Bryan ISD School Board Meeting, November 17, 2025

001been a school district meeting to order. Let records show that a quorum of board members is present. This meeting has been duly called and that notice of this meeting has been posted in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government CO chapter 551. The time is now six o'clock. Uh, want to welcome everyone and ask that you, if you haven't already, turn off the sound on your electronic devices and please stand for the pledges. Um, they're going to be, we're going to be led by Fannon Elementary on the American flag and by Crockett Elementary on the Texas flag. Miss Taplet, if you want to come up and introduce My name is Felipe Gripa. I'm in fourth grade. >> My name is Reagan Cardinz. I'm in fourth grade. My name is Yena Montanas and I'm

002in fourth grade. >> My name is Jazz Cortez and I'm at fourth grade. >> I'm Yo Robo. I'm in third grade. >> Gabby Ramirez in third grade. in third grade. >> I pledge allegiance 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. >> Very good. My name is Joshua Karthik. I'm in second grade. Hi, my name is Catalia and I'm in second grade. >> Hi, my name is Faith Bund and I'm in fourth grade. >> Hello, my name is Hope Bundit and I'm in fourth grade. Hello, my name is Timothy and I'm in fourth grade. >> Yeah. Uh, I pledge allegiance to the >> honor the Texas flag. I pledge aliance to the flag of the

003United States of America. >> All righty. Thank you. Thank y'all very much. >> I don't think I need that. Okay. >> Hi, my name is Linda Taplet. I'm a principal at Fannon Elementary. I'm here to recognize Miss Sherry Smith, our music teacher at Fannon Elementary. Sherry, if you would come on down. Okay, three reasons why we're nominating Sherry or feel like she needs to be recognized or deserve this honor. First, to start with her um her music. Cherry brings the art of music to life, giving students exciting opportunities to sing, play instruments, and explore the art form deeply. Her students spread this joy throughout the year at grade level musicals musicals most recently our inaugural Veterans Day breakfast. Also performing in other arenas such as downtown at the Palace Theater surrounding nursing homes, our annual

004Fannon Winterland. She also goes above and beyond and with her afterchool choir giving school uh students further the opportunities to shine and grow and develop their musical and gifts and talents. Next, Sherry is an exemplary teacher and dedicated mentor to all of our new teachers on campus, which she takes a very she takes this responsibility very seriously, guiding them in their classroom management, just navigating the school culture and uplifting them in practical ways as they find their footing. As you know, teachers are our greatest need, and Sherry, you're leading the way in making a lasting impact. Finally, in addition to her work with the choir and with teachers, Sherry has actively been commun uh involved in our social committees, helping foster such a strong and positive campus culture. She's involved in many afterchool activities and

005academic nights supporting students and staff alike. And she always bring the energy, creativity, and dedication to everything she does. Fannon is beyond blessed to have you, Sherry, have your passion, your dedication, and your heart shaping our students and teachers every day. We also want to thank uh while we're getting into these awards that truest bank for presenting some gift cards. We used to have Mr. Pavas doing it, but he's decided to take on another job. So, uh we got a a new a new person. I'm not sure his name, but thank you very much. >> Good evening board. I'm Becky Luna, principal at SFA Middle School. Tonight, we're recognizing Miss Amanda Owen, one of our seventh grade math teachers. Uh, Miss Owen is only in her first full year of teaching, and in the words

006of her um team, she is absolutely killing it. Um, she's incredibly patient, kind, and thoughtful. She continues every day to learn, grow, and refine her practice. She consistently exemplifies what it means to be Bronco best and children first in every action that she takes on our campus. Miss Owen has a true servants heart, always willing to help her colleagues and model excellence for students and staff. And we are just so blessed to have you at SFA. Okay, our next our next spotlight is going to be uh secondary teacher of the month. Uh Amanda, >> I think we didn't follow directions. We did not go quite in order. So, >> we've got Crockett. Coach Roads. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Yes, we've got Crockett. So, Debbie Airhart. >> All right, Coach Roads, come on down. It's specials

007night. I love music and PE. The people that know every kid in the building like that. Um, so tonight we are lucky to recognize Coach Rhodess. She has an out we have three guidelines for success at Crockett. Work ethic, integrity, and respect. And those are the pieces that we're going to talk about with Coach Rhodess tonight. Coach Rhodess has an outstanding work ethic. You see at the moment you walk into her class, her lessons are perfectly organized. The students are always engaged because they know exactly what to do. This smooth class flow shows how much time she spends planning great lessons every single day. Has the most amazing sub lesson plans. Not that she's ever out. There's pictures and visuals in her sub plans. It's amazing. See, she doesn't just do physical activities. She makes

008sure every student is active learning and meeting high standards. She deeply respects students and the teachers. Um, this leads to great work with other subjects. One teacher said, "Coach Rhodess is the only PE coach I have ever in her 17 years asked her how she can help her kids in math class by using PE." So, when you go into the gym, you will see kids skip counting, um, making money when they're playing a game, um, and definitely measuring the perimeter of the gym. She supports their physical health and their success in all school subjects. Coach Rhodess is a completely professional and honest staff member. She's kind and clear when comm communicating with students and parents, and she treats everyone fairly and with respect. Her high standards make her a trusted and reliable teacher at Crocodile

009Elementary and a great role model for all of our students. For these reasons, her hard work, her integrity, um her professionalism and respect, Coach Rhodess is absolutely deserves to be the teacher of the month. So, thank you, Coach Rhodess. >> Yay. That is so smart. Have those kids measure all the different sports like courts. They'll never forget that. Yeah, that's so smart. >> All right, we're going to got a little bit out of order there, but we're going to get back on in order. And we've got auxiliary employee of the month and uh he will be introduced by Patrick Corbett. >> Yay. >> Good evening. This month, our maintenance department is proud to recognize Kevin Davis for his outstanding dedication and positive spirit. He is so much more than one of our movers. He is

010a true team player who goes above and beyond in everything he does. His hard work, dependability, and can do attitude make a difference every single day. No matter the task, the challenge, he is always he always shows up with a smile on his face and a willingness to help. For example, just a few days before school started in August, Kevin went above and beyond to ensure that our 18 plus program was successfully transitioned from Brian High to its new to its new location and making sure that our students and teachers had everything they needed for the first day of school. In a couple of days, he'll start picking up all the food that's been collected for the KBTX food drive and make sure that it's delivered on time. This is this is a common trait

011of Kevin that he always ensures every task is completed with care and efficiency. Kevin, your positive attitude and willingness to help whenever needed are why you make a difference. And Tim Tim, would you uh Tim, would you introduce our representative from Truis, please? at the same time. >> Okay. >> Thank Thank you very much. >> All right. Next on the our celebrations is the are the SFA middle school volleyball district champs. >> Derek Rush is gonna introduce Parents, y'all get wherever you need to to take pictures. Good. >> Good evening. It is an honor to take this moment to recognize some truly outstanding student athletes and coaches through their dedication, hard work, and commitment. These students from SFA Middle School has represented their school with pride as they defeated Wam 8th grade volleyball team in

012two matches, becoming the eighth grade middle school volleyball district champs. Give them a round of applause. And it is rumored that uh Whippurn uh middle school is one of the the uh top middle school volleyball programs in the Brazis Valley. And so that was a big deal if you are familiar with uh middle school volleyball. And uh we look forward to watching these young ladies as they master their volleyball skills at the high school level the next four years. And also we want to recognize coach Thorne who is the middle school uh coordinator and she also is the head coach and also coach Argon who is the assistant coach. So let's give these girls a round of applause. >> Yay. Woohoo. >> I know. That's great. That's such a big deal. >> Nobody brought a

013volleyball. >> Yeah, no doubt. >> Yeah. >> They're so pretty. All right. And next, uh, Laura King is coming up. She is our director of career technical education, and she is going to recognize Brian Rotary. Good evening. Tonight we are honored to recognize a community partner whose generosity will have a direct and meaningful impact on our students futures. The Brian Rotary Club has awarded a grant to support our MC Harris students by providing OSHA 30 online training and certification testing. While OSHA 30 is not listed as one of the reimburseable certificates from TEA, our local industry partners value it tremendously in manufacturing, construction, and many technical fields. Our employers consistently tell us that OSHA 30 demonstrates a candidates's commitment to safety and career readiness. Many companies even offer a higher starting wage for students that

014have this certification. Thanks to the Brian Rotary Club, our students at MC Harris will now have the opportunity to graduate with a cert certification that gives them a stronger foothold in the workforce from day one. This support removes financial barriers and opens doors for students who are eager to step directly into industry careers. We are deeply grateful for our partners like Brian Rotary Club who invest in the potential of our students and help us expand opportunities that truly make a difference. At this time, I would like to invite Melissa Green, president of the Brian Roto Club, and Pam Smiths to come forward and be recognized. The Brian Rotary Club is excited and pleased to provide the CTE program of Brian ISD with a check for 2,220 I mean $2,25 which will sponsor uh the CTE

015to get their OSHA 30 certification. You know, >> come on back, Miss King. We're not through with you yet. show >> as she comes back. I just want to also remind everyone that the Brian Rot Rotary has invested in our students with student scholarships and our teachers with teacher grants. So, thank you for all the love and support of Brian ICD. We appreciate you. >> Been a great supporter for a long time. Thank you so much. Uh Miss King, you've got some more to tell us about. >> More good news. More good news. Um, tonight our CTE team is proud to highlight an accomplishment that reflects the hard work of our students, our teachers, and campus leaders across Brian ISD. For the second year in a row, Brian ICD has been recognized as a CATA

016district of distinction. This is a statewide honor that celebrates districts demonstrating exceptional commitment to highquality CTE programs, student outcomes, industry partnerships, and innovation. This recognition isn't about a single program or campus. It represents the collective excellence of our entire CTE department and the intentional work happening every day in our classrooms. At this time, I'd like to turn it over to my CTE admin team, Parker Nudson and Casey Merchant, to share more about what this award means and the work that made it possible. >> Perfect. All right. All right. Well, thank you'all for having us tonight. Very excited for our team, our students, and our teachers. Um, we've been working hard again for uh two years in a row now. We've got this award. And on the screen there, we have a little bit about um

017the rubric kind of the um indicators that are listed there are some of the ones that we um do an outstanding job on. And so, we have high percentage of students that are obtaining certifications. U also our business partnerships like the Rotary Club here tonight um are a big aspect of that as well. um our stakeholder input that we've had for our CTE programs as well as our graduate our graduation rates and um our recruitment and things like that. So um kind of look at every aspect of CTE and our programs and um kind of put us up to the rubric and see how we are amongst the state of Texas. We are currently top 10 top 6% in the state uh for CTE programs now. So very excited. >> Great. All right, I'm Casey

018Merchant. I'm CTE program specialist. Um, and as you see, there's some pictures on the screen highlighting some events happened um this last year and how we earned our cat District of Distinction Award. And I want to highlight a few things, some success that we've had this fall that is already putting us um in running for this award next year. So, uh, Miss Laura King was recognized by our workforce solutions Brazes Valley with a community impact award for her work in preparing students for the workforce. Um, we had Baylor Scott and White uh, partner with us. We've got an internship opportunity for some health science students that we're going to be able to offer this summer. Um, so they came in and they've already presented that to our students for this year. And then, um, we

019hosted our second year um, for the Brazes Valley Career Demo Contest. So, we had four different schools come and participate over a two-day event um in eight different events. So, we posted about that on our Facebook page. I won't spend time going through all of it. Um and then we have had some MC Harris students certify um in the last month or so. And so, we've got more coming, but that was a huge success for us. Um and again goes towards our certification numbers that get us this award and recognition. Um the SFA esports team is ranked number one in the nation. Um so that's a huge win for Brian ICDCTE. Um and then we've also received several grant awards like the one um that we recognized tonight, but not only our um our Brian

020ISD education foundation grants, but we've had the Garver Gives grant for Davala Middle School and several others that are in the works. So good things for CTE. Um, and then this past week, we haven't posted about it yet because we're still trying to catch our breath from the our crazy week last week, um, but Mr. Gerzik had some students, some engineering students qualify for nationals um, this last week. So, big big things and we're really grateful for Brian for supporting our CTE programs. Thank you'all. >> Thank you. So, what what classes are the esport team associated with? >> And sorry, I just I'm there's I have a >> goal in mind. >> So, the kids that are on the esport team, that's not just a sport team that they're on, but they're taking classes that

021allow them to learn those skills. So, what classes? >> Yes, ma'am. So currently for our high school teams, uh they're in computer science as well as robotics. And so they do a lot of teamwork, team building through that and collaboration. So a big aspect of that, um they actually do some game design as well. And so um also in our middle schools, we have our principles of applied engineering and robotics classes there as well. And so they do a lot of that. They'll do coding um and different game design aspects as well. But really the the big part of what our teams are so successful at is the problem solving and collaboration. And so through our CTE programs, that's something we really push is collaboration, working as a team, um, and really generating and creating

022those soft skills. And that's really what I think pushes our teams over the top for competition. >> And SFA is number one in the nation. >> Yes, ma'am. >> That has got to be front page. I mean, somehow >> this is the second year in a row, actually. >> Yes. We That is amazing. And and it's not just a bunch of kids that stay up all night and play games. I mean, they're working well. >> Some of them may go home and play games for an extended period of time, but they'll get their studies done first. >> Oh, that is great. They're working hard. That is so Thank you. So much to be proud of. >> I think it's safe to say y'all are creating a model here for everybody. I I assume y'all have

023folks coming in and saying, "Hey, how are y'all doing this? What do you What are y'all?" That's great. >> Yes, sir. It's been great. Um, we've actually been able to collaborate, industry partners with the Legend Center as well. Um, they've actually had our students go there and compete for one of their tournaments that they're competing in. And so, um, like I said, they've made it SFA specifically has made it to state for two years in a row and nationals. And, uh, we now have Brian Collegiant has a team on board. They're competing. MC Harris has a team. They are competing. >> Um, it's so it's kind of every every campus now um, has been doing esports technology has been amazing. Thank y'all so much for all the work that they're doing because as we know

024there's a lot of filters and things that we have to get through. The games have a lot of um anti-cheat systems that we have to try and bypass. So, it's been a lot of work all the way around, but everybody's everybody's been great. So, it's been awesome. It's been a lot of fun to see. >> Parker, is it a true statement? It seems like one of the kids told me that there are now college scholarships for it. >> Yeah. >> Yes, ma'am. Blind. Um we've actually partnered with Blenn. Um we've used some of their facilities. We do tours with them every year. Um and so they actually have scholarship students that come and play on those esports teams. Um so yeah, it's it's becoming really really big deal. Um it's a lot of fun for

025sure. >> And then someday we'll say, "Well, where's so and so?" Oh, well they live and work in Silicon Valley. So ma'am, >> man. >> Thank you. That's right. >> Thanks again. >> Good job. >> All right. Well, one of the things that we've learned a long time ago was if you want to do well as you get older, you better know how to read. Is that right, Mr. Hernandez? Is we need kids to know how to read. And Linda is going to agree with you, I think. So, absolutely. >> Tell tell us what you got for us. >> All right. It's truly my honor and privilege to introduce to you Mr. Daniel Hernandez this evening. Over 12 years ago, when I was serving as principal at Jones Elementary, Mr. Hernandez approached me with a

026vision, one centered on partnering with our Jones parents to empower them to walk confidently into our schools and work side by side with their children's teachers. We all know that a parent is a child's first teacher and we also know how critical it is for every child to be reading on grade level by the end of third grade. In grades K to two, our our children are learning to read, but in uh third grade and on, they're reading to learn. So in 2000 2013, with this shared purpose in mind, we held our very first read by third meeting on a Saturday morning from 8:00 to 12:00 at Jones Elementary. What began as a single campus effort soon grew into a monthly tradition of collaboration, learning, and community building. Fast forward to today, we now have

027four elementary campuses, Jones, Navaro, Fannon, and Henderson. Each led by four incredible principles, Dr. Vez, Mrs. Hunter, Mrs. Garza Ramirez, and Miss Taplett. These leaders continue to partner with parents to promote literacy, share important Brian ISD updates and connect families to services from outside outside agencies. Most recently, we have teamed with the health department, health for all and the Texas&M office of youth youth engagement. Since our very first meeting in 2013, I don't believe that Mr. Hernandez has missed a single planning meeting, Saturday session, or a Saturday field trip. His dedication has been unwavering, and I am both thankful and deeply grateful for the partnership that we have shared all these years. Just a short time ago, several months ago, Mr. Hernandez called to share some really exciting news involving a team of Maize Business

028School students in a project that they had taken on over a six-month period. These students planned, financed, and brought to life a Texas&M themed children's book titled Revy's Aggy Land Adventure. The book celebrates Texas&M's six core values of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity, and selfless service. These students wrote this book to learn business by doing business, to serve the community, and to honor the Aggie spirit that shaped them. They have dedicated the book to Brian ISD's read by third initiative and to everyone who champions early literacy, students, parents, caregivers, teachers, librarians, tutors, and volunteers. The book recently went on sale and is and in a remarkable act of generosity, the Maize Business School students are donating 100% of the proceeds to read by Third. So, I would like to invite Mr. Daniel Hernandez to come

029on up as well as the students. And I think they would like to share a copy of the book with you. and then I'm going to have him introduce these students to you. And thank you very much. >> Thank you, Linda. The books come with a price. Uh I'm saying that in a selfish manner because it the the money will come to read by third. I would like to introduce the students. They approached me about six months ago. They had heard of read by third and uh they surprised me with the notion that um they would like to have the book dedicated to read by third and uh they prepared the book. It's a beautiful book uh hard cover and uh I think uh you will all enjoy it. So let me introduce the folks

030that are here uh raise your hand when I call your name please. Uh Presley Thomas, class of 24. Uh, Emma Janeway, class of 24, and Eric Gibson, class of 25, and uh, Payton Smith, class of 25, and then Öza Manaka, class of 23. Uh, I've been meeting with all well mainly Öza and, um, I think you're going to be the spokesperson for for the evening. Okay. So please come forward. >> Howdy everyone. Uh again my name is uh Ezra Manaka and thank you so much for allowing me to speak today with my fellow team. Um today we are here to present our book. Um thank you for giving a brief summary of it. Um we are in the masters of science and business program at Maize. Um a big portion of our curriculum is called

031the integrated business experience. Basically it's learning business by doing business. um which is an incredible thing that we've gotten to experience. Uh we have nine teams in our program. Each of us have picked a product um that we got to choose right at the beginning and we got to partner with a uh nonprofit of our choosing. And so for us we really wanted something that would be very impactful. Um and so we felt that a children's book would be something that we kind of reflect on in 20 25 years and being like you know we were 22 you know 25 building this book together and you know it's a success. Um, and there's many teams that have created very niche products as well, too. And they've also been really successful in partnering with our nonprofits.

032Um, so yeah, so we're very happy about this experience. Um, we've had really good success in our sales. Um, we ultimately, um, had our first batch kind of fly through immediately, which was awesome. We had to order our second batch recently and we're probably going to have to order our third batch relatively soon here as well. Um, and so yeah, so um, this partnership with Mr. Ednandis has been really great. um seeing the impact that we have on the kids specifically when wherever we were reading our book to them was really impactful and we're hoping to do those volunteering opportunities again. Um but yeah, but it's just really nice to have this experience just because I feel like, you know, it's one thing to be in school and one thing to learn about different concepts,

033but whenever you're actually in that driver's seat of leading a business, it really helps you be a bit more confident. You're graduating from a university like Texas A&M. So, we're very grateful to be here today. Um some technical aspects of the book is that we have a hard cover and paperback. The hard cover is $26.99 and the paperback is $21.99. We have Stickers of Revly, which is a fan favorite. It's $5 as well. And you have the option to donate a book as well, too. So, obviously, we don't have a specific person you want to designate the book to. That's an option for you as well. But, um, thank you so much again. And we're here to answer some questions as well. >> I'm curious uh what roles each of you played in in the

034in the process, how you collaborated and kind of came together to put it together. >> Yeah, of course. So for me, I serve as the chief cultural officer. And I'll kind of let everyone speak for themselves as well. >> I serve as the CEO. I serve as the CMO. I serve as the CFO. >> I'm the COO. >> A lot of things. >> Well, this is about Revly. Is it true that she bit Coach Elco at halftime? Is that that this is fantastic. Uh so how many uh how how is this being sold? Is it is it going to be out uh available to the public? Uh >> yes sir. So um we have inerson opportunities that we're selling. Um so some recent opportunities that we have been at was uh Aggie ring day at

035the two ring days that they've had. Um we've also been at the local at Lakewalk that they have monthly. We're going to be there tomorrow actually. So, we really encourage everyone to meet us there as well. Um, and also we have a website where we sell them. Um, there is an option for shipping. So, we want to get this book out to as many people as we can. So, for people that are outside in outside of state in Texas, you know, we want to get them as well. Um, but people are just simply not in the BCS community, we want to get them to them as well. Um, so yeah, so we're more than happy to honestly personally deliver the book if you're in the BCS community. Um, I think it's always nice to have

036that interpersonal relationship with our customers just kind of allow them to see our mission. Um but yeah, again it's online but also in person sales as well. >> Great. Is there a website address you can share? >> Yes. Yeah. So uh we're gonna I don't know if there's a specific uh portion to add into the agenda today, but we have social media um >> platforms that we're using. Also, we have a business card where we have our website there as well. Um but yeah, it's pretty easy, very user friendly. We try to make it as user friendly as possible just because, you know, we want the consumers to be willing to purchase the book and have to go through a bunch of loopholes just to to buy it specifically. Um, but yes. Mhm. >> Thank

037you. >> So, >> well, thanks again. Let let us know when the movie comes out. >> Thank you so much again. >> Needless to say, May School of Business, one of the top business schools in the nation. So, we're very happy to have him here. Right. >> And then not to uh discourage people from buying it at a later time, but we do have a 90 days a 90day selling period for this product. Um our last day to sell is January 9th. Um so we really encourage people to get in by the Christmas season. That's a perfect opportunity. Um but it is kind of coming close. So just want to give that discrepancy as well. So yeah. >> Yes ma'am. We have a box of books as well. >> I was going to ask also

038the illustrator of the book was that also >> Yes, ma'am. Yes. So her her name is Camille Zapalik. Um she is an Aggie alum herself as well. Um she graduated in 2023. Um she was a friend of Emma's. Um was a really great person. Um she gave this product to us uh within about two months turnaround time. Um she was really receptive for our ideas and she also was really receptive to our feedback as well. Um, and so we really owe our our success to her a lot just because just seeing the imagery in this book is just really, you know, mind-blowing to see how great she did. And so we really owe a lot of our appreciation to her specifically. >> Wonderful. >> Fantastic. That's all I can say. Thanks so much. >> Thank

039you all very much. >> We're going to get a picture. >> All right. Lots of good news. Our next item is to rec is involve recognizing the Brian HD education foundation uh for teacher grants and pups assisting wellness and support the pause program. Sarah Braden >> and they have a guest with them tonight. >> Got the dog. >> Ah oh yeah I see >> it's June. >> June. >> Okay. We'll get to this fun introduction in just a second, but first I just wanted to tell you a little bit about our teacher grant initiative that happened a couple weeks ago. So, we were able to give away 57 classroom grants with a grand total of $150,000 given that day. So, it's the most that we've ever been able to give out. About three years ago,

040we were giving away about 70 grand. So, just in that little bit of time, we were able to double the impact on that initiative. So, we're really excited about the teachers that came together. A lot of them collaborated. Different um entire departments came together and we gave away multiple $10,000 grants to um CEK programs and things like that, special education and uh makes a really big impact. So, we wanted to celebrate that day and then also have a very special introduction to make. So, this is June. She is a one-year-old lab that is um placed at Camp Carver Elementary and June really represents the launch of our PAUSE program. So, we came up with this idea a couple years ago to place trained comfort dogs on Brian ISD campuses and June is launching that program

041with us. So, really June's purpose is to come to school every day and to just put a smile on kids and staff's faces. What we've quickly realized is where maybe we thought this was just for the students, it's actually become really vital for our staff, too. And she's only been placed for about two weeks, but the impact and the stories really, honestly, will bring you to tears. And uh we just can't wait to see our next two schools, which is Neil Elementary welcomes Mochi in a couple weeks, and then Reese is going to be a Ross raccoon the week after that. and just to see really this initiative spread joy and smiles and comfort across our district um to kids and staff that have hard days like we all do. So, wanted to introduce uh

042Miss Boggin is here. She's the principal of Kimp Carver and then Cara Peters is a sales teacher and she is June's handler. So, June spends most of her time in the sales classrooms but has flexibility to really help students across the campus. And Miss Foggin's going to share a little bit more about the impact she's already having. So, how could you not love her? She's absolutely precious. Um, and so just the the number of smiles that she has brought to our campus in the past two weeks is just unimaginable. um she whether it is seeing her in the hallway do um Cara going and doing a classroom visit or just her walking through the cafeteria um brings so many smiles to the faces of not just our kids but of our staff as well. Um

043we had about 500 visitors in our building this past Friday for our Thanksgiving lunchon and I can't tell you how many parents came up to me and said, "Where's June? I need to see June." because all the kids are going home and talking about June and how happy they are to see her every single day. And so, um, even our parents are super excited. Community members coming in are super excited about her being on campus. Um, I do want to say first and foremost, thank you to the education foundation for making my dream come true because I've been a principal for 12 years and for 12 years I have tried to get a dog and I have been turned down. And so I want to say thank you for making this happen. Um I also

044want to say thank you to Carara because this is a huge responsibility. It is. Um June is already a huge part of Carara's family and it's amazing to see how she has adapted so easily and become best friends with Carara's other black lab, Remy. And so um just watching them in action is just absolutely amazing. But I can't wait to see the impact June continues to have on our campus in the years to come. So, I'm going to turn it over to Cara. >> These amazing ladies are going to kill me with all the talking. I uh feel like my legs are going to come out from beneath me. Um just to piggy back off of what Mrs. Boggin said, cannot thank Sarah Braden and her team and the education foundation enough. um not even

045knowing that this was a a a dream of Mrs. Boggins where I student taught um there was a comfort dog in the classroom and um you know about 3 months in I went to Miss Boggin's office and was asking her about it and she had told me that you know that she wanted one as well and has been turned down and that was the last thing I was expecting when she called me into her office to ask if I wanted to be a handler and to tell me about the education foundation's initiative. Um so just really really appreciative of Sarah and her team and the foundation. Thank thank you for y'all for agreeing and approving it. Um and thank you to Miss Bogan for trusting me and giving me this amazing opportunity. Um it's been

046just so sweet. That's the best word that I can think of is just sweet. Um I'm one of the most well-known people now at KMP. I'm the dog lady. Um and I cannot go anywhere without having the question asked, "Where's June? Where's June?" Um and I'm just going to leave you with my current favorite story. there are a thousand, but um this past Friday I was doing a routine classroom visit just to get June out um to a general education first grade classroom. And um for no specific reason, no specific student, but um I was just talking to them kind of doing my routine lecture of June and the caller and her training and just information about her and students were coming up to pet her and there was one little boy in the corner

047and the teacher said, "Cara, I haven't put him over there." And I was like, "I'm I'm not judging. I'm not here to judge. You know, it's your classroom." And she said, "I just I think he'd really like June, but he won't come over here." and said, "Well, do you care if I go over there and talk to him?" And she said, "Yeah." And he was on a whiteboard and um he had a marker and he wasn't talking to me. And I I got another whiteboard marker and I um I wrote, "Hi, you know, my name's Mrs. Peters." And I wrote my name and I said, "Do you know who June is?" And I did a Y in and he shook his head and I said, "Do you want to meet June? Do you want to

048pet June?" And he didn't answer. And so, um, I said, "You can just point to the wire in." And he shook his head and I said, "Do you want me to bring June over to you?" And he shook his head. And so, I went and got June and brought her over. And, um, I have no idea what this boy was going through or what, you know, anything about his situation, but he just broke down into tears. And, um, he ended up getting in the group picture and he ended up talking and was asking me all these questions. And just that's why you know and that's just one story of a thousand that I could give but um this is just the beginning you know there's a lot more stories to be told and a lot

049more impact and smiles for her her to make so um just really appreciative for this initiative and for everyone involved. >> Thank you'all. >> Thank you. that school all day. >> Some days when we might need to borrow the dog, obviously. All right, we we still got one more recognition and this is a very special group, the Brian Ice Deep Bond 2025 group and uh we're going to I think we're Oh, we got we've got uh >> you were expecting Dr. Merrell. >> Bobby. Yes. I thought Brian Merrill was coming up, but Bobby looks like you're going to present. So, >> Dr. Colonel uh started feeling ill and our prayers of course go out to him that he gets fast recovery. But it is now my pleasure to bring up the yes group although I

050think a lot of them are over there at the moment. We had some more back here. But again we want to uh one identify and and show our recognition and appreciation for the hard work that they did for the S committee. And obviously we are all aware of how much uh tireless effort they put in. A lot of them served on our original bond steering and so then they came up and then put in unbelievable amount of hours. So I would ask that our yes group come forward please. >> While he's doing that I I think I understand that statewide a lot of districts didn't do so well. We less than less than half I think passed. >> Yes sir. We were uh one of the few districts in the whole state of Texas that

051passed all propositions. So that did not happen by chance. We uh appreciate the group coming forward and so many more. It was a community-led driven uh allin collaborative effort. So thank you so much. Uh we are very very proud and Brian I see we're in fact Bobby and Dr. Merryill and I are getting calls pretty routinely asking how did this happen? What did you do? we need to know the secret sauce and um honestly it's community engagement, it's support, it's families uh believing in what we're uh working toward here. So, thank you so much. >> Thank you all for your hard work. >> We just appreciate the board's support very much and this group is incredible and so we're just really thrilled. I got a call this past week from a local smaller school district

052around us asking for my help to kind of help figure out how to make a bond pass for them. So, it's been a great experience. Do you want to say anything? Mayors say she made a video. >> She says, "Can I talk in the microphone with you?" >> Amy, do you want to tell the group and for those listening um about the committee and how y'all met and that you're the ones behind the signs, etc.? A lot of people don't understand the separate and apart group. >> Yeah. So it's a really integral part of the process is to have an engaged and active volunteer group that comes together with a common purpose. We unify with the district and our tone as far as we want this to pass. But the biggest part of that is

053that we're able to go forth and advocate for it. We can speak about the passion pieces. We can talk about, you know, the more kind of emotional parts of it, what how this is going to impact our our kids and our district and our community. And so we come together as just full volunteers and we're all parents and small business owners and community leaders and we're dedicated to, you know, making sure that these, you know, propositions are, you know, communicated out to the best of our ability. Um there's a lot of information that can, you know, be skewed and kind of given out erroneously. And so we would try to get in front of that and say, you know, this might be something that someone doesn't have an understanding of. You know, especially when it

054comes to school finance in Texas, it's just extremely complicated. And I think that, you know, at the state level, it's hard because they're a bit misguided around people should just understand it, but it's so complicated. And so, you know, coming together as a group with experience, you know, coming from steering all the way through, a lot of us have been involved in past bonds, 2014, 2020, and so coming together and putting that energy forward and communicating the message out. Um, we're just so thrilled with the results and that the voters in the community came forth to support our kids. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> I'll elaborate a little bit. Um, this committee was involved in community engagement from hosting um meetings uh to to bring in the community to inform them

055to run social media campaigns to do one-on-one meetings with individuals to identify sign locations to distribute signs to fund the campaign. Uh the passion is the key word and this is a group of people that uh really have a heartbeat for our school district and worked hard to communicate and let people know what what we're passionate about. And so it was an awesome effort and uh certainly a group effort and I'm so thankful for all of your involvement and and just passion for what you were doing. >> I'd like to thank Amy again and the group. Y'all did a great job on on getting everybody on board. I mean, it was a tremendous effort. Um, it doesn't pass, you know, without your help and I truly appreciate it and the school district appreciates it. >>

056Yeah. >> Thank you all so much. >> Thank you. >> All right. That's uh well that's certainly a testimony to the kind of community we have all the and all the success that we have in the district. So uh we had a lot to be excited about this evening. Uh next item on the agenda is public comment on agenda or non-aggenda items. Uh at our main meeting which is typically the second meeting of the month. We you can uh possibly uh you can you do have the right to comment on non-aggenda as well as agenda items. Uh do we have anybody that >> No, sir. No comments. >> All right. No one. And you do have to sign up in advance if you do want to uh take advantage of that. Uh so next we'll

057go to superintendent report on staff and student celebrations. Miss Carabine. >> Thank you Mr. SNY. Before I start, do we um does anyone want to get a book before they leave? They probably don't want to stay at the meeting. What's the best way to do this? Do you want to leave some here and then we'll sell them for you and and then we can deliver the money to you or what? >> I can make with you. >> Okay. Because I >> That's perfect. Mr. Hernandez has my cell phone and everything. So, >> I'd hand you my credit card and You probably don't want to stay and uh sit through the rest of the board meeting. >> Then you want to leave until they got this arranged. >> Yes. Yes. I know you dropped some off

058on the dice and if they don't want them, we'll collect them back and but I I have a feeling that we've got some buyers in the room right now. >> Thank you so much. This is amazing. >> Congratulations on your project. Thank you. So, um it's my pleasure to provide just a brief update. You can see tonight we had the room full uh which is a good problem to have when it comes to spotlighting our staff and our students and our community and November is no exception as we celebrate essential 8. Our theme for the month is gratitude. So you can see on the slide uh our communications team went out and about to many different campuses and they talked to our students all ages and asked them you know about why are you grateful

059and what does that mean which reinforces the learning surrounding our essential eight. And speaking of grateful, I know they're leaving the room now, but we are forever grateful for the Education Foundation. You heard it from Miss Sarah Braden. They just handed out $150,000 in teacher grants, the largest in the history of the Education Foundation, and you cannot put a price tag on what they've done with the Comfort Dogs. Uh I had the good fortune of celebrating June's debut at Kemp Carver, and it was simply amazing. And then ne next up we have the dog that will arrive uh Mochi at Neil Elementary and then finally Reese at uh Johnson I mean I'm sorry Ross Elementary. And knowing our principles it's a it's going to be a competition to see who can outdo the other one.

060And I don't know how we'll compete with Kim Carver because it was a fullblown pep rally with uh endless stories of all the good associated with the comfort dogs. So thank you again to our education foundation. We're also uh continuing to celebrate Mr. Hernandez because in addition to all that he's done with Read by Third, he had a vision to expand this whole concept of family engagement while supporting students and this is when the next step was born. So just a few short days ago, many of us gathered at Sadbury Intermediate School. Uh this uh effort is centered around intermediate schools. So we invited students and their families for fifth and sixth grade and we all gathered and we had a guest speaker Mr. Jarvis Parsons and he delivered a dynamic u session on uh

061parenting uh cyber security the look fors with uh technology cell phones etc and u again we couldn't put a price tag on that either this is an extension of read by third the and the epitome of family and community engagement very thankful for Mr. Hernandez and his visions. And then um speaking of grateful, um on Saturday, November 8th, uh the Rotary, which is a great partner of us in Brian ISD, um did an all call again. They know we have the student ambassadors and a lot of kids that like to show up and help. And boy, did they show up on November 8th. You're looking at a photo right there. Uh we put out over a thousand flags of the field of val uh field of valor for Veterans Day. And then what m must

062go what goes up must come down. So yesterday afternoon on Sunday um we asked again for some of our students to come and help out. And you can see in the bottom photo a good 30 40 kids showed up to help us. And if they had not, uh, I'd probably still be out there taking those flags down because again, it was almost 1300 flags with just a handful of Rotarians. And it was probably 86 87 degrees yesterday, which was crazy. And Brian walked in and just took over and helped take the flags down and interacted with the Rotarians. And it was just the most beautiful moment um, of shining a light on Brian Ste. And then speaking of shining a light, we'd like to thank Texas A&M University for their annual invitation to a girls

063uh women's basketball uh game at Reed Arena. This happened a few short days ago, too. And you can see the smiles in the photos speak a thousand words. We are so grateful for this opportunity. Uh for many of our students, this is the first time to experience Texas A&M as a fourth grader. And I believe it sets that tone for uh attendance one day. We have a lot of future Aggies in in our uh schools today. And then finally, uh just to reiterate the uh the message of gratefulness and thank you to our political action committee and for our community and for our parents and for everyone who believed in what we're trying to accomplish here by investing in our facilities. Thank you to our voters for approving our $397 million bond. So when you

064drive about the community, you notice that we have the yard signs in the front yards of all of our facilities. Well, now you'll notice a big yellow sticker that we're placing on them that uh messages out that we have approved the bond and thank you to our community. So, uh this is just a a message of appreciation and uh we are so grateful. Thank you, Mr. Stazzy. >> Thank you, Mr. Carbine. And we'll move to some of our committee reports. We'll start with finance committee. Uh our new member, Mr. Pavas. >> Well, thank you. Um, I got thrown in this on uh my first day on the job I think was uh Thursday. So, uh I'll try not to mess this up too bad here, but uh we met on Thursday. Um it was Mrs.

065Caravine, Mrs. Riddle, uh the Weaver Audit Firm, Mr. Stazzy, and myself. Um and the Weaver firm, uh they handled our 2425 uh fiscal year audit, which is required by state. Uh every school in the district undergoes a annual external audit to ensure transparency and accounting. Um we reviewed the scope of the work including their responsibilities to elevate the district's financial statements. The firm reported that Brian ISTD received a clean audit report for 2425 for the physical year. Um and then Mrs. Friddle oh the Weaver audit. They'll jump in a little bit deeper in a little bit. Uh Mrs. hospital. Then uh we talked about uh the reviewed the reimbursement resolution to repay the transportation internal service fund for the recent purchase of three buses. The uh the resolution will also allow the district to reimburse

066the fund with future financing from the bond proceeds uh to restore the fund's balance. Uh after that, Mrs. Riddle also uh talked about the committee discussed bringing back u a report that highlights purchases above a set dollar threshold. This report would give us more uh uh the board a clearer picture of major expenditures. So that was everything that was in that. >> All right. Thank you. >> Uh move to executive committee report. Mr. Bryan, >> uh executive committee met on November 12th at 3:30 p.m. here. U Miss Benford, Mr. Stazzney, myself, Mrs. Carbine, Mrs. Brittle all were in attendance. Um similar to Mr. Pavas, we've reviewed the at a high level overview of the 2025 financial audit. Uh, representatives from Weaver were here this evening to provide an overview of the report. That's it. >>

067All right. Thank you. Uh, Miss Waller, the CTE Fine Arts and Athletics Committee. So, the CTE Fine Arts Athletic Committee met October 23rd on Zoom at 10:00 a.m. Board members present were David Stennis, Joel Bryan, myself. Staff members Jacob Justice, Laura King, Derek Rush, Dr. Brian Merrill, and Ginger Carib. First from CTE their report uh expansion expanded CTE courses at both high schools and we have added new exploratory C courses at expire and then I think we heard tonight how wonderfully our CTE is doing um and Mary Katherine Harris hadn't had CTE very long but they're doing amazing things. Enrollment CTE enrollment grew by 800 class seats. Over 87 to 93% of our high school students are enrolled in CTE classes. Uh partnerships are being strengthened with Blenn&M and the regional connect committee. Our MC

068Harris uh students have expanded to 185 CTE students with increased lab access and growing certifications from fine arts. Jacob Justice reported achievements boys to men choir concert pivoted outdoors. Uh what when the electricity went off is that what in the civic auditorium VHS band is that right? >> Yes. uh BHS band earned straight ones and advanced to area. Paige Peron accepted was accepted into a national musical theater audition program. Uh Ruer High School band uh participation is at an all-time high. Cheyans have new uniforms. Rangerettes new uniforms are coming soon. The Viking Theat's trunk or treat partnership is growing. The collaborations with local art groups students art is displayed at Arsenal Tattoo. Have you been in there lately, Miss I haven't, but that's okay. It's a good place. >> So, athletics, Mr. rush uh celebrations.

069Diego Duran won district and at that time was headed to state placed 18th if I'm not 18th at state out of how many kids a hundred yes over a hundred students and he's just a sophomore. So I was thinking you take out all the seniors and that pops him up already. I mean, that young man uh is just doing amazing things. Eden Chilton competed at region two. Uh SFA's Eaton Frier won the eighth grade district meet. Boys and Girls Club hosting is hosting a flag football and volleyball tournament or they did last weekend. >> Is it coming up? >> Two weeks. >> Two weekends ago. >> Gotcha. Jane Long, Sadbury, and Raburn held well attended inter mural championship nights. Brian Youth Sports Association uh is providing updates or we are providing updates for the Brian

070Youth Association, which Jackie Cheryl is helping us get started. Uh everyone in the community will be hearing more about that real soon. >> Thank you. All right. Uh, Miss Bentford's last and Miss Waller used up most of your time. So, you're gonna have to be really quick on >> Well, I had three different I had three different committees to talk about. Why is that my fault? >> Community affairs. >> So, community affairs committee, we met October 31st at 10:00 a.m. Board members, myself, Miss Waller, Mr. Brian, staff, Miss Carabine, Dr. Ibaro, and Kelly Donley. And so the first thing we want to recognize and we want to thank uh Hugo and his team, Chelsea Clay, um Cali, because if you look at the bond, all of that advertising, all of those um Friday facts, Tuesday

071takeaways, and a bunch of names for stuff, but very accurate, sharing the facts and just making it a success. What are you laughing at, Joe? I don't know. >> It was just >> I agree with you. >> It was just phenomenal. If we had to have uh went out and paid someone to do that, which we don't have any money to do. Um we would that would really have cost a lot of money. And so, Hugo, a lot of that bond passing um also lays on your shoulders. We are very very appreciative of you and your team and all the things that you did to get the word out to make the community aware of what each school was getting, what each building was needing, um the straight facts. So, we are very appreciative of

072you and your team. We also have an update on our social media engagement. We have 20,000 followers and we reached over 6.6 6 million views on our Facebook and Instagram combined between August 1st and October 31st. Wow. Everybody's in our business. That's a good thing. Excited about that. And then we talked about opportunities and I saw it Sunday um on our social media where you can go and you'll see the week at a glance. So everything that's going on high level in the district, they're going to put that out on Sunday night so parents and the community and everyone can be aware of the things that are going on that week in our district. And then we talked about how can we promote and tell about the good things that we're doing, promote our programs

073such as Kickstart, the IB program, things that set us apart from anywhere else to let everyone know that we are the best district there is in the state of Texas. We just need to figure out how to say it. So, thank you, Hugo, to you and your team. I know you're going to get it you're going to get it taken care of. I just can't wait to see how you're going to do it. You know >> that good? No, >> you did. You did great. I have to Okay. Sorry. I know. That's okay. >> But I was thinking because one of the reasons I think Hugo's team is so amazing is one of the things we try to do, we try our best to hire from within or hire the people that understand and know

074our culture, our our students, our community. So Hugo Yabara himself was an administrator, knows the kids. He was at the elementary level. He was at the high school level. So he understands our kids. Chelsea has family here. She understands our kids. Calie was a former student, has kids in the program. Her husband is one of our employees and coaches in the program. And Clay has children in our program. So they're so good because they are us and they understand and they know and they feel what our students and parents feel. Good committee. >> Thank you. All right, let's move on to information items. Academic calendar development for 2627. Uh Miss Willlet, come on up. Good evening and thank you for having me today. Okay, we're going to talk just real quickly going to give you

075a quick update on where we are uh with the calendar development. As always, I try to bring it back to the why we make such a big deal out of this. It's to build an academic calendar to support the needs of the students, staff, parents, and our community. Um, here's the out of the timeline. Made a slight adjustment to it. Really want to make sure that we get the input we need uh from um Miss Carabine's teacher advisory group, parent advisory group. Uh we have another district leadership team tomorrow. Um and so making sure we get all of those folks in. I got really aggressive and I put in um dates for the survey. Um the goal is I come back to you on December 1st and at that point could present the calendar options

076that uh we've massaged over the last three meetings. We'll meet again this this week. Um but to have that survey then and then still ultimately our goal would be to bring it back to the board on the 15th. Quick reminder of all those parameters we have to build in. We have to have those 75,600 operational minutes. It's from the time that bell rings first thing in the morning till the end of the day. Um the state put in the requirement. I'm old and gonna date myself. We always call them bad weather days. Um, but now basically we have to have that 75,600 and then we have to have at least 910 minutes more to account for two full days. We don't have to designate them bad weather days on the calendar, but just have those

077extra minutes built in just in case. Um again I showed this slide the last time but I think it's really important um to be able to look at the current year and next year side by side gives the opportunity for people to think about what is working well where there might be an area of a room a room for improvement and then how does the actual calendar when does Easter fall when does Memorial Day fall those things and how that affects what we build. And then finally, where we are now. Here's some sort of not really specifics, but the calendar committee has narrowed it down that we would like the start uh day to be either the week of the 10th or the 14th. um they do like um the days built in throughout the

078school year, those professional development days um to continue with fall break, to continue with the full week off at Thanksgiving and then to end by maybe um May the 28th because Memorial Day is so late. We would like to figure out how to finish up by the end of that four fourth week in May. And that is all I have. questions. >> I have a comment. Um, I've had the privilege of participating on this community. Thank you, Mr. Stasnney. Um, I just, um, I'm not extremely in tune with the amount of variables that go into planning a calendar. And what seems like a simple process, um, is a very complicated process. uh and and my presence on the committee has been felt not because of anything other than I have a lot of bad ideas

079that I've presented and have pres created opportunities for for good discussion and reasons why my ideas are bad which I think that's part of the process >> and we appreciate you. >> It's been educational but uh it's a it's a a great group effort. a lot of people with deep experience in um what it takes to uh manage a calendar and educate children and create u a good I guess workplace and just a flow of how everything rolls out through the course of the year. So I just want everybody to know that uh this is a a tedious process that's in very good hands and I know the result is is going to be one that we're all pleased with. keeping the fingers crossed. >> I hope your humility rubs off on the rest of

080the board. >> Well, I can't hide from it. It was uh it's been tough. >> He did get a B. >> Thank you very much. Thank you. >> And thank you for serving, Mr. >> Thank you. >> Uh next item because it it is important. There's no we we might not think that's the most exciting committee, but we want to get it right. And uh there's a lot of reasons as you have are finding out probably you know I know you know way more about it than I do now that but I I did uh serve in the past on that and and it's uh there's a lot of lot to learn. So and lots of reasons for what we do and we're never going to make everybody happy. I know that's for sure. Uh

0819B bond 2025 procurement timeline and overview. Our chief financial officer Norman Friddle again you're back. We're going to tag team a little bit. Dr. Merrill was supposed to be uh also presenting on this, but uh again, we're praying for his speedy recovery. Um it's not working. There it is. First off, we want to say thank you to our voters. Obviously, we had a very successful uh night on the 4th and uh as Miss Carine pointed out, we were one of the few. there was uh a lot of uh referendums that did not pass over the that particular night. Ours was absolutely one of the few uh athletic bond referendums that passed. So, uh we do give the credit to our our yes committee, but our staff and everyone that works so diligently and hard. Uh

082reality is it was a resounding success because our closest race which was athletics still passed by over 500 votes. So that was a solid uh statement from our public to support. Um obviously we've had our certific certification for the election and we know that though it is in fact accurate. And then our next steps is the timeline overview which is what we'll be presenting this evening. We passed the bond issue on the 4th. Now the work really begins. We have a lot of things to do, but uh as we have discussed previously, the first bond sale will be in August of 2026, but there is plenty to do between now and then, and we will discuss that in more detail in a minute. Our second bond sale is August of 2029, and our final sale

083is August of 2031. So we'll be proceeding with those but again the biggest one will be our front end which is just under 300 million. And again there's a lot of practice and of um selecting teams getting our our groups together and then design and other actions. As we welcome a new face to the dis I'd like to take a brief moment to introduce our construction team and our business team. First, Dr. Merrill, our deputy superintendent. We are incredibly grateful for his leadership throughout this process. Uh he has been instrumental in bringing us to where we are today, facilitating meetings, keeping everyone connected and truly serving as the glue that holds the work together. The heart and passion that he brings to this work is absolutely remarkable and something our district should be proud of.

084I am proud to say that I get to work alongside him and will he'll also be working closely with everyone else involved including our director of construction Bobby Griffin. Now if you know Mr. Griffin you know he's been doing this work for a very long time. We have tremendous respect for him and we rely on his expertise and his experience to ensure that we make sound decisions that benefit our district and our taxpayers. We are very fortunate to have someone of his caliber supporting this work. Thank you, Bobby. All right. So, that was our awesome construction team. Now, I'd like to just take a few a few moments of your time and introduce to you the team that's going to keep all the behindthe-scenes business running smoothly. My hope is that after these introductions, you'll

085feel the same trust and confidence in them that I do. This is the team that will help manage nearly 400 million dollars in bond work. And they take that responsibility very seriously. A bond of this magnitude doesn't just take construction planning. It also takes a strong team to make sure that money is managed correctly, that risks are handled, and that the district is protected from liability. that vendors and staff get paid, that the cash flow stays steady, and that procurement is done precisely by the book. Some of these faces may be familiar to you, and some of them may not, but I think it's important for you to know who they are and what they do. The first team member I'd like to introduce is Melissa Martin, our assistant director, whose primary focus is budget

086and procurement. If you've had a chance to work with Melissa for even a single day, you know you will not meet a more generous and giving soul. She is one of the most diverse, detail-oriented professionals you'll find in public education. And let me just say this, if you ever walk into her office, the level of organization is so impressive, it's almost intimidating. I always joke that if you set down a paper clip in the wrong place, she'll have it labeled, colorcoded, and filed before you leave the room. Melissa manages a team that supports the entire district and oversees the non-payroll side of school finance from campus and department budgets to discretionary accounts to purchase orders and everything else in between. You will not meet a more helpful or dedicated soul than Melissa and we are

087incredibly fortunate to have her leading these critical areas for our district. The second team member I'd like to introduce is Brandy Green, our assistant director for payroll services. Now, I think we can all agree on one thing. We all enjoy receiving a paycheck. And while most of us only think about payroll twice a month, usually when that direct deposit hits, Brandy thinks about it every single day so the rest of us don't have to. That alone makes her a hero in my book. Payroll in a school district is an incredibly complex operation. If you think the school calendar is an incredibly complex operation, this is very complex. It's far more than just issuing a basic paycheck. Our payroll team processes thousands of transactions each year. Regular pay, stipens, supplemental pay, overtime calculations, time clock edits,

088and all the unique pay structures that come with being in public education. Brandy is constantly working behind the scenes, double-checking calculations, validating time sheets, and doing everything possible to make sure our employees are paid correctly and on time every time. And we appreciate her tremendously for that dedication. The next team member I'd like to introduce is Michael Styers, our assistant director for risk management and benefits. In a school district, the role of a risk manager is absolutely critical. Michael oversees the invisible systems that protect our students, our staff, and our district resources. Everything from liability and property coverage to workers compensation processes to safety protocols and all of our claims management. He also plays an essential role in administering our employee benefits program, ensuring our staff have access to quality, well-managed plans and that the

089district remains compliant with state and federal requirements. We value this role because it requires a unique combination of technical expertise and a service mindset. You know, a good re You know, a good risk manager when half their job is preventing disasters we never even realized were possible. Michael could not be with us this evening. He is in he is enjoying a fine dining experience with his family in celebration of his birthday. but we want to extend our appreciation and acknowledge the important work that he does for our district. And last, but certainly not least, is Stephanie Brumfield, our director of financial services. She works every She works with every single person in the business office to keep things on track. One of her closest partnerships, I've noticed, is with payroll, where something is always on

090fire. She and Brandy are basically a twoerson fire crew. Hoses and hand helmets on putting out flames before the rest of us even smell the smoke. >> And they do it with such grace. But Stephanie's work goes far beyond payroll emergencies. She keeps our cash flow steady so that our paychecks clear. She makes sure that funds land in the right bank accounts at the right time and keeps our bank reconciliations clean and maintains our books all year long. And when it's audit time, she's the glue that holds the entire thing together, gathering documents, answering auditor questions, and keeping the process smooth from start to finish. She is really our quiet strength. Stephanie, thank you for everything you do behind the scenes to keep this district running. Oops, I don't have my little clip. All right.

091So, as we look ahead to implementing our bond, one of the most common questions we hear is, "Why does it take so long?" And that's a fair question. There are several steps in the Texas process that simply take time. Not because of a delay on our part, but because of statutory requirements and best practices to protect our taxpayers. First, tax collections don't come in all at once. We have to wait for the revenue cycle to build. before the district can make its first bond payment. Second, every bond issue in Texas must be reviewed and approved by the office of the attorney general. This is a legal safeguard to ensure the district is issuing compliant and marketable debt. Their review adds time, but it protects the district and our taxpayers. And third, last but not least,

092procurement. Whether for architects, engineers, or contractors, procurement can take anywhere from two to six months. That's because we must follow strict Texas procurement laws to evaluate our proposals thoroughly and ensure that we're selecting the most qualified professionals at the best value to the district. Now, all these steps may take time, but they're intentional and they are important, and they help us use bond funds responsibly and keep the whole program on solid footing from start to finish. When a district needs to hire professional services like architects, engineers, surveyors, or construction managers, we begin with a request for qualifications. This process focuses on selecting the most qualified team rather than pricing. We prepare the RFQ document, publicly advertise it as required by Texas law, and collect statements of qualified qualifi I'm sorry, and collect statements of qualifications

093from interested firms. An evaluation committee scores and short lists the top candidates, conducts interviews, and identifies the most qualified firm. We then bring that recommendation to the board for approval so project planning can begin. Once we've selected the most qualified architects engineers through our RFQ process, the next step is negotiating the scope and fees. At this stage, we sit down with the selected firm to clearly define what professional services they will provide, the level of effort required, and the deliverables that we expect. We also work through the estimated project schedule to ensure that it aligns with our bond priorities and our operational needs. After we finalize the scope, timeline, and professional service fees, we bring the full contract back to the board for approval before any work begins. >> Let me interrupt on that one.

094Uh, I've always wondered about this a little bit because it seems like it says, "Well, we've selected them and then we're going to negotiate." So, if it's a done deal, that's kind of hard to negotiate. So, is it is it still not necessarily the case that these people will be selected uh after you start the negotiations? because it sounds like I it says firms but I'm assuming it's already you're talking about one architect one in other words it's it's not it's you're not okay you tell tell me what what you mean then when you say after selecting >> so we're actually putting together teams of architects because we haven't even gotten down to how we're going to prioritize or what projects are going to whom. >> Okay. So, we want teams of architects and teams

095of engineers. And I'll get into a better explanation of that in just a minute. But, okay, reality is yes, sir. You you select and you get the request for qualifications. You >> kind of refine that search. You have face-to-face interviews and then you select them to be on your team. And in this case, we're not trying to go with one specific architectural firm. We're trying to broadcast it for one reason. We've got so much work. We need to diversify so that we can actually run a lot of these projects concurrently. >> $300 million is a lot of money that we need to go through in three-year process and some of these projects take three years to complete. So reality, we we've got a lot of work that we can spread around and we want to

096make sure we're bringing the best teams and value to Brian ISD. Well, I I I would fully agree that uh what professional service fees are is not is not the number one consideration, but my my point was if you say, "Okay, they look really good, but then you're it for this particular project or whatever, then you're going to negotiate fees." That that does that seems a little backwards to me. It seems like that ought to be part of the selection process. >> It does seem a little backwards. Um but with Texas law tells us that we have to select them based on qualifications, reputation, uh experience and then afterwards we can look at price. Now if through the negotiations process we we decide you know what this may not work we can always go to

097the next firm. Okay. So as Mr. Bobby was saying >> that's what I'm looking for. Thank you. >> Yes sir. Yes sir. have the we we reserve the right to work through and bring what's best for the district. Once you basically go through all the negotiations that you can get to an impass where it's just not acceptable, then you break off negotiation with them. You don't shop for bids, but you're basically working through the process. So again, we've had a lot of people wanting to know, have we started yet? I I've had multiple people ask when are we tearing down the fieldhouse? It trust me, it's there. Um, with that said, obviously going through the RFQ process and getting our teams assembled, but that's just one step. As you can see, we t we've got

098to package the individual projects. We've got to decide and that is based off of one and remember I said a while ago we were talking about getting architectural firms and engineering firms because again we haven't decided how we're going to go after what uh methodology are we going to use for the actual baiting process. Okay. So with that said we've got to decide what the packages are and in what order we're going to try to get them delivered. And that is based off mainly where we are. We've got equipment that is already failing and we've got some near failing. So that's going to need to be prioritized and brought to the front of the list. A lot of work with interdep departmental uh meetings and and working through those details. But then also we have

099to consider what it's going to do to impact the different campuses. We have some projects that are standalone. They'll be on the outside of the building. We have some projects that we know we have to actually take down and build in its place. All of them we have to be very conscious of what the impact to our students will be and how we're going to move forward. So that is how we got to or we need to work through the actual prioritization and packaging. Again I said something about how we're going to deliver. You've got CSP competitive seal proposals. You have construction manager at risk. You have design build. These are all terms that really we are going to as a group, the same committee that's going to go through our RFQ process. We're going

100to sit down and see what is the best value to Brian ISD. Everything's starting flat and level. We're not going to look backwards and do things like we've done them before. We're not throwing rocks at that process. We're just want to make sure that everything is transparent and on a level field going moving forward design phase. You know, we've got programming schematic. I don't need to go through the entire list, but there is a lot of tedious work that needs to go into effect. And the more we can get designed and ready so that when we do have the funds available, then we hopefully will be prepared to put out whatever process for a contractor to physically do the work. We know that can't happen until August, but we want to make sure everything's in

101place and try to do our best to make sure we are prepared to hit the ground running. Finally, it's that contractor of construction. Those are items that we will bring to you once we have the best value. Again, when you go through requests for proposals and in the state, the law has changed. It's not always about who's bringing the lowest bid. We want to make sure who's got the best interest for our students and who's going to bring the best value and to make sure that we get the best sustainable building for our dollars. Okay. Again, we have made it crystal clear. We're going to involve everyone in our staff, our campus staff, our facility staff, maintenance, all of them will be involved down to our operation staff. We want all parties involved, campus staff,

102especially who else to design a band hall than a band director and a fine arts director that's in that space. Same with athletic facilities and so on. But all of these are going to take time and manpower. We get to construction phase. Once y'all have agreed and allowed us to select our contractors, we will start mobilization. Just a normal construction. It's nothing new. It's always been basically the same process. But then we'll step by step go through that followed by substantial completion, certificate of occupancy, making sure we are the building is ready for what our student and what the building was designed for and then final completion and close out. Again, this is a quick overview of the construction process. But guys, we know this is a nine-year with this bond sales being staggered. This

103is a nine-year process to bring the best value. As we've repeatedly made comment, none of this has been designed yet. So, the hard work is now to make sure that we get every dollar and every benefit we can for our students and staff. Any questions? How does it work if uh if there are projects that don't require necessarily an architect or a >> you notice that we're sending out an RFQ for engineers? >> Yeah. >> Because if all I need is a professional engineering stamp, which is the law once we expend a certain amount of money, we have triggers for that. And I know that our business side is going to keep us very strict on that end to keep us out of trouble. But there's no reason to pay for an architect when there's

104not architectural work involved. So that's why we're not necessarily looking for a major architectural firm to take the entire package. We break it up and get the most value. And certainly on the packages that we don't require an architect to be involved, we're going to move forward with those whether or not we do design build or the other CSPs or the other operations. But when it comes to chillers, cooling towers, electrical, those things, if we can just get a professional engineer or engineering uh approval, that's what we're going to do and move forward. Those are items that we can also expedite. Again, we can't expend money till after August, but we can have prepared and ready to hit the ground running because we have need in several locations already. >> Mr. Griffin, do you want

105to elaborate that throughout the process before you actually come into the boardroom for consideration of approval that you'll be updating committees and and involving the board so that they're aware of >> absolutely >> everything. Uh there'll be many meetings, so brace yourselves for that. Uh but it's a very interesting process and I can't think of anyone better than Mr. Griffin to lead it since he's actually worked on every side of the house. So, um, but if you'll just give them a little idea of what that looks like with many updates, >> every step of the process, y'all, y'all will be, um, probably tired of Dr. Merryill and myself before this is over with because we're going to make sure you are in line both on the small independent committees as well as in the different

106board sessions. We will have periodic updates telling you just the status, where we are. Um, I'm sure that you'll get invitations to participate in actual design development. Uh it's a lot of fun and sometimes and other days it's quite tedious but there is a lot of work to be done and we uh certainly would encourage y'all to be participating in part of that so you can see how it works. Well, having having been around for other projects for a long time, um you and I have had some conversations and you probably know what I'm getting ready to say or at least close to it, but we have we have so much dependence on you because we are going to try to do what we can, but you're the expert and so many things in the

107past. uh you've looked at them you in our district and you're saying you're wondering why did why was it done that way and that was because we had professionals designing we had professionals doing the contracting uh we had oversight we thought but at the same time you're wondering why did y'all do it that way so it's it's going to happen in the absence of somebody like you who's going to be our watchdog. So, no pressure, of course, but but we are going to be very dependent on you. And I'm I'm just I'm not telling you anything you didn't already know, but but you have no idea or maybe you do how how important that factor is because we we don't want to after it's too late to change it that to be answering the question,

108why did you do it that way? Uh and we don't have a good answer because it's not a good idea. the the uh best solution to what you're saying is exactly what I've kind of outlined and that is get our staff involved in every step of the process. Let's be honest, there has been some things that maybe I wouldn't have done, but throwing rocks behind me doesn't solve any problems. We're going to do everything we can to make sure that everything is transparent, everything is is above board. We can all be satisfied, happy, uh having our own staff involved in all aspects of the project, including I don't have the wood in front of me, but if projects do come out of budget and we have to go into the dreaded value engineering, the secret

109is making sure the same team that was on the front end is there on the back end. If something has to be limited or changed, I want to make sure the same staff was involved in those decisions. It can't be an architectural design or something with a contractor figuring out ways to cut and then we get keys to the building and walk in and find out what's there. I want to make sure that our staff is part of the collective uh experience that you have in this district is phenomenal. You have folks that have 30 years experience. We need to make sure we capture every moment, every They know where the things are that have caused problems. They know what we can do to make things better. We need to be innovative. We need to

110make sure that we are preparing for the future. At the same time, we want to be sustainable. We want to make sure that our buildings are certainly something our students and staff can be proud of, but we're going to make sure that they're going to last as long as possible and be sustainable and efficient. >> And what you're saying is something I absolutely agree with. I have a this maybe somewhat undeserved rec uh reputation as being very frugal, but I'd like I don't mind being frugal. The point of the matter is is that you can cut corners and and and that's a really bad idea when you end up with a lowquality product or something that you know it's not going to last. So, so it goes both ways. We we don't want to spend

111money for something that just turns out to be frivolous uh and really of no particular value, but it looks pretty or or maybe we want it only because it looks pretty. That's another decision we have to make. But but but we've had some experiences in the past where you call it value engineering. It's it's I I prefer to call it taking the the cheap way out. But but it in any case, we paid for it in the long run. Probably ended up way worse off in the long run than we when we would have been if we' just done it right in the first place. So So uh I don't want to blavorver it anymore other than to say this is so important that we get it right that it's worth bringing it up because

112we didn't have you the last time around that we had a big big building project. And I I don't want to I'm not going to throw stones either other than to say uh you're you've been a breath of fresh air in terms of everything I've seen in terms of how we're going to move forward. So So uh stick around with us and we uh we will be asking you a lot of questions and trying to get involved as we can without being micromanagers. >> Well, in all fairness, I'm not special. There are plenty of people that have my knowledge and skill. It is important to make sure that we keep that regardless of what happens to me that we keep that presence because this particular endgame is best served when you watch from beginning to

113end. Yes, we need professionals. Yes, we are going to hire and incurring professionals. But that doesn't mean that our job is not still to be there to be part of that solution from beginning to end. And I had a a mentor of mine a long time ago said, "Never be upset with someone for trying something. That's business. That makes money. Be upset with yourself for allowing it to happen." So that's my mentality of being tight, being involved, making sure we get what we pay for. >> We're not trying to cheat anyone. We want the contractor has to make money. It is the possibility of all three trades, the architectural design team, the owner, and the contractor. They're equal partners. And if you injure one, you're going to pay for it later. So, I'm not saying

114we're going to take advantage of contractors at all. In fact, I want our contractor, we are blessed with amazing contractors because of that little school to our southwest&M has done more for bringing quality contractors into this area. We need to tap that wealth of ability. I just want them to bring their agame. I'll be honest with them, they'll be honest with me. We'll make sure we have a good project >> to the extent that we can legally. I would love to be able to I don't know if the word reward's the right word, but we need to make sure that that they know how much we appreciate, how much we're going to praise them if they find a way to do a quality job in a different way that's that's uh that's less expensive because

115normally they're they're working on percentage, right? They're going to make less money and that that's not a big incentive for them to find those those uh the better ways to do things. And again, I'm not talking cheaper, crummyier. I'm talking about just as good if you just just change this to this and and you'll save some money. Uh I don't know that the systems in place for that. I hope our contracts as as they're developed uh can possibly have some sort of incentives in there to to where they're finding uh a better way to do things and it's going to not cost us as much but it's going to be at least as good and maybe better. I mean that would be fantastic but I know it may not be you know in the system

116normally but but uh but I think that needs to be incentivized those kinds of quality that they're looking out for us not just the best way to put it is we're looking for partners. We're looking for partners to do what's best for our students and staff and that's what we're going to achieve. And while David, you know, talked a lot about, you know, squeezing and making sure we maximize uh the funds and the and how we apply those funds to these projects, I'm also inclined to produce something that our community is proud of. >> Absolutely. >> And that changes and creates opportunities and is dynamic and forwardinking. So that you know I think we all bring certain perspectives to the table but personally I think uh it's maximize the dollars to create something that's incredible

117and powerful. >> Absolutely. >> I thank you Mr. Griffin when you said about everybody's going to get involved. >> Yes ma'am. >> So you know whatever happened in the past that's in the past. We I look at it as though we got what we we got what we deserve. We should pay attention a little better. and we've as a board haven't had that opportunity to have a seat at the table at a lot of the meetings and things that were going on. And so I'm excited that you said that so we can see firsthand and not just sit and wait to for you to come in the boardroom and tell us and then we go along with that and then when we get something later on we're upset. That's nobody's fault but our own. So

118I'm excited that you said we'll be able to be at the table. >> Yes, ma'am. from the beginning all the way through. Um doing what is our job actually to see that this is um our oversight. Not micromanaging or anything like that, but having the answers when someone asks us the questions that we need to be able to answer and not have to rely on you to answer, but us to have some understanding to answer, but to have firsthand to know what's going on actually in our district. Y'all been part of everything from our original uh uh facility survey surveys and facility assessment meetings, then it turned to bond steering. Uh I I know y'all had to limit your time due to certain bond regulations or board regulations, but we will welcome that because I

119think you'll you'll get a better feel for how the system works when it's through. >> Any further questions? >> Well, thank you very much. Thank you, Bobby. >> We're going to keep moving forward. >> All right. Uh we'll move to something that maybe not quite as exciting, but u Dr. Ibara is going to come up and tell us about flexible learning options. >> Thank you, Mr. S. Now, I would disagree that it is very exciting and there's some good stuff on the horizon. Uh but I do recognize it is pretty exciting to have the support of the community and all the new bond packages that passed. set the timer on you already. >> I mean, I was like, "Hang on now. This is good stuff." Uh, so I'm joined this evening. >> It's not the

120calendar again. You're not going to talk about that now. >> No, I promise. I'm joined this evening uh by >> I appreciate the calendar. Uh, Chad, Donna, >> okay, I'm not going to take any of this personally. I'm just going to go ahead and say it now. >> But I am joined this evening by Laura King and Dr. Richardson uh because we have some exciting opportunities that are coming to the district that we'd like to talk to the board about and more importantly also get some feedback from the community about their interest in it. Um so I'm going to if you'll bear with me for a quick moment, we're going to go down memory lane. So back in the day when we began talking about online learning, it was in its infancy started about 2009

121through the Texas legislature and that was the Texas virtual learning network. TXVSN is what it was called and different school districts offered to host courses online and at a distance and you could pay for your students to enroll in those courses. Um really favored rural districts who weren't able to offer the course cataloges that were so diverse. Um but it also helped districts like us when there was a singleton course and it didn't fit into a particular child's schedule with all of the other things they wanted to be in. And so we were able to offer a course maybe we already did offer but not at that time through TXBSN so that they could also attend that course. So TXBSN was online but in person. You still had to show up to a school to

122take the course. And so it wasn't go home and do things online. It was still in the school system but at a distance. So that's way back in the day. Um enter 2010 we looked at the flex high school program where we had students coming at different hours of the day. Some attended in the evenings, had to come for at least four hours to get a full day's worth of attendance and credits. Um, that kind of came and went over time and morphed into what we now know as MC Harris where there are more flexible learning schedules that meet the needs of the students who are enrolled in those school at that school. inner 2020. I know we were all fond of the COVID time period and all the fun we had during that time

123uh where we had online learning, halfin, halfout learning, um schooly learning. We launched a learning management system at a distance in two weeks. That was a good time. Um so a lot of different things happened during that particular period, but all of that really culminated in 2021 when the legislature gave us some freedom and we'll talk about that in just a moment. But we were able to operate online schools. But because of all the experiences during COVID, there were pretty strict parameters on who could enroll, when they could enroll, which teachers could teach, which teachers didn't have to teach, all of those things. And so we actually did an interest survey and Miss Richardson led the charge at that point. It was focusing more so on K6 because that was the interest in the community

124at that time. Uh, but what we found is that there really wasn't enough when we did our surveys to warrant a full school with the way the legislature had us structure it. We had to have dedicated teachers that only did online learning. It's hard to find that many third graders that want to participate at a single time and a teacher who can do all of those things. So, it really wasn't practical and so many districts did not go down that road. We're in a different place now and the last legislative session gave us a lot more freedom and opportunity to be able to offer online learning or hybrid learning um in a way that was that are is um much more practical and doable and gives that flexibility. So when we talk about online school

125things that we're looking for here there are key components we're looking for student and parent engagement and interest. If you're going to do any type of online anything, you must have the motivation to work independently and you must have the parent partnership of oversight to make sure that you're on track and you can help answer questions when maybe a teacher isn't available during that time. We've come a long way technologically as a community and certainly as a nation where now that technology is pervasive. In 2009 it was not pervasive. If everyone had internet that that just did not happen in 2009. It's much more common to have internet now. It's much more common to see that price point on a device come down where it's usable. That was not the case in 2009, but it

126is today. It's much more we're much more able to also offer the software packages necessary to facilitate online learning. What I mean by that is a learning management system. That's something we already have in place and is already thriving across the board. Um, that's an easy win. Online pedigogy, woo, fancy words. All I really mean by that is someone can teach online and they know what to do and they've got the tools to do it. Uh that is also different. You'll see your colleges now offering blends of onampus and online learning for every student. Uh my son goes to&M and he takes a blend of both types of classes through all the different things that he does in the engineering program. It is common place to have a blend of both things and and that

127kind of hybrid approach. Um and then most importantly for our school system right now um in terms of being able to do it is the change in the legislative landscape. So very briefly 2021 the 87th legislature put a lot of rules over online learning. Basically they blessed it but there were so many rules on it. It was really tough to launch an online school program. Uh you had limits of not more than 10% of the district's enrollment. You could not ask a teacher to do simultaneous instruction and virtual instruction. They had to have dedicated time. They couldn't do both types of instruction. They had to be completely dedicated to one or the other. So much so that it it really you couldn't start small and build up. You had to scale big from the beginning,

128which isn't necessarily the best practice when you're launching a new program. Enter the 2823 year in the 88th legislature, and we all know there were no legislative changes during that session because certain things did not pass, and so everything was pretty much just stuck in session. and now 2025. Now there is a much more unified structure for virtual and hybrid learning. Um it allows us to expand to it and requires us to expand to advanced placement courses, dual credit courses. Making sure that our teachers have the training and the time to do it. They have to want to do it. We cannot compel or what what was the phrase coers a teacher. I'm not sure what coercion looks like other than money. Um but you cannot do different for teachers in an online setting. Um,

129and it must be integrated into it can be integrated into our current school. But if you look there at the bottom, Senate Bill 569, there are a couple of phrases I want to point out. Um, it does in allow us to do full-time or hybrid without the requirement of establishing a separate campus. So, that was another provision. We didn't want a a tiny little campus that was all on their own with a principal overhead, all of the things, its own accountability rating. We wanted to blend it into an option for kids who attend our our schools. This program can be operated with existing campuses and may do so without additional authorization, meaning you can begin when you like. You don't have to go before TEA if you're not setting up a separate school. You can

130begin online classes and collecting ADA whenever you choose. So, what we'd like to do now is talk about two different methodologies that we're exploring. Um, again, just continuing that conversation about what it can look like in Brian ISD and how we might be able to meet the needs of our currently enrolled and those that reside perhaps in our zone that would give them more opportunities and flexibilities to be part of Brian ISD while also honoring their families choice to do some things differently. So, with that, I'm going to turn it over to Miss King um to talk about the hybrid approach. Pardon me. Go ahead. Thank you. Hello. Um, so one option that we are exploring is a hybrid online academy focused on college and career readiness. This concept was born from years of phone

131calls and private conversations that I've had with families that were in private schools, homeschools, um, that were just asking, can we come enroll in CTE courses only? So, we wanted to kind of expand on that and look at a hybrid structure that would allow students to complete some of their courses online, including AP and dual credit courses while allowing some courses like CTE, fine arts, athletics to be taken in person. The focus here is flexibility and increased opportunity for all students. While we're exploring this, we also found some possible um additional funding through the lasso grant from TEA. Do you all have any questions about this first one? The second opportunity that we're looking at is the optional flexible school day program. Um, and this is what we used way back in 2010 to run

132Flex High School, but we're looking at doing it a little bit differently instead of in uh hosting a separate high school that has an evening program, but looking at different ways where we can meet the needs of kids who are working and can't come at a certain time um or have young children at home that they have are responsible for taking care of. And so meeting those kids where they are to try and get them their credits and then collect ADA at the same time. And so uh this op this opens up some different ways that we can calculate that ADA and we are right now talking to some other districts who are doing it and finding out what are the processes that they use and how how do they fit it into their accounting?

133>> Would would we get ADA in some form or fashion on all of these? >> Yes. How does uh that third bullet there under the hybrid online academy access to fine arts and UIL athletics etc. What is that? How does that take shape? Uh if you aren't >> really tied to a campus necessarily, but >> So it actually would be tied to a campus. We would pick one of our our current schools and it would be kind of nested under that school number. And so we are getting some clarification from UIL on a on are we reading the language correctly to ensure that not only are we right that they can participate but what school would their participation be attached to? >> How does how does their enrollment to what campus how does I mean

134how does how does that work? I guess I'm just curious in terms of in where does their enrollment count? >> That's a great question. Uh so that's one of the things we've been going back and forth on with all the legislation. And essentially we get to select the course where we offer that the campus where we offer that program. It is a program that is nested within a high school or in a middle school or in whatever school. But that we get to select that and with the guidance of the board of trustees where those students are enrolled because that is where that singleton program is offered. You think about AP Capstone is only offered at Ruer High School, IB only at Brian High School. This could be offered only at a singular high school

135and those numbers would be associated as well as those student assessment outcomes with that high school or middle school or intermediate school or what have you. I will say that the tendency of the committee thus far feels more certain in looking at more of a secondary option to begin because of the independent nature of learning at that age. um and the partnerships and being able to do some of those things and and certainly from the interest of CTE. Um Laura, do you mind speaking just a little bit to the flexibility of space it? >> Yes, ma'am. >> So, our efforts that we've made with MC Harris was actually a really great pilot to look at this. Um we've been able to continue students within the program of study that they started. So if an upper

136classman were to show interest in changing over to the hybrid academy, we can still keep them in their CTE programs by using a space that we already have and those students being enrolled in that secondary space. They can take advantage of all the CTE programs that we have to offer and we can place them in. Some of them will be available online while others will continue to be in person getting those handson skills. So, right now it's really just about exploration and interest. Other than I do think that um with the board's consideration, we would like to bring back the optional flexible school day program application at the December meeting um because that will allow us to generate um the ADA on the students who are completing courses but aren't able to be here during

137the official attendance taking time of 10:00 a.m. uh yet they're still coming to school regularly by completing courses. Um it would give us greater flexibility to meet their needs. Um the other program we are considering applying for the grant to help with the planning and implementation and oversight. Um but we can certainly start very small and then determine how to move forward once we see what the interest is. So we plan to come back to the board in December with more information um especially after we go through the survey. Dr. Richardson >> and ju and just to clarify two different programs correct one would it be associated with MC Harris >> optional flex the optional flex so if let's say a 100 kids sign up they would count on MC Harris's enrollment >> yes ma'am

138that's correct the other we would determine the best match based on the student and family interest and what age those students were and where we should enroll them you would have the option of enrolling them at multiple campuses but again you want to streamline the FTEES the faculty members that are being utilized and make the most of that. So, it makes sense to centralize it at particular schools of the board's choosing once we see what the age interest is. Um, yes, sir. >> May maybe it just escaped me, but how does how does all this fit in with UIL and all the rules about athletics and competition? >> That's a great question. So, they're actually able to come to school for whatever part of the day. Um, that's why it's kind it's not a fully

139online. They can come to school for a CTE course. They could choose to come to school for an athletics or fine arts course. For um for example, my daughter's in the orchestra at Rudder High School. If that ended up being one of the sites and the individual wanted to do mostly online school, taking AP blend courses, what have you through us, they take a full graduation course load, okay? uh but they could come and participate in the orchestra class period each day providing their own transportation of course um and be a part of that particular group and organization um that is permissible under the new legislation >> and maybe in the next update when you come back in December we could have Derek Rush come and speak to athletics and uh Jacob Justice come in

140and speak to fine arts because what to your point it's uh very uh forward thinking uh more and more school districts are starting to do it. In fact, you'll you'll hear more across the state. U the the first version associating with MC Harris is pretty cut and dry. Uh I I think we you may argue that u this is already happening informally. Some of our kids cannot conform to the norms of the traditional school day. So they're doing their homework, if you will, and stuff at night or on the weekends, etc. So this would legitimize that and help them to get that diploma and and we could collect ADA on it, >> be able to serve that. Yeah, then we could better serve them and make sure they're enrolled and in attendance and engaged at

141all times while be it remote. Um, and then the other version that they're talking about, what I'm hearing is you'll come back with more information bringing in the UIL U enduser with athletics and fine arts. >> And Laura and I have actually we've met with athletics and with fine arts. UIL actually already does have a policy in place for virtual school, but there was some of the language that we were just a little unclear about and so we wanted to seek out clarification from them that we were interpreting it correctly. >> So what was that we opted out of for the UIL? Is that the same thing or is this something >> that was total school >> students who are not enrolled with our district? These students would all be enrolled with our district and

142assigned to a campus of the board's choosing. So, the survey when the survey closes and we get the results and what determines who gets in or who doesn't? >> That comes at a later date. Right now, we're looking to see for our application for the lasso grant. Uh, is there community interest in even having an online option in our school system or a hybrid option in our school system? It helps us plan for there seems to be more interest in this grade range and we feel like we can can support it and there's some interest but we're not quite there in this grade range so we know where to focus our efforts in building a proposal to bring to the board for consideration >> and the teachers. >> Yes ma'am. The teachers would be using

143existing staff. Um oftent times um we can possibly depending on the staff member and the enrollment um free up a singular class period and they could do just online. They wouldn't have kids with them just online during that class period. Um that's an option. There are options of teaching um when I date myself a zero hour. I taught zero hour um and it was lovely and I enjoyed it. Um but that may also be an option that teachers would like to do and they could do a zero hour at a different time. We can we can structure it to meet the needs of the interest. There there would be some parameters on things that are offered virtually just because of scalability and then certainly the hybrid courses would be much easier to accommodate within a

144master schedule um depending on the age range. So, a lot more flexibility if you come on-site. Um, but all the same things that apply to currently enrolled students would apply to our online or hybrid students, meaning graduation requirements, sitting for state assessments, all of those things would also be required of these students. They wouldn't just come for one class of one class only in our district. They would come for a full program in our district and have to attend all of the classes that every other student attends. just some may be online and some may be in person. >> When you did zero hour, you either got an extra class period dur or extra time off during the day or you got a stipen. >> That's correct. >> So, we would be doing the same

145thing for teachers. There'll be an incentive. >> There's a possibility. And it may also just be that it fits naturally in their schedule and it's just a part of their schedule. And again, the teacher has to choose and elect to be an online teacher. Um certainly no one would be required to be one if they didn't feel like it was a good fit for them and we certainly would not ask them to teach a face-to-face class at the same time they had an at distance class. >> This is a lot of what we did talk about going into co right right before and going >> we've looked at it several times but the legislation is right uh they have it right on now for us to be able to take advantage of it for our

146kids and for our families. >> Well I apologize that was very exciting. Thank you. >> Feel vindicated. Thank you, sir. >> So, we'll be back. >> All right. Thank you very much. Uh let's move to the consent agenda. I think we have three items. Remind the board that any item may be removed. Uh if anybody would like to uh consider it separately. Otherwise, I'll entertain a motion to approve all of them. >> I move to accept all the items listed on the consent agenda. Second >> motion made by Miss Benford, seconded by Mr. Bryan. All in favor say I. >> I. All oppose. It's unanimous. All right. Then we have uh individual action items. Consider approval of annual financial audit report for Brian Independent School District for the year ending June 30th, 2025. Mr. Fiddle.

147>> Good evening, Mr. President, board member, Superintendent Caribine. Each year, school districts in Texas are required by the state to undergo an annual financial audit, and that audit must be done by an external audit firm. Tonight, our auditors, Weaver, are here to present the results of the 2024 2025 fiscal year audit, which is an important part of our annual financial reporting process to the Texas Education Agency. At this time, please join me in welcoming our audit team. Weaver. >> Thank you. Thank you for having me. Um, my name is Rebecca Darling. I am with Weaver, which is the district's external audit firm. Um, as mentioned earlier, I did meet with the finance committee last week to go over my presentation, go over the audit results. So, I'll do that with the board um, tonight. Um,

148I will say I will go over very high level. Um I think most of you got a this is I brought some nice copies of the 100 plus page AFR document annual financial report. I will not go over that in depth. I will try to keep it as broad and as exciting as I can. Um but I will go over the audit a little bit of the audit process audit results um some required communications and then just briefly some financial highlights and then certainly if you all have any questions I'll be happy to to try to answer those as well. Okay. So, in terms of our um you know auditing standards, just so you all know, we perform the audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and generally accepted government auditing standards. So, because

149you are a government entity receiving federal and state dollars, um you have that extra level of government auditing standards. Um we also issue what's called the single audit. That's the audit over your federal grants. That's actually the piece of the audit that's not quite finalized. Um that is simply because the federal government has been shut down and so uh they did not get the guidance out to us timely. So that audit is done. Um but you will notice in the back um specifically for those pages that relate to the federal grants. It does say draft. It's really just a technicality at this point. We have finished the work uh the federal grants that we audit for school districts in particular are very um you know repetitive strata one child nutrition. So the the guidance doesn't

150change a lot. We we're not expecting any changes on the audit. Um but technically we can't release um those final results until we get that guidance from the federal government. So that's the single audit piece. Um and then compliance just so you know because you are part of the a government under government auditing standards uh we perform tests of the district's compliance u with certain provisions of laws, regulations and grant agreements. Um so things like the public um investment act, public funds investment act. Um we look at procurement which I know y'all talked a little bit about that. We look at um the procurement standards. We do samples, make sure that um all the some of the contracts that got um you know approved through the year went through the proper procurement channels. We look

151at certain TEA state compliance requirements. So that's all kind of wrapped up into your financial statement and compliance audit. Um just quickly talking about the audit process. We do take a risk based riskbased approach. Um so we can't look at every single number. Um we take a risk based approach which means that um we look at the financial statements. We actually audit a lot of ISDs. Um so we're familiar with um state government um school district funding and some of the things that we focus on and some of these are unique to ISDs and some just in general with audits. Um we look at what we call management override of controls. That simply just means that even if you have great controls in place, segregation of duties, you're always going to have those individuals on

152the financial side that can go in and make changes to the numbers. So, we always want to look at that. We look at who can post journal entries, change numbers. Um, we want to make sure that those journal entries are um properly authorized, um, approved, had proper segregation of duties. So, that was part of our process. Um we look at the state foundation school program revenue and related estimates quite a bit just because sometimes that number is near final and then final. So we want to make sure that those numbers that get into the final um audited AFR are your final numbers um and the related estimates that go into that. So we look a little bit about you know if it's average daily attendance we want to verify that those numbers agree with what's

153in PES with which was given to us. We do the recalculation things like that. Um, we also obviously look a lot at federal and state grant revenue because that's a big part of um, the revenues for the school district. Um, with school districts, a lot of that comes from TEA. And so with TEA, we can simply go to their website and we can vouch a lot of what comes um, directly from them to the school districts. Um, and then we also look at accounts payable and dispersements. So um, obviously there are a lot of um, aes checks going out, wires. We look at make sure that those are properly approved. Um um they've had the correct segregation of duties and if if there's department approval or things like that, we want to look and make

154sure that those all those are going through the proper channels. So we do test internal controls over financial reporting. Again, we look at purchases. We also look at payroll. So we'll take a sample of payroll um dispersements throughout the year and make sure that that particular person got paid what what they were authorized to get paid. So just things like that. So while we don't give an opinion on internal control, we do test internal control. So if there were things that came to light um where there were we considered um control gaps or things like that, we would bring that to you all's attention. Um so we didn't have anything like that. Um in terms of testing compliance with major program requirements, when we say major major programs, those are the programs the federal grant

155programs. So those are the ones that we audit. Um, and you all obviously have a lot of federal programs, um, or federal grants. We don't audit all of those grants for compliance every year. Those cycle in. And so I have a slide a little bit further up. I'll tell you which ones we audited this year, but that's part of it as well. So again, we plan, the audit plan is designed to provide reasonable assurance, but not absolute assurance. So we can't, again, we don't look at every single transaction. I think we would drive Stephanie and her staff crazy if we did that. Um, but we do look quite a bit. Um, so audit results, if you take uh nothing else from this presentation, this is a good one to take take away. Um, I think

156it was mentioned before, the auditor's report issued as an unmodified opinion. That is the cleanest opinion you can get as a district. So, congratulations. That opinion is in the front of the financial statements. Um, in terms of internal control over financial reporting, I talked about that. We do test internal controls. We did not have any material weaknesses or significant deficiencies and no material non-compliance found. Um the reason it does say draft up there is because that's all of that's part of the statement of findings which technically has some single audit or federal grant information on it. So we had to label it draft, but we don't think it's going to change. So we did have one finding in the back of the report. We've talked to management about it. Um it is um just in

157terms of your general fund. Um we did notice that there were several um functional expenditure categories that were um over the final budget. So expenditures over final budget. So that's listed there. Um they totaled approximately about 3.3 million. Um that's not that doesn't represent the whole general fund deficit for the year, but that's just simply the um functional expenditure categories that were expended over the budget for the year. And so we've there is management um response in the AFR that you can look at. Um and then the cause there just notes um you know several vacancies that were not budgeted for as well as some uh anticipated cost-saving measures that that weren't fully realized. Um as far as internal control over major programs again major programs are your federal grants. Um, so we have done

158this work. We just can't officially issue it um, final yet, but we did not have any material weaknesses or significant deficiencies. Um, and that's an unmodified report as well. So that's where you want to be. That audit um, low-risk audit, that's um, a label that you always want as well. Um, there's a couple of requirements you have to to um, meet to be a low-risk audit. um you have to have um clean audits for the last two years, no material weaknesses, submit all of your documents on time and so that the district has met that. So, and the lowrisk out just means we don't have to audit quite as much on that federal schedule. So, that's always nice too. Um the major federal programs that we did audit this year um were title one so

159and and um elementary and secondary school emergency relief or your um ESSER funding. So if you look on the the annual financial report, total federal program expenditures was about 31 million, title one made up about 5.67 million, and the last part of the ESSER funding was about 5.5 million. One thing we are required to point out as well is that there was a new uh reporting or significant accounting policy that was um required to be implemented this year. It was Gazsby 101. It has to do with compensated absences. So, um, Gazsby's are the governing board. Um, they oftentimes will issue, um, pronouncements that are required to be implemented and so we help the district implement those. Um, and this one had to do with recognizing compensated absences. So, this liability for compensated absences is on

160your governmentwide um, statements only. So, it's not something that the budget districts for. U, it's not something that the district budgets for. It's on the governmentwide statements only. So, the governmentwide is where you put your long-term liabilities and your um long-term assets. So, this is considered a long-term asset. So, Gazsby 101 was um implemented. It did um result in the district adding um about 19 million in um compensated absences for the year. Um and again, that is that's it's was a required standard to be implemented. It um basically said that you have to look at acred um vacation but also sick leave. And so if anyone's earned the sick leave and it's something that is um acrewing then um you have to look at that and put a dollar value to that. In terms of

161accounting estimates, there's always going to be estimates on the financial statements. So um one of the things we always look at is the foundation school program state aid revenue. I mentioned that that is considered an estimate because that number it does go up and down a little bit. So we just make sure that that number, excuse me, is final on the financial statements. Again, we look at those that average daily attendance number and make sure that um that number is what was properly reported. Um there's also some other estimates on the financial statements that we're required to point out such as the um the incurred but not reported or the IBNR um claims for healthcare and workers compensation. And so those are liabilities on the financial statements as well. Um at the governmentwide level, you

162have your net pension and your net oped liability. Those are required. And then I've talked about compensated absences. Um our responsibility in relation to the financial statement audit, just a reminder, is to form and express an opinion on the financial statements. Um so that's what we've done. There's an audit opinion in the front that's finalized and then there's two more in the back. Um the one the government um accounting standard one is finalized and then the one for the single audit is still in draft form. Um compliance with all ethical requirements regarding independence. We are required to be independent of the district. So we went through the procurement process as well when y'all went out for RFP and we go through that vigorous process and we make sure on our end that we don't have

163anybody affiliated with the district and we kind of go through that those checks and balances every year as well. Um and then qualitative aspects um of the accounting policies, you know, all of the accounting policies, significant accounting policies that kind of govern how you report um things in your financial statements are located in footnote one. So you can kind of read on that how revenue is recognized, how um liabilities are recognized, things like that. um the the disclosures which are also the footnotes to the financials are pretty are consistent and um clear and so there's nothing there that we're we're required to talk about. Those would look pretty uh similar to what you have last year. The next slide is really where you want to be. You have a lot of noneoted. So no difficulties

164encountered during the audit. Um no uncorrected or corrected misstatements. That's really a big one. So that just means that we were able to come in and do the audit that um you know Stephanie and Norman her team had all the liabilities acred. They had all the revenue reconciled. They had all the the fixed assets you know on the books. Um and that really is a big deal because when we come in we want to audit the numbers. We don't want to have to be consistently saying hey you need to adjust this or so. Um that really is a a testament to the finance team that there were no significant adjustments during the audit. uh no disagreements with management. We do ask management to sign what's called a representation letter at the end. It just says

165that they've provided us um you know truthful documents that they haven't forged anything that they take responsibility for the financial statements as well. Um those types of things. Um management consultations there were none. So we're required to talk about that if there were no other management consultations. Um and these next slides is just a very high level um high level um numbers and budgets. Um but this slide right here talks about it's really the statement of revenues and expenditures and changes. So it's um page 24 and 25 of the AFR if you have that out. But this just goes over it's basically 2024 and 2025. So you can see on in terms of your revenue where your local intermediate revenue which is mainly your taxes, your state program dollars and then your federal dollars and

166how they kind of compared from last year to this year. Keeping in mind that last year, if you remember, the district opted to change their fiscal year end from 831 to 630. So when you're looking at the 2024 numbers, it's really only 10 months of revenue. So, um it's not quite a one for one this year when you're comparing last year to to this year, but you can see that like the federal the federal program revenues for instance went down in 2025. Um most of that was because your ESRE funding dropped off a little bit. And this next slide is kind of does the same type of comparison, but it's on the expenditure side. So, you can see, and again, this is your general fund, your debt service fund, all of your funds. Um this

167is on the expenditure side. So you can see that the district spent the majority of their expenditures as instruction. So that's your teacher salaries. Those are your individuals that were actually in the classroom. And then you can see the other categories of expenditures compared to 2024 and 2025. School leadership, food services, general administration. So again, that's just a comparison um of where the expenditures went. This next slide is um really a budgetary highlight uh for the general fund. It's actually located um in the back of the report on page about 68 or 69. Um but one of the requirements is to present the general fund, the original budget, the final budget, the actual um so you can see that the fund balance in total decreased about 12.3 million for the year. Um which was more

168than the original budget which was which was around 6.2. Um and really A lot of that had to do with um increase in payroll expenditures and things like that. Um the general fund unassigned fund balance was approximately 35.2 million which is around 2.2 months of operating expenditures. So that's always a good benchmark to look at as well is how much how many months of expenditures do you have in that unassigned fund balance that can be really be used for those purposes. And then one of the last things just to touch on um and this comes up in every TEA um evaluation that you know we that's done for the district every year, but there is a the there is a net net position deficit in the healthcare um the group benefits healthcare fund. And so

169just pointing that out. I know the district has plans to remediate that. This um the group benefits healthc care fund is actually in the report. It's in the back on page 93. Um, but there's approximately a $5 million deficit in that fund. And so in the in the AFR as well, the district goes through the the remediation plans. And so we just wanted to point that out. Um, I know the district's doing what they can. Um, but you know, consolidating medical offerings, increasing contributions, um, health insurance premiums. So all of that's there. Um, just something to to keep on everybody's on everybody's mind. And then last but not least, just pointing out um you know, we talked about there's gazsbies and new reporting pronouncements that come out every year. Um luckily for FY2026, there's nothing

170really big out there. So no um no new um big pronouncements that would have to be implemented next year. There's there's two listed on here that we don't expect there to be significant impact to the district. Um and that is that's all my required um presentation. I do want to really thank management for all of their time. It is a it's a process to get the audit done. We come in the summer before the numbers are finalized and then we come back September, October and we do a lot of work onsite and offsite and then we get help putting the AFR together. Um so it is a lengthy process and it's a lot of work on the finance side on top of their day-to-day job. So really always appreciate um you know this the staff

171here. um we always get you know a warm welcome and um and a good people to work with. So really appreciate that. Is there any questions on the audit process itself or anything I can help answer? >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Um this is an action item. Do anybody want to uh ask any more questions or make comments or we can go ahead and move forward with a motion? >> I move approval of the annual audit and financial report for the year ending June 30th, 2025 as presented. >> Second. >> Motion made by Miss Walder, seconded by Miss Benford. All in favor say I. I. I'll oppose. It's unanimous. Thank you very much. Norma, you're up again. Uh, consider resolution to reimburse expenditures for three school buses with proceeds of future debt.

172>> Good evening, Mr. President, board members, Superintendent Caribine. One of the tools that school districts are allowed to use after a bond passes is a reimbursement resolution. This allows the district to purchase necessary upfront uh items upfront using its own funds and then reimbursing itself later once the bond bond funds become available. To stay in compliance with bond rules, the IRS requires that the purchase be made within 60 days of the board adopting the reimbursement resolution. In our case, the district purchased three buses on October the 7th using our internal service transportation fund. Now that the bond has passed, we are eligible to reimburse that fund once the bond proceeds are received, but only if the board adopts this resolution. At this time, we are requesting your consideration and approval of the reimbursement resolution for

173the three buses purchased on October 7th. Be happy to take any questions. I move approval of the resolution declaring the district's expectation to reimburse expenditures for the purchase of three new school buses as presented. >> Second. >> Motion B, excuse me, made by Mr. Stennis, seconded by Mr. Benford. Any questions or discussion? All in favor say I. I. >> I. All oppose. It's unanimous. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. Uh next uh consider uh an order an approval of an order canvasing the returns uh and declaring the results of a bond of the bond election held on November 4th, 2025. Uh Miss Catz, come on up. >> Good evening. >> Hello. >> I will make this short and sweet. Um, I'm here with the official results from the Brian ISD special bond election held on

174November 4th, 2025. As you're aware, the 2025 bond was split into three propositions. A, general, B, athletics, and C, technology. A total of 9,977 votes were cast between Brazis and Robertson counties with the vast majority coming from Brazes County. The numbers included in this report are total for both counties and include early voting, election day voting, and absentee or mail-in ballots. You should have a copy of the election results and the canvasing order in your board book. And both are also available on the Brian IC website. Proposition A, the general proposition, received 6,267 votes for, which was 64.78% of the vote and 3,47 votes or 35.22% against Proposition B. The athletics proposition received 5,145 votes for, which was 53.40% of the vote and 4,489 votes or 46.60% 6% against uh proposition C the technology proposition

175received 6,475 votes for which was 67.27% of the vote and 3,150 votes or 32.73% against. With these official numbers, I am recommending the board of trustees approve the canvasing order and accept the results of the Brian ISTD special bond election held on November 4th, 2025 in which all three bond propositions were approved by voters. >> And happy to answer any questions if you have. >> I move approval of the order canvasing the returns and declaring the results of a bond election held on November the 4th, 2025. >> Second. Motion made by Miss Benford and seconded by Mr. Stennis. Um, all in favor say I. >> I. All oppose. So now it's official, right? >> Okay. Uh, and next item is discussing consider approval to cast votes for the Brazes central appraisal district board of directors.

176And I'm just going to tell Mr. Pace that he probably knows about as much as the rest of us do about this uh deal. But but go ahead and explain it to us, Mr. Friddle. It's it's not something that's really new, but in the past, we've had kind of the same people serving over and over, and I would say we didn't necessarily spend a lot of time on it, but uh it's a little confusing, but tell us what what's involved. >> Yes, sir. Uh the next item on the agenda is related to the Brazos Central Appraisal District Board of Directors. We've received a letter from the chief appraiser notifying us that it's time to begin the nomination process for two positions on the Brazo Central Appraisal District Board. Each eligible taxing jurisdiction, including our district,

177may nominate one person for each of the two open positions, meaning we may nominate up to two candidates total. If the board chooses to do so, nominations must be submitted by board resolution on or before November 20th. That said, this item is optional. If the board chooses uh not to submit any nominations, it is perfectly acceptable to take no action. I'm happy to take any questions. >> And there's somebody that we have nominated in the past that's currently serving or what's what's the current status? >> Yes, sir. Uh Kyle Dwit, >> Kyle Dwit is who we is who we um is who we nominated and he is currently on the board and he is still has two more years left on his term. So if you wish to nominate someone, you may nominate them. If

178not, that's >> So we don't need to nominate him. We He's already >> He's already on there's two open seats. Okay. >> There's two open seats. If our board chooses to nominate somebody at this time, we can. And if not, >> are there any person that is expiring or rolling off that they could renominate to to serve another term or >> not that I'm aware of? >> Not an option. I I think it would be helpful at least for me personally to to have a better understanding of this role, the responsibilities, the commitment, the impact, the decision processes, you know, just a general understanding of of uh the nature of of this uh nomination. And certainly um that would help u go out into the community and identify people that uh may be willing or

179intrigued to participate in this process. But that's uh and I'm I'm ashamed to say that the the nature of this role has been foreign to me um over the last two years just and and I need to do more research myself. But if there's a way we could find some of that information just to further educate ourselves and go out and find somebody who's, you know, qualified and engaged to participate, that would be helpful. >> And just as a side note, this this process is um very very late in comparison to prior years. Our our chief appraiser had um had a death in the family. So this process is a little more rushed than usual. Um, so we we got information information was sent to us a little later than than normal >> and and

180the deadline is is the 20th. >> 20th I believe. So obviously we'd either have to call another special meeting. Well, it's it's you know Thanksgiving week coming up. So uh it's probably not practical, but this is maybe something for next year. I don't know that we can do much this year, but >> maybe between now and then have someone from that entity come in and provide an information item just to explain the process and the role further define the roles. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I I I'm guilty of thinking that I don't know that they have a lot of discretion. I don't think they, you know, obviously they don't, they're not the one doing the appraising, but but they, I guess, are guiding the office of how they operate. I don't know if they have

181any power to handle appeals or any of that sort of thing. I'm I'm pretty ignorant. I I confess. So, I would I would I need to learn a lot, too. If I'm going to know what who to go find as far as a possible candidate, >> we could possibly have um our chief appraiser come and and give um an information item, come to our board meeting and give some further information if needed >> so that we can be a little bit more informed on a more timely basis uh for next year. >> So we don't have to take any action if we don't have anybody I guess. So I guess that's uh kind of where we are. So, okay. >> Uh, so unless somebody wants to nominate somebody blind or they they don't know they're

182getting nominated, we say that we we move move on. >> Uh, board will now convene in close session to discuss following items as allowed by Texas Government Code. Chapter 5510, 074, 072, and 0821. No voting will take place in close meeting. Any action the board wishes to take as a result of discussion in the closed session will occur after the meeting reconvenes in the open meeting. The time is now uh 8:32. Okay. The board reconvene and open session at 10:20 p.m. No action was taken in close session. Um, I'll consider a motion for board officer organization. I move that the board continue with the current organization of officers and that we reconsider this item at the next regularly scheduled board meeting. >> Second. >> Our motion made by Miss Benford, seconded by Miss Waller. Uh,

183and I'll say before we vote that we have a member of the board who had a scheduled vacation and so we we were that the reason for this is so that we can have our entire board present. At least that's our our anticipation. All in favor say I. I. All oppose say no. >> It's unanimous and good night. There being no further business, this meeting is adjourned at 10:22. >> Thank you.