in Austin. Kerri Castaneda (OnRamps in Chemistry) and Laura Martin (OnRamps in History) are pictured below with BISD Trustee, Dr. Lisa Fowler. (Not pictured: James Stacks – OnRamps in Physics)
BISD Spotlight Teachers and Staff:
The Brownwood ISD Spotlight recognizes members of the BISD faculty and staff that go the extra mile to ensure excellence in education for all our students. Spotlight recipients are chosen from peer nominations. Summer 2018 honorees were Coggin Intermediate Dyslexia Therapist, Brec Espinoza, and Helen Lacy, Director of Nursing for Brownwood ISD. The September 2018 honorees included, BMS English Language Arts teacher, Kristi Sharpe and Stan Pachall, a member of the BISD Maintenance crew. Spotlight honorees are pictured below with BISD Trustee, Tim Jacobs. (Not pictured: Helen Lacy)
INSTRUCTIONAL FOCUS
Superintendent Dr. Joe Young introduced a new segment for board meetings entitled Instructional Focus. During this time, board members will be presented with specific data relating to instruction within the district, as well as updates and plans to improve. The board was provided beginning of the year screening results from DIBELS, a progress-monitoring assessment that measures the acquisition of early literacy skills from kindergarten through sixth grade. East Elementary and Northwest Elementary results were reviewed, and Dr. Young noted that meetings had already been held to identify problems, set goals, and form strategies which include implementation of data driven instruction with fidelity at Northwest Elementary and the development of a grade level/campus leadership team at East Elementary.
Dr. Young reported that public meetings have also been scheduled at Northwest Elementary and East Elementary to discuss the state accountability ratings and plan. Both public meetings will be held September 25th. The Northwest Elementary meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. and the East Elementary meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m.
DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
Summer School Programs Report & Enrollment/Transfer Report: Dr. Young provided data regarding the 2018 summer school participation, credit recovery, and course completion as well as week one enrollment numbers. Dr. Young noted that the district had 225 transfers into the district as compared to 185 last year at this time, marking an increase of 40 students.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF TWO NEW SCHOOL BUSSES:
Dr. Young informed the board that two buses in the fleet have over 200,000 miles of use and to maintain the operation fleet, two new buses were needed to replace them. Trustee Tim Jacobs motioned to approve the purchase of two new school buses from Longhorn Bus Sales in the amount of $224,516 and Trustee Dr. Lisa Fowler seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF NEW BAND UNIFORMS:
Dr. Young reported that the current uniforms had been utilized for 14 years, and the BHS band program had gone through a process to come up with a new design. Dr. Young introduced BHS Band Director, David Lambert, to provide a preview of the new design, as well as answer any questions regarding the new uniforms. Mr. Lambert noted that the new design will simplify the uniform, as well as bring a more modern look to the band. Trustee Eric Evans made a motion to approve the purchase of new band uniforms from Fruhauf Uniforms in the amount of $114,000. Trustee Dr. Lisa Fowler seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.