001Welcome everyone. I'm going to call this meeting of the CSISD Board of Trustees to order. Declaration of a quorum, we have seven members present. Welcome to this meeting of College Station Independent School District Board of Trustees. We were elected at large to represent the interests of our community and our state in educating our students. Our mission for our students in this district is success each life, each day, each hour. We adhere to all pertinent laws, policies, and procedures in posting agendas and conducting our meetings. The detailed agenda information was made available to us at least three business days in advance and we have all come to this meeting informed and prepared. We have just completed a workshop session where we heard reports and discussed [clears throat] much of the information needed to make decisions in
002either this meeting or in upcoming meetings. This is a meeting of the seven trustees in a public setting rather than a public meeting. As such, public comment is included on the agenda at a specific time and requires us to listen rather than take action so as to abide by the Open Meetings Act. We are pleased that you have taken time this evening to join us. We are very proud of this school district and we thank you for your interest in and support of our students. And that is going to move us to our recognitions. We have some students here from Oakwood and from A&M Consolidated Middle School. >> Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Uh Board of Trustees, Dr. Harkrider, thank you for letting us come. Uh it's May. And so you know what that means,
003it's College Street time. And we are last on the academic calendar, but we know we're first in your heart. And so you guys always look forward to us coming. And we appreciate it. And so on behalf of Mr. Grundy and I, thank you all for having us tonight. Uh I My name is Omar Espitia. I am the proud principal of A&M Consolidated Middle School, otherwise known as Bobcat Country. And I have brought I have brought two wonderful Bob Cats all the way from the country to talk to you, Miss Kiambry Collins and Miss Zoe Benito. And I'll turn it over to them. >> Um one thing I like about AMCMS is that the teachers don't push you like to do your work. Like if you >> [laughter] [laughter] >> Like if you're like tired or
004something, like like Miss um Miss Roper, she has like blankets and stuff in her classroom. So I like to go to sleep in her class. And >> [laughter] >> And [snorts] like it's not that I don't do my work. I do my work. It's just like I like peace sometimes and she gives me that. >> [applause] >> Good recovery. Good recovery. >> Um Hi, my name is Zoe. I'm in eighth grade. Um one thing I really like about AMCMS is all the different clubs and organizations, like NJHS and all the soccer clubs and sports and track and volleyball. >> [applause] >> Zoe and Cambry, it's good to see you guys again. I am very fortunate to have been at Oakwood Intermediate for the past 11 years and have been the principal of Oakwood for the
005past 4 years. And I'm very very proud to introduce two students in our school, but just really cool kids, Allison Childs and Henry Snyder. And I'll let them introduce themselves. >> Hi, my name is Allison Childs. I'm in the fifth grade dual language student at Oak Wood Intermediate School where my classes are in English and Spanish. I'm also a member of the student council and orchestra program where I play the viola. Some fun facts about me is that I love sports, softball, basketball, volleyball, and track. I also enjoy building Legos and singing at church. The things that make Oak Wood special are the great events we have like Wildcat Fest and STEM night. Also, I have amazing teachers and friends at Oak Wood. Last, Mr. Grande is the best principal ever. He makes everyone feel
006special. He greets us every morning in the car rider line and even visits our classrooms just to say hi. I love being an Oak Wood Wildcat. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Hi, my name is Henry Snodder and I'm a fifth grader at Oak Wood Intermediate. I play right field for the Breast Valley Bucks baseball team. I love Oak Wood because of the great teachers and the students and Oak Wood will always be a special place in my heart and and I will always remember it. By the way, I did beat Mr. Grande in Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader. >> [laughter] [applause] >> It's true. It was a math class. >> [laughter] >> All right, I told you it was going to be entertaining, right? All right, we're going to start with American flag
007pledge. >> Okay. Please rise for the American pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to the Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible. >> [clears throat] >> Please remain standing for the moment of silence. >> [clears throat] >> You may be seated. >> [applause] [clears throat] [applause] >> All right, so uh every every month uh different campuses go and get to recognize staff. And so, um it was not a hard task to go ahead and decide who I was going to recognize this year. If I could have my AMS CMS front office ladies uh as well as my sub coordinator come on up.
008>> [applause] >> So, uh we're missing with one right now, but uh they're the face that everyone sees from the moment they come on campus. Uh they're dealing with going and getting kids, getting IDs without any complaint. They're opening doors when we're having transitions. Everything and anything between they're doing constantly. Um and so, I'd like to just recognize all their hard work because it's not easy. Sometimes, you know, it it's tough. People are in a hurry. Uh, they don't want to go ahead and stop and give an idea or whatever. And they're also the first line of defense and safety of our students. And so, I thank you wholeheartedly for being the backbone of AMCMS in Bobcat country. So, first off, let me start with Ms. Barney, our receptionist. >> [applause] >> Ms. Ramirez, who's
009also our registrar and sometimes fills in as a reception as well. >> [applause] >> Ms. Share, who's our library assistant as well. She does the teacher workroom. She puts together the puzzle that is called, uh, substitutes every morning. And so, her and I are are like, side by side, "What what are we going to do here? We're going to put in pivot." So, she has to put that puzzle together. Uh, Ms. Abarta, who is our attendance clerk, is also in the front. She couldn't be here tonight. And then, the person who holds it all together, the skipper, the true principal of AMCMS, Ms. Garcia. Uh, Ms. Norma Garcia, she keeps me always online. She smacks me in the back of the head, you can tell, uh, when I get out of line. So, thank you
010all very much. I appreciate all you do. >> [applause] [applause] >> Tonight, I'm honored to recognize two extraordinary educators from Oakwood Intermediate. Devon and Celia, please come on up. What is incredible that they these folks do is they've created the one of the finest orchestra programs in Brazos Valley. >> [gasps] >> Devon Curtis and Celia Bowen have done this, uh, by building a program up to almost 200 students, the largest, uh, in Brazos County K-12. But, what that it truly remarkable is the culture that they've created with the students and with our community and our families. Within their classrooms, huge class sizes, again, almost 200 students these two folks teach, they're held to the highest standards of discipline for musically and and personally. They have to collaborate with each other. I mean, you have to
011be in unison when you play in fine arts. And what these folks do with these kids is incredible. The progress that they make when you see the fifth grade performance in the winter, it's amazing how far they've come. They're The students are learning how to read music. Um something else that distinguishes them is the the bond and the the culture they've created with the families in our community. They do this through constant communication, and they've created a parent orchestra. Th- This program that Devon Curtis and Celia Bowen have created is truly truly remarkable and honor to recognize them here tonight and for what they've contributed to our school and our entire community. Thank you. >> [applause] >> TUESDAY NIGHTS AT 6:00 THEY WEEK OF ANY OF YOU want to learn how to play an instrument.
012>> [laughter] >> All right, Ms. Eggy, members of the board, and our distinguished guests here with us tonight, we have lots of students here to recognize over a wide range of activities, and we'd first like to start by recognizing some of our student athletes who compete with a lot of heart alongside some of their amazing coaches and student partners. So, I'd like to start by inviting the College Station A team and their coaches and student partners up to the front. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Tonight, we are incredibly proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of the College Station A team, their Special Olympics athletes, who competed across the state this year in powerlifting, cycling, track and field, and fun fundamental athletics. These athletes trained with determination and heart, and their efforts paid off in remarkable ways.
013Throughout the year, the A team has brought home a total of 26 GOLD MEDALS, >> [applause] >> 11 SILVER MEDALS, >> [applause] >> and three bronze medals. >> [applause] >> Now, as you know, medals represent more than just competition results. They reflect the spirit of perseverance, sportsmanship, and pride in representing their community. We'd also like to give a very special thank you to the dedicated coaches that you see standing around our student athletes, and the student coaches and partners in the fundamentals events, who assist our student athletes and make this incredible season possible. So, please give a a warm round of applause for our our College Station A team Special Olympics athletes for an incredible season. >> [applause] [clears throat] [applause] >> Great job, guys. >> [applause] >> The next student group that we would
014like to recognize are our Thespians from College Station High School's troop 8209 who recently Yeah, come on up, guys. >> [applause] >> These students recently qualified for the International Thespian Festival after competing at the Texas Thespian Festival. In addition, the troop was named an All-Star troop again this year for their outstanding performances. Students competed among more than 10,000 theater students from across the state, making this a a significant achievement and recognition at the state level. In addition, we have talented students who recently competed in the 2026 UIL theatrical design state competition to be recognized for their hard work and dedication to their craft. So, I know you guys already came up here, but I'm going to call your names and we have a certificate waiting for you over there. So, as I call your name,
015if you want to go grab that and then make your rounds to shake the hands of our board members. So, first we have Raimundo Arave Hernandez, national qualifier in duet acting at Texas Thespian Festival. You remember? All right, he's not here. All right, we'll give him a ROUND OF APPLAUSE. >> [applause] >> ISABELLE CARTER, >> [applause] >> ISABELLE'S A UIL THEATRICAL DESIGN state finalist in group scenic design. HAYLEY HOWARD, >> [applause] >> HAYLEY IS A NATIONAL QUALIFIER IN DUET acting at the Texas Thespians Festival. KEVIN KIMBLE, >> [applause] >> KEVIN IS A NATIONAL qualifier in playwriting. Gerson Nups Martel, >> [applause] >> national qualifier in musical theater at Texas Thespians. Jacob Perryman, >> [applause] >> Jacob's also a national qualifier in solo acting. All right, and Amelia Williams, >> [applause] >> UIL theatrical design state
016finalist in group design for props. Let's give all of our talented Thespians a great ROUND OF APPLAUSE. >> [applause] [applause] >> ALL RIGHT, NEXT WE ARE PROUD TO recognize the dedicated and determined powerlifters from College Station High School who qualified and competed and medaled in the 2026 Texas High School Powerlifting Association state meets. The state meet, the Lady Cougars placed third overall in the state and we have one Cougar boy who is here to be recognized for medaling in the state meet as well. So, we'll start with the Lady Cougars third-place team. It competing in the 105 weight class earning fifth place, Beth Streichner. >> [applause] >> In the 114 class, Corey Hancock, 14th place. >> [applause] >> In the 148 weight class, Ray Pack, silver medalist. >> [applause] >> And Ray broke three state
017records in and squat, bench press, and a [snorts] total lifted pounds of 1,085 lb. >> [applause] >> Aniah Taylor, fourth place, 165 lb weight class. >> [applause] >> Aniah also broke a state record in bench press, 270 lbs. >> [applause] >> Synia Cornruff, sorry Synia. Seventh place, 198 weight class. Jay Miracle Sandel silver medalist 242 weight class. And our individual state champion in the 242 weight class, EMMA MOORE. >> [applause] >> LET'S GIVE A BIG ROUND OF applause for your bronze finishers at the state powerlifting meet. >> [applause] >> All right ladies, y'all stand uh right up there. We're going to recognize our lone Cur boy who placed second in the 181 weight class at the state powerlifting MEET, CADE LOCKLEAR. >> [applause] [applause] >> ALL RIGHT. AND LAST TONIGHT, WE ARE proud to recognize
018the creativity and talent of our College Station ISD visual arts students who participated in this year's TAEA competitions, including Visual Arts Scholastic Events or Vase for high school students, Junior Vase for middle school students, and TEAM, the Texas Elementary Art Meet for elementary students. These competitions, hosted by the Texas Art Education Association, are designed to elevate student voice, creativity, and expression through the visual arts. Students present original artwork, engage with jurors, and receive ratings based on creativity, craftsmanship, and personal voice. Across CSISD, students from elementary through high school earned top honors, and we're thrilled to recognize their achievements here tonight. So, starting with our high school Vase students, Caitlyn Bozenbark from A&M Consolidated High School. >> [applause] >> Avery Chapel from College Station High School. >> [applause] >> Lila Farnsworth from College Station High School.
019>> [applause] >> Asa Metz from A&M Consolidated High School. >> [applause] >> Grace Torres from College View High School. >> [applause] >> ETHAN WEAVER, A&M Consolidated High School. >> [applause] >> And Olivia White from College Station High School. >> [applause] >> For Junior VASE competitors, Sophie Tien from Wellborn Middle School. >> [applause] >> Hadassah Bolosan from Wellborn Middle School. >> [applause] >> And Fabia Nuzat from Oakwood Intermediate. >> [applause] >> And our elementary students, Noah Comma from Pebble Creek Elementary School. >> [applause and cheering] >> Margo Reed from Greens Prairie Elementary School. >> [applause] >> Madison Winner from Cypress Grove Intermediate School. >> [applause] >> AND LEVI WILSON FROM Cypress Grove Intermediate School. >> [applause] >> Let's give one more big round of applause to our talented CSISD visual artists. >> [applause] [snorts] [applause] >>
020BEFORE WE MOVE ON FROM OUR STUDENTS, I want to just point out to everyone that we have artwork um from some Oakwood and A&M Consolidated Middle School students in the board room tonight. So, take a look at that as you have a chance to tonight. Um that is going to move us on to item D1, which is our board reports. Ready to go first? Um I can report um I stepped in um and got to go to teacher advisory council. Um I filled in for um Miss Iggy. And um >> [clears throat] >> just kind of wrapping up the year. Um Dr. Roman presented um for teaching and learning. Um they are having a choice conference this year based on feedback they got from the teachers. So, they can choose their sessions, which I thought
021that was really um really cool. Um Melanie um Miss Ward also presented um about community engagement. And um what they found is that we have good intentions, but we need strong systems to implement them. So, um there's something coming um the CSISD community engagement hub, um which should help with like disparity in volunteers at different campuses. Um so, those were two really interesting things. And it was a it was a lot of fun to sit in on that. You want to talk about IGC? Go ahead. All right, just yesterday, right? It was Miss Iggy and Dr. Harkrider and I went to the Intergovernmental Meeting. And it was a presentation from the Greater Brazos Partnership, which is um about economic development across the five-county region. Update on that. And it just there they have a new
022director, been there about 5 months. So, he kind of talked about his five-year plan. And um you know, a big piece of that when when he was specifically asked like what's if like one the one number one Well, he was asked the top three items that our area needs for to you know to support economic growth and I think his answer was you know workforce, workforce and workforce right? And so I think that's the link that is with us. Some of that is coming out of A&M but some of that is going to come right out of our schools and our CTE programs particularly. Uh, so we got the the general presentation on their plans but then also got the specific discussion about that big potential uh construction plan in Grimes County of the SpaceX
023and how large that potentially could be and what the impact of that could be on the whole surrounding area. So I don't know if y'all want to add anything else to that but that's the >> Um, I can report Mr. Martindale and I attended the safety and security committee meeting recently. Um, not a committee that we report a lot of specifics out of but just always good to know that that is going on and uh Ms. Boudreaux and a lot of people in this community are always talking about ways to better keep our schools safe and secure. >> Quick update on education foundation. Uh, we recently had on May 11th the scholarship um awards and we were able to give 124 kiddos um you know awards both academic and vocational which is really neat um
024and then also 600 educators, star educators were um awarded as well and honored and then just happy end of school. I know we're all feeling that May-cember uh end here and what is the new December? May. >> I can um oh I'll um also report on Head Start Policy Council. Ms. Wilson and I went to um they ended the year strong. They did 420 end of the year assessments were completed for um Head Start and pre-K. Um enrollment's great. attendance Head Start's 94%, pre-K was 95%, and early Head Start was 82%. Um, couple of fun things. They're um, in a um, their final push to get um, most kids on their home campuses next year. So, they're adding some um, three classes at Spring Creek. Um, there's six open positions. So, if you know of
025anybody looking, they've got three teaching positions open and three assistant positions. Um, they uh, we also got to see some really cute pictures of pre-K prom. And let me just tell you, these little kids could give some of our bigs a run for their money. They were looking really dapper. Um, they also did um, transition visit visits for early Head Start to going into Head Start. Um, and they were able to provide them with um, full-size backpacks um, full of supplies. And um, that's a really neat program we have. And I just want to thank um, Ms. Rice and her staff. Um, their fiscal responsibility is I mean, they are just they're making good use of every dollar they get. And um, this is the programs and the parents on that committee. It was really,
026really um, really fun to watch this year the collaboration and the parents. And after every meeting, everyone stayed longer than the meetings and talked and shared resources. And um, it was just really um, it was great to be a part of that committee this year. So, I'd like to thank her and her staff. Really rewarding. Yeah. Dr. Payne and I went to DEIC. I think that was last week. Um, or and just covered a number of topics. One, we got an update about the community advisory um, group and and their what they have discussed throughout the year. Um, and you know, specifically shared that their focus is on teacher support and their plans for the survey that will be coming out specifically talking about um, you how how can we support the teachers, but also
027kind of how is their workload and burnout questions type thing. So, we reviewed that. Also had uh Mr. Man to talk about the programs that we have in place for all our for dropout prevention, right? And lots of things starting at you know, at all all grade levels. Had a lot of data as he usually does. Um but So, we got an update on that. And obviously, that's something we're always trying to work towards have zero dropouts. We do have some, but um but trying to really try to keep that number down. And then I think we talked about the title two and title four survey that went out about how we think our district needs to spend [clears throat] those funds. And so, we had a kind of a discussion around the room as
028well about what some of those priorities we thought should be. Some based on that survey and then but then also just looking at different things throughout the different options that we we we believe we need to to focus on. So, that's >> Others? >> Okay. Dr. Harkrider? >> Yes, ma'am. It's hard to believe we're wrapping up the 25-26 school year and uh we tie a bow on this thing starting Thursday night at College View High School with their graduation. I believe Mr. Souther said this will be the largest graduating class we've had come through College View. So, that's exciting for them. Uh Friday night, we've got 4:00 graduation for Consol, 8:00 College Station High School at Reed Arena. And then May 26th is our last day for teachers with the teacher work day. I had
029a community member stop me earlier this week and asked me during my superintendent update was I going to give any information about the use of our baseball and softball fields. I told him I hadn't planned on it, but I was impressed that he was paying attention to what I say during these meetings. So, uh I've got the information for him. So, we hosted 14 playoff series this spring. Eight at our two softball facilities. Both of those were open. And we had six baseball playoff series that we hosted just at Cougar Field for the baseball because Consaul has stayed closed because of construction. That is roughly about a $25,000 profit to the district in year one. Uh we are hosting a series actually uh at Consaul, a playoff series, and I had the most interesting uh
030email I think I've ever had. Pearland ISD's girls are playing here in the state semi-finals, and I got an email from their superintendent asking could we host a graduation ceremony Friday for them because they cannot graduate cuz they're going to be playing softball. So, I called Ms. Elder. That is graduation day at 4:00 for her and asked for a tiny little favor. And uh so, she is going to host uh Pearland's uh graduation for the girls, their parents, about 100 folks in the auditorium at Consaul at 10:00 Friday morning. Uh she's He said, "We won't ask for much." And then their softball coach asked for tables and displays, and she went all in, and Gwen sent her a video, and I just handed it on off. So, anyway, it will be a graduation ceremony. I
031hope those girls will not forget, and hopefully we bring them good luck and they win Friday night. So, that is all I have. >> That's That's awesome to hear that those fields are getting used and even for just special occasion. So, Um all right, that is we um are moving to item E, hearing of citizens. We do not have anyone signed up to speak tonight. So, that is going to move us to the consent agenda. On the consent agenda are items G, items I4 through I6, J2 to J9, and K1 to K9. >> Motion to approve as presented. >> Second. >> Okay, I have a motion by Dr. Payne and a second by Ms. Simon. All in favor of the consent agenda, please say aye. >> Aye. >> Any opposed? That will pass 7 to
0320. That is going to move us to item I1, which is an education foundation update. I believe we have Ms. Binden. >> Good evening. President Ege, members of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Harkrider, fellow staff, they're all back row seaters back there. Uh community members and guests watching online. I feel like I need to put this down cuz I can't see y'alls lovely faces out there. Uh howdy, because that's how we always start things in College Station, Texas. Um I don't have any power points for you tonight. I am taking this opportunity to um speak to you tonight and I appreciate that opportunity. Um as many of you know, I'm retiring uh this year after um 17 years as executive director of the Education Foundation. And I'm grateful for the chance to address uh this
033board tonight to do a couple of things. To reflect, to share a little bit about my personal experience and my perspective, and but most importantly to thank each one of you for your support over the years, both as a board and individually. For your unwavering support, the Education Foundation has not gone unnoticed. Those of you who know me well know I don't really like to stick to to scripts, but because this is really near and dear to my heart, I know I need to stay on task >> [laughter] >> and not get too emotional. So, I wanted to share a little bit about um my journey. Uh when I first stepped into the role as executive director of the Education Foundation, I came from no background of education. I don't have a degree in teaching.
034I did have a background in serving PTOs. I was a PTO president at South Knoll Elementary for 3 years, had served on other committees um as my children uh worked their way through the CSISD campuses, but I really didn't even know much about the Education Foundation when I was hired, which I know is shocking. Um but what I did have was a deep appreciation for the education that my three sons were receiving and a desire to support teachers and students in CSISD. So, as I begin working alongside our principals and teachers and staff, I quickly realized something, and I believe it even more today. This district is truly special. Let me say that again. This district is truly special. Are we perfect? No. But our teachers and our staff pour their hearts and their souls
035into our students every single day. Often without recognition that they deserve. People often ask me and have asked me through the years, "What are the best schools in our district? Where should I move? Where should I send my children?" And my answer has always been the same. I would send my own children and now my grandchildren to any school in this district and feel great about it. In fact, I will have six grandchildren in the schools at three different campuses next year. I share this because sometimes as a community, I think we forget just how good we have it here in College Station ISD. We have a strategic plan that puts kids first. We've implemented thoughtful, data-driven instructional practices. And yes, change is hard. We've seen some change through the years, but we are not
036closing schools. We are not cutting fine arts programs or athletic programs or libraries. We are moving forward, passing bonds, improving our campuses, and doing everything we can to support our teachers and staff despite limited state funding. When I connect with other foundations across the state >> [snorts] >> and other leaders, I'm reminded again and again that we have what we have here is exceptional. So, thank you to this board and this board of trustees group who have all served um and all those who have served before them. And I might add, they're all volunteers. They don't get paid for what they're doing. Thank you for your commitment to serving our schools, our students, our teachers, and this community. On a more personal note, I want to thank you for the for the support you've shown
037the foundation. During my time, I've had the privilege of working with alongside 25 of you through my tenure. And many of you started your service as a board member on the Education Foundation board. And I love that. I love that we were kind of that springboard for y'all to get involved with the community and want to even serve at a greater level. You know, and now several of y'all have served on the foundation as a liaison, and that matters. This matters. Because in many districts, that connection doesn't exist. I've seen foundations drift away. I have seen them disappear altogether. And what we have here is a true partnership, and I want to really thank you for that. When I began, the foundation was 10 years old and doing really good work. We were raising about
038$100,000 annually. Today, we are raising almost $1.1 million annually. And this year, we've awarded $360,000 in teacher grants and $210,000 in student scholarships, a record on both accounts. In the past 17 years, we've invested almost $7.5 million dollars back into our schools through a variety of our programs along with countless field trips and enrichment opportunities for students. I don't say this to boast but to acknowledge and recognize all those who have worked alongside me to achieve these great milestones. I'm incredibly grateful for the 100 Foundation board members that I've been able to work alongside of. I did count them up, 100. That must be a sign. I must It must be time. Their passion, generosity, and unwavering belief in our mission have made all this possible. They didn't just support the work, they strengthened it.
039They asked me hard questions, they challenged my ideas, and they pushed me to think bigger so that we could achieve greater things. Together, we didn't just fund programs, we opened doors, we removed barriers, and we created opportunities, and have truly changed the lives of so many students. I would also like to thank Gary Brown, our board Foundation president this year, and Suzanne Newberger, president-elect of the Foundation, for being here tonight and for your support through the years. It has been an absolute privilege and honor to to serve along them and you and be part of something that will continue to make a great a difference along long after we have all moved on. I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment to thank our incredible community and our donors. From the very beginning,
040they believed in this mission. And in doing so, they also changed lives. With generous hearts, they showed up time and time again to support kids. They didn't say no. They continued to open their hearts and their pocketbooks. And they inspired bigger dreams and leaving and left lasting memories that will never be forgotten. They may not always see all the things that they were able to be impact, but I've seen it through examples like this. Cons- Consal students racing tilapia in Mr. Young's aquatic science class. Caleb learning how to use construction tools in Mr. Herring's after school club at Cypress Grove. South Knoll students Deja and Deion getting new shoes and and gently used clothing at Chrissy's Closet. Southwood Valley student Josiah selecting a book at his books at his school's book fair and taking it
041home for his own library. Creekview third grader Amaya spending summer day camp in the safe environment. College View High School junior, sorry, senior Jonathan attending Bolen to to pursue a facility maintenance certification with the help from Education Foundation scholarship. These are just a few examples of the impacts impact that our donors and that you have made. Their generosity is not just appreciated, it is deeply felt, and it will continue to ripple this district for years to come. Thank you for believing what was what is possible. I also want to recognize our incredible principals, most of you sitting on the back row back there, I see you. Teachers and staff across this district, it has been a privilege and an honor to work alongside you. In this role, there were moments when I could it could
042feel a little isolating. There's no one else that does what I do in this district. You welcomed me, you made me feel a part of your team, and that sense of belonging is something I will always carry with me. I better take a sip of water. Dr. Harkrider, thank you for your leadership, your openness, your willingness to listen, and for supporting some of my crazy ideas, and your support of the Education Foundation. He never missed one meeting except I I one time in 3 years. Um that really means a lot to me and it really means a lot to the foundation and it's really been a pleasure working alongside you. As many of you know, you're only as strong as the people around you. And I have been blessed with the best team ever in
043this district. >> [snorts] >> And they are comprised of Amy High, Ashley Harkins, and Erica Mitchell. So they're here tonight and I really love for them to stand up and be recognized. >> [applause] >> YOU ARE EXTRAORDINARY and together we've built something very special. Thank you for embracing my big ideas, working tirelessly behind the scenes, making me look good, and for mostly your friendship. Leaving you is without question the hardest part of this transition. I also want to take a moment to thank my husband Mark, who's here, for his encouragement and unwavering support through the years, through all the events, late nights, challenges, big dreams. You've been my biggest cheerleader. And after dealing with hundreds of 50-minute can cooks through the years, you're still my top chef. We have that joke going every year. Above
044all, I want to thank God for the privilege of this journey, for sustaining me, guiding me, and surrounding me with people who make this work so meaningful. Thank you for giving giving me the privilege of serving this incredible district and community for the past 17 years. It has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life. Before I close, I want to leave you with a challenge that I say very often to my staff. They probably could quote this. If you're not moving forward, you're moving backwards. And if you're not living on the edge, you're taking up way too much space. So don't settle for good when you can be great. Keep pushing forward, keep dreaming bigger, and doing the work what is best for kids. Because the work happening here changes lives every
045single day. As I step away, I do so with tremendous gratitude, deep pride, and complete confidence that the very best is still yet ahead. For this district, for this foundation, and most importantly, for every student whose future will be shaped by the people in this room. >> [snorts] >> Thank you and GOD BLESS. >> [applause] [applause] >> THANK YOU, TERESA, ALSO FOR ALL YOUR years of service. Um we are going to move now to item I2, which is consideration, discussion, and possible action related to issuance of a new administrative contract for the position of director of the Education Foundation. >> Good evening, Dr. Harkrider Board of Trustees. I'm here to present the contract recommendation for the director of College Station ISD Education Foundation. Um our candidate, Mrs. Amy High, has served the College Station ISD
046Education Foundation for 13 years, most recently as an office manager. She's played a key role in strengthening donor and community partnerships while helping lead major fundraising and recognition events across the district. She oversees donor and financial systems, grant and scholarship processes, employee giving campaigns, and district engagement efforts. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Texas A&M University. And in 2017, she was named CSISD Central Office Paraprofessional of the Year. It is my recommendation um it is recommended to the CSISD Board of Trustees that they approve a recommendation to issue a new administrative contract for the director of the Education Foundation and welcome Mrs. Amy High to the role. >> Happy and enthused to motion to approve as presented. >> Second. >> Have a motion by Dr. Payne and a second by Mr.
047Martindale. Is there any discussion on the motion? All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? That is going to pass 7 to 0. WELCOME, MS. HIGH. >> [applause] >> DO YOU WANT ME TO CAN I JUST STAY HERE? THIS ONE. OKAY. HI. Oh my gosh, thank you so much. I am truly grateful for this opportunity. Thank you to Dr. Harkrider, the Board of Trustees, the Education Foundation Board for putting your trust in me at this moment. I'm ready and excited about what's ahead and working alongside all of you to continue the impact that the foundation's having with this school district and all the great things that are to come. I I would also like to recognize my family, my husband Jeff, my daughter Ellie, who are here tonight to help support me.
048Their love and encouragement is unmatched and I couldn't do it without you. So, thank you for that. And then I also am excited to continue working with Ashley and Erica. We do have the best team, so I'll be looking for someone to fill my spot, so I'm excited to see what's next, but obviously big shoes to fill and a great legacy from Teresa, but it's going to continue to have huge impacts on this district and to support College Station school kids, so I'm very grateful. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Thank you. Item I-3 is consideration discussion discussion and possible action related to issuance of a new administrative contract for the position of principal of College View High School. >> This next recommendation is for the position of principal of College View High School. Our candidate,
049Dr. Joanna Slayton, brings more than 25 years of experience in public education, including leadership in early college programs, secondary administration, higher education instruction, and classroom teaching. Most recently, she served as chancellor and director of South Grand Prairie Early College High School, leading campus operations and partnerships with Dallas College and the University of Texas at Arlington. Her prior experience includes assistant principal in both Grand Prairie ISD and Kemp ISD. She's taught at graduate level educational leadership courses at Stephen F. Austin University for 10 years. She earned her bachelor's and her master's degree from the University of Texas at Tyler and a Doctor of Education degree from Stephen F. Austin. It is recommended that the CSISD Board of Trustees approve a recommendation to issue a new administrator contract for the principal of College View and welcome Ms.
050Dr. Joanna Slayton. >> [applause] >> Motion to approve as presented. >> Second. >> I have a motion by Dr. Payne and a second by Ms. Wilson. Any discussion of the motion? All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? And that motion will pass 7-0. So, welcome to CSISD. >> [applause] >> Howdy, everybody. I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to serve in this district and I'm just excited to get started. Thank you, Dr. Harkrider and the board for this opportunity. I'm very grateful. >> [applause] >> Okay, we're going to move to item J1, consideration, discussion, and possible action related to the 2026-2027 employee compensation plan. Ms. Wilson. >> Good evening, Ms. Yegi, Dr. Hardrider, Board of Trustees. I'm just going to kind of reiterate what we've already discussed tonight. So, I'll just
051kind of go really quickly through these. But, one thing that we look at when we're looking at a compensation plan is how do we compare to our peer districts, but how do we compare to our districts that surround us? And you can kind of see from the layout, we look at 0 5 10 15 and 20, and we're very competitive to our peers, and we're right in line with Bryan ISD, um which is one of our close competitors. >> [snorts] >> Uh teacher substitute pay is another thing that we've kind of struggled with. We got a 77% fill rate, but if you look at the non-degree, degreed, and degree certified short-term substitute pay, uh I would suggest us kind of kind of taking a hard look at that and possibly increasing that maybe by $15
052per day to kind of get us in line with some of our competitors. Um I feel like our long-term is hanging in there, and it's very competitive. Uh bus driver peer average pay, you can kind of see how we compare to our peer districts, but also again to our peers that are close by. Uh and [snorts] so, we've had some unfilled positions in our bus driver uh with our bus drivers, and so this is something that we want to kind of take a look at as well as we move forward. Uh estimated cost and possible raise, this is brought to you guys last month board meeting in a workshop. And we kind of looked at two different plans, and I'm going to bring an additional plan to you tonight. But, the first ones we looked
053at was a 1% for administrative and teacher pay, and a 2% for our paraprofessionals and auxiliary. Uh when you think about paraprofessionals and auxiliary, their midpoint's a little less than others, and so it doesn't go as far, and so that's why we suggest a one and then a two for our paraprofessionals and auxiliary staff, and then a dollar per hour raise for our bus drivers. If you look at the second tier, it's a 2% raise for our administrators and teachers and then a 3% raise for paraprofessionals and auxiliary staff and a $1.25 for our bus drivers. If you look at the total at the bottom, you can see that the 1% and 2% is would cost the district an additional 1.3 million and then our two and three would cost the district additional 2.3 close
054to 2.4 million. So, after our meeting last week last month, um it was requested that us look at additional a 3% across the board for the main part. Uh and so you can kind of look at A, B, and C. A and B are the ones that were on the previous screen. C is the additional cost that was requested by our Board of Trustees. Um one thing that I want to point out with the classroom teachers, the House Bill 2 adjustment, last year we were required when we we moved teachers from step four to step five, we have to guarantee the teachers get an additional 5,000 from where they were at that point. And so with depending on how much we give in raise, we have to make a little bit of an adjustment for
055those teachers that move from step four to step five. Uh the other requirements were 2,500, but we gave 2,500 for our lower experienced teachers last year, so we covered the requirement for that. And so these are our our rates. Are there any questions? >> Okay, now we we heard a lot more in our workshop. So just for those out there listening, there was um a lot of information presented there and we appreciate that. Um but yes, we are now um tasked with considering um the different options that we have on the table for pay raises. So I'm going to open the discussion for that. >> I just have some clarifying questions from workshop. Just uh the the budget overview because I think that impacts our consideration here. >> Absolutely. >> And and correct me Heather
056if I state some numbers wrong. Just doing mental math. Currently in our unassigned fund balance where 41.5 ish >> Yes, sir. >> Correct? Okay. And at the close of this year you're anticipating approximately a 4.8 million add to the 41.5. Is that correct? >> Around there. Yes, sir. >> Okay. So that ballpark 46.3 >> Yes, sir. >> unassigned. So I'm not even accounting for the assigned cuz we have 16 you have I think I saw >> assigned and unassigned is that total number. >> Okay. >> But not committed. >> Okay, not committed. >> Yes, sir. >> So 46.3 we already know that we're looking at about 2 and 1/2 million dollar deficit before we consider consideration or compensation at 3.9 where it'll stay the same regardless on the property taxes. Okay, so fund balance 46.3
057after this year. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. At least. >> Yes, sir. And that equates to if you look at A and B that equates we have to at least per board policy we try to keep around 3 months of unassigned and assigned fund assigned fund balance and if you even chose B we would have to have at least 39 close to 40 million to make the requirements of the board policy. I know we looked a little bit at another slide um earlier in the workshop and it was kind of showing us with the first two options um what the fund balance might look like, what we might need to have. Um that's an important discussion, but I think also we have to keep in mind that we don't want to just bring our fund
058balance down to the the lowest possible thing that it could be because we have a lot of uncertainty moving past even next year. Um so I know that's a really difficult thing because we don't have a crystal ball to know everything that's going to happen. We don't really know what our enrollment's going to do. We think it's going to go down again. We think it might continue to go down, but we don't really know those true numbers. Um and I know that Dr. Harkrider was also sharing just the uh messages that he's hearing coming from the next legislative session aren't really looking very positive for getting any additional um funding really at all. Um really no looking at the basic allotment. And so I just I'm sitting here thinking like that has to be a
059part of the discussion because it would be really easy to say let's let's do a whole lot. Um but we have to look past just next year and just that one change in fund balance that might happen for next year, but into the future as well. Cuz C keeps us in compliance, but it gets us really tight, right? Correct. >> And it's an ongoing cost. And so those are things that you always have to consider. >> And I mean we talked about it a little bit in workshop, but like like you were just saying, the fact that so we're going to we know um pretty much how much money we're going to be getting from the state for this next year. We're talking about a legislative session that starts in January of you know, next
060year. That which would be the funding for the next 2 years after that. So it I be all by all accounts it looks like no additional funding for at least 3 years, right? And so, if we want to continue to give hopefully some little raise in in there. I mean, we can't in my eyes blow it all in one in one year, right? And I kind of mentioned that that earlier that that is a part of the reason I want I'm concerned also concerned looking at the potential enrollment drops and that every one of those students means low less funding for us and we're talking about some significant amounts of money. And then I also am reflect on what you were talking about in in workshop that you have made this budget tighter, right? Very
061you know, take purposely taken out contingencies and that's where some of our, you know, savings has come from which is but I think we can't rely on having significant excess as much excess as maybe we've been used to moving forward. So, those things are all kind of weighing on the side of caution for me versus obviously the the desire always to make sure we compensate our employees as much as we can. Thanks. >> Yeah, I mean I think we have to I mean, obviously it's not new information that this is a delicate balancing act. I'm always mindful or I'm especially mindful I should say that if we're not able to keep up with even inflation for our teachers some of those budgeting decisions in the future are going to be totally different conversations if we
062don't even have the teachers and staff we need because people have left to do other jobs. So, it's like I mean, there's a lot of considerations. I think I want to draw or clarify one thing, Dr. Hargraider. We've talked a lot about insurance, but we don't have those quotes back yet. If I've read between the lines or connected the dots, it there does seem to be a decent chance that goes down the the premium goes down enough that each employee might not have to pay as much this year. >> Yes, we're extremely hopeful of that. Yeah. >> So, I mean, I think that's important, too, right? Because even if it was a $100 less premium, that's a a month. That's $1,200, which is the 2% line. And since that's coming straight out of people's pockets
063right now, that is another $100 that are >> be new money that they would see in their check. Yes. >> And I'm I'm using that number as an example, but it does feel like you're very hopeful, from what I can tell, that that premium is going to go down. Yeah. So, I don't want to count on that, but I also want to be mindful that there is a there's a decent chance if sounds like better than uh it's not doesn't feel like a shot in the dark to hope that that happens. It feels like that's where we're trending, at least. And so, I mean, that I want to take that into consideration that that really is a if that happens, that could easily be a 1 to 2% realization back into people's pockets. And obviously,
064that's would be huge as we consider these other numbers, cuz that's sort of using fresh money that we're not talking about right now. Okay. [snorts] I I I would also I don't I don't mean to be difficult, but I am. I really would love to see a dollar amount also for paras. The the it the 3% wallet's clean. No, it's it's still percentage I'm saying. Aren't isn't the midpoint of paras 15 16 17 What is the >> It's on what level instructional paras I think it's closer to 22. >> Okay, so 65 cents >> Roughly it's about $690 for midpoint that would get per year. For 3% >> Yeah, about 65 cents-ish per hour additional. >> $690 right at $700 for the year. >> Yeah. So, I would love to see I I mean I
065feel like I have a soft spot for paras. I feel like they are magicians and they make teachers lives so much easier and turnover at that spot is so hard for teachers. But it's really hard to make 15 16 17 $20 an hour. And we could never pay them what they're worth, I understand. But I feel like because that set that midpoint is so much lower than everybody else's similar to bus drivers doing a flat amount like a dollar per hour for me would feel really meaningful and I hope for that staff would feel meaningful and hopefully for the teachers who love them and are grateful for them that they would be grateful that we did that. So, I would like to put that out there at least as a possibility. >> And I had
066one reason and I said this earlier um because of some of our reservations but also wanting to make sure we give a at least a reasonable raise. I am I lean towards plan B in the in the middle there and one of the reasons is cuz at least it does give a little bit more to um the paraprofessional and auxiliary staff than >> [snorts] >> than we're giving to to you, you know, everyone. Because I I mean, I kind of agree and you actually in your other slide, that 1% for paras, a 1% increase is an overall about $100,000. Honestly, one one other thing though that I I always This is the always the struggle every year with a raise for our existing teachers who yes, like you said, we we have to support our
067staff. They work super hard. The other side of that though is I mean, there's it's it's a fixed-size cup. It I mean, and and and then fixed amount of money. One of the ways we have had more money over the last couple of years to continue to you know, give some raises and and do some other things is because we have fewer actual teachers in our in our um campuses. And that's because we have we do have fewer students, but we have also, you know, our our staffing ratios have become a little tighter. And so it to me, it is always that balance between making sure we yes, we reward the teachers we have in the classroom as much as possible, but we without having, you know, fewer and fewer, so we're just overloading them
068so much, right? It's a balance between those things to me, but I between how much of a raise we can actually give, but then how much, you know, workload we're putting on on teachers. So. >> I do think it's a little hard to sit in the seat again this year because last year we were looking at a situation where with state funding, we were able to say, "Okay, teachers are going to get a bigger raise than what, you know, we had been doing um in the past." And so probably sitting here um this year, it looks a little more like a downer, right? Uh coming off of a year like that. Um, but I would just to put that it put that perspective out there, too, that last year we were able to give a
069little bit bigger raises. Um, so if we're looking at something like a 2% this year, I realize that um, I'd like it to be more as I would every single year, but um, it is a raise um, on top of for, you know, our teachers a little bit better raise last year. So, I don't know. I guess I'm just trying to bring a little bit of that perspective into this, too, that um, we're we're trying to do the best that we can for all of our staff. Um, not just teachers, but every single one of the staff that we have and it's it's hard, but I think being able to um, at least honor them with a the raise that we can give is important. >> I I agree. As much as I would like
070to go plan C, um, plan B I do feel like acknowledges their hard work. Um, I also think we're trying to explore other ways to generate revenue, but we're in the [snorts] early stages without a district transfers, possibly virtual school. So, I'd like to see how we do with those this year, um, because I would like to keep continuing to give raises. And so, I think the plan B feels a little bit more comfortable for me right now. >> I think uh, Ms. Wilson, you've done a phenomenal job with the budget. Um, and we always talk about taking care of teachers, taking care of professionals, uh, paras, transportation, all the openings, um, and the kids come first, which is what matters most in our school district. But keeping in mind the person in the front
071of the classroom has the most impact on those kids. Uh, to Mr. Martindale's point of pointing out what we're looking at budget-wise, cuz if uh, Mr. Ben was sitting in that seat, he would be bringing up fund balance, um, till he was blue in the face. I can I can hear him in my ear right now. But I got to tell you, it's a difference of 800,000 from what I kind of hear you guys talking about between B and C, and I would push for C. I I teachers deserve it. I think transportation deserves it. I think everybody deserves it and [snorts] if we can pull it off um again Miss Wilson done a phenomenal job. Uh it'll be tight with the fund balance. Um our our state legislators do not support public education, but
072our school district can. And I would push for uh C. I think they deserve it. >> J- And and >> [clears throat] >> M- my my fear for not being aggressive with the salary schedule is that it's becoming increasingly difficult to recruit and retain. And my fear is if we don't pay now, we may pay in a different way later. Um [snorts] I could be mistaken. That is just my concern. And um I concur with Dr. Payne. Um $3.1 million is a lot of money, obviously, but it's it's it's 800,000 more than 2.3, which is a lot of money as well. But relative to a budget the size of ours um and I think the sense of appreciation that it would uh signal to our folks would be a good investment of the delta. Uh
073that that is in in I I absolutely if anybody sitting at this table outside of Dr. Arkwright or understands fund balance and budget and and things close and tight and all those things, I understand and respect that. Um I just know that the work our people do is becoming increasingly more challenging. And you know, you just heard miss bending uh we do have a special school district and and that is because of the people we have in it. And um uh So, I I kind of echo Dr. Payne's feelings. That's that's where I'm leaning at the at the moment as we have this uh conversation knowing that we're going to put at least 4.8 into the current fund fund balance of 41.5. And most CFOs I know are conservative, so it probably will be more
074than 4.8. So, I feel like it puts us in a particular I don't know I'm just guessing. That's what I would say if I were you. So, maybe I shouldn't say it that way. Um I I just >> [snorts] >> It it basically puts us about where we are right now. If we went with the C rate and went back down to 40.8 or 41. We're 41.5 now. >> So, that I want to be sure that I understand then if we if we were to go with C and I'll tell you one question I have about C in a minute, but with the with the other deficit that we're predicting from other costs what can you help us can you flip and help us know about what that deficit would be? >> 2.5 million. >>
075That's what I thought. >> I want to say 2,505,000 if I'm pulling that right out of my head. >> Right. >> 2.5 plus the 3.1. So, it it'd be total of 5.6. >> Six. >> And if you if we [clears throat] have 41.5 now, we add 4.8 that would put us at 46.3 less 5.6 then the math would leave you at 40.7. So, 800 less than what we have right now for 3% raise. >> Part of me doesn't want to see us I mean two things. One, part of me doesn't want to see us have less of a fund balance end of next year than we do right now, right? Um if we're saying we're going to add this, but we're going to take away more, um that's a that's a little concerning to me
076and that's why I sit a little more easily at B. The other thing about um plan C and I know you gave us this plan because um we asked for to look at 3%, but we didn't actually in that plan then increase our other um staff. So, we're leaving them at 3% and a $1.25 for bus drivers. So, I mean uh a different view on that would be that if we're going to do something additional, you know, like Mr. Field was saying that maybe that ought to be considered for some of our um staff that's at a different pay grade. So, I I I I mean I know that doesn't help because you can't pull that number out right now, but that's I think one of the issues I also have with if we're going
077to do something more that we should be doing more for some of the others as well. >> Roughly adding it's roughly 50 cents, 48 cents give or take for the midpoint of an instructional para. So, if you wanted to basically double that to a dollar, you're looking at almost a 6% raise from midpoint for para professionals. And I think you've got to be careful from a standpoint of you're at 5.6 million dollar deficit. We erased 2 million, so now you're at 3.6 give or take. The balance also is, you know, used to you could project out 5 years, be comfortable where you are, um knowing you would get some support every now and then. We we don't know that. We're literally, in my opinion, in the budget cycle of we're budgeting one year at a
078time and it is what it is. We're not going to get help. Uh Mike's correct. Staff has options. They're tired of getting beat up. We've got to figure out a way that we incentivize them to stay with us. So, when it gets harder in a few years, and it's going to, that they're willing to to stay here and fight for us because you made a decision to fight for them. And I think this time, 1 year from now, we'll know how those numbers shake out. We'll also know out-of-district numbers. We'll know potential online school numbers cuz we would try to have all of that in in the system by May 1st. So, we're projecting we may potentially decrease X but gain X. Maybe it's a wash. So, we'd be in a more stable situation. We'd
079see how vouchers are going to affect us in the first year. So, there's a lot of unknown going into, uh in my opinion, you can't ever go wrong by investing in the people that serve our kids, and it's going to benefit us in the long run. >> If some of you are having heartburn over that three, I mean, we could do 2 and 1/2%. We don't need the number up there to just average 2.3 and 3.1. So, that feels like it does feel some people are wanting two, some people are wanting three. You could do 2 and 1/2, and I would hope a dollar per hour for all paras, and you'd still be under the several hundred thousand under that 3.1. >> But we're haggling over, and I know this this sounds terrible. I'm financial.
080Believe it or not, I'm a fiscally conservative person. >> I believe it. >> But I also believe in investing in the people. I do. D- How What indications Chris asked this uh question a little bit about uh benefits and premiums. I know we're hoping to improve upon those, but what What indicators do you have that make you What is your confidence rate on that? Or do you really Do you really >> My confidence, honestly, is in the person who's doing the negotiation that's telling me he's going to make it happen. I have not seen numbers. I should see some rough numbers here in the next 2 to 3 weeks. >> Okay. >> They wanted this month to be able to wheel and deal, and they asked for one more month for us to push back
081to June. And so, their confidence level's high. It's the first year, you know, we'll see. We did get some positive news from the same company that property and casualty, they feel like it's going to go down this year, which hasn't went down in a long time. >> [snorts] >> So, I don't know how much, but any savings is savings. Basically, we've never stayed the same. We're always going up. So, even if it stayed flat for property casualty, that's a win win for us. >> Payroll is what percentage of our budget? >> 83.4. >> All right. So, again, I think what I heard Mr. Martindale talking about was Yeah, it's a lot of money, 2.3, 3.1, but the 800,000 is pennies on the dollar spread over all of those folks. And I'm for giving them what
082we can afford, and what you're telling us is this is what we can afford. >> And I And I I hear you. Again, it's the struggle we have about every time. But, you know, we also had to hear in workshop, you know, what are our levers if, you know, things with all these unknowns moving forward that things don't turn out I mean, they're or even worse than we're, potentially, right? The The state issues, the enrollment numbers, you know, you know, all those those things. Um and then we're we We're we We stuck, and you know, the levers were mentioned are we'll have no more money for compensation compensation moving forward. And then we're talking about continue you have listed on there the staffing ratios and and class size reduct class size reductions again. And I
083also look at that $800,000 difference and I think about it in number of teachers and our number of people that you know, that we have to give up. bodies that we have to give up that you know, can be in our in our schools. I mean, I'm not saying you know, we need all of them, but but but there could becomes a point where you can only get so lean in our on our campuses. And so that's the balance to me that that's what we give up is and we've already had to make so many of those those cuts. On the flip side though, I think I remember in community advisory and he may kill me, but Mr. McKeever said he'd rather see his whole staff get a raise than adding additional people. He feels
084like that would go a long way. So, under that I I'm I I could get on board with plan C and and hope everyone remembers this conversation next year if we're in a horrible situation that >> [laughter] >> Yeah, and I I agree, Heather. That's the thing. This time next year, we could absolutely be sitting here and going, "Why in the world did we do 3%?" I'm well aware of that. Now, I understand the risk involved with this. But but again, and I the job that our people are doing are is is becoming increasingly more challenging. And it is a competitive business now. And if you are running a competitive business, you're investing in the best people you can get. And that's from a financial standpoint, culture, environment, all those particular pieces. To continue to
085be the district that we are and have always been, and be attractive in that competitive environment, we need the best people. And you we need to do our best even with this being um a challenging move from a compensation standpoint. That's that's That's that's where I am. I will support the collective decision of the board wherever that may land, but I'm just This is where I am at the moment. Uh and I understand the challenge it it it can create for administration as well as all of us in the next budget cycle. Um Uh but I I I I just believe the faculty and staff have earned it. >> So, I just want to be clear and say I don't think that if we're I don't think any person around this table, if you're for
086a 2% 3% BC, that makes you less or more of a supporter of teachers and staff um because there are a ton of factors we have to think about, and some of that's being uh financially um careful as well. Um I mean, the uh conservative uh part of me wants to say B, I can be supportive of C. Um I I with the caveat that as things kind of go down the road, we might be looking at a year where there's nothing at some point that we can give after. So, I I can support that. Um I I'm just saying out loud that I have a little bit of concern about what the future holds for us, so. >> And and it's been a long hard road of of doing this for years, of trying
087to get trying to remain and be competitive, which we are now if you look at who we compared to, we're in much better situation than we've been I think in most of those cases. And again, I'm agreeing with Mr. Martindale, I think we we keep fighting that fight. And I think we reward those people again with not a lot of money to be honest of what we're spreading out. Now, the 3.1's a a big number, the 2.3's a big number, but when you spread that out to the to all the folks that benefit from this, I I think it's a worthwhile investment. >> I'm going to have to echo everything that you've said, Ms. Egie. Like last year I had a little bit of pause with the five. Had nothing to do with the performance
088of our teachers or any of our administrators or staff, but I was wondering if this year I'd be sitting in this seat. And now we're kind of seeing this this lower option that we're we're having to kind of choose from. So, I'm I'm having to kind of echo Ms. Egie as well as Ms. McAdams that I want to be able to continue to approve for years to come. And with, you know, the economic squeeze and the funding not being adequate from the state, I just feel like there's a lot of pressure. And again, it has nothing to do with how I feel the teachers do. I've got four kids in the district district, soon to be five. And I applaud y'all every day. And this is a very special district, but I'm I'm going to
089have to say that I'm a little more comfortable with B. >> We've had a lot of discussion. I don't want to cut it off if there's more that you want to say, but I'm also going to open the floor and say, do we have a motion um on this item? >> I motion to approve uh plan C as presented. >> Have a motion by Dr. Payne. Do I have a second? >> A second. >> Okay, I have a motion by Dr. Payne and a second by Mr. Martindale. Is there any discussion on that motion? >> Yeah, I mean, I'll say that I think we have to be good stewards of the money that we have today. But to pre there's no way we can predict and guess what's going to happen in the future and
090this year and I mean, I know we have a lot of our administrators in the room tonight. Most most of them are here. I hope they'll go tell their teachers if we pass C, which is the one I would like to see us pass that we are in a position this year to be able to do this. This may not be the position we're in next year, but the board felt like it was important enough to do what we could with what we have and this year we have it. And so I I try to live generally think we should all live trying to be open-handed and both in the ways we give and receive the gifts of life and this year we do have more in our hands and I go back to you
091know, somebody's been teaching in our district for 20 years makes $9,000 more than a first-year teacher. I mean that's like we could not give those people enough money to justify the the work that they do. If you've been doing this 20 years, you're leading your team you're a you know, officer for five clubs. Like that's that's the peak of most people's career. 20 25 years in is when you're really starting to get those executive level positions at a lot of companies. And so I just don't think we could possibly do enough. But we do have it this year. And so I say my vote certainly in my the words I hadn't said yet and so I wanted to say them is that I think we should be generous and share and give what we have
092this year knowing we may not have it next year and if we don't and also if $800,000 sinks us and we have bigger problems like that dollar amount between those two is not going to alter the entire direction of our district. So it's hard we got to make our decisions and I today I want to make a hard decision in support of our teachers and if we can't do that next year then we'll have to make that hard decision. We have a motion on the table. All in favor? I. I. Any opposed? Okay. That motion is going to pass 5 to 2. Thank you all for your discussion. I do want to add the same similar thing. Obviously appreciate the comments that 100% value our staff and teachers and all they do. Just really feel
093that we we really need are at a time right now where we need to be conservative moving forward and I am hope I hoping for the best and it works out great and I'm glad we can support our teachers. Okay. Um I'm looking at our agenda and I believe that that is our last action item. So we're going to move to adjourn. Thank you all and happy last week of school to everyone.