00119. I call this meeting of the Mount Vernon Independent School District to order. Let the record show that a quorum of board members is present, that this meeting has been duly called, and the notice of this meeting has been posted in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 551. Do I have a motion to certify the agenda? >> Motion made by Linda. Do I have a second? >> Seconded by Donnie. All four 60. Let the record show that Josh Jordan's not here yet. Um Kathy, would you mind open this in pray? >> Sure. >> Our dear heavenly father, we want to thank you for this beautiful day you've sent to us. And Lord, we ask you to be with this community in this school. Lord, thank you so much for our
002leaders in this comm in this school district, in our teachers, in our students. Lord, just always protect them. Lord, thank you for always blessing us with more than we need. Thank you so much. in your son's name. Amen. >> Amen. >> We'll stand and do our pledges. >> Otherwise, the wrong way. >> I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Honor the Texas flag. I aliance to thee Texas. One state under God, one and indivisible. >> Do we have some special recognition tonight? >> Yes ma'am we do. And what you will see this year is we have added um several different pieces of our district to our special recognition. Um in the previous
003years we had done uh campus support, elementary teacher, uh middle school and high school teacher. We have now added um maintenance support um custodial cafeteria and also um bus drivers. So we've added more recognition. So we've make sure that we're not leaving any of our uh departments out in our staff. And so we'll we will start and we're going to start with our elementary teacher and go through here. So if I could have Miss Christina So come forward, please. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. So if you'll stand right here, let me give that to you. So what it was said about Miss Sto is our spotlight teacher for September is a quiet behind the scenes leader. She doesn't necessarily like public acknowledgement, but she is more than deserving of this honor. Miss
004Soto works to lead her second grade team in reading and goes above and beyond for her bilingual team as well. The Spanish portion of our new curriculum is in the pilot year and not all materials are readily available for our bilingual teachers. Miss Sodto has worked to create materials for not only her class but for the other grade levels as well. Miss Hatley, our bilingual kindergarten teacher, recently recognized Miss Sodto in our hump day her says, "Big shout out to Miss Sodto. She's always worked behind the scenes and her perspective makes such a difference. Thanks for sharing your awesomeness." Says, "I remember asking her last year to take on a leadership role on her second grade team and she wasn't sure she was ready." Well, she certainly was ready and she has exceeded expectations. She
005leads with a servant's heart and leads by example. She serves on our capturing kids heart process champion team and is willing to take on any challenge. Her classroom is run efficiently and in the sweetest way. Her students are so very respectful of each other, their teacher and any visitor that nears the classroom. Her students had a few words to say about her as well. She is nice to us. I love her sweetness. Like her class her class because it is colorful. She teaches us in Spanish and in English. We love when we do good things every morning and when she tells us something good about herself, she is calm with us. She is just a really good teacher and teaches us so much. We agree that Miss Sto is an amazing teacher and we are
006thankful for all that she does for our students, faculty, and parents. So, the elementary teacher of the month is Miss Sto. >> Very good. You want to say anything? >> No, sir. Okay. Remember? >> All right. Congratulations. So, all right. If we will have to read upside down here, our middle school teacher of the month, Miss Regina Salier. Congratulations. Let me read what it says about Miss Regina. says, "From the moment she arrived, it was clear that Miss Oiier wasn't just dipping her toes in the water. She jumped in head first with both feet, and that energy has been absolutely infectious. While many of us were enjoying a well-deserved break, Miss Oier was already here bright and early, laying the foundation for an exceptional learning environment. She has poured her heart and soul into creating
007a classroom that is not only productive, but also incredibly supportive for all of her students. I've heard whispers from other teachers about her innovative lesson plans, her commitment to individual student needs, and her genuine care for each child's success. She really has done a lot to create an environment where everyone can thrive. Miss Sauier work, your hard work and dedication haven't gone unnoticed. You have quickly established yourself as a vital member of the Mount Vernon Middle School community. Your commitment to creating a positive and productive learning environment for our students is truly inspiring and we are incredibly grateful for your contributions. We are so excited to have you here at Mount Vernon Middle School. You know, you will positively influence our students. Middle school teacher of the month, Miss Regina Sauier. [Applause] [Music] Any words?
008>> Okay. Congratulations. All right. And our high school teacher of the month, Miss Rebecca Russell. There we go. Hand that to you. Says, "Rebecca Russell has been a steady and dependable presence at Mount Vernon High School for many years, serving our school community in a variety of ways. What truly distinguishes her is her remarkable ability to build strong, meaningful connections with all students, including those who face the greatest challenges. Since transitioning into special education, she has not only thrived but also continuously expanded her role, now serving as our special education department leader. In this capacity, she oversees the entire high school special populations case load, lead your special education staff and data collection and progress monitoring, and serves as the sped teacher at AR meetings. Additionally, Miss Russell manages campus 504 plans, ESL coordination, and
009ELPAC meetings, all while providing invaluable in-class inclusion support. Her extensive knowledge and dedication benefit both students and staff as she offers ongoing professional development and guidance to ensure compliance and empowers teachers to meet diverse student needs. Miss Russell's commitment extends beyond her formal responsibilities. She consistently models professionalism through timely communication with administration and peers, and she is always among the first to volunteer for extra duties. Her genuine desire to see every student succeed drives her unwavering support, making her an indispensable part of our school community. Mount Vernon High School is truly fortunate to have Miss Russell's dedication, leadership, and compassionate spirit, which make her exceptionally deserving of teacher of the month recognition. So, our high school teacher of the month, Miss Rebecca Russell. Congratulations. >> You want to say anything? >> No. >> Okay. So
010now this month, you know, usually we have one auxiliary staff member of the month, but this month we have two. We just couldn't choose. We had two very deserving and we want to recognize them both. So if I could first have Miss Emma Tenan >> Tenan, sorry, Miss Emma, and she'll come forward. Congratulations. Now, this is what it says about Emma. Says, "Emma change roles at elementary campus this year, and she has soared in her new position. She is our new technology teacher, but she's much more than that. She took a crazy idea that Miss George had and helped to transform our early childhood computer lab into a learning lab. During pre-K, kindergarten, and first grade specials, Miss Tenan, Tenan, >> Tenan, sorry, Miss Tenan, I say that right. Miss Tenan leads hands-on STEM activities,
011science, technology, engineering, and math in the learning lab. Our students are exploring through play, which is building, experimenting, and discovering how things work in a fun, age appropriate way. They're building fine motor skills from stacking blocks to using tools. Every activity helps strengthen those little hands for riding and more. Our occupational therapy team is working closely with her so that whole body exercises are incorporated into the learning lab routines in order to build in build strength and students fine motor abilities. They're also learning to work together. Whether they're constructing a bridge or mixing the potion, kids collaborate, take turns, and communicate with peers. They're also thinking like little scientists. They're asking questions, making predictions, and testing their ideas just like real scientists and engineers. With her guidance, our learning lab becomes more than just fun,
012though there's lots of that. It's a creative, social, and skilluing space that helps prepare your child for future learning the best way possible through hands-on discovery. Miss Emma has recently shouted out by a classroom teacher in our hump day, and the teacher said, "Shout out to Miss Emma in the learning lab. She is doing amazing with each class. She is patient with all students as they learn the rules and expectations. I'm super proud of her. We are very proud the way Miss Em has stepped up to her new position this year and we're excited about the progress that our youngest Tigers are going to make. Congratulations. [Applause] >> You want to say anything? >> No. Congratulations. >> Our next support staff member of the month is going to be Miss Donna Walker. Yes, ma'am. It
013says, "Miss Walker has meticulously crafted 453 individual student schedules." Let me say that again. 453 individual student schedules. That's 453 unique academic pathways carefully constructed to meet the individual needs and aspirations of each students. It's about understanding their strengths, nurturing their passions, addressing their challenges, and helping them chart a course that will lead them to success. It's about ensuring that the aspiring scientist has access to the advanced labs, that the budding artists can explore their c creativity, and that every student, regardless of their background or learning style, has the opportunity to thrive. Miss Walker doesn't just create schedules, she crafts opportunities. The impact of Miss Walker's work extends far beyond the individual student. It strengthens our entire school community. When students are placed in the right classes with the right teachers and given the opportunity
014to pursue their passions, they are more engaged, more motivated, more likely to succeed. A well-crafted schedule is the foundation upon which our students build their academic success and Miss Walker is the architect of that foundation. Congratulations. [Applause] >> Want to say anything? Man, nobody wants to say anything. Okay, next we will move to our maintenance support staff of the month, Mr. Daniel Gilorth. [Applause] >> Congratulations. Thanks, sir. It says, "In recognition of outstanding performance, dedication, and exceptional contributions to keeping our facilities safe, efficient, and well-maintained, your expertise, positive attitude, problem solving abilities, and commitment to our daily task sets a shining example for the entire team. Your efforts make a difference every day." The maintenance person of the month, Mr. Daniel Gilbert. >> Congratulations. [Applause] Show your >> congratulations. Anything you want to say? >>
015No, sir. >> No way. >> Give them all opportunity. Nobody want to say anything. Next, we will recognize our custodial support staff for the month. Miss Maria Mendes. Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Give that to you. >> Bobby says, "In recognition of your exceptional dedication, hard work, and commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for everyone. Your attention to detail, and reliability truly make a difference every single day. Thank you for going above and beyond to keep our spaces shining." Miss Maria Mendes. Very good. Thank you. You want to say anything? >> No. Okay. >> All right. Well, we have two more to go. Let's see if one of them is going to say anything. All right. Next, we have our cafeteria support of the month. If I could have Miss
016Adrien Alonzo come down, please. >> Congratulations. Say your first name, right? >> Very good. All right. says, "We are proud to recognize Adrien Alonzo, our outstanding elementary cafeteria manager. Your leadership, organization, and unwavering commitment to excellence make a daily impact on both the team and everyone who walks through our doors. From ensuring smooth operations to creating a welcoming environment for staff and students alike, your dedication sets a high standard for us all. Thank you for your hard work, positivity, and the countless ways. You go above and beyond. Congratulations, Miss Alonzo. Congratulations, Would you like to say anything? >> Okay. Well, and I think that our bus driver of the month is Miss Deborah Nuland, and she is probably still finishing up her bus route, but this is what I'll read that Bobby wrote about her.
017Says, "We want to take a moment to celebrate Deborah Nuland, one of our amazing school bus drivers. Every day she not only ensures the safety of our students but also greets them with a friendly smile. Rain or shine. Your dedication and care make a huge difference in the lives of our children. And for that we are truly grateful and we'll make sure that Miss Deborah gets her her plaque as well. So Miss Deborah Nuland. >> Oh let's get them all back here. Sorry. All of y'all come back up one big picture. Thank you for me up there. >> Thank you. I was going to say it's been four months since we've done that. So, >> yeah. >> I'll come right up here. >> I don't know if we want to be in front or behind.
018>> I say somebody's going to come stand by me. >> I was just trying to figure out the microphone. >> Make sure everybody's seen by. Make sure you see Miss Taran. >> Very good. Congratulations all of y'all. Thank you so much. Thank y'all for what y'all do. No, no, no, no. >> I did that for >> But it was fun for this kid. >> I had fun. >> Baseball. >> All right. J moved our information item. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Our enrollment totals. >> All right. So, our enrollment totals as of September 3rd, we are at 1535. Uh, which of course is down from the August 11th first part of school after we cleansed some some no-shows from the from the rolls, which you will see is down uh pretty significant from last year, but
019I think that we'll I think we should stay pretty steady there at the 1535. >> Any questions for that? our campus department updates. Mr. Glover, you want to go first first? >> Please let him. I'm going to turn my attention off. All right. So, obviously we've >> been winning in a lot of stuff lately. >> Sorry. Sorry. >> I wasn't going to say anything. >> Y'all start taking 12 tests. We'll talk about it. >> They brought it up. Y'all saw. >> All right. So, really proud of the start of the school year. Um, all of our new staff and our returning teachers are doing a great job. Um, school year has been off to a really smooth start. Um, things are things are running well. Um, just again overall really satisfied with what's been going
020on. don't have a whole lot of things to talk about tonight, but I did come up with a few. Um, we're about getting ready to launch some community partnerships that we are kind of long-standing at the school. Um, tomorrow we're kicking off leaders of tomorrow. That's our 17th year, I was told today. I thought it was about 15, but I was told 17 years. Uh, so they're kicking that off tomorrow with an event here on campus and then going downtown as well to do a couple things. So excited to see where that goes this year. Mount Burning Cares, which is our mentorship program that we've been doing. I think at least nine or 10 years for that. I believe it started in my first couple years. So, it's been a while as well. So, that's
021something that that has really served us well over the years. So, that's kicking off next week. Um, we've got a few kids. Five of our student leaders are going to be going out this week to attend the FC FCA Fellowship of Christian Athletes uh kickoff event over at Region 8. Coach Lad is their sponsor. So, he'll be taking them here Wednesday of this week uh to kick that off for the year. >> Uh Miss Wilkins, our CT dire CTE director, gave me a little update here, so I want to read it to you. It's pretty good stuff. Um she says, "Over half the class of 2026 already are CCMR complete." Again, that goes really that goes back to our accountability ratings that we that that we talked about a second ago. Um, and the rest
022of them, she says, are on track to be complete by the end of the school year by getting those IBC's in their pathway. She also reports that the health science program is improving rapidly and the practicum students have many amazing opportunities ahead. For example, they are going to be going on September 30th to visit Baylor Medical Center in Plano where they're going to do observations across bunch of different departments in the hospital. The way I understand it, they're going to be getting to even do some observations and surgery. So, that should be pretty neat for them. She's also, Miss Shu is the new teacher. If you don't know who I'm talking about, Miss Shu, she's also um in the process of completing the requirements that is getting insurance and vaccines and uniforms. Uh these kids
023are going to start going out twice monthly doing clinical rotations that's at Titus Regional Medical Center and Chris's in Sulphur Springs. And then as well as kinetic physical therapy and maybe a couple others that are local here. So, she's already got these things set up and is about to get the ball rolling, which is something we've been trying to do for for a long time. Um, so she's doing a great job there. Um, just providing opportunities for the students that they haven't had before. Last thing on my list here, the Auction is this Saturday, September 13th at 5:00. And I walked through today and saw a lot of the projects they have out there. So, a lot of good stuff out there. Um, and it's a huge fundraiser for them. So, hopefully people have an
024opportunity to come out this Saturday afternoon and support the A department. So, that's all I got. >> Yeah. Meal meal five auction >> the six. That's right. All right. Thank y'all. >> Thank you. >> I like riding. >> Okay. Mine's short and sweet, too. Um, obviously you can tell what we're all going through. I've got Coach Marker's scaring baby cuz she's at games, my husband's at games, and I'm going to the game as soon as I get done. So, um, we have 457 middle schoolers. We have um I just did the numbers today. 120 fifth graders, 99 uh 108 sixth graders, 99 seventh graders, and 130 eighth graders. So, we are topping out in that eighth grade. >> Yes. Um our attendance has been pretty steady at 95 96 with it dropping on Friday, which
025we expect. It was at 91%. Um our volleyball team, they're winning consistently. They've already played three games and they're currently playing one right now at the gym. Um, and our A teams have a tournament this weekend that we're going to be hosting here at Mount Vernon. I know that our cross country teams are traveling with the high school. Um, they've done two already and they have their third one on on Thursday in Harts Bluff. And then our football teams are starting Thursday. They're super excited. It has been a great great thing for our discipline. Really has because they are so worried about getting in trouble. I mean, any little trouble, they're like, "Oh my gosh, do I get to play Thursday?" Yes, just relax. But anyway, they're excited. Um, we're slowly settling into our new
026blue bonnet curriculum for fifth grade. That's been a big change for our teachers, but they are they're on it and after it. And same thing with our sixth grade STEM scopes for math. So, we are just rocking right on. >> Y'all know what it is. It's like this is like your May in the fall. So, here we are. >> Here we are. >> Any questions? >> Awesome. >> I'm going to also sneak out, too. So, >> thank you, Miss P. [Laughter] Oh goodness. Okay. Um currently we're sitting at about 616 kiddos um down at the elementary school. There's >> we're big. >> It's a lot of little people, but it's great. Um I I just want to give props to our teachers. They have taken on a whole lot with our new curriculum and we
027have expected a whole lot of them. Our theme for the year is all heart, all all tiger and allin and they have jumped in both feet. They have done more than ever I could have imagined and Devon Strowman is helping lead lead the implementation of blue bonnet um reading. It is a lot, but our teachers are really doing amazing things. And more than that, our kids, our fourth grade teachers told me that these kids have been engaged with literature more than they have in years and just these first few weeks of school. So, um, a parent in an art meeting told me the other day that as soon as they got home there, they the daughter wanted to see how the book continued. They didn't get to finish and so she was looking it up
028on YouTube to see how that she was so interested. So, the kids are interested in what they're learning. Um there's an option with the blue bonnet unit assessments. They they could have either taken them for kindergarten, first and second grade, just a whole group where they do thumbs up and thumbs down or there was a another option where we could start teaching kids how to test online even in kindergarten because it teaches more of the application piece. And so we opted for that. And so three of us would go into a classroom at a time in kindergarten to make sure that we were listening and following directions. And that was fun. But they have stepped up. they can do anything that you ask of them. And so, um, our results in kindergarten weren't exactly where
029we wanted them to be, but they finished a test. And so, and they know what a test is and what an online assessment is. So, we had 58% that meets um, on that. So, that will improve the more practice they get. In first grade, we had 72% satisfactory with 22% advanced. So, we were super proud of that. And in second grade, we had 70% satisfactory with 19% advanced. So, we just went to a region 8 accountability training last week and we're really diving in and making sure that our kids are growing. We're really going to focus on that growth piece, domain three because that's really what got us on our accountability. And so, we want to get back to that A rating. So, that's really what we're focusing on. So, we'll be having data meetings
030even in kindergarten looking to make sure we're growing kids. We're in the middle of um our beginning of the year M-Class assessment. So, we'll have that data next time. And then third and fourth haven't taken their unit one assessments yet for reading. So, as soon as we have that data, um I will share that. Also, our math teachers are rocking right along with STEM scopes and I'm focusing on reading because that's where we were so worried about with our little ones last year. So, um I will give you the math scores next time. And then, um that is basically it. We're just rocking right along down there. So, come by anytime and see us. Do y'all have any questions? >> Appcate it. And that leads us to our construction updates. >> Yes. Can you guys
031hear me? >> Yes, sir. >> Uh good evening. We can uh let's start uh around the site uh the nonstructured areas or buildings uh in the mechanical yard area out by the big tree, the dumpster area and area F which is the uh high school for your area. I've got we're pouring out concrete on the 16th and 17th of this month. Uh, and then I've got some notes here. That's a parking lot that's going to be poured out in the next two or 3 weeks. So, that's what's going on around the the uh the site area. Unit C, which is the admin uh area. I know the interior metal frame continues to be installed. Uh, some miscellaneous steel they're putting in on the existing steel joist for the rooftop units in that area. And then
032on the on the north and the south end is where we're going to close up the into the courtyard. The peers are are uh we've got peers and grains that are going to start on on 911 which is Thursday. Uh inside area see there's a lot going on in in that area. They're beginning to demo some of the existing uh block walls in there and install some low variance CMU columns. Uh a lot going on still in that area. unit D which is our uh over in the cafeteria building area. The steel is going to be completed out on 9:15 of this month and then on the steel's done exterior framing uh will will start soon after that. So that's the area B. Area E, which is our storm shelter >> fine arts building. Um,
033we've got our concrete roof. The deck is going to be poured on 9:10. So, that's Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. And then the interior CMU, the concrete block continues in that area. And I believe fire sprinkler systems are going to start being installed as well in unit or unit F, same area. as well the high school area. Right now, uh they're continuing some of the MEP underground in that area before they do their pour. Um over in area G, which is our ACT facility. Uh I believe most of this the exterior walls are installed and then they'll start to break the soon after. Uh if everybody's wondering, uh especially the principles and admin over in area A, uh I got an update. Our permanent can rail, we're probably about another month out for for install. So
034that is where we are at in the construction. Any questions? >> Any questions? >> Lou, thanks. Thanks for what y'all are doing. >> Yes, sir. Y'all have a good week. >> Thank you. Let me let me let me offer this to you as a board. We won't have time tonight. I was hoping we would. We won't with lot we got we have going on tonight. Um invite you if you have the opportunity during the daytime, come by, call me. I'd love to take you through and let you look at the inside of the fine arts building and and what they're doing. Walk you through with what what they're doing and show you give you the opportunity. We'll get you a hard hat. Thought maybe tonight we could, but again with everything we have, it'll be
035dark. I think by the time we get out there, I was able to walk Lean and Brad through we when we went through the agenda a few days ago. So again, it's impressive. You see the layout and kind of see what it's going to look like inside. It's >> exciting. >> Yeah. Be glad to be glad to walk you through it if you have an opportunity. Call me and I'll be glad to give you a give you a walk through, let you see it. >> For sure. >> Okay. >> All right. And we do we have anyone signed up to speak tonight? >> No, ma'am. >> Okay. So, we'll move down to the consent agenda. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> Motion made by Linda. Do I have a second? Seconded
036by Kathy. All four. Six. So, we'll move down to our action items. Uh the first action item. No. Did I skip? >> No. >> Okay. >> No, I'm sorry. I hit the wrong button. >> Okay. Um our first action item is to approve the extra duty stipen list for 2025 2026. >> M. We had some we had a couple that we had missed last month that we are at our special meeting we want to address tonight. We have new we have never had an assistant one act play director. So we have added that uh on the stop and list. We also have u come to realize that our campus secretaries spend a lot of time of their own time at nights and on weekends having to use their own cell phone uh dealing with substitute
037trying to get substitute teachers. And so that was um something we want to try to help them with. So that is that's $25 a month be for one person on each campus uh to get that. Um we also updated uh the football game ticket sales management uh to Miss Cupid. Um that was at 1500. We've upped that to 1750. Um and then we had a couple more. We had three more updates. We had updated the football gate workers, but we had not updated the announcers um for any of the games or the we don't we don't currently have we it's on the list, but we don't use have this person working per se. That's football reserve seating worker. Um we're trying not to have to use that person, but we might have to get there.
038Um I said we we had it at one time. We've not used in several years, but we still have it on there. So, those have been updated. We just want you to see that and um recommend that to you for approval. >> Are there any questions? >> Do I have a motion to approve the extra duty staff and list as presented? >> Motion made by Donnie. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Seconded by Kyle. All four. >> 60. >> Action item B. Um consider approval of extracurricular status request resolution for the 4 organization Franklin County. something we do each year as well. If you remember, I think in August we did Titus County. We didn't have Franklin counties at the time. What this does allows our students who are in 4 when
039they have 4 related uh opportunities during the school day and allows them to be considered a school event and for a school absence. So something we've done I recommend approval for for this as well. >> Any questions on that? >> Do I have a motion to approve the extracurricular status request resolution for the 4 county? Motion made by Kathy, second. Second by Kyle. All four say so. >> Next on the agenda is to um consider approval of the local school district teaching permit. >> Go to speak on that for us. >> Uh this is not really anything new. It's just that we have not uh not done this in a few years. Uh we've got a new uh you see the names before you there. uh when you have a non-core um person teaching CTE,
040then you can issue a school district teaching permit, which in the eyes of TEA, they meet all the certification requirements of a teacher as long as they work in our school district. They don't have to have a bachelor's degree. Two out of the three that are on the list do, even though it's not required, but it's based on their work experience and their industry experience related to that CTE strand that they're teaching. And that's that's what you have before you tonight. So funding still works the same as if they were certified through CTE. >> Yes. >> Because they have >> Yeah. That and >> I'd venture to say probably 75% of your CTE teachers across the state. And I'm just drawing that off top of my head because they have to be experts in these
041areas that are not ne that come from the outside industry. Yeah. >> And so that that's that's what that's about. >> Any questions? It doesn't. It's just a board approval thing and then we send notification to TEA that we're issuing them and we send everything you see there. They get a copy of their qualifications and all that as well. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Do I have a motion to approve the uh local school district teaching permits as presented? >> Motion made by Linda. Is there a second? Second by Donnie. All four. >> 6. Action item D. consider approval of the three-year leasing agreement with Tada Music for band instruments. >> We've discussed this a couple times in previous meet. This breaks it out for you, shows you the the items
042that are being purchased. It is a three-year lease agreement uh with Tatum Music, so it's not hitting all of our budget at one year. Uh these items will come in and and highly upgrade the band department itself and u help them tremendously. Um so I'd present that to you for recommend that for approval. Are we >> the budget was already built? The budget that you approved the end of August already had this number in it as well. >> Did it do the two-year or threeyear? >> Three year. >> Yes. Three. >> Okay. >> And this will also be equipment like they've got a lot of equipment over there that's not really portable. And that allows them to have the equipment over here in the new manhole as well because they're going to utilize that one
043for middle school for middle school as well. Any further questions on that? All right. Do I have a motion to approve the three-year leasing agreement with Tatum Music? >> Motion made by Kyle. Do I have a second? >> Second by Linda. All four. >> 60. >> Thank you. >> Action item E. Consider approval of the vendor proposal for custodial supplies for the 2526 school year. >> Bobb's also driving a buzz for us because we're bus driver short at the moment. Um but he they put these as you see was published in Mount Pleasant Tribune for competitive proposals. Uh ran August 27th September 3rd. They were due by September the 5th. Um proposals were received from four vendors JRM Supplies Corporation Inter Packaging Corporation Abernathy and Baxter. Um, Bobby asked and I u make the recommendation
044that we approve uh the proposal submitted by Baxter sales of Long View and Abernathy Company of Texture County, Arkansas as the best overall prices for the district. And there are different pieces for each one of those in regard to cleaning supplies and toilet paper things like that that each each vendor he's requesting to bid off of. >> Any further questions? Do I have a motion to approve the vendor proposal for custodial surprise as recommended? >> Motion made by Linda. Second. >> Seconded by Donnie. All four. >> That's 6. That concludes our action items. We're going to move on to uh seven discussion item um for the guardian program. >> Okay. Uh I emailed you. I hope if you didn't did everybody receive it this morning. I hope I emailed you information. What I sent you
045was just information that had been supplied to us um a couple years ago. The board considered this considered the guardian program. I believe it was either April or May of 2023. And that was information that was sent to us or shared with us by our attorneys at that time. And I wanted you to have that. Uh also, uh as I shared with you as well, um Miss Kathy had the opportunity uh to talk to um Ricky um the sheriff and um I shared with you his thought uh about that as well. Uh so if you've had a chance to look over those documents and then we'll open it up for conversation as well. I think as you see from Ricky himself um you know he said it He's he was against it. Now he's more
046in favor of it. Again, you see his reasons for doing so. Um if you going back to what um to what our attorney showed there would there's a lot that will go into this uh a lot that the board will be resp that we'll have to put together before we actually do it. if that is a direction that the board wants to go. Um you know I will say at the time again two years ago um different board makeup you know at that time the board made the decision to move forward with what we have and that is an officer on each campus that we've outfitted with um um shields cars what else JP what else can you share a little bit what you've put into it >> you want me to come down there
047>> sure please do yeah just come down here bring Um, so the police department, we've we've we've done some things to increase our response capability to any type of backup threat that would be on the campus. Uh, we and also in compliance with state law. It's it's now a law as of September 1st for a lot of these. And last year uh on September 1st, we had a lot of changes as well. So we have uh we actually have of have u long guns that each officer has with them and um has a capability to shoot greater than 300 yards probably closer to 500 yards. And the reason we did that is so that we if we had a standoff we would have distance and not just a I call a pistol a defensive weapon.
048Um so we have we have that capability. We've got our shields ordered, but every school district in the state of Texas September 1st had to order shields. So, we got in a little bit early on that. So, ours should be in um sooner than than some of the other ones. State law requires that each campus have a shield, a ballistic shield that can stop a rifle round. Um we have breaching tools so that we can enter buildings, enter doorways, um whether we go through the door, through the wall beside it. sledgehammers, uh, hooligan tools, bolt cutters. We we've really outfitted. In fact, one of my officers said, he goes, "It took me coming to a school to get the tools that I needed on patrol." And so I I kind of took a little bit
049of pride in that because we we've with y'all's support, we've bought the items that we need to um address a situation with a barricaded subject or whatever mind. Now, please understand that three officers aren't going to take on a barricaded subject. We're going to call in our support from DPS, the police department, and the sheriff's department, but we're we're the first ones. Most of most of these active threats are over in in 3 to five minutes, except for Yuvaldi, and you've already re rewrote the rules. In fact, the laws uh that took place September 1st, are called strong that now requires to have shields and things like that. So, we we've done a lot to to uh outfit the district with the tools that we hopefully will keep our our staff, students, and and guests
050safe. Um, having said that, we we always plan for the worst day and we hope for the best day. So, that's uh that's kind of where we're at. I'll answer any questions about the Guardian program or or or firearms training or anything else that that you may have. >> Well, the research I've done on the guardian thing, you know, they it's not just they hand anybody a gun. >> You're exactly right. >> Psychological things, the shooting skills. I mean, there's it's there's a lot to it to be certified. >> There there's a lot to it. and and as a uh as a firearms instructor for for decades, um something like that would would take a while to implement. Now, region 8 has done some some great things with they have a firearm simulator >> at
051region 8 where the guardians can actually go and be put into a scenario to where we look at their judgment. >> Right. And really that's what we're looking for is is uh what will they you know what's our best guess on how someone will respond in a in a use of force deadly force situation. And so there there's tools that are out there and there's tools that are out there and um a lot of training that that would that would have to be done. uh the selection of of staff and students and some people say absolutely not. I don't want anything to do with it and other people say absolutely I want to be the first one trained and we need to find a happy balance between that. >> Um the task force that you
052mentioned um as the sheriff mentioned it as well. Is that currently because I was trying to figure out in reading it is that currently in effect because the way I read his response is uh region 8 and this task force can come along as status and kind of evaluate needs. Is that correct? >> I'm I'm not sure. >> I'm not sure if the is that I'm not I'm not aware the task force is completely together. >> I'm not sure. Did you understand that it was Kathy in your conversation with >> Cuz I know they're looking to add people, >> right? He said he was looking to add >> cuz I would be interested if that was something we could do with their expertise and knowledge to like evaluate our district who even would consider applying
053and just because there's multiple avenues, right? You the guardian, the marshall. Are those kind of are those the only two? >> No, the other one is what we have and that's the active police officers, >> right? Yeah. So So we have some schools just have guardians and that's that's all they have. >> We're a police department just like Franklin County Sheriff's Department and Mount Vernon PD. And so you have a commissioned officer that's in there uh that's in each campus. Some schools are choosing security officers. Some some schools are still looking at at SRO's, which is >> some some contract with their local sheriff's department. >> And some use both. >> Some use both. >> Exactly. A lot of schools are going to both. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. >> Because I mean, with the world we
054live in now, >> you can never be too prepared. >> No. >> And pray it never happen. I agree wholeheartedly with with with that. It's just a um >> as a police officer for 28 years now, one thing that I I I was taught early on is every time you you arrive on scene, there's at least one gun on scene. and we just want to be cognizant of the folks that were putting a gun into their hand that they know the outcome that that could happen. So, um I am I am supportive of the guardian program, but just like any program, it has to come with the appropriate training. Without the appropriate training, I don't think that it's um going to be a benefit. It it could >> it could be a Yeah, not done
055well. Definitely. >> Listen, y'all have We do. We do. >> Do you'all have it in conjunction with anything? >> We have a a police officer on on staff as well. We have our own police said a commission officer. >> Well, just but I know where we were at, we're 25 miles from everybody. So, it was kind of was a mandatory thing at the time. We did not have a resource officer whenever we adopted the guardian. >> Well, like okay, heaven for something happens, but like each person has to stay on campus like y'all do, right? Like >> the guardian. >> Well, yeah. Like, no, not the guardian, but like like Heather would have to stay at the elementary or if something was to happen. >> Well, what we do is we we kind of have
056a mutual support within with our our own district. So, if I need something >> So, I think what he's asking if something were to happen in high school >> Yes. is stay at the elementary making sure the elementary is safe. That's what he's asking. >> Um if if we have something at the high school, we would pull all of our resources up here, which means we would leave we would leave buildings um without an officer because it will take we train as a team to go into an area. That's our alert training and different different um courses that we've been through. And so we're designed to go in by ourselves. That's what the training, the alert training is is uh designed to do. What we would like to do is start to build resources as
057we as we enter. So when Franklin County arrives, DPS or Heather or Blake arrives, we start to form into groups and and move towards the shooting. Our overall goal is to to stop the killing, is to stop the threat. And so we don't wait for five people to get here to make a team. We go in by ourselves. So >> So part of that again, I wanted you to have the information. I think that um comparison chart between the garden marshall plans uh gives a pretty good idea in regard to what would be required from us as a district if this is a direction you wanted to go. Um, of course, we would have to uh change policy, which we would work with our uh school school attorneys in regard to making sure our policies
058are in line with a guardian program. Uh, training requirements that would be set um determined I think that's determined. Did your board set those training requirements, Dustin? Did y'all do this district? >> Yes. >> Of what you wanted that for what for what you would want our folks to have. Uh, of course, uh, valid Texas license to carry, school safety training course. Um, I know I think do do y'all train how many times do you train three or four times a year? Twice a year. >> Try to do it try to do it quarterly, but yeah, usually comes up three times. >> Yeah. So, you know, do you do those are non-school days that y'all do that? >> Non school days. >> Do you pay your employees? you pay the employees on those days that
059they're training >> or is that part of their compensation >> to be part of the guardian program. So again, so that that would be an expense to consider as well. Um >> but you're not going to have that many people. >> Well, of course, that would that goes back to part of that as well in regard to um as it says, not everybody who wants to is going to qualify and uh to see who we have. Um, so yeah, >> question. With all the with all the stuff going on in schools now with all the shootings and things, are there some grants and some funding that they're providing to school districts for this? >> We have school safety we have school safety money um that we'd have I mean I'd have to look back and
060see what is can if we can use it for the guardian program or not. I don't know that answer. I I know when they came out, we've written into it for uh perimeter fencing and some other things that we've been using window film some of those to to get up to where we have to be up to standard of what TA has has set for us. I don't so I can't I don't know that answer that question, >> but I figured with everything that's happened in the world that they would >> well correct me if I'm wrong help >> because Linda y'all were here the last time we had this conversation too. Part of it was the funding we were receiving. We put it towards adding the school police department when they handed out funding.
061>> So, so we we get we get school funding, school safety funding right now. That increased Craig. What that increase? It was like $15,000 a campus. Then it increased to >> got about 80 80,000 more this year. >> Yeah. So >> So even with that, it doesn't it doesn't cover the cost for a three doesn't cover the cost for three officers itself. So, but we do get funding to answer your question. Yes, that goes toward goes toward their salaries as well. >> And then um we also have no and I we would all agree with that. I mean that's not but just practically speaking to answer that question. Um we also do have a safety committee. Correct. >> We do. Um, so this is something obviously that we could get feedback from them. J, who
062who all um is involved in that? It's a >> so we have the um the sheriff, police department, we have u representatives from each campus, administrators, teachers, >> the judge, the county judge, >> parents, um >> fire, EMS is on that as well. I would be interested kind of for the committee's feedback if they wanted to get back to us just because that's the experts around us as far as how to keep us safe and the task force. Is anyone else interested in what they would say like a timeline for that? >> Yeah. I mean because that said their goal is if I'm reading it right. >> Yes. To go into schools. >> Uhhuh. And make decisions that best align with them. And I mean >> Yep. >> They know a lot more than I
063do. We can be sure. We can we can have a we will have a school safety uh committee meeting before our October board meeting and we'll bring back uh information from them at that time. >> When can we when can we make a decision on this? >> Um well so it'll be one of two things. If if we if you want to hear well I guess we can we can put on the October meeting bring back the information uh from the school safety committee meeting as well as from any information we have from the task force at that time or if you need one more meeting to get more information then it' be on the November board meeting >> but so really the the decision would be made if if you're moving forward we begin
064the process moving forward and that's when we begin to start building all this together. I think realistically, let's say in October that we that the board approves you want to move forward with the garden program. Um, it's probably I think optimistically earliest is spring break. Realistically, it's probably next is next school year, >> right? >> Well, I mean, this is something you really want, as you said, you don't you want to do it, right? Like that's a if you're arming people. I mean >> the thing about that is not >> this is not new schools everywhere that do it seeing that >> there's already schools that have the training implementation the qualification implementation the criteria they use set place that's not something we have to reinvent or have someone >> but do you think we
065could get our staff trained >> in that >> well here's the thing no one has stated what the training looks like so you can't say I know what it looks like as I've got a brother that's involved in it. But that's for one campus. You have to look at what is your training going to look like. What's that going to entail from start to finish from psychologicals to everything else? And I'm saying is we don't have to reinvent this. There's a gazillion schools have already been through this process >> from setting up their training standards to how long did it take them to implement >> not reinvent the wheel. What's that timeline for y'all? >> If you want that information, it could it be easier easy to get it. >> Like I said, we're a
066little smaller campus and you know, when we started this, I think we had a core group that we didn't we wanted to audience. We we did try to keep it out of the classroom as much as possible. You know, it was more of a admin and director of operations kind of things that we kept it just to keep it safe on our campus. But >> I mean, we went through the DPS program. Brian Howie used to use >> he was he's vendor approved vendor we went through the training process and then we had our own training on the side too our people I mean I said six months >> six months okay >> thank you >> can I ask >> sure >> you said vendor approved training >> can you talk about DPS I guess
067the technical safety center currently has like approved vendors that are approved to give this course for guardian programs. >> So that's >> that answers that >> that they had this in place for a long time. He'd be a great resource. >> Okay. What was his name? >> Don Dunn. That's where we got all of our information talking about background checks policy trainings. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you, Dustin. Know what you came to talk about. I appreciate you being available. Okay. >> What are we getting? >> No, this was just in a discussion item. So, we're not voting so we can >> put on the next >> we'll Yeah. No, we'll put it on the We'll have a report from the safety committee and we'll have it on the agenda for next time. >> Okay. Is
068that what you're >> asking? Okay. All right. And with that, it is 6:13 and we will convene to close session for personnel matters pursuant to Texas government code section 551.074 and to address legal concerns, implications, and questions regarding the posted agenda items pursuant to Texas Government Code section 551.071. 11 p.m. We are convening back into open session. Do you have any personnel for us? >> No, ma'am. >> All right. Anything else? >> No, ma'am. >> 8:11 p.m. This meeting is adjourned.