The Brownwood ISD (BISD) Board of Trustees met for a special session budget meeting on Monday, August 14, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. The Board entered the regular session meeting at 6:51 p.m. The session was called to order by BISD Board President Michael Cloy who also gave the invocation, and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Young introduced BISD school principals and new administrative staff. Administrators who have moved positions or are new to the district this year include:
• Ginger Alford, Director of Student Service (previously BHS Assistant Principal)
• Brian Harris, Brownwood High School Assistant Principal (previously a BHS Biology teacher and baseball coach)
• Mykia Anderson, Brownwood Middle School Principal (previously BMS Assistant Principal)
• Jake Senkirik, Brownwood Middle School Assistant Principal (previously Coggin Elementary Assistant Principal)
• Veronica Ballenger, Coggin Elementary Sixth Grade Principal (previously a BISD curriculum coordinator)
• Monica Verner, Coggin Elementary Assistant Principal (new to the district)
• Amy Morris, Northwest Elementary Assistant Principal (new to the district)
• Adrienne Horton, Director of Human Resources (new to the district)
DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
The following reports and updates were presented for review:
• District and Campus Improvement Goals
• Staff & Student Handbook
• Athletics Report
• Quarterly Financial Report
BOARD REPORT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING August 14, 2023
FIRST READING: TASB INITIATED POLICY UPDATE 121
This update included TASB localized policy manual updates including revisions on six 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.
APPROVAL OF DISTRICT’S 2023 SERIES BOND ORDER
The Board considered details of an order authorizing the issuance of the District’s Unlimited Tax School Building Bonds, Series 2023; levying a continuing direct annual Ad Valorem Tax for the payment of the Bonds; and other matters in connection therewith. Trustee Eric Evans motioned that the District’s Bond Order be approved as presented. Trustee Amary Doremus seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
FINAL READING: TASB INITIATED POLICY UPDATE 120
TASB-initiated Policy Update 120 included revisions to four LOCAL policies. The update was presented as discussed at the May 2023 Board meeting. Trustee Doremus motioned that the District’s Bond Order be approved as presented. Trustee Diane Thompson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
APPROVAL OF PROPOSED TAX RATE FOR PUBLIC NOTICE
The proposed budget is based on a tax rate of $0.7137 for Maintenance and Operations and $0.3283 for Interest and Sinking. This tax rate reflects a decrease of $0.1497 in Maintenance and Operations and an increase of $0.1497 in Interest and Sinking for the 2023-2024 school budget year. Trustee Codie Smith motioned that the proposed tax rate for public notice be approved as presented. Trustee Roderick Jones seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
APPROVAL OF THE POLICY CKED (LOCAL)
Policy CKED (LOCAL) relates to the authorization of certain employees to possess firearms to address concerns about the effective and timely response to an emergency on District property, including the invasion of a school by an armed person who may pose a direct threat of physical harm to students or others. Due to special circumstances, a motion was made by Trustee Evans to approve the addition of Policy CKED (LOCAL) pertaining to Security Personnel and Other Security Arrangements. The BISD Board of Trustees claims a good cause exception to House Bill 3 Sec. 37.0814; Armed Security Officer Required, due to the availability of personnel to serve as a security officer. Trustee Smith seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA:
The following items were listed for consideration on the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval of Updated T-TESS Appraiser List
2. Approval of Teacher Appraisal Calendar
3. Approval of Attorney Retainer
4. Approval of Board Delegate (Trustee Doremus)
5. (Postponed) Approval of Property/Casualty Insurance for 2023-2024
6. Approval of Transportation Contract
7. Approval of Adult Lunch Meal Prices
8. Approval of HB 3033 Dates
9. Approval of Student Code of Conduct
10. Approval of District Improvement Goals
11. Approval of Bank Depository Contract
12. Approval of DOI Teacher Certifications
13. Approval of Public Funds Investment Policy Resolution
14. Minutes from June 20, 2023 Meeting
Trustee Evans moved that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented. Trustee Justin Posey seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The board moved into executive session at 7:22 p.m. to discuss personnel and security matters. They returned to open session at 7:58 p.m.
APPROVAL OF GUARDIANS
Approval of Campus Guardians relates to the authorization of certain employees to possess firearms to address concerns about the effective and timely response to an emergency on District property, including the invasion of a school by an armed person who may pose a direct threat of physical harm to students or others. Trustee Evans made a motion to approve the Campus Guardians, in accordance with Policy CKED and the Campus Guardian plan as presented. Trustee Posey seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The following announcements were made:
• First Day of School: 08/15/23
• Special Board Meeting: 08/24/23
• Labor Day Holiday: 09/04/23
• Next Regular Meeting: 09/11/23
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.