April 29, 2025 Brazosport ISD Board Meeting

001I'd like to call our meeting to order. It is 6 pm and declare that we do have a board quorum present. The mission of Brazesport ISD is to graduate each student to be future ready. If you will please stand for our invocation which was led by Mr. Joe Reinhardt and then our pledges of allegiance. Um, excuse me. be left by this guy. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank you for this opportunity to come together to celebrate great awards, great pleasures the kids have provided for themselves, their families, for our school district. We're very blessed to have the programs that we have here that allow kids to flourish even in uh ways that they didn't know that they could. We ask that you just bless this uh meeting tonight. Uh the decisions we make, that be in

002the uh glory and honor of you as we uh support all students that we have in our in our school district. We ask now that you just uh walk with us as we go home tonight. Lord, be the light on our path. Amen. Please join me in the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Honorian toy one state one indivisible. Thank you Mr. I'd like to ask our board to begin making its way to the front as we transition into our awards, achievements, and recognitions time. Once all of our recognitions are complete, we'll soon I really got there. Good evening. It's my honor tonight to start our student recognitions. We'll start with the

003Great History Challenge. On February 24th, four students from Clude Intermediate joined students from all over the state of Texas at the regional great history challenge competition at Angleton Junior High. All four students from Clude Intermediate qualified for the national competition that will be held on May 23rd through 25th, 2025 at the Hilton Orlando in Orlando, Florida. Oh, students had to compete in three rounds and one by round of history questions ranging from ancient myths to modern history. The first to buzz in and answer correctly received a maximum of 10 points per round. The students with the highest number of points after all four rounds were invited to nationals. Those students are Decker Perle Romero Manzanare unable to join us tonight Samuel Rivera and Brian Evan. Congratulations. We also have teacher and [Applause] Nicholas. Congratulations. Oh

004my goodness. All right. Now I got it. All right. Certificates are up straight. One, two, three. I'll get a couple. One, two, three. All right. Anyone else is welcome? [Applause] And now for a few more students with our Texas History Day student honor students in honors social studies classes participated in the Texas History Day competition for the first time this year. The theme for 2025 was rights and responsibilities. 36 students qualified for the regional meet in Sugarland on February 22nd. Three of our students placed first or second in that competition, making them eligible to compete at the state level. On Saturday, April 5th, students from around the state met at the Bulock State History Museum in Austin to showcase their knowledge and talent. The following students participated in the state competition. Mr. Brooke Adams, fifth

005grade middle school. His topic was Lincoln legacy. Miss Kayla Rodriguez Hernandez, sixth grade, Rasco Middle School with a topic in silent Afghan's women's rights. Congratulations student Miss Tia Tiarina sixth grade Rasco Middle School topic the Chuco movement would also like to welcome our teachers Miss Alexi Bur Mr. Jeffrey Vales and Mrs. Aaron call. We appreciate the hard work and dedication of the students, the teachers, and support from parents and helping set the standards for educators through excellence. We also want to thank our social studies coordinator, Angela McCabe, and our social studies, our social studies specialist, Johnny Cheryl, for being here this evening. All right, two and another one, two, three. One, two, three. Thank you. [Applause] At this time, I'm going to welcome our career and technical education director, Mrs. Bridget Purle, to the podium

006to continue our awards, recognition, and achievements. [Applause] Thank you, Mr. Cole and our board of trustees, Superintendent Massie, and our wonderful community audience tonight. Um, it's my pleasure to recognize our career and technical education award recipients tonight. Career and technical education student organizations or CTSOs as you may hear of them give students a platform to apply what they learn in the classroom to real world challenges all while building leadership, teamwork, and career ready skills. From business to health science, From agricultural to education, our BISD students are leading the way. Tonight, we want to celebrate our outstanding students as competitors and achievements and their dedicated sponsors. And we will begin with our business professionals of America or BPA. At the BPA state leadership conference in Dallas, nine BIC students represented with excellence. Over 4,000 students competed,

007attended leadership sessions, andworked with professionals. Congratulations to these students. Angel Pena, who is first in presentation management team, second in small business management teams, and he is a Texas executive student [Applause] council. And Abigail Aritia, who is our only junior in the group, is the first advanced and advanced office systems and procedures and was also elected as Texas associate vice [Applause] president Brianna Cvantes who is a state qualifier in advanced office system and procedures. Congratulations Vallejo state qualified administrative student support research project and small business management team. Sydney Mendoza, Texas executive council candidate and state qualifier for advanced thresh and fall business management. And a special thanks to their sponsor, Miss Amanda, who led the students through this amazing competition. Our students are competing at the state level. Congratulations. All right, let me see that

008right here. One, two, three. One, two, three. Congratulations to our business professionals of America. Our next group to be recognized is the Texas Association of Future Educators or TAFY. At the Teach Tomorrow Summit in Galveston, BISC future educators showcase their creativity and passion for teaching. at the national qualifying level in Q includes Katie Huber and Ramsey and Ramy, I'm sorry, Ramy Elusf who won for project visualized [Applause] service. We had two teams who qualified for nationals in the category of interactive bulletin boards with a middle school focus and representing them tonight is Leon Puget. [Applause] Leon also was awarded the gold medal for teacher created mil materials at the middle school level. A special thanks to their sponsors and adviserss Miss Cameron Peters and Miss [Applause] Ashley. Thank you. One, two, three. One, two, three.

009Our next group to be recognized is our Skills USA competitors. These competitors competed in welding competitions and construction. Our first to be recognized is Travis Bell who won first place in welding with a gold medal and also a state qualifier. [Applause] Next is Ricardo Arindi the fourth and Vicente Helio who participated in the first place project the barbecue pit reverse flow. [Applause] Next is Victor Martinez who won second in masonry. [Applause] and Mara Torres who took home on first place in electrical construction and electrical trades exhibit. [Applause] The next group was for a team build or a project called teams work and this is Cara Gore Karen and Michael Felina. [Applause] Also tonight we'd like to recognize Ulysa Marilissa not only won first place for technical drafting but also was elected as a district officer

010who will represent the team at national competition this summer. [Applause] Their wonderful sponsors are Miss Kendall Burke and Miss Mr. [Applause] Everybody glad they put you [Music] first. Thank you. first. We got to get Chris in the picture. I can't see. I'm good. Remember by list? I have to. Yes. No problem. I killed. All right. Thank you very much. One, two, three. And again. One, two, three. [Applause] ESP somewhere. All right. Our next TSM group is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo competitors who competed in the international craft competition. This is a highly competitive project showcase. Your BSD's tier one team earned reserve champion in project execution and reserve champion in bestive show. Representing the team tonight is Tristan Thompson. [Music] [Applause] Elazar Rubio [Applause] Jackson and they are led by their project sponsor Mr.

011[Applause] About [Music] One, two, three. And again. One, two, three. [Applause] A special thanks to our CTA CTE staff is represented here tonight, Mr. Owen Dixon and Mr. Darren Humes. Thank you for your support. We are extremely proud of our BIC students who competed in BPA, Tathy, Skills USA, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Their hard work and achievements reflect the powers of hands-on learning and high quality CTE instruction. This concludes our recognition for CTE student organization competition. [Applause] Good evening, uh, Superintendent Matthew and school board and our guests tonight. I am honored to recognize uh the principal, Miss Jennifer Slater from OM Roberts. If you would come forward, Miss Brandon and tonight representing Pulk Elementary is uh Miss Safy Aruse. We are pleased to announce that OM Roberts, Brandon, and Pulk Elementary, they

012have earned the recognition of ERP, educational results partnership honor role list. This list recognizes top public schools, school districts, and charter schools in Texas that have outperformed their peers in closing achievement gaps, particularly among higher poverty and historically disadvantaged student populations. This year, 63 school districts in Texas made the honor role. This is approximately 9% of all eligible districts in the state. Results are based on data of student outcomes on the state of Texas assessment of academic readiness or the STAR for the years 2022 through 2024. This effort is part of a national campaign to engage business leaders in recognizing successful schools and educational systems that are preparing students with the fundamental skills needed to be successful in the workforce and in life. The honor role is the only school recognition program based solely on

013objective student achievement data with the goal of finding and highlighting successful districts and encouraging collaboration among educators on best practices for raising student achievement. Again, congratulations to Owen Roberts, Beth Brandon, and Pulk [Applause] Elementary. Congratulations. Appreciate all you do. I [Music] always Thank you. One, two, three. And again. One, two, [Applause] three. All right. Good evening. It's an honor to present our April spotlight teachers. The purpose of the educator spotlight award is to recognize outstanding teachers across our district. When I call your name, if you could come stand next to Mr. Massie. This month's spotlight educators are um Kristen Center Brown for our secondary spotlight and Erica Cray from for our elementary spotlight. [Applause] Miss Center Brown teaches US history at Braz's success academy. Her campus shared that she exemplifies passion, dedication, and excellence in

014education. Her love for teaching history is evident in every lesson, and she brings the subject to life in a way that deeply engages and inspires her students. She builds meaningful trust and rapport with each student, creating a classroom environment rooted in respect and connection. She teaches with purpose every single day, making the most of every moment. Dependable, caring, and guided by a strong sense of integrity. She sets high standards not only for her students, but for herself as well. She's truly a model educator and a vital part of their campus [Applause] community. Miss Erica Craig is a fifth grade science teacher at Laneir Elementary. Her campus shared that she consistently goes above and beyond to make science science meaningful and engaging for her students. Her passion for continuous learning is evident as she seeks opportunities

015to grow professionally and takes initiative in leading science professional development to support her colleagues. She's a positive force on campus, fostering strong relationships with her students and team members. In addition to her instructional leadership, Miss Craig serves as a mentor through her work with Leos and Pearls, providing students with valuable opportunities to develop leadership skills and a heart for service. Thank you both for all you do. [Applause] Thank you for all your Got one more. [Applause] Mr. Madden, if you'll join, Mr. Massie. Mr. Massie, board of trustees, BIC community members. Uh we are honored to present this extra mile award to Justin and Katherine Adams Phillips for creating the legacy flag football league for BISD fifth and sixth grade students. The flag football league had six games, I'm sorry, six weeks of games on Saturdays,

016uh, Saturday mornings at Sladefield and had 56 players participating last fall and another 56 players participating this spring. 31 current Brazeswood football players serve as the coaches and referees and student trainers volunteer their time to be available as well. Last fall, our students logged over 490 volunteer service hours for uh supporting this opportunity for our fifth and sixth grade students. The Legacy League mission statement. At Legacy League, our mission is to empower the next generation through the game of football. Guided by the belief that every touchdown scored today is a step toward shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Our high school players volunteer their time to mentor, coach, and inspire young athletes. We are dedicated to nurturing teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship in a positive environment where young players develop both on and off the field. By

017fostering this connection, we aim to create a lasting impact that extends beyond the game, preparing today's youth to become tomorrow's role models. Justin and Catherine, thank you for going the extra mile for our students. [Applause] [Music] very competing against each other. [Music] Come on, Legacy League people. Come on. You're a player. You're in it, too. Yeah. Got purple hair too, right? Yeah. They're our MVP of snack right here. One, two, three. And again. One, two, three. Thank you. Anybody else? [Applause] We got the two in the legacy. So divided this weekend. That does conclude all of our awards and recognitions for this evening. At this time, in accordance with the EV local award, we'll provide an audience with individuals who have signed up prior to the meeting to address the board. We do have uh

018three this evening. Uh Mr. Ekins will turn serve as our timekeeper. And for those with questioning to speak, please note that comments related to a maximum of five minutes per speaker with a maximum of 30 minutes total allotted for public comment. Delegations of more than five shall appoint a representative to present their views to the board. Board will not entertain negative comments on individual personnel or students in public session. Patrons are encouraged to use appropriate campus campus and administration channels before bringing concerns to the attention of the board and board members are not allowed to deliberate discuss or make decisions regarding any subject not included on the agenda posted tonight. We have three. Uh our first uh speaker, Mr. Rocks Deacon Matthew Gore. First of all, I know a lot of you. I played ball

019with you, against you, worked with you, and I consider us friends. But you know the old saying, sometimes we got to agree to disagree. So this is my opinion. I'm here to share my thoughts regarding the actions by the district in reference to the Steven F. Austin entry and the bonds before the voters of the district. Steven F. Austin school is not the same as others since we are cut off from the surrounding areas. Our rural school allows our students to form long-term friendships, ride bikes in each other's houses, and play with neighborhood kids. The decision to close our school will result in destroying their childhood and this falls squirly on your shoulders. Each child at Steven F. Austin School is known by name not only by their teacher but other faculty and staff. Stephen

020F. Austin allows students to feel seen, safe, and valued. Ideally, this is something each child should experience, but lacking in larger, overly populated schools. One board member said that this closure would be advantage to the students because they would be offered more choices. He is speaking of secondary, not elementary. PreK through grade five have basic subjects. Several years ago, BISD placed bonds before our citizens that were to be used for renovation or rebuilding of Steven F. Austin. Our school has been neglected by BISD and we approved in good faith for those bonds to be used as pledged. Jones Creek citizens were willing to do whatever actions necessary to help BISD, but we did we didn't ask for a new school. We were content to have ours updated, but were told this was not possible due

021to the flood plane and the need to build up too high. We later discovered BD didn't research this in full and that the information was incorrect for the measurements needed to build up. It was in fact lower. So I believe we all remember that situation. Jones Creek offered other sites and were told they weren't usable. Yet, you neglected and paid a landowner approximately 55,000 for property for a new school site you did not use. Uh, I have this information uh on the list if anybody would like to see it later. The land owners behind our current school were willing to work with BISD to keep Stephen Austin where it is, but that offer was turned down. It now appears BD has no intentions of doing anything where Steven F. Austin just took the opportunity to

022gain bond money in a previous meeting. You spoke negatively about Representative Boo. But say what you will, he accomplished what BISD did not in spite of his having less manpower. BD had more than enough time and persons on the payroll to rea research a solution yet chose not and took the easy way out. It was mentioned at one board meeting that the decision to close Stephen F. Austin was not personal, just business. That remark was offensive. You are a you are not a corporation. You are a school board sworn to enhance the lives of the students you are responsible for serving. If nothing else, it should be personal. It certainly is personal to our community. In my opinion, BSB has not been responsible for budgeting money. It is excessive that our superintendent makes substantially minimum

023of three times more than the teachers and has multiple years in his contract. I have uh the salaries of all the superintendent if anybody would like to see those later. Um after being the bonds were misrepresentative and up for misuse is telling us directly that we had two years to come up with a solution to keep Stephen L. Austin Fost open then go back on his word. I now regret my choice of leadership. If BISD is so far in debt, then you need to start doing business by cutting the fat from the top, getting rid of consultants, excessive administration positions, charge for transfers from outside the district, stop paying nonprofit, encouraging one religion, and quit cramming students into one faculty facility like cattle. with spending funds on the outdoor pools that can only be used

024possibly five months of the year perhaps just tell those entities and persons affected it's not personal it's just business the difference what we have built spent and continued to spend on Lake Jackson cls instead of Jones Creek freeort can be seen by evenly a visually challenged Yet you continue to pour money into these schools without regard to the cost and expect us to use bond money to obtain for a school to cover our over your overspending. We want to expect want and expect Stephen F. Austin to be renewed or rebuilt. Perhaps a newspaper instead of uh doing a piece on the praising BISD can do an actual investigative piece on the county of where all the money has gone and continues to go. Why does the freezer not work at Stephen F. Austin and why

025is the food being trucked in? Where did you actually spend the money on renovation? Because just looking at Stephen F. Austin does not match what you have stated that you spend on repairs. This investigation would call for a nonbiased journalism which sadly also seems to disappear. I have always supported public school education. However, now I see why people are losing faith in our school system and voting for vouchers and choosing homeschooling. Had a BISD student lied about what they were doing or taking money, the consequence would have been quick and severe. Yet, this bond sits there. Basically took the money that we voted yes for and are not using it as we were told it would be. You as a school board are supposed to lead by example. You'll set a poor example for our

026students in honesty, truth, research, and problem solving. Trust and respect go hand in hand. They are hard to earn but easy to lose. Due to your actions, I have lost faith in this board. I will not support and will not vote yes for the upcoming uh BISD bond. I would vote no. Thank you for your time. And uh like I said, if anybody has any questions on any of the uh information that I sent this evening, I have it right here. Thank you, Mr. Tidwell. So, uh, as you know, I guess we're losing our principal out there. We're losing a few teachers. Uh, a lot of these teachers and the principal have been there for 20ome years. And when they submit a resignation to y'all, y'all immediately send them a exit to explain why they're

027leaving or whatever it is. Does any of y'all ever check one of those exit forms to see what's on there? I doubt it because if you did, you'd see there's a lot of lot of issues. Uh these people have been there for years for BISD, but we're willing just let them go. Don't go talk to them and try to say, "Hey, what's going on? How can we make it better?" We don't do that. It's a shame. Uh the last several months I've had the opportunity to talk to at least two teachers from every school for the uh lighthouse. And every one of them when they started talking to me, I didn't call them, they called me. Every one of them started out, I'd like to talk to you about this, but you can't use my

028name. If you use my name, they'll fire. That's a shame that we can't talk, but it's true. Every one of them describes problems in BISD, such as the ones that Rocky has just talked about, even more. Uh, I would love there's several of y'all that were past educators and you should feel something for this these teachers and administrators that are leaving, but nothing is done. Nothing is asked. It's a shame. I wasn't going to talk about that pool, but I can't tell you how many late Jackson residents, and I'm all for the pool. I I'm all for Bradwood having a pool. I think that's a great thing. But that pool, even according to them, is a shut me up pool. They complain. They want a new pool, but they didn't get what they wanted or

029needed. They did the inside pool like Brad support has like the rec center serum like they used but instead we got a shut me up pool. We're going to give you a pool so shut up. That's basically what happened. $7.7 million for a outside pool. Think about that. What you can do with $7.7 million. Well, if you're going to do it, why didn't we do it right? They said if we just maintain what we had, which we didn't. That's part of the problem with BD. Don't shake your head. It's true. It's even in the paper. Even in the paper about that you didn't maintain. when you got people coming out to to CF Austin that goes out there and says, "Hey, principal, uh, what side do you want us to hydro blast for the summer?"

030What is that? Why are we doing the whole school? It's a shame. I'll leave it with that. I wish I would talk to some of these teachers that are leaving, some administrators that are leaving. Hear what they got to say cuz they don't seem like they don't think y'all care at all. Good evening, board of trustees. Mr. Massie, the last time I came here, I was full of gratitude and I thanked you all for your decision to keep our school open. It was a decision that meant so much to us, to the kids, to the whole community. Um, but I did also caution that the work was not done and that we needed to be able to do more work to save our school would require more than just keeping the doors open. It would

031require a real investment in the school's future. And it's with deep dismay that I come here tonight instead of building on that promise. I understand that even more cuts are happening. Cuts that threaten the very heart of our school. We're now facing the reality of operating with one person in the office and I understand she also doubles as the nurse. Uh we're losing uh several personnel and the facility upgrades that have been promised to us multiple times are not happening. And these aren't just minor setbacks. These are huge setbacks. Um this is a critical blow to the ability of our school to attract more students. Once again, I feel that this is another example of the lack of support for the free Freeport feeder stream. The inequity between Freeport and Lake Jackson are clear to

032everyone except y'all. I really need to ask, how do you intend to track attract students and retain them when you continue taking away the resources and support of the students at Steven at Boston? How do you expect a school to grow and succeed when it's continually asked to do more with less? I personally don't think there is any intention to help us keep Stephen at Boston open. And and that it's heartbreaking for me to have to say that. It it almost makes me want to cry. At this point, I really feel that our students, our kids are the ones that are paying the ultimate price. It's painful to see that their futures are being sacrificed to assist a system that appears unwilling to find any solutions to keep our schools open. We fought so hard

033for Stephen F. Boston because we believe in Stephen F. Boston and we believe in our students and I am still ready to work alongside each and every one of you to find viable solutions to keep our school open. It's urgent now and we need your help. Please don't let us down again. Don't let us down with the empty promises that keep coming. We want our school to stay open. Help us. Just help us. We're willing to do the work, but we need you all to be willing to do the work as well and believe in us. Thanks. The uh the next item on our agenda is our consent agenda. Are there any items at this time that are to be pulled be pulled from the consent agenda? Motion to approve as presented. I have a

034motion to have a second. Motion by Mr. Atkins, seconded by Mr. Dunn. All those in favor signify by saying I. All opposed by name. All right, that carries. Thank you. The next item that we have on our agenda are action items. Public comments will be allowed before vote is taken on each of the action items. Our first action item is our instructional calendar for the 2627 school years. Mr. Whitehead is have a presentation for us. Thank you. Good evening. In accordance with board policy EB legal, it's my pleasure to present the recommended 2627 instructional calendar. As a reminder, we adopted the calendar for 2526 along with a calendar for this year. So by adopting the calendar in April for the following year, we are providing parents, students, and staff with over a year's notice on

035the instructional calendar. We have reviewed the many factors to be considered when creating an instructional calendar as listed on this slide. In addition, the committee prioritized having staff start on Monday, no sooner than August 3rd, and students start no sooner than Wednesday during the week of August 12th. We also prioritize finishing the school year prior to Memorial Day. There was also an effort to place student holidays on Fridays when possible and have at least three school days in a week during a week that have holidays. The development of the calendar began with input from cabinet principal and other district leaders. The ideas proposed were taken to the calendar committee meeting in February. The committee utilized that information to develop two different calendars. Among the committee members that were represented were from Freeport, Clute, Lake Jackson,

036as well as elementary, middle, intermediate, and high schools. During the development process, these highly qualified professionals focused on the guiding question. What is the best calendar decision to support quality instruction, including the prioritization of addressing instructional needs and balance semesters? After the calendar development committee narrowed the calendars to two drafts, draft A and draft B, the district improvement committee or DEIC reviewed the calendars and voted on which calendar best supported student learning and achievement. The DEIC is comprised of parents, community and business representatives as well as campus and district staff. The final layer of approval at the campus level uh where we have parent community members and business representatives from the campuses. The CEIC reviewed and voted on which draft calendar best supported student learning and achievement. Before I review the draft calendars for 2627,

037I want to remind you that next year's calendar 2526 is shown here. As you will see, the major shift from next year's calendar, again, got to keep this straight, to the following year's calendar will be when Memorial Day falls. We typically find the perfect fit for the winter break to Memorial Day for our spring semester. But the 26 27 and also for 2728, we are likely to finish the week before the Memorial Day weekend shown here. Oh, sorry. Shown here uh is some general information about the two calendars. Before I dive into the calendar, just want to give you just the foundation for those two calendars. Calendar A is similar to our current calendar, very similar to our current calendar, and has 81 days in the fall and 87 days in the spring. Calendar A

038has an additional 3.4 days in reserved minutes beyond the required minimum with both both semesters ending in half days. Calendar B finishes a week later but has a February break. Calendar B has 81 fall days and 88 spring days as well as half days to end the semester. Calendar B has an additional 4.4 days in reserves. Apologize it's a little hard to see but there's a lot going on in the calendar. This is calendar A. It is almost exactly the same as the 26 2526 calendar. The fall semester is one day earlier shift where students start on the 12th of August where next year they start on the 13th and this year they started on the 14th. And yes, we will eventually need to move to the next to the next week, but our fall

039semester is already shorter than the committee wanted. And so the committee wanted to keep the week this week as the start date. After that, everything flows in the same pattern all the way throughout the year. We've had a pos we've had positive feedback on our October break. Our winter break fits well in this similar calendar and our spring break is in early March. Easter moves around as usual and will fall at the end of March during the 26 27 school year. Ultimately, we end the same week as before. However, as you can see, Memorial Day and Memorial Day weekend isn't until the following weekend. Again, this is calendar A. Calendar B was created with the idea of keeping the end of instruction going up until Memorial Day. This would provide some options for holidays during

040the spring semester, particularly the month of February. This option was intended to provide some relief during the month of February when we often see some challenging behaviors. By placing the days in February, it would provide a February break similar to the October break, but would have students attending classes until the last week of May, aligning with the Memorial Day weekend. Again, this is calendar B. After discussion, the calendar committee voted on which calendar they felt best met the instructional needs of BISD students. The members had discussion with their repres with their respective campuses and ultimately voted draft A is what they preferred at 71.4%. So calendar A or the finishes a week before Memorial Day was the preferred calendar for the calendar committee. The district improvement committee or DEIC also voted on the calendar that

041they felt best met the instructional needs of BISD students. After discussion and consideration, the DEIC also voted calendar A as the preferred calendar at 57.1%. Several members had concerns for the long break in instruction during the month of February and its potential negative impact on instruction during this time of year. Additionally, the last and additionally, they also had concerns for the end date being so late in May. Lastly, the campus improvement committees or CIC's voted on which calendar they felt best met the needs of our students. After campus meetings and discussions, the CEIC also voted on calendar A as the preferred calendar uh at a rate of 80%. The consensus was that the break in instruction during the month of February could negatively impact students prior to state testing and the late end in May

042was not more critical to instruction than the time in February. Before I make a recommendation recommendation, I do want to make a note that we are watching a couple of bills that are in the legislative session right now. House Bill 1209, which does have some language uh which would require 175 days in the calendar, and Senate Bill 2928, which does require that classes begin on the third Wednesday in August. Both those bills have not made it through. If they do pass, there's always the probability there will be an exception to the rule because we do have that under our DOI, but the DOI may not be used. So, we're just going to wait and see. So, there are there could be some uh need to revisit if the bills go through without any exceptions available.

043Just want to make you aware of that before we voted. In summary, there was a lot of healthy discussion and review and ultimately all committees favored draft A. Therefore, it is the recommendation that the board of trustees approve the instructional calendar draft A for the 2627 school year as presented. And I would be happy to answer any questions you have at this time. Questions from the board? So you're saying the legislature is trying to decide if they're going to we decide what they decided before when they decided they want to go to. Yes, sir. That is exactly what I'm saying. Just as a note of interest that uh DOI is a district of innovation which we now are and have been for some time. And as a district of innovation we are we follow our

044kids by the number of minutes not necessarily the number of days that they come to school and start. Right. The current requirements are designated in minutes and there's been a lot of creative schedules across the state by utilizing the minutes and so now I think there's a revisit to add days constraints within the calendar. Right now we're under the number of minutes and our CTE benefits from minutes. Antil haven't been in the classroom. I think it's a good idea that we're not having a spring February break. We're right on the cusp of testing and we don't need kids not being around. We need them in the classroom. You go back and look in the springtime, Saturdays after school, there's all kind of testing, uh, remediation and help going on. So, that's a day is the

045by far the better choice. I am curious what's once we really get there and we get this week off before Memorial Day if that's going to, you know, what that's going to be. It'll be interesting to If we follow the same one and not do the February break then questions from the board from the audience about the calendar 2627 calendar before we take a vote. All right. Hearing none. Then we do have a recommendation uh from the administration that the board approve the instructional calendar draft day for the 26 27 school year as presented. Do I hear a motion? So move by Mr. Reinhardt. Do I have a second? Second by Miss Quar. All those in favor signify by saying I. All by name. Thank you. Carries. Next item that we have on our action

046items is the cancellation of the district three and district four trustee election. Uh good evening board members, Mr. Massie and members of the public. Uh pursuant to pol to board policy BBP uh leave will I present for you approval the approval your approval for the cancellation of the trustee election for district 3 and four. The deadline of February 15, 2025 has passed for candidates to file an application for a place on the ballot. In accordance with section 2.052 and 2.053 053 of the Texas Education Code. The Secretary of the Board of Trustees is required to certify in writing to the board that the following candidates for the May 3rd trustee election are unopposed for election to office. District three, Mr. Kenneth Schulty and District 4, Miss Liz Player. Upon receipt of the secretary certification, the

047board may by order declare these unopposed candidates elected to the office. Once this declaration is made, the May 3rd trustee elections for district three and four will be officially cancelled. Although the elections for district three and four will be cancelled, the names of the unopposed candidates, Ken Schulty and Lizer will still appear on the ballot. However, no opponent will be listed. The May 3rd press election will still proceed for district 5. Administration recommends the board accept the certification of unopposed candidates for other political subdivisions, approve the order of cancellation, and declare the unopposed candidates for district three and four elected to office. cancel. Is it too late? Is it too late to have a right in the under? Any comments before we take a vote? Are there any comments from the audience before we move

048forward with votes about that? No comments. All right. Hearing none. Uh do we accept the recommendation as presented? Move for approval. Been moved by several. We got several. I'll second it. Seconded by Mr. Reinhardt. All those in favor signify by saying I. All oppose. That car up. [Applause] Next item that we have on our action items, uh, consideration and possible approval of notifying TA of intent to change the fiscal year start date from September 1st to July 1st effective July 1st, 2026. Uh, Miss Castino, thank you, Mr. Howard. Um, at the last board meeting, a proposal was presented to change the district fiscal year start date to July 1st as allowed under education code section 44.011. The financial accountability system resource guide outlines the process for making this change. To support tax rate calculations, the

049budget and financial data will still cover a 12-month period from September 1 to August 31st, even though the fiscal year will run from September 1st to June 30th. This ensures accurate funding for operations and de payments for the fiscal year 2526. The budget adoption will be based on 10 months of data September 1 through June 30th. Additional 12 month financial data will be prepared for public reporting and tax rate decisions. The annual financial report will also be based on 10 months with a separate schedule showing full 12 month tax collections. Starting the 26 27 year, all financial reports will follow the new July 1st through June 30th fiscal year. After care careful consideration and evaluation, the administration recommends adjusting the start date of our fiscal year from September 1 to July 1 effective July 1st,

0502026. Several key factors influence this recommendation. First, the transition would result in a one-time increase in our fund balance of approximately 5 million. This is because we would operate on a shortened 10-month cycle during the year of transition rather than the typical 12 months. The change in fiscal year year will not have an effect on staff pay. Second, this change would provide direct benefits to our campuses. By starting the fiscal year earlier, campuses would have the ability to purchase muchneeded materials and supplies sooner rather than waiting until September 1 when the new budget traditionally becomes available. This would support a smoother start to the academic year and better meet the needs of our students and staff. Another significant advantage is improved alignment with our governmental agencies. Many federal grants operate on a cycle that begins

051on July 1. Aligning our fiscal year with theirs would simplify grant management, reporting, and compliance processes, resulting in greater efficiency and consistency. There are some disadvantages to consider. The budget adoption timeline would be accelerated requiring adoption by June 30 instead of August. Additionally, the business office would need to adjust its planning and certified property values estimates are typically received in July after the budget would have been already adopted. This could make finalizing budget projections more challenging. The district would still have the ability to amend the budget before the PI's fall submission deadline. It is important to note that the budget submitted to the Texas Education Agency becomes the district's official budget. Based on these factors, the administration recommends moving forward with not notifying the Texas Education Agency of our intent to change the fiscal year

052start date to July 1, beginning with the 2027 fiscal year. This concludes my presentation. I'd be happy to answer any questions. Any questions? Can they tell us no? Um, I've already reached out to them and the feedback was that so long as the board approves a change, they'll approve the change. We can't do it prior to 2027. It would not be beneficial if we moved it to this year because the year that we want to shorten 10 10 months is the 25 26 year. Okay, cool. How many districts do we know use July? uh a little under 300, but there more are moving into a July 1 start date. Including from a spending standpoint, it makes sense. But time for teachers, it makes sense because they can get the resources they need when it's time

053to be there. As long as we spread we spread teacher pay across 12 months anyway. So that's not an issue there. Correct. The savings would come from uh not expensing the July and August uh expenses, utilities and other payroll costs. Any other questions from the board? Any questions from the audience before we take a vote? All right. Hearing none, we have a recommendation uh from the administration. Do I hear a motion? I move for approval as presented. Moved by Mr. Schwartner as presented. Do I hear a second Mr. Dunn? All those in favor signify by saying I by n. All right, that passes well. Next item that we have on our action items is citizens bond oversight committee related action items. Uh is very popular. Thank you. Um, section CH outlines our district responsibilities around

054purchasing and procurement, ensuring we follow the law and act transparently with public funds. To support this, the board approves the citizens bond oversight committees, a group that ensures bond funds are spent as voters intended, evaluates any proposed changes to projects, and keeps the board informed. Together, this policy and committee help us meet our goal of fiscal responsibility, strengthening trust with our community, and ensuring resources as used wisely are used wisely. The Citizens Bond Oversight Committee held its most recent meeting on April 16th, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in the administration building. During the meeting, the committee reviewed one action item, which was discussed in detail to ensure alignment with the voter approved bond scope. The committee also reviewed reallocation of funds for the 2014 bond. This included an an addition of 269,933 to major maintenance accounts

055offset by reductions in contingency CT program improvements uh print shop maintenance equipment and technology equipment totaling the same amount for the 2019 bond. changes included the addition of [Music] $1,283,31 in federal revenue to support any rate black fiber project. This is a reimbursement of the expense for the same project. Uh adjustments also included increases to the Brassport Fieldtown CTE athletic accounts and the Brasses would pool alongside decreases to the Brassport priority one improvement and contingency accounts. In add in addition to these changes, members receive updates on the status of current projects, including timelines, progress, and any related changes. This ongoing review process highlights the committee's continued commitment to transparency and accountability in managing bond funds. This recommendation was approved by CEO. These reallocations have been carefully reviewed to ensure that they align with the district's

056priorities. support the completion of ongoing projects and address the most critical needs across our campuses and facilities. At this time, we respectfully request the board approval of the proposed 2014 2019 bond reallocation as presented. Any questions? Was the port CTE I thought we moved that previously. Was this additional in the previous uh meeting there that we did not have enough members to take action on the item and that's why we're bringing it back. Okay. I thought that we moved some of that money already. Take care of that. Any other questions from the audience? All right. We have a recommendation uh from the administration to approve the SEO uh recommendation to move the 2014 and 2019 bond money as presented. Do I hear a motion? It has been moved by Mr. Dunn. It's second Schulty. All

057those in favor signify by saying I. All by that passes as well. Thank you. Thank you, ma'am. Uh, next item that we have on our action items is the guaranteed maximum price for the Rasco Middle Stacking Lane project. Mr. Burger, Mr. Burger, it's a pleasure to see you. Good evening. In accordance with board policy CB legal, it is my pleasure to present the guaranteed maximum price for Rasco Middle School stacking lane project. Some background information. Section 44.038 of the Texas Education Code and section CBE of the Board of Trustees policies describe the method and procedure school districts must use when entering a contract for construction manager at risk in connection with the construction of the facility. Section 44.038 038 states a school district may use the construction manager at risk method for the construction, rehabilitation,

058alteration or repair of a facility and this is in alignment with district goal. Risesport ISD will exercise fiscal responsibility to ensure financial strength and provide you resources to equip maintain and maintain quality facilities and educational programming administr administrative considerations. So current issues, I don't think it's a big secret that traffic has been an issue at Rasco for quite some time. Uh that resulted in a traffic study and subsequent identification as a priority one project as part of the 2019 bond. Uh the district's construction manager at Risk, Steuart Builders, has publicly advertised and received bids on April 9th of 2025. The district's construction manager of Red Stewart Builders has provided a guaranteed maximum price for the project of 1,162,194. Funds were included in the voter approved 2019 bond as discussed earlier. And uh should this be

059approved, construction would be completed in August of 2025. So, I don't know if this little laser dot works on here or not, but you can kind of see this comes off of Lake Road. uh loops around and then I mean it's pretty self-explanatory. Is there any specific questions about what's going on? Are we are we going to have a new drop off on the I guess that's the north I guess that's north side. No, the bottom end of the campus it'll be the same drop off as before. Can't pick up there. There looks like there's an overhang being built. Is that just a What is that? T upside down T. top. So that that's an error in the overlay. That's not supposed to be there. So So they're going to drop off by the gym

060and drop off still in the front or is the front going to be the bus area? Buses will be in the front. Parents will be at the end where where that gray line narrows down on the bottom center of the image there in the staff parking lot. They'll go from double stacking to single stacking. Yeah, it's it's a it's as you can see it's a lot of stacking there if they'll use it to get them off the street. Yeah. And um uh that is the soccer fields as you know and so there has been communication with uh city of Lake Jackson about that. From what I understand no soccer field there more practice area in the farther back there and so they have uh been made aware of that and were involved in Manhattan. The

061rec center director is also Are we moving fencing for this? That's fenced off in the back too, right? Yeah. We'll be adding motorized gates on both ends of the stacking lane. So, the the fencing will remain secure. We're just adding gates. And all the buses will fit in the front. Yes. You just don't want there need to get out. Well, correct. Currently, students are picked up in the front or in on the side they're supposed to be picked up there where the right now they get picked up all around the scattered everywhere. Yeah. So, is there there's turning lane coming from the north right into the stacking lanes on the other side on the on the soccer field side, right? They can they'll be able to turn in without backing up too much. We're still

062kind of ironing out that intersection. Okay. Um I don't have a real good way of explaining it, but um the city is involved in those conversations. That's the best we hope for because I don't think a lot of people were coming this way going to turn into the back lane. They're mostly coming from the other way. I would guess. But yeah, I went to the post office the other day and I guess I told D. I I looked around. I saw all these cars backed in. I thought they was doing a robbery back in, get the kids, and then just take off. It's like, geez, I never seen people that there was nobody inside. No way on that land. The only concern I have is kind of like what we have at um Match Griffith

063the teachers walking through the stacking lane to get to the building. Uh there's there's way more teachers at So hopefully the teachers will be there before and be there after so it should be minimal. Yeah. Except for the people start lining up at 12:30, right? But that is a long long stacking line is more than enough for what that population holds right now. So this is this is bigger than that, right? I'd have to verify. I think it is. Yeah, it is. It is circle. It would be ideal if you could get everybody coming in one way and out one way because we have lights going both directions, right? So we could force them out to the pound and back up to medical drive or come in medical drive and back out towards Lake Road.

064I mean if you could get them get them all going one direction with a stacking lane that would be an ideal but I know that's going to be to your point of the intersection there. But the bad part about canon lane too if you have to build another five 300 yards. I mean, I guess technically since we have two lanes, you could do a right turn coming from the south or coming from the I'm just going to call it the pound rec center. Coming from the rec center, you go into the first lane. If you're coming from the north side, you're going in the right lane. You can put cones and force people in through. Yeah. The city wanted it to be right turn only, which means everybody has to come down and circle back

065unless they're turning right from the adjacent street. We want to see how it works and then we'll use crossing guards or or however mean ideally you'd come out the second and go left force everybody left right and go south and then come out medical I mean entering right only and then yes then force everybody to come from lake road right I guess going north most likely coming out maybe I don't We'll we'll work through a half dozen ones. So, so for the schools that we've and I'm have not gone at closing of schools on a regular basis, but of the schools we've built these stack lines. Of course, elementary is a different bird because those kids we control really how they move very well. But at an intermediate school, I mean, my kids went there

066and they were we picked them up at every place imaginable over there at one point over two years. And so, um, if you can get them all to stay and the school can manage that and get them all to stay in that gym until they're picked up, then this will work. But that's a long line for parents parents not to use it. Now, what we've experienced with the new stacking lanes at the secondary schools and the elementary schools is yeah, there's a there's still a lot of parents that don't comply and just do what you know, they'll just stop and drop their kid off in the middle of the road. We deal with that right here. Uh the the the traffic the guy that was out there doing the traffic engineering made some real comments

067about he couldn't believe it. Parents were so non-compliant about that. But but so what we've seen at the other campuses that have the large stacking range, we still get parents that don't comply, don't get in, and don't follow the rules, but it still has gotten more traffic off the streets than what was before. And so, yeah, there's still on this whatever rules are are decided, there still be parents that won't comply, but it will be better than what it is now as far as the traffic on the streets. Yeah. including me is better than it was, but they still pick up. It still is in church and even the post office. Yeah. Far away. That's okay. Yeah. Same in all of them. Yeah. Brandon, they still go to the neighborhood. It's not as bad as

068it was before we had I think odds a little better. Yeah. Yeah. August is 10 times better. Yeah. It would be nice if we had a second drop off point on that long second wing, but yeah, that was requested, but it was almost impossible to work. Um, and that opinion was most strongly given from the traffic engineer. Yeah. Yeah. An inside drop off and outside drop off kind of lane. All right. With that said, the administration recommends that the board of trustees approve the guaranteed maximum price of 1,16162,194 from Steuart Builders for the Rasco Middle School stacking lane project. Any questions from the audience before we move? Tommy Ward won't have anything to do with this. I let Tommy Ward if you wanted to. Yeah. No, no, good. We got it. Okay. And I do

069want to recognize that we have a a couple representatives from Steuart Builders here this evening and thank them for their work on this and for us. We thank you all very much. I also thank you for the previous all the previous work. We appreciate keep up the big work. I coached I coached the boy so he speaks of you very high. I bet he does. He rubs his back pocket every time he does. Yeah. I need to pay attention to that battle. I can't imagine he deserved it. Do I hear a motion? I will make a motion to approve guaranteed maximum price. It has been moved by Mr. Atkins to accept the recommendation as presented and seconded by Joe. All in favor signify by saying I. I. All by name. All right, that carries as

070well. Thank you, Mr. Start. Wait out before they do anything. Oh, u Thank y'all. All right. Next item that we have on agenda. Are our reports uh public comment will be allowed on each report. Uh our first report is the 2026 budget plan update and guiding principal survey results. Miss Canino, our chief financial officer. In today's budget report, I will be presenting um the updated budget figures for the current fiscal year. I will also provide a brief overview of recent legislative changes related to school finance, an update on the developments of the 2025-26 uh budget and the results of the budget development survey. This presentation is part of our ongoing effort to maintain transparency and fiscal responsibility in alignment with the district's goal that Bransport ISD will exercise fiscal responsibility to ensure financial strength and

071secure the resources needed to equip and maintain quality facilities and educational programming. The 2025 budget update information remains unchanged from the previous presentation. The 2025 budget was adopted with an 11.7 million uh deficit. At the time, we had projected chapter 313 revenues at 6 million. However, actual payments are now expected to be approximately 12.5 million, exceeding our expectations. 12.5. Yes. The budget assumed an average daily attendance or ADA of 10,86 and we are currently approximately 10, 2016 just slightly below target. While special education mainstream ADA is somewhat somewhat lower than projected out other special education services are outperforming expectations resulting in an additional 1 million in revenue for state compensatory education. We had budgeted for 7,61 students, but the actual count currently stands at 6,287, creating a 2 million shortfall. However, we are actively working

072with the Texas Education Agency to update our state student numbers and are cautiously optimistic that the 2 million short thought shortfall will be reduced. Despite these variances, we anticipate ending the year with a fund balance of 38.2 2 million77,000 above our target of 38.1 million. Although we have experience some shortfalls in ADA and SE counts, the overall budget is performing better than expected with a projected deficit of 5.6 million, an improvement of 6.1 million compared to the original forecast. The 89th legislative session is underway, bringing several key updates to school funding. House Bill 2 recently passed by the House proposes raising the basic aotment from 6,160 to 655. These uh the first increase since 2019. New state aid is also proposed for first tier coastal districts helping offset higher property and casualty insurance costs compared

073to the statewide average. In addition, House Bill 2 updates the compensatory education, bilingual education, special education, dyslexia, and the teacher incentive allotments and creating new fine arts allowments. Preliminary projection estimates uh estimates these changes could result in approximately 6.9 million in additional state aid for our district. Next is an update on the progress of the 2026 budget reductions. We are actively reviewing and analyzing potential reductions across the district. The evaluation of the high school master schedule focused on identifying possible staffing efficiencies has been completed. Campus and department staffing meetings have also concluded with staffing adjustments adjustments made based on student enrollment, course selection, and district staffing formulas. In addition, we are conducting a comprehensive review of department budgets to uncover further opportunities for savings. At the same time, we are carefully assessing the potential impact

074of staff compensation increases which could result in additional costs. To date, nearly 9.7 million in expenditure reductions have been identified. The largest decrease stems from the change in the fiscal year, which results in a one-time savings of approximately $5 million. This table outlines two budget scenarios. one under the current funding formula and the other under the provisions of House Bill 2. Scenario one follows the current funding formula where the basic aotment is set at 6,160. Under this scenario, total available revenues amount to 118 million while expenditures total 130.6 million resulting in a projected deficit of 12.6 million before any budget reductions. After factoring in the potential 9.7 million in budget cuts, the revised projected deficit would decrease to 2.9 million. Scenario two is based on the changes proposed in House Bill 2 where the basic

075aotment is increased to 6,555. This adjustment raises total available revenue to 123.6 million, but with the same expenditures of 130.6 million, leading to a projected deficit of 7 million before any reductions. After applying the 9.7 million in budget cuts, the scenario results in a 2.6 million surplus. Both scenarios assume that this year's one-time stipen will be rolled into next year's budget as a pay increase, resulting in roughly a 3% pay increase. This table compares the budget scenarios presented at last month's board meeting with the current projected figures. The columns with green headers show the updated projections reflecting the increase in the basic a lotment allowing you to compare the previous data with the latest information. As part of our budget process, a budget development survey was conducted over a two-eek period to ensure ample time

076for participation. The survey included seven targeted questions designed to gather insight into staff priorities regarding resource allocation within our budget. We received 444 responses from staff members across various departments. Uh these responses provide valuable insight that will help us allocate resources more effectively to meet the needs of our stu of both our district and our employees. For our first question, we asked staff to rank various budget categories in terms of importance. Out of 444 respondents, 296 staff members, over twothirds of the total respondents chose staff pay raises pay rates as the most important budget priority. For our second question, we asked staff to prioritize which resources they would choose to preserve if resources were limited. A total of 178 respondents or 40.1% of those who answered chose classroom aid to support as a resource to

077preserve. For the third question, we asked staff to describe their approach to budget decisions. A significant 57% of respondents or 253 individuals stated that they prioritize staff retention and morale when making budget decisions. For our next question, we asked staff what concerns them most about potential future budget cuts. The top concern chosen by 47.7% of respondent was the inability to meet student needs. A close second with 43.9 of responses was the fear of job security. For the next question, we asked staff how they would prefer to receive budget updates. A resounding 89.4% of respondents selected email newsletter as their preferred method of communication. For the next question, we asked staff how willing they would be to participate in a working group to brainstorm creative budget solutions. The responses were quite varied. 32.2% 2% of respondents

078said they might be willing to participate depending on timing, while 25.2% indicated that they would not be interested in joining a working group. As we continue to work through these adjustments, we'll be sure to keep you updated with the latest information. Here's the budget planning calendar for the next step so you can see the timeline for what's coming up. The next budget update will be on May 19th during which we will also present the compensation plan. And that concludes the updates for today. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer. Any questions for Miss Kino? All right. Hearing none. Thank you ma'am. Next item that we have on our report center under our report is the preliminary employee compensation plan. Miss Jennifer Neighbors. All right. Good evening. Tonight I'll be providing a preliminary

079update on our TASBY pay study. In February the district began its TASBY le comprehensive pay review. TASBY is currently conducting a market analysis for all paygrades and has shared some preliminary data on the teacher pay schedule with three pay increase models. Meanwhile, the legislative session is still underway and we remain optimistic about the potential increase for funding for our district. The project kicked off in February where um myself and Miss Canino met with TASBY. Um during the month of March, TASBY started the review of our submitted data and selecting markets for comparison. The market analysis, we're currently in our the market analysis uh phase of the project, but TASBY did provide the PL preliminary teacher model so we could begin reporting and planning for compensation scenarios. The rest of the project will consist of building

080and aligning pay structures, calculating general pay increase models, and calculating pay adjustments. This will be done for all pay groups. We just have the teacher models ready to review. The full draft market analysis will be available in May. will review for any adjustments and then receive the final report and we'll report soon after that the recommendations for updated compensation planning in the employee data. Our market comparisons include districts that are in our region and all within commut commutable distance from and to runport ISD. Two other non-school sources were also used, comp analysts and pay factors for market data to ensure we're staying competitive in all pay groups. Here you'll see our teacher demographics for years of experience. Our teachers and librarians of Razesport ISD have an average teaching experience of 12.1 years, which is actually

081above the state average of 11 years. And then when analyzing the experience of our newly hired teachers and related instructional staff, 52% of Brazen Court ISD's 56 newly hired teachers have five or fewer years of experience. This is very typical. We showed a 7.1% teacher turnover rate from last year, which is actually considered very stable. Here we have our current market comparisons for Brazesport ISD. While the chart shows we're below market, our surveyed areas are all 97 to 98% of the local market median. There will be an increased market shift. TASBY reported that all of their scheduled projects are requesting scenarios of four to six% increase models. A couple of things on this chart not taken into account in these comparisons is the 3% one-time payment that was paid out on our first check of

082the 2425 assignment year and that we are one of the first TIA payout districts in the area. Dickinson ISD is the closest one to us and they are the same cohort and we are out preparing to pay out an approximate generated $1.8 8 million to our designated teachers in August funded through TEA. Another area we do review but is not taken into consideration for salary schedule is our competitive siphons. We continue to stay at a competitive rate in all of the areas of our siphon. These are just a few of our academic siphons. The following models that we're going to review tonight are three preliminary models of possible teacher pay increases. The first preliminary model shows a 3% increase to the teacher salary structure. The orange line represents the current BISD teacher hiring schedule. The

083blue line is the current market median. And the green line for this chart is a reflection of our teachers current salaries with the 3% onetime payment raise included. The green line also models what the teacher salary schedule would look like with that 3% increase. This would be an approximately $200 $2,000 pay schedule increase for all teachers with slight adjustments at years 2 through five, 23 through 25, and 28 through 31. The estimated cost would be 1.6 million, which is considered about 3% budget impact, but since we factored in the one-time payment increase into the budget, it would be a net impact of $0. Our next preliminary model shows a 5% increase. This would be approximately 3350 our for all teachers with slight adjustments at years 2 through 5 to improve pay differences between years of

084experience 13 through 15 and 18 through 31 years to improve market comparisons where we're currently lowest to market. The estimated cost is about 2.8 million which is considered a 5.5% budget impact. But since we factored in the one-time payment increase into the budget, it is a net impact of about a million dollars. This is a market competitive model and brings teacher pay to 2% above market at all surveyed years. The market is going to move, so we do need to aim above. Our third and most competitive preliminary model shows a 6% increase. This would be approximately $4,000 for all teachers with slight adjustments at years two through five to improve pay difference between years of experience and then 13 through 15 and 18 through 31 years to improve market comparisons where we're currently lowest to

085market. The estimated cost is $3.3 million, which is considered a 6.5 budget impact. But since we factored the one-time payment increase into the budget, it is a net impact of about $1.5 million. This is a market competitive model and bringing teacher pay to two to 4% above market at all surveyed years. The market's going to move. So again, this would be changing above So this is a breakdown of the total of what the 2425 one time 3% of midpoint cost. This was included in our budget planning. The cost of this increase was about $3 million. The estimated cost of each model is listed here that we just reviewed. Even though the one-time payment raise was not factored into the teacher salary schedule, it was included for budget planning. Therefore, making the net cost for the

086district lower. We're rolling the 3% onetime raise and adding to it, reducing the net impact of cost, making a pay increase more affordable for the district. The information presented this evening is for report only. We're aware we're in the middle of a legislative session while House Bill seems popular, the Senate will have their own ideas. TASBY is prepared to help adjust and review compensation models to ensure we're in a compliance with possible requirements on how any additional funding must be spent. If House Bill 2 passes, the models presented tonight are all in compliance with any of the potential financial runs we have received. Cassie is prepared to rerun for compliance, but for now, we meet the requirements in the model. questions. This three peers, is this the same as last year? Yes, I believe so.

087No, one missing. 12. There's 12. Okay. I mean, there was 12. Okay. Is that what we had last year? And then the other the market areas that did we did that last year or just the market areas? Yeah, the two analysis. Yeah. Oh, yes. They always use um outside of education. I just don't remember that. Um did you four to 6% across the state? That's what that is what the model they're asking for. So from who is asking? So different school districts partner with TASBY and they complet the studies and so that's what they're this is year 14 for me and I have never seen anything above a three. So if you're saying four to six, I I have to ask who is asking. I did try to get that information with with uh as

088we understand that enrollment is down across the state and districts are closing schools for lack of kids. That seems but if you are staffing for your student enrollment and not overstaffing that frees up more money to pay. Make that sound good. You should be a politician. Well, hey, we've done a lot of work working on student enrollment and staffing this year. Oh, I'm I'm not questioning that. I'm just saying that shocked me. 4 to 6%. If I might add, um, also there is a requirement when the basic allotment goes up a certain percent has to go pay increases. It's 40. Yeah, it's 40%. and and house way the way House Bill 2 is written right now, the 40% has to go um for staff pay increases, but 75% of that 40% has to go to

089teachers and counselors. Okay. Oh, we benefit too from the 3%. Yes, correct. Absolutely. So we are changing our you know for example we're changing our salary schedule by 5%. But 3% has already been done there. It's already been paid. Yes. That's what they're that's their pay this year. Yes. So to to give a 2% raise is really a 5% raise. Originally we weren't planning to roll that 3% of that that one time payment to next year budget. my resume. We did. Open up. Yeah, I'm totally confused. So, you can't get a reference. I feel like I'm pretty good at math. So, first question I have. Yeah. In every other year, we've been doing this. 1% raise equal about a million dollars. Yeah. Now, we're saying 5% raise is equal to 2.8 million. It's only teachers.

090It's not all staff. Okay. So, this only includes teachers. That's that's the the big difference. So it is about 1% equals about $1 million. So the part for the whole for for the whole district right but this is only for teachers but only for teachers equal to 3% is equal to 1.6 Six for just teachers with Yeah. If you go to that next slide where the preliminary teacher model Yeah. So just teachers one 3% is equal to 1.6 million. Yes. Yes. But if you look here this last year for that 3% because it was 3% of midpoint it cost 1.8 million for teachers. While yet we would be ahead, we would be analyzing this for less staff, this also included the um step. They didn't just get their 3%. They also got the step adjustment

091because we didn't change the salary schedule. So when when did we pay this 3%? Are they getting it right now on their check? Was it in their first check of September? That's right. It was a onetime payment. Okay. So when we look at the budget uh presentation right before the total expenditure amount 130 million includes that rate includes this onetime payment for next year. Correct. We're we're assuming that as an increase of the raise. So we so we we're assuming the 3% again for next year's that was in the budget. Yeah. Yeah. For next year proposed budget. Proposed budget. Proposed budget. Yeah. Shouldn't we shouldn't we pull that out and just look at the rates? I mean, that's extremely confusing. Uh, well, it'll be done that way on the new salary compensation plan. Yeah. I

092mean, it is it would be the the first row or the second the one with the cost that would be without rolling it without including the one time. But the total the total cost that we would pay would be the first number 2.8 or 3.2. Yes, but we budgeted for three or half of it I guess. Oh, so that's well at 6%. Okay. Is this the first time that we budgeted a one time pay for in the budget? Well, in the budget yet? Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Because sometimes we'll do a budget increase, sometimes we'll just do one time pay and a lot and a lot of the onetime pay was with ESERT previously too. So that I think I think we have some terminology that I think I want to clear up. Yeah.

093When when we are saying we budgeted I don't think we should use that in past tense. I think we should use that in present tense. We have budgeted for this one time that was a 2025 expense into next year's 2526 expense or 2425 into 256. So in your modeling that you're presenting to us over the last couple of months, you assumed that that would get paid out as a raise from this year. Correct. Correct. Okay. So nothing's happened from a payment or from a true budgeting standpoint. We have we have just taken a one-time payment and converted it into salary from a budgeting standpoint for presentation purposes for the upcoming budget that we'll present in August. Correct. Okay. Okay. Okay. I'm on board now. That makes Yeah. Yeah. Okay. But since we didn't add that

094into the teacher's actual hiring schedule, their month to month, their salary will be Yes. They will already have the 3% but the actual schedule would receive if we did 6% a 6% rating in the hiring schedule because we're going to give them 3% that we've already given them or proposed. If if we give them if we give them 3% raise, it's really going to be 6%. Correct. Yeah. No, I get that. I understand that piece. Okay. Yeah. It's just that it's just that we've never budgeted a 3% pay one time payment. So that's what Yeah. And the fact that it's a million and a half less than what we typically done in every other deal because we're not including this. This is just So, okay. So, are we coming back with a presentation for non-teer?

095Yes, we'll have the full presentation with all pay groups in May and then we'll have to we'll present um different GPI did we can we move the 3% for non-teers into next year's budget? Is that included? Included as part of an expenditure. Okay. Already in the third. So yes, it's looking. Okay. So when you look at that table uh in your presentation, you'll see that the rolling of the expenses from current year to next year remains the same and that includes the one time uh one time stipen for everybody. It's included in that amount. So right now our starting point is for 6% is 3.2 only to go up when we include everybody else. The 3% the 3.3 is already in. Well, no, it would be the one and a half. The one and a

096half. Yeah, that that's the increased compensation. Yeah. Yeah. The 3% just just the straight 3% will will keep paid the same as what it was this year. Yeah. Since it was just the three 3% one time except the schedule would change to match. So So are we will they see step increases for that full six? That's not a big deal. So did we we give we get steps on the 3% last year? this last year. We did because we didn't change the they moved up to their year. We didn't change the schedule. That That's something that needs to stay in there. It does. Well, we all know that the blue line is going to catch up with the green system. Absolutely. Always. Yeah. And that's that's the one you were talking about. blue line move

097up or maybe for a little we don't know what will happen. So there was one bill and who knows where they are at this point but there was one that guaranteed them $4,000. Is that still out there or not? That was a Was that Senate Bill six? And it was it depended on if you were like a rural school like that your enrollment numbers and I think it depended on the years. It was like 5,000 or 10,000. I think I think I'm not sure. I think I went by increase in that I think. Who knows? I don't think most of those celebrated minimum which we were already well above that. Yeah. So clearly we're we're we're 65 is 6500 655 whatever 655 is better, right? That's creates some revenue for us, which makes so the

098the the only the the big savings that we have is that onetime savings with a $5 million in the fiscal year. And that's how we're bringing our proposed budget or what we're looking estimate uh to just above $2 million. Most of it comes from from that saving. But on the other hand, we're we're at the suggested fund balance, which means it's time to slow down our get in get into that one, unfortunately. Yeah. No, we still have cuts we need to make, right? Obviously, and uh if you look what what uh Miss Neighbors Mrs. Neighbors shared with blue line. If you go back to that, that is the current uh market without pay increases for the upcoming year and that will shift up. Yeah. So, if you go to like model one and there there's

099where you see it. So, with the 3% increase, we would be at the green dotted line, which is what we currently have with that one time pay increase. So, you'll see that still in some of those key years which Your 10 year is a key year. 10 to 15 years, we would still be below with just the one time fee increase that we have rolling that at 3%, we would still be below the market before they give up pay increase. So that's why maybe considering being a little bit more aggressive. If you go on to like the model two or three where you're above that blue line still has to move up because they it's not factoring in any potential pay increases that they may have. Yeah, that's unfortunately we know that Yeah. And again,

100there's still things that will happen in the legislature. And we I still love to note the fact you guys have been here for a little while, too, that we have come a long way. Absolutely. But I think we were in the 40s, high 40s, mid-40s maybe even when I first got on 12 years ago. When I started teaching, it was in the 30s. Yeah. It's a very competitive competition. 12 years ago at 34 34 years I wasn't making that. No, I never made that much to teach. Yeah. So, how how you know we look at our siphons and they're they're pretty good, I think. Yeah, they are. Um, so how do we or how does Tazby or Ken they analyze that with uh okay the median siphon is for the the 12. Is there any

101way to look at that that makes sense to people that's maybe stretching it? Yeah, that's one of the things that I always argue is that if you made that that same graph for those secondary science and math teachers, it'd be way above because our stock's way above uh you know, special educa education teachers, it would be above uh our TIA teachers, our 130 TI teachers. if you put a graph compared to them on there, it would be skyrocket. And so, um, yeah, I I I I, uh, agree and understand what you're what you what you're bringing up. And these are for these highly competitive are these hard to find positions to high need. So, if we made a graph on these high need positions, yeah, it would certainly be well above media other compared to

102other districts. Well, that's not only that, but we are also on the forefront of teacher incentive development, too. If you compare us with that indies, you there's only one other district in this comparison that's doing TI right now. You're starting to see like our neighboring districts are starting the process. Um I want to say Angleton ISD, they're a year out and so like their first payouts would be August 2026. Everything's approved. Yeah. Which I mean so we three years in at that point, right? Three and a half almost. So on the on the stipens when there's like six to 12 and 9 to 12 is that just not supported or they don't have it or either um most of the time I would say they probably don't have them but some districts don't report. It

103would be for board information purposes. I guess nothing more. But it would be interesting to see that I can pull the stipens and what their not even not even uh not even pulling them out and segregating them out but including them in the total population of total salary. Okay. Per just to see what that looks like because blend it in. It doesn't have to be we separated out. Clearly we're going to be way by the line. That doesn't that's not good information. But when you factor it in with other normal paid teachers, then does it move the line 200 bucks? Does it move it $1,000? You know, I don't know. Per per five year deal. I think it just be interesting to see. It's a lot of work. But then when you factor into a

104lot, so when we go back to the 2024 slide that shows the total whatever it cost. I think it's on the bottom close right there. Yeah. So basically, so this is saying that our 3% payout for last year or this year this school year total just below three, right? Which less than 23 was teacher. So, okay. And you're saying so that number is going to go so that our 3.2 million for 6% is going to barely go up significantly. Okay. You said it's not going to be teachers and librarians. It's going to be teachers and counselors. That's the language that I read in that it would be teachers, but our librarians are on the teacher schedule. So, they would be included. May want to confirm that the bill has a test. We will confirm all

105of that. The attack on libraries is I that may be another way of reducing some of the costs in the libraries. Any more questions? Other questions? Okay, thank you. Next report is the uh 2024 2025 district Improvement plan third quarter review uh Mr. Ron Re. Good evening everybody. In alignment with board policy BQ local and each district goal is my pleasure to deliver the report on the third quarter progress made on the district improvement plan. You have a copy of the third quarter formative review in your board book. This graphic illustrates the progress made toward accomplishing intended outcomes during the third quarter. Specifically, 0% were discontinued. 0% were rated as no progress. 0% were rated as some progress. 52% were rated as considerable progress and 48% were rated as accomplished. I begin my report with

106highlights from district goal one. Literacy specialists continue to monitor the implementation of the early childhood reading and writing curriculum and to provide training and resources to early childhood teachers by conducting walkthrough observations during individual walks with principles during scheduled elementary curriculum walks and by providing training a after school and during district-wide profession professional development days. The curriculum department continued to facilitate the implementation and monitoring of the mathematics curriculum in tier one priorities in in kindergarten through third grade using screeners, CBAs, and classroom visits, all while providing targeted training. As part of performance objective three, students are exploring CTE course options for next year that will provide them with hands-on experiential learning opportunities through real world settings such as internships, clinicals, and practical learning experiences to better equip and prepare students upon graduation. Leading up to

107the STAR test, the district and campuses provided students with support to better prepare them for that testing which is currently underway. Turning to district goal two, to date the number of students referred for discipline is down by 2.3% compared to last year. Student counts for all discipline codes except teacher discipline which are level two offenses are down this year by 30.2%. Turning to safety and security, a goal every year is to ensure that all campus crisis team members comp complete the national incident management system or NIMS training. The last of the campus crisis management teams receive their training during the third quarter. The um another goal each year is to ensure that all campuses receive stop the bleed training. That too is completed during the third quarter. Finally, elementary principles in partnership with special services

108are receiving ongoing training in CHAMPS with follow-up training having been provided in the February PD for our preK teachers. Champs is the elementary school component of capturing kids hearts and primarily focuses on providing clear expectations, routines, and procedures to improve classroom management. David, could you advance it for me? Thank you. All strategies under the three performance objectives of goal three have been accomplished. In the fall, the communications department developed a dedicated web page featuring key information, FAQs, and essential links about legislation and the importance of legislative advocacy for Brazesport ISD. Events and forms followed in visual content that summarized key legislative priorities and their impact on Brazesport ISD were designed and distributed. Moving on to the bond for 2025. Next Saturday, voters will vote on the approval of bond 2025, which will bring to completion

109all strategies associated with performance objective 2. The strategy for performance objective three, which reads through news stories and social media posts, the district highlight ongoing security trainings, drills, and events throughout the school year to keep the community informed and demonstrate the district's commitment to safety was accomplished during the first quarter when information about the many things being done across the district to support student and staff safety could be found or were found on the keepd safe page on the district website. Go. The technology department has begun the final activity to bring to completion the district command center. The graphical user interface is being built out. A graphical user interface or GUI is a visual interface that allows users to interact with a computer using icons, windows, menus, and other graphical elements. It replaces traditional command

110line interfaces, making computer interaction more intuitive and userfriendly. This is a three-part project that is expected to be completed at the end of May. As I reported in February, all supplemental funds have been distributed to campuses. Those funds were used to support student learning. A variety of measures will be used to evaluate the impact of that supplemental funds that the impact that the supplemental funds had on student learning outcomes, including those outcomes associated with special programs and populations. Some of those measures include retention rates, percentages of students on track to graduate from high school, graduation rates, and state testing results. The purpose of the district's registered apprenticeship program is to strategically place apprentices within campuses to ensure that candidates receive the appropriate mentorship and support they need to be successful. The HR department is preparing

1112526 residency placements along with any movement for campus positions for next year. HR reported that five apprentices enrolled with Westerners University and three enrolled into ACP programs during the third quarter. The HR department is utilizing alternative or local funding to provide a recognition and wellness program to support BISD talent acquisition and retention strategies. And one of those programs has become one of the highlights of the spring semester every year, the BISD baby shower. Every expectant staff member was given a BISD onesie, which Thank you, Brian, for modeling. Did you get too? And and so I would assume Brian got two of everything I'm about to read off as well. plush baby toys, sippy cup, books, and other helpful items to support them on their parenting journey. Drawings were held to to gift generous donations from

112local businesses. Last but not least, BISD's participation in the House Bill 3 reading entered its fourth year this year. Teachers who had not already completed themies started their journey in the fall and with the support of the early childhood specialist are nearing the completion of their modules. easier. Hasn't had any easier. This concludes the report on the third quarter review of the district improvement plan. Since this is a report, no board action is required. And at this time, I'd be happy to answer any clarifying questions you you or the audience may have. Any questions from the board? I just like I think we should congratulate the Cole family. I do too. It was awesome. [Applause] They still doing good. They're still doing good. Gaining weight. Good. Just a few more weeks from coming home eventually.

113Good. Excited. So, you are catching up on your sleep now. Uh, yes. I'm doing my best. Hope they continue. Any questions from the audience for you? Oh, go ahead. Yeah, you mentioned the command center. I got a little explanation that what the guy's doing disbanded or something some crazy thing like that that IT guys or whatever. JCI's automation team uh about it very early on in the project. They didn't mention it to us. We just kept noticing things were getting delayed. We weren't getting equipment. We kept having these weekly meetings with the company that they're also doing the some stuff on the two different sides of the house. basically they were wrapping up some Hback stuff and anyway uh dragged on drag on finally got them to fess up that they didn't have the automation

114team anymore. Uh Rebecca and I sat down and negotiated with them how are we going to get to either we're going to have to get a heck of a discount on this project and just cut our losses or we're going to have to figure out some way to get this thing finished out. So, we came up with a whole back of and I poor Ludy got thrown into all this right when she got here as we were trying to work through all this craziness, but we came up with a whole back and then we discounted the project to engage a third party to come in and basically finish what they couldn't finish. And so, that is going very very well and we expect to be done at the end of May. this all the third

115party basically took over in January and so where we were multiple years trying to to beat JCI over the head and I'm sorry I probably shouldn't be saying that name so many times in this recorded meeting but it is what it is uh what we were trying to get them to get complete for over two years we finally have another third party that's making very good progress and hope to be wrapped up very soon so fully operational may And then just another thing on the gold four about I saw this little thing about where we were spending giving title money to clean a piece and it's because so the federal government gives it to us and the private school requests it give it to them. It's it's a private nonprofit and it's always been there

116with with federal programs. And so when we when we receive the money, we're to to take into consideration all students of poverty within a school zone. And so if that school is within that zone like our queen lady queen of peace would be in the zone I guess with pole then if they have students who are in or poverty students who attend their school then those students are eligible for the funding that they would otherwise receive if they were um at so are they do we get accountability from them or do they accountability so so Once again, they get federal money with no capital. That's true. Right. But it's but I will I will add though that in the case of our Lady Queen of Peace, and I would assume, Ludy, they're probably still doing

117it now. They they typically the only funding they ever look for is title two funding because it it helps them with professional development. Title three English learners. Yes. Sometimes title three. That's correct. At least title two and three. Yeah. Well, there's title one and there are some that can get funding for that. We've had other of of our different private nonprofits that have in the past, but it's very very little because there's so few students that have been tax accountable. And then we're their administration. We we're the ones that administer Yeah. It turns out it looks like it's $15,000, but still that just kind of jumped out at me in light of what's going on. Yes. Um, this came up. It's not in I was in the district, but could you give me the numbers

118of kids we have enrolled in the ascending program? I know you don't know it now. Just kind of keep that up. We just have 65 attend the recent leadership of the college, but I can get you a total Okay. Any other questions from the audience? All right. Thank you, Ron. Thank you. Next item that we have under our reports is a student outcomes update practice state of Texas assessment of academic readiness, also known as STAR. Mr. Ryan Cole. Good evening. In accordance with board policy, eh local and district ICD will provide a rigorous relevant learning experience to ensure that every student will be future ready. It's my pleasure this evening to present a report on the spring practice star. As we begin to look at our results, I want to start by explaining the purpose

119of the practice star. Our practice star provides a snapshot of learning for the entire scope of the curriculum within a particular subject. It allows campuses the data that is needed to adjust instruction prior to STAR for both individuals and groups of students. It also allows campuses to rehearse the complexity of administering the STAR exam as well as figuring out small groups accommodations and classrooms processes and procedures. This year we continue with STAR 2.0. The test includes new item types for a quarter of the assessment as it did last year. And then there's also writing on all of the reading language arts assessments. We'll pause briefly for a refresher on the various STAR performance levels and what they mean as established by the Texas Education Agency. Ultimately, the state uses them to predict a student's success

120in a future school year. A student that performs at the did not meet level is unlikely to succeed in the next grade or course without significant um ongoing academic intervention. While a student who achieves the approaches performance level is likely to succeed in the next grade course um with targeted academic intervention. This is the minimum passing threshold. At the MEE level, students have a high likelihood of success in the next grade or course, but may still need some shortterm targeted academic intervention. And at the M's level, a student is expected to succeed in the next grade level or course with little to no academic intervention. We'll start with reading language arts. Let me take a minute to describe how the table is set up. There are three different performance levels for the STAR test. As

121previously described, the passing threshold is referred to as approaches and it is in purple. Then the state of Texas has established two additional performance levels. These are the meat level which is in blue and the master's level which is in an orange or yellow outlined in red on this slide. You will see that I have provided the practice star results from two years ago from last year and from the current school year. You can the final column shows the difference between this year and last year. Any changes of more than about five percentage points are highlighted. You will see that we are seeing an expected increase in our English one scores after last year's decline due to changes in our freshman English courses and sequences related to remediation. We are also seeing an anticipated decrease

122at the sophomore level um with as those students move up. Some of our key takeaways from reading language arts at the elementary level students are showing a solid foundation for writing skills which allows teachers to focus on highlevel skills needed for the higher end of scoring on their extended constructed responses or essays. At the secondary level um as we look to score the the essays teachers were trained to score like the new automated scoring system used by the state. Uh for that reason we do see that our scores are landing at the extreme ends of writing. We see students either sto scoring quite strong or needing significant improvement. As we continue to support uh teachers in both reading and writing instruction, our focus um has shifted from whole class instruction to small groupoup instruction and

123one-on-one conferencing during independence practice in reading and writing to ensure that all students have continued to grow prior to the star and throughout the rest of the school year. We'll dive a little bit deeper um to the uh at in the third grade results since our student outcome goals are centered around the performance of third grade students in math and reading. So we'll take a deeper dive into this campus level. At this time the campus level data for all the star tested subjects was available and shared in the board report last Friday. You can see that as a district, our overall performance at the meet level is substantially higher at 42% than in 2023, which was two years ago, while it's 5% 5 percentage points lower than 2024. We saw declines of of 20 percentage

124points or more were seen at Austin Elementary, Griffith Elementary, and Pulk Elementary. Both campus administrators and district teams have actively supported those campuses with drops to help close the gaps prior to STAR test and throughout the rest of the year. The district has been led this year by Bidle, Brandon, and Roberts. And as always, we do anticipate the star scores being significantly higher as is the trend over the past several years. As we move to math, we see similar dips in scores for third grade students in in math this year. Holt, Brandon, and Laneir led the district in math while Bidle, Austin, and Griffith saw the lowest scores with declines. Please keep in mind that this is at the meets performance level, which is a step above the minimum passing threshold for the STAR test.

125And we do generally see performance substantially increased by the actual STAR exam. We'll move back to a broader approach to look at the data. Uh we've already began to look at math, but now we can take a look at the the data across multiple grade levels. In maths, our scores are relatively steady for the practice star, aside from third grade scores that were mentioned in the previous slide. At the algebra one level, we're seeing declines that are largely due to our students at the intermediate level, although we do anticipate them to to pop up by the time star comes. As we look at our takeaways at the elementary level level, we are seeing that instruction that includes both paper pencil and computer-based instruction translates to better performance on the practice star than instruction is mainly

126paperbased. So when by the time the students are taking a test that's on a computer, if they haven't practiced on a computer, it becomes very difficult them for them to perform at high levels if they've only practice on pencil paper. The exposure to this technology simply helps students perform better as they are more accustomed to working the math problems with a computer in front of them. At the secondary level, the most impactful instruction um for fifth grade through algebra 1 is centered on pulling more small groups and differentiating instruction to address the different low performing student or low performing standards that various students may have in the class. Classrooms are also working on the transferability of skills that allow students to apply the content um that they've learned in multiple contexts. As we look at

127the table for science, we see strong increases in biology. This is also expected after last year's changes in sequences for freshman courses related to some remediation. It is also important to note that the TEACS or the standards for science this year are new. Brand new standards, brand new resources in science. And thus, this test is our best approximation of what will be assessed. In social studies, performance remains relatively stable in 8th grade and United States history. As we take a look at our key takeaways within science, our scores are influenced by those introduction of the new standards for the 202425 school year and new resources. Our primary focus is to align um the excuse me, our primary focus is to align with these updated standards and create foundational learning experiences through phenomenon or or anchoring

128experiences that all students get to see at the beginning of different lesson cycles and fostering critical thinking skills within our students in science. Our scores in social studies are impacted by the continuation of new question types both um within the mock and the actual STAR. And this is being addressed by our campus content teams and our teachers and in our star review as we focus really on vocabulary instruction and the importance of it within social studies as well as the use of stimuli being able to analyze primary sources and other documents um and critically think related to those. So now let's take a look as um a little bit about our next steps after we administer the practice star and get star results each year. We take a look at the scope and sequence for

129each of our courses. We work with teams of teachers and determine if we need to make any tweaks or changes to how much time we spend on something or the order in which we cover something. We do need to continue to focus on writing across all grade levels and content areas. This this means placing an additional emphasis on professional learning as it relates to writing as well as ensuring that we continue to monitor our writing measures that take place on our assessment calendars throughout the year. We must continue to plan to ensure that our elementary teachers are implementing the the the in-depth training that they've received through the science of teaching reading. And we'll continue to monitor closely how students are performing and adjust to provide targeted areas of support while celebrating the successes that

130we see with so many teachers and so many students in our classrooms across the district. And of course, we'll definitely reassess where we are after we see official STAR results in the summer. We look forward to being able to see how our students are per are performing compared to students across the state and celebrating successes. At this time, I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. This report is uh is report only and no action is needed. Remind me, Brian, when is this when the practice star is given? Um we we have a window that begins in February or middle of February for our reading language arts star and then generally speaking most of our students for the the the three other subjects are finished um either right before spring break or slightly

131after spring break. And then we have a few give time for about four to five weeks between the star the practice star and the actual star for for review and and reassessment questions. Any questions from the audience? All right. Next on our reports, are there any board committee reports from our board members? All right, hearing none. Then our next regular scheduled work session is May 19th, 2025 right here at 6 PM. Uh next that we have next thing we have is executive session. Uh executive session may be called for the purposes permitted by the Texas Open Meeting Act. Uh Texas Government Code sections 551.001551.146. Sections 551.071 consultation with attorney sections 551.72 for the purpose of discussing purchase exchange lease or value of all property. Section 551.074 074 personnel matters appointment evaluation assignment duty discipline dismissal

132or complaint in sections 551.082 for the purpose of considering discipline of a public school child for a complaint or charge against personnel. We shall return. Also we have employee recognition Wednesday night. We also have the uh What is the group that graduates at the D academic center? Oh, the transition group from the transition group graduation at Dademic D. No, it's at the Diamond Center. Search. That is this week or next? I believe it is May. for May 13th at 6:00 p.m. It is 8:47 and we are reconvening from executive session. Uh unless there are any objections that we will stand objection.