001We're going to call our meeting to order. So, if you'll stand, um we'll have the invitation. If you'll bow with me, I'll pray for us. Lord, we thank you for this day. We thank you for uh the weather, the beautiful weather, the way we can see you working all around us. Lord, we thank you for your presence in our lives. We pray, Lord, that you would be with us tonight as we seek to do the business of the school district that we would uh be able to focus on our kids and what's best for them. We thank you for opportunities you give us, money you provide for us, and all the uh different resources uh most especially the the human beings that are a part of our district that make such a difference in our
002kids' lives. I pray that you would bless each one of them whether their task is to uh hand a lunch uh to drive a bus or to administrate over a classroom or over a school. I pray that you would bless them. I pray that you would give them endurance and ideas and encouragement and that they would be able to offer their best gifts to our students. I pray that you'd go with this board tonight, Lord, as we seek to do good things for our kids. that we would have clarity of thought and understanding, that we would make wise decisions, and most of all, that we would be agreeable even when we don't agree. In your name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> Say the pledge with me. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
003United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible. >> Thank you. May be seated. >> Okay. So, we have one item that we're going to move to the top of the agenda even before we do our recognitions. James has got to go and this was an important item that he wants to be a part of. So, we're going to accommodate that and we're going to move up item number two on our action items. Consider approval and addition of replacement of Briggsfield turf and track to Columbia High School bond project. Do I have a motion? I'll make >> Okay. Ray's made a motion to
004consider >> and James a second. Okay. Now, we can have discussion. >> All right. So uh you'll see on the screen and and shared with you in board book u uh the turf in the track has been on the planning list uh you know with us taking care of at the addition of the egg barn uh last month what we would have would be this project and then after that we would be looking at the remaining funds uh to put towards additional roofs in the district. So what you have is this is the rendition. Our coach Pena and some of the coaches have designed this. You see it's a little different design. Uh you can see the track uh is mostly a gray silver track. You can see the end zones are maroon. You can
005see the gray and the silver outlines. And I'll put something in your board letter if you'll remember in the when the 2020 bond when we were doing the tours and and We were challenged to respect the history, the true history of the area. And as I put um in 1927, one of the one of the coaches and teachers at Columbia High School is a guy named James A. Kraton. So being somebody that's a history major in Texas history, he is a major publisher uh back in the day of Texas history and he actually taught here. And so he uh after he left he was in Corpus Christi and some of of the former rough necks got him to write a book called the magic years about his time and that period of when uh the
006school district opened back in 1920 early 1920s through the 30s while he was coaching football here on page 32 of the Magic Years. He refers to the rough necks as the maroon and gray, not the maroon and white, right? And so, you know, a lot of things in in Colombia history have gotten kind of moved around much like uh when the fight song got changed so the school song played fast and we've we've more or less corrected a lot of those things, the original. So, uh, we do have documentation that when Rough Neck started playing football, they were maroon and gray. Now, granted, that probably had something to do with what kind of clothing was available back then, but they were the maroon and gray. And so, as you've seen, we in our uniforms, we've
007more or less taken out the black and put the gray in as the third color. And so, that's that's where this is coming from. uh in our design uh much with the new Columbia High School. You can see we do have that silver aluminum look in several different areas that so it's been something we've incorporated. Okay. So, this is the design of of of what athletics is asking for. Um and then Cody, if you'll pull up the proposals and if you can go to the numbers, please. So you can see uh for the for the track in the turf, the original when I say the base part of the track in the turf, you can see that that number comes in at $1,46,920. And then when you go to add the gray into the track
008area, Cody, if you'll zoom up, there's an additional 59 to 220 that uh so it would be both of those. That would be the total of the design you're looking at there. Now, much like when we did, those of you on the board when we did the turf that we had now 10 years ago, you know, we put it in, it had a eightyear warranty and a 10year uh lifespan. and we're we're at 10 years lifespan right now. U we do have uh warranty and maintenance repairs on that track. If you go out there right now, there's several different areas that have been cut and placed so that we can play. You might I mean if you I I don't know if you can see them from the stands, but you can definitely see them
009when we get out there. But it's time to do that. Much like what we did then we went with the top of the line track and the top of the line turf. This is the same thing. It's the top of the line track. is the top of line turf today. Uh this does come with a 10-year warranty. So the life expectancy is 12 years and not 10 years. Okay. So it's a it's a higher grade of product. The turf the turf that we're asking to put down is only been installed in three high schools in Texas. The other installations are all collegiate and professional fields. Um, it does have the cool play in it so that that that mixture that that's put in and and and ground up into the uh uh into the rubber
010part of the base of the track uh is in this again and it's something that our coaches really really want because when they come out for two a days it does reduce it anywhere from 15 to 25 degrees depending upon the temperature as far as that surface and how your feet go. So with that, I'll I'll I'll leave it with you. >> So you're saying the alternate price needs to be added to the total. >> You would be approvening both, right? And so what the al So the the original part of the track is is is a reddish color like ours is now. And what you would be doing is that's to make it to where when they put the track in, the red never bleeds through. It would always be a gray and maroon.
011And if you'll go back to the picture, uh, one of the differences is you can see what's called the exchange zones. You see three areas. Those are normally painted. And so one of the things that has really happened now is that they actually paint those exchange zones. So you don't have to stripe them anymore. So what happens is, you know, normally in a trackme, you have judges on the curves with a kid's running. If a kid comes out of the exchange zone or something's not done during that time period, then a flag is raised and they get DQed. Well, if you're on an older track and the lines aren't clear and so what this does is it really kind of it eliminates eliminates that issue. So >> the words just make a stand on the
012bond. >> It would be the same thing. I I I had given you the planning number of around 1 billion. This is almost what well right at 1.1. >> So uh you're you're in the same you're in the same vicinity. >> We're still looking good as far as the figures on the >> Yes. figures haven't changed. I mean, you're going to be looking somewhere in that area of about $3 million when we get to the end of the project to to use. >> So, after the after the field turf, we still have a balance. You're saying at three, >> correct? >> Okay. >> So, from a maintenance strategy from the future, how long does the track last? >> Well, when we put this one in, we were saying at 10 years. The one that we
013the turf in the track right now, we said 10. If you put this one in, we're saying 12. 12. >> Something to think about. I don't know, something for the future. I know it probably ain't going to happen this time, but something on the maintenance strategy for the future of the district. Would it be smart to offset these two big costs so it wouldn't be a big hit all at once to kind of kind of offset them five years apart? >> Well, the problem right now is going to be how to how to fund the project. Yeah, I'm just saying for for future funding. >> I agree with you completely. It's the same thing I brought up last year on the school buses. You know, at some point we have to put in our budget
014money that's going to go into, you know, >> but I mean, we've never we have never, this is my 24th year in the district. We've never put purchases like that in the budget. They've always been >> fund balance type expenditures. >> Okay. >> Buses, same thing, right? We look we buy buses like tonight when we find a grant things when when it's economical to do rather than putting a strain >> like the next time we would have to go up for a bond then >> well I mean you you you wouldn't have to I mean that we did in the past we did the turf out of fund balance but it was pull I mean you're talking I mean you could pull 1.1 out of fund balance and do it. >> Yeah. >> Did we
015do them both at the same time though? >> Yes. We always we've always done the track and interpretation. >> I'm just looking at it from a strategy standpoint to get for the future. >> I totally get what you're saying. You know, >> you can't the foot for the future because it's a big chunk. >> So, you what what projects are you talking about? I mean, what >> track one time and then turf the next time? Yeah. splitting splitting the two big items, you know, >> even though you >> the problem is the problem's going to be when you do the when you do the turf, you're going to damage the track doing it. >> And so if you don't replace it at the same time doing it, if you can say, "Okay, we're going to
016not do the track for four years." But when you do the when you come back and do the track, you're going to damage the turf. I mean, it all needs to be done at the same time to keep >> So, you never can split them. >> Most people do both at the same time. >> It's just it's a more convenient >> like a like a semi resurface before. They try to get two or three more years out of them, but never I've never seen them not do both at the same time. >> So, we have and so if you'll remember, u this the track we have right now is what's called a full pore. Before full pores, we we had a different project. It was more like a mat. And so when you had that
017mat, you could like recote it and repaint it, right? Full pour is different. Full pore is like pouring the rubber. And so you can't paint or you can't do that. And so, you know, we've had a track in the past. So back in 2007, when we put the turf in the track in at eight years, we were able to come back and paint it >> and it looked new and it helped it last longer. But with the full pore, you can't. >> Uh, any concern with the soccer lines being black? >> No, >> that's I mean that's what was we kept the soccer lines what was asked for the last time? I mean, so one of the issues we got into last time is our soccer lines uh used to be wider because our coaches
018want mean because they were allowed to be wider and so um we had it we had them moved in. >> Okay. And so, and that was the color that was picked in. And so, we've we've left them the same. >> So, yeah. Does it have a scale on there? I was just trying to see because on those throwins and on your corner kick still those corner kicks still look like that's going to be really tight. >> It is, but the problem is is how the track's built, right? Some tracks were wider. Ours just happens to be narrow. As you can see, we don't a lot of field we don't have the sideline space that a lot of fields house because our track is more narrow. more elongated if you want to say. >> All right,
019I have questions >> on the over here on the pi jump. All of that's going to be included in the resurfacing of that >> jump pole vault. Yes. >> All of that extra. What's the timeline? >> The timeline is is what the reason we're asking for approval tonight is to get us on the list. And so immediately after graduation, they would be started with the hope that it would be finished earlier in the summer and we would get it, our kids would get a chance to get on it before football season. football. >> Okay. So then our practice two days during the summer, we'll move them off somewhere else or do something. >> Well, hopefully by the time we get there, this will be complete. That's why I'm getting it. By the time we get
020to August when football starts, we're going to be completed. >> Okay. And then it doesn't include on some of this on the protection of the track surface after completion. Is that our responsibility? And the drainage is ours. >> Yes. >> Reading ahead. Okay. If you go out there right now, so if you go to a game last Friday night where the where the uh uh benches are, there's a black mat, >> right? >> Where the where the teams run onto the field, there's extra turf, >> right? >> And so that part's ours, meaning those pieces don't come with this. >> That's our part. Okay. So that's my questions too. Like on the exclusions in the proposal, they exclude repair or resurfacing existing asphalt parking lot if damaged by truck traffic. >> Correct. >> So if
021they tear it up, we have to fix it. >> Well, they've done it before and tear it up. So yeah, >> I needed to hear that. >> Yeah, I was going to say that's >> just saying like we had a subpar parking lot out there and they tore it up and it wasn't capable of having trucks on it. That would be on us, right? >> Yeah. >> We didn't have any trouble when we did 10 years ago. Okay. >> Is a maroon going to rub off on us like the red rubs off on us? >> No, that's part that would be different. >> Right. >> I'm just thinking white drill team boots. I do in the picture in the endzones. These are both labeled Columbia in here. It just says Columbia on one end and
022rough necks on the other. Is it? >> Yeah, that's that's what they want right there. Columbia both ends. >> Right. And so the you know the deal is and here's why. Rough necks, lady necks. Oh, yeah. >> Columbia. >> Anybody else have questions or comments? >> All right. Well, then we'll take a vote. >> All in favor of considering the approval and addition of replacement of Griggsfield Turf and Track to Columbia High School bond project, raise your hand. Kesianapolis. We did that for you, Jennifer. >> I was in I was in that meeting. >> Very good. >> Thank you for making the time, Mr. Bruce. Sorry. Appreciate >> it. Good luck. Safe travels. >> I'll let you know the score later if I get to that game. >> Thank you. >> Well, I think Haley's
023playing um in Kurville tonight, too. So, we'll see you. >> See you later. Thank you. All right, we can move back up to the fun stuff to the recognitions. >> All right, we do have some 226 awards tonight. So, Miss Tho, >> yes, we have three 226 from um the junior high. I think two of them are here. So, Miss Lucerio. >> All right. >> So, tonight I want Miss Diver and Missy to come on down. And Miss Jiannis is our third one. She's at that football game that's currently happening right now. Our last regular season game her son's playing. So tonight I want to um recognize these I have it as three. So I want to include Miss Mission as well because they're a team. Um exceptional staff members that serve as the cornerstone
024of our school's welcoming environment functioning as the first point of contact for families, students, and visitors. Their daily interactions shape the initial impression and ongoing relationship our community has with the school. Through their consistent professionalism and genuine care, they have establish established a reputation for excellence that extends far beyond their job descriptions. Missile, Miss Giannis, and Miss Styiver demonstrate remarkable versatility in their roles. Seamlessly managing front office operations, parent communications, and campus safety protocols. They serve as master deescalators, skillfully diffusing tense situations with students, teachers, and parents through patience, empathy, and effective communication strategies. Their expertise in conflict resolution has prevented countless situations from escalating, maintaining a peaceful, productive, and supportive learning environment. These dedicated professionals have consistently stepped up to fill gaps created by staff attrition, absorbing absorbing additional responsibilities without hesitation or complaint.
025They demonstrate exceptional initiative by identifying needs across campus and take an action to address them, often before being asked. Their willingness to go above and beyond their assigned duties exemplifies the spirit of service that makes our school community strong. I would love to take this moment in front of our school board to recognize Missley, Miss Yiannis, and Miss Diver with a special service award for their unwavering dedication to creating a and maintaining a positive, inviting, and supportive school culture. Their contributions deserve acknowledgement and celebration as they truly embody the values we strive to instill in our students. We are truly blessed to have them as Rouseabouts. So, We'll do this. >> No, I'll just give her some [Applause] You ready for recognition? Cody, who's up? >> First up is Barrow. >> Barrow, principal Gway. >>
026I have a lot more slides tonight than I normally do, so I had to make myself a little script so I can stay on my time limit. You're welcome, Miller. Um, the first one is our positive office referrals. Um, at this point, we have more positive office referrals than we do regular office referrals. So, I just wanted to take a moment to recognize these kiddos who help keep our school climate positive um and inclusive. All of those were given for showing compassion to their peers and I think that's really important. The next is that we celebrated homecoming week recently and as you can see our staff and students go all out and all in for dress up days. I think it just reflects the campus culture and spirit that we have. So, I wanted to
027showcase that. And then Fridays are full of energy and connection every single Friday, whether it's fun or fix it Friday or something that the teachers have planned. Um, so I just wanted to highlight that. Um, pre in the past few Fridays, fifth grade has concluded Hispanic Heritage Month with a fiesta celebrating the culture, feud, food, and music. Second grade wrapped up their ancient Greece unit with a feast and student le Olympic games. Um, and then you can see our students holding up our their popsicles. The attendance winners of the week have been getting bomb pops for having bomb attendance. Just reinforcing that, showing up every day. Next is our Barroobots program. It is in full swing and it continues to grow every year. Currently, we're offering robotics to students in grades second through fifth grade.
028We have a total of 61 students involved. As of now, we have a fourth fourth and fifth grade teams. This is four competitive teams and we're needing to add a fifth due to participation. They practice every Thursday after school until 5:30. So that just shows a lot of dedication on their part. Then we have our second and third grade teams. We have three teams of second and third graders. They practice daily during their intervention block. Um but we are doing well and we'll be hosting two competitions this spring and that is going to be exciting. Then this past Friday, our had a special visit from Mr. Joshua Binham. He's the Cub Scout master of Pack 560 from Sweeney. He led a session on flag etiquette and the significance behind the traditions. Um they our pals
029raise and lower the flag every morning and afternoon. So this just helped deepen their understanding and res understanding of the respect and the responsibility that comes with that. Next is our fifth grade class. our fifth grade ELA students, they wrapped up their unit to study on the Renaissance. Um, I think it's great that their teacher takes a moment to add in these fun, engaging lessons. Um, their unit was focused on famous sculptors of the time, especially Michelangelo. So, after reading and learning about his work and techniques, they created their own small sculptures to apply what they learned about Renaissance art and creativity. Next is Miss Jensen's class, which serves our high needs population. I just love that they stay actively involved in the campus life and participate in activities and ways in which they can.
030Um, one of our fun Fridays, the students in her class made lemonade and served lemonade to every student and staff member in Barrow Elementary and they enjoyed every bit of it and I think everyone else did too. Um, and then recently they went to um, special needs day at Rosori County Fair. They do that every year for our special needs population and they have a great time every single time. And then last but not least, this Friday is our red ribbon parade. I always extend the invite to you guys if you want to come out. We will be starting promptly at 9:30. Um but we'll start lining up in about 9:15. So you're more than welcome to come. If you do not want to walk the whole block with us, feel free to just stand
031in the car rider line and you can see us circle back in. Thank you, Principal Kenny. >> All right, we have a lot of pictures as well and I'll kind of roll through them. Wanted to share our first pep rally um for homecomings. We're able to get back in the gym for pep rally pink out. Just wanted to share that. That was awesome. Um if you take a look at the top right hand corner, you'll see a big mum and we'll get to that one in just a minute. Um because our floral design class, that's the next one. We're working on mums in class. Um so those are some of the mums they made, but that was floral design. And so they did a great job of incorporating school spirit into the classroom in the
032activity and the advanced floral design created the giant mum that you saw hanging in that taller than the basketball hoop. So it was pretty impressive. You can see that they're using the egg shop stairs to to construct it. The top's not on it on the lefth hand picture and then the final product is on the right. So they worked really hard on that one and I think they did a great job. >> Where's that thing at today? >> I don't know what you did with it back. I don't know. >> I know. upstairs in the egg. >> It might still be an egg. So, I'll have to find out what she did with it. Um, >> yeah, we could keep pushing. >> That's like one of It's like the Christmas tree and just put a
033bag around it. >> A world record on that. >> Um, then we know we had the Hall of Honor last weekend, so I just wanted to bring that. We did the uh meet and greet in the library beforehand and I think the the not trophies but the plaques turned out really well and then the um presentation at halftime went really well. So I wanted to call that out and of course we know that was battle of the Bernard and that was a great result at the end of the game. So the next slide shows the final score but we were also able to unveil our new Elmo costume. So Elmo was on the sideline. We got to introduce him at the pep rally prior to the the Sweeney game and so he was out there
034for that game. So, it was pretty cool to introduce that. Um, and a big win is always nice. Um, then we've got Miss Barnett. She very rarely keeps her class in the classroom. They're always in the hallway doing something. So, they're doing rate uh distance and time with with matchbox cars and ramps. And then they also were doing resistance unit and used the parachutes to to uh show what kind of resistance it is against gravity in the air. So, getting them out of the classroom and doing experiments is always better than just sit and get. So, we wanted to to highlight some of the things in the classroom. Then we have our two that competed this morning in regional cross country. I have the results. Um Melanie Loado, she ended up getting 64th out of
035179 runners. She's a junior. Um and then we have EMTT Gibbs who's a freshman. So, he made regionals his freshman year and he ended up getting uh 120th out of 181 runners. So, they represented well and I know that they're both looking to grow on that next So, just since you got the picture up there, I I I did get a text from somebody that was down there and said we had the nicest suburban in the parking lot. Just just saying >> kids will will be happy. >> Then we wanted to show uh showcase tennis um first ever district champions. So, they were very excited about that. Won their first round of playoffs, went to second round and ended up losing in the second round, but it was a close match. Um but just the
036success they're having early on with this program. He's looking to build that program. They're getting more and more kids and so they're excited now for spring tennis coming up. And then band performs in Flugerville. They scored all ones this last weekend. So now they're going to area contest in Flugerville this weekend. So we just wanted to show showcase them a little bit as well. So a lot of good things going on with our kids. >> Thank you, Mr. K. >> Principal Lucerio. >> All right. So we had the Missouri County Fair last week and we had some champions on campus. Um I was talking with Morgan about how many students represented and she pulled some numbers. So um in conjunction with the high school and a few elementary students that represented from Colombia, there were
037190 projects submitted and 57 students participating of that. You see Canon McCracken, he had the grand champion steer and I believe in the paper they said he sold for 27,000. I don't want to quote it. It was it was right in there. Um but he he um definitely represents our school well. Great kid and super excited for him. That smile says it all. Um and then on your right you have Zoe Burch who's also a West Brazes Junior High student. She had grand champion broilers and was also in the winter circle um at Rosoria County Fair. Um we also had Jack Shackleford had grand champion intermediate breeding heer showman. um and we had so many that placed um first and in the top five that she was still working on the tabulations when I left
038today. So um we're super excited and very proud of the way that our students represented West Brazes and being aroused about. >> So can I before you go so I did talk to Mr. McCracken this week and I asked him because the article said that his his stair's name was uh Donald. I said, "You got to tell him the story. That's an odd name for a stair." And he goes, "Well, we decided we wanted to make Missouri county fair great again and we didn't want to name him Brandon." I said, "I agree. That was a good choice. >> That was good." >> Yeah. >> I'm sorry. >> All right. And so our um CTE group, our teachers have gotten together and created a newsletter for um each month to kind of showcase the work that
039they're doing in the background. And I thought this was a great representation that I wanted to share with everyone. Every year our a department or it's Miss Campbell has the students the eighth grade um agriculture class makes their emblem and they use their own creativity to bring in a representation. and we have great turnout from our students and they are so creative and they are so proud to bring those in. So, um those were turned in this month. Um Bout TV is going strong. If y'all haven't checked it out, that is a great way to see the inside scoop of what's happening at West Brazes Junior High. So, you'll hear from the students on their favorite foods, what's going on, their favorite activities, and you'll also get an inside um view of a lot of
040different things happening. And now our weather series is they're getting better and better at the backgrounds and the green screen. So, it's a lot of fun to see. Um our we also had our um students go to the Brazoria County Fair for their field trip and you can see by these smiles it was an amazing day. Um our students got to get on stage and sing. They were able to see um the animals and take they they all got hats and cotton candy and just a great experience. They were very tired but very happy when they got back and so were the teachers. So we appreciate the ability to be able to participate in that every year. We also had um junior high night at the Sweeney game which I agree was a great turnout.
041Um and we had our pep rally that day. So, we've had two pep rallies so far and I've been extremely um happy to see the amount of the community coming out to support our rostabouts and the amount of the work that they put in to be ready for those performances and um just being able to acknowledge them. You see the uh the pizza game and the balloons. Our PTO puts on a game every pep rally and that's one of the most fun parts of it is being able to see the teachers and the students compete against each other. Um, and we even had some sixth graders get to come out if they had all A's or we pulled tickets if they um had zero referrals and they got to come out and and represent for
042sixth grade. So, that was good fun and you see a lot of school spirit happening in those pictures. And then finally, another plug for the West Brothers Market. That's tomorrow night. Um, we'll have tomorrow and then we'll have a followup the next Wednesday. Um, so we have some really good watermelon and um, we I think it was about four pellets that they delivered. So we're excited to be able to feed that line. We met about 270 families or households um, that were documented last time. So it's great fun. I recommend coming out and seeing our community come. They um, they come and share smiles with our students and it's just a really really great time. So, um, that'll happen tomorrow, 4:30 to 6:30. >> Thank you, Principal Bolton. >> All right. Well, we'll all think
043alike. So, I have very similar pickics to everyone else, so I will go as fast as I can. But the first thing is we two celebrated homecoming week with our rough neck spirit. So, wanted to share those smiles and maroon and white with you on the first slide. And then I wanted to recognize our students also that participated in the Brazoria County Fair and had special recognitions. We had Amy Lee Garcia who was in the talent show junior solo and got third place. We also had Cooper Copeland who was in the fifth grade art competition got reserve best of class. And then RC Y got all around high points and was very proud to show me his buckle that he brought to school that I had to highlight as well. Then um we have several
044you know attendance initiatives that go on at West Columbia Elementary School as well. But a new one that we've added um which has been supported by our communities and schools is a raffle. And so this nine weeks at the end those students who had perfect attendance were entered into the raffle. And these are the students that won first, second, and third place. And the first uh prize included four free tickets to the football game on Friday night. So we appreciate their support and hope that will help continue to help us um maintain good attendance. On the next slide, I wanted to highlight very similar to the things that Pharaoh was talking about is we're loving our new curriculum and all the opportunities that it's giving our kids to have some real hands-on uh culminating activities
045to finish out their activities. So, like in the top lefthand corner, those kids are test uh tasting Cuban recipes when they finished their book about letters from heaven that was all about the grandmother who cooked Cuban recipes. And then the bottom left is their Greek festival from when they studied Greek mythology. Um, you can see they also did an Olympics as well. And that's their first, second, third place on the picnic table. I thought that was creative. Um, in the center we have pictures of our kindergarten students taking a sensory walk, learning about their senses through their feet and then, um, trying to write with blindfolds on. So, they're learning all about their senses. And then we have our second graders are learning about the War of 1812. So, we have the the hallway decorated
046all in the War of 1812. It's pretty phenomenal. you have to come see it. Um, a volunteer, Mr. Umber, came and did it for us. He's a former art teacher, so he he did a spectacular job. And we are really working on our behavior in fifth grade. And so, our students have a new Wildcat store and they're earning their Wildcat bucks. And this is our student um, MueL holding his proud wallet full of all his wildcatter books that he's been earning so he can go to that wildcatterer store. And then we wanted to share that we've had some volunteers come to West Columbia Elementary School and teach us about the Constitution. um uh from the Constitution Compass organization. They spoke to third, fourth, and fifth graders. Did a wonderful job. We were very appreciative of
047their visit. And last but not least, we were so grateful to the West Columbia Fire Department to come out and teach our kids about fire safety and let the kids go through the firehouse as well. >> Thank you, Bill. >> Thank you, >> Principal Coh. >> Mine is compressed to two slides. I'm going to be short for All right. So um one of the things that we celebrated is Johnny Apples Seed Day. So we had two students who had Johnny Apples Seed shirts made and wore them proudly. And then in that on this day we um classrooms do a lot of activities um with apples. They measure how long they are, how many apples long they are. Um they try different apples, apple jam, apple butter, all the things apples. It's a fun day. And
048then they make homemade applesauce. So that is Johnny Apple Seed Day. And then my next slide. Oh, we had our Wild Peach Fire Department came out to w to see us. Um they had a blast. Our kids get to sit in the fire truck, every single one. And um they are very careful with making sure we do not exclude anybody. But I do want to shout out um our fire department because one of my drains in the front um just had a bunch of debris in it. And I asked them if they would come and hose it out. And so they did. It took about five minutes. Um I thought I could remove the grate myself and my hand got stuck in the grate. So good thing they were there to help help me get
049out. They didn't have to cut me out or anything. But uh it was fun. >> It's always a good time at Wild Peach. >> Where's that picture? Yeah, we didn't get that one. >> Thank you. >> Good job, all of you. >> Um, do we have any citizens to be heard? Did we check? >> Nobody. Okay, we don't have anyone. We're going to move our uh first action item up so we don't keep Jenna here all night. I know she's having a ball, but we're gonna let you work and then go home and rest. >> So, we're going to do number one, consider approval of financial report and audit for the year ending June 30th to 2025. We'll let you speak before we make a motion. >> Thank you. Okay. First of all, I want
050to introduce myself for those of you who don't know me. My name is Jenna Coloulter, proud CHS class of 2010. Feels forever ago, so we let's not count the years. Um, I want to thank Julie and her team as always. They had everything ready. We couldn't be here this close to year end without their support and well organization. It was just phenomenal. One more thing is this looks different than it ever has before. This is a draft. I think Stephen said he was going to let y'all know, but the federal government has not released the compliance supplement yet. Therefore, we cannot issue this audit until the federal compliance supplement is released and the government shut down. So, we have no idea when that's going to happen. So, tonight I'm going to present this to you
051in draft form. It is not anything that you can vote on yet. Nothing's going to change. We just have to wait for the government to tell us we are allowed to issue it. So, that's why it looks different. None of this stuff is going to change when it does um get released, the compliance supplement. But um just want to preface why it looks this way. Um first things first, there was two letters that were on top of your um stack. The first one is stapled. This is our letter to the board. It is a standard letter. It's probably been the same the last several years, but it states that we did not have any issues performing the audit. Um everything was as expected where there was no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses. If there was
052any of those, it would be listed here, but you also would have heard about it before. Now, this letter also highlights there's two bullet points on the bottom of the first page and one on the top of the second. These um detail out our estimates that we used within the audit. So, there's the allowance for doubtful accounts, which is always an estimate, the useful life of all capital assets, and then the pension and OPED numbers. These are all estimates, so you can't nail those down. The second letter is onepage letter. Oh, sorry. Back to that one. There. The journal entries that we had for the year are attached to this letter as well. This next letter is a one-page. That's our client advisory letter. These are just a few comments that we are given to
053just areas of improvement. They're not slaps on the wrist. There's not they're not jocking. It's just some things we noticed. Hey, this needs to be improved before it could get really bad. Two, uh, the very first, there's two se or one section, employee compensation and benefits. We had two instances of some employee W4s not matching what was in the system. And then we had three instances where there was new steps on the new W4 that were either checked or unchecked and that didn't match in the system. So this is really just for having a little more control around what your employees are getting withheld on for their their individual taxes. The second paragraph we are just noting that there is not a time pe timekeeping system in place within the district and that just opens
054a door of things you don't want to get involved in. Um there's a lot of federal grants that require time sheets or time and effort and there's just frankly not anything to support that. Um you the main issue that we see is you don't want one employee coming in here and saying they didn't pay me for what I worked and you have nothing to support. >> True. Then you get the Department of Labor in here and that is something that you don't want to do because the Department of Labor can make your life a living hl. So that's just an area that we've noticed over the last several years still hasn't been fixed. So we're just we're putting in the letters another time of you know we really need to take note of this and
055kind of make a step forward. Um, okay. Now, on to the audit. [Music] Pages 11 through 14 is our opinion letter. This letter is stating that everything after it is materially and factually correct. The first section says opinions. There's two paragraphs. The second paragraph starts off in our opinion the financial statements referred to above present fairly in all material respects. This is the wording for an unmodified opinion which is the best opinion you can receive for an audit. Um pages 15 through 27 is the MDNA. This is what we like to call the highlight reel for the non-accounting minds. You won't fall asleep reading these few pages, but you will fall asleep with the rest. um the financial highlight section at the top of page 15, four bullet points. The third bullet point is what
056really what I want to point out. The unassigned fund balance for general fund ended at 10.8 million or 34.95% of general fund expenditures. This is saying that unassigned fund balance for general fund is about a fourmonth reserve. We typically like to see local governments four to six months. And so you're right there where you need to be for that. Pages 29 and 30 are the governmentwide financial statements. These are on the full acral basis of accounting which include capital outlay debt. It's a little different than the budget type thing. So the budget financials, which is what we call the fund financials, are on pages 31 through 34. So this is where it details out the major funds, which is general fund, debt service fund, and capital projects fund. Um, and then that fourth column on
057page 31, it says other governmental funds. Page 94 in your report will show you all the other funds that total up to this column. It's all your special revenue funds and the remaining um you can see that unassigned fund balance for general fund towards the bottom in the first column the 10 million855. So that's your unassigned fund balance for general. Um the proprietary fund statements are continuing on in that section. The notes to the financials are pages 42 through 79. I'm really not gonna read these because you really will fall asleep, but I do want to point out note five on page 60. This is the capital asset note. So, there was lots of changes this year with all the school bond everything. You will see in the transfer retirement column a decrease in construction
058in progress for the 20 million. That is the phase one of the high school that got marked as completed. So we had moved that out of CIP and we moved it into building. So it is in process. It's being depreciated. So this is I wanted to point this out just because I know there's been a lot of changes. The additions to construction in progress. This is including the rest of the high school and then those few other projects like the roofing projects and I don't remember the other ones. >> Electrical upgrade. Thank you. Um page 83. Page 83 is your general fund budget to actual. So you can see where you came in final compared to the final budget. Everything looks great. expenditures came in under budget. Revenues came in a little under budget, but
059you never know for those. Page 94 starts that big combining schedule of all the other funds that are considered other governmental funds. If you look at um page 94, fund 240 for the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program, there is that 477,000 in receivables. That's that um dispersement from TDA that was withheld until all that stuff got handled. It Julie said it has been received, but as of 6:30 it hadn't. So it's >> received it. We've gotten the letter. Oh, you've gotten a letter saying it's coming. So, that that number that number is normally not that large, which that's the reason it is. Um, and then if you turn to page 98, same 240 fund, the very bottom, the ending fund balance is 1.1 million. It's the same thing as last year. Um, National School
060Breakfast and Lunch can't have over six months of expenses in it. So Stephen and Chris are already aware that there's going to be a spin down plan that's going to have to be put in place again for child nutrition funds to get it to that six-month mark. We're not worried. We just wanted to point it out. Um the rest of the pages are just more budget to actuals. The federal award section starts on page 112 or 113. This is the section that's holding up everything. these last few pages because the government pages 113 and 114. This is our internal control letter. It is stating that of all the federal awards we looked at, we didn't see any internal control issues. It's not an opinion, but we didn't see any problems. The opinion letter for federal
061awards is the next two pages or three 115 to 117. Um, our opinion on the federal award program is unmodified, which is the best opinion you can receive. This year, we did test child nutrition again. That got us the most coverage that we needed. Um, it had the most revenue, so didn't find any problems. And I'm hopefully Cynthia didn't want to kill me because it was the second year in a while I had to. Apparently, she did, but I'm still here. Hopefully next year it won't be child nutrition again without all the esser money and things kind of just had to go back to the same three. But um the last two pages 122 and 123 these are this is the sa the schedule of expenditures of federal awards. It shows all the federal awards
062that were received for the year. So out of the three million, we tested the 1.6 for Yeah. commercial school breakfast. And with that, anybody have any questions? [Applause] >> Too many numbers. the questions you can take it home. >> So if we have repeats you you said we had some repeat bindings on what those three bullet points >> yeah where where >> yeah it's just um the two paragraphs the single page. >> Yeah. So when does it become a problem if they repeat several times? >> It really only becomes a problem for us material like financially is when there's a material problem. This is more of a control aspect. More of a we we just kind of wanted to let you know that this is happening and you might could have someone come in cause
063a ruckus ask questions. You wouldn't be aware. Why didn't we tell you? It's just kind of a going to help you see why hate in a sense >> for findings for us is if we saw um misuse of money, misuse of funds, you know, it's aware it's not getting fixed. It's just and then it just keeps compounding. That's really when we start making you put a plan in place of, you know, you don't fix it, we could issue um not an unmodified opinion, an adverse opinion, a significant deficiency. And when you have to get hit with a significant deficiency, that's not fun either. That's a whole new set of letters and really just bigger problems on the financial side of things. But these are more of just control type issues we found. >> Employee compensation
064benefits. The problems that you found, have you ever found these problems before? Are they repeat as well? >> There's every about every two or three years there's probably one or two. >> But you only tested 40. Were they random or did you kind of >> We do 40. We try to do as many we can for federal. So we tested uh child nutrition this year. So we try to do as many child nutrition as we can. >> But then we also try to include some state comped and general fund employees as well just to cover those bases. >> But part of the federal audit is or single audit is um testing internal controls around those federal funds. So that's why we kind of gear it towards whatever major program we're testing. >> So it is
06540. It is random. She sends us the payroll list and we kind of just scroll and stop and highlight and scroll and stop and highlight and pick 40. It's very haphazardly selected. >> Okay. >> And we do two separate payroll cycles as well. Many non salary employees we got >> I would say what 150 200 >> non salary that aren't teachers hourly employees. >> Yeah 15 200 input time on time sheets or what how does that work? for the 40hour week guarantee or how you drag overtime. >> They can't have overtime unless it's a written approval, prior approval, >> submit overtime. >> They can't and usually it's a bus drivers that do that have the overtime >> and maintenance workers sometimes depending on >> maintenance too. Now, for child nutrition, we did part of the
066the um requirements for child nutrition is time and effort. Child nutrition does keep time on paper by themselves. So, we were able to get Connie was able to send me their paper kept time sheets, but it's also 2025. Why are we keeping time sheets on paper, you know? >> So, >> well, the answer to that was when we had still had timekeeping. We were still doing timekeeping and paper copies as well. >> We're doing both. we were doing. >> Yeah. >> So, the only thing changed is we don't have the punch in clock. Hopefully, Skyward's going to help us change that. We know the big >> Yeah. >> Right. Because quite honestly, what we're doing, we're doing double the work and it's still the same. We've taken the time clock out. We're still doing paper
067copies just like we were before. We were taking the punch in, punch out, looking at the computer, writing it on paper, and turning it in. So again, it's something we need to fix, but we have to upgrade our financial software to allow that. And hopefully Skyward's going to get us there. >> That I mean, that's what that's in progress. >> Yes. >> I mean, this is not a this is this is a calculated decision. We're telling you we got to go there. We can't fix this problem until we go there >> because the system wouldn't we couldn't you would think you could just punch it in and it would upload into the timekeep system, right? Oh, no. then coordinate. >> We got things in motion getting it's inside their system. It's not like service >>
068and the non-s salary employees will be accessed to that skyward situ situation too. >> Everyone will >> you'll have to. >> Yeah. >> But again the thing she's talking about until we get the whole management software system upgraded. >> Yeah. >> We're fighting to lose battle. >> But we're working on that now. We're announcing it out. Didn't we say that'd be ready to go like the first of the year? April. >> Yeah, it was like a whole year transition. >> Yes, we're working on it right now. >> This next April >> should go live. >> It'll be worth it though. >> Windows 10 to Windows 11. Anybody have any other questions? So, we can't vote on this. We'll wait. >> No, but I want to point I want to point out just a number on
069page 33 because while she told you the fund balance the net change in fund balance this year where we thought we had approved the deficit budget, we had an increase of fund balance of 325,000. Just want to throw that out there. >> What? >> Say the number in here. Huh? So that doesn't include that payback on the child nutrition, right? >> Yes, it does. >> It is in there. >> So now, but on page 33 is >> it'll say00 >> third to the bottom on the first column 25 656 >> page 33. >> You were expecting that number to be a negative based on the budget. That it is very good. >> Yeah, >> we just highlight that as a miracle. >> I know a lot of sleep was lost over that number. So, >>
070yes, a little bit of anxiety to go with with >> So, you'll have to come back >> when or will she not have >> come back? The report the final report will come back to you, >> right? But like she said, the numbers won't change >> without the draft. >> Unless unless we have some specific concerns or questions, then it'll just come through. >> Yeah, we've been told that um Department of Education programs will not be changing. We have a draft compliance supplement and they've said only certain ones. Why they can't split that out and give us the ones that aren't going to change? Because that would be too smart, I guess. Um >> they're not working. >> Exactly. So, we know that this stuff is correct. is in compliance. The numbers aren't going to
071change. It's just we just can't. Okay. >> So, I I'll let Julie know when we get word that it's out. >> Postponed our reporting requirements where we usually have to have it submitted to TEA by November 28th. That's been pushed to January 15th or something like that. February 15th. >> February 26 year. So, it's been pushed as well. Thank you for your work for us because I know that was long and tedious and we appreciate y'all Kimber Masters work for us for a very long time and we appreciate you. >> We do appreciate it. I like getting to come home >> home. That's right. >> My commute's a lot smaller when I get to come here. >> You're always welcome. >> Thank you. We really appreciate it. All right. >> Thank you. >> All right.
072So, we're gonna go back up to reports. >> We made Justin wait a long time. Now, we're gonna turn We're gonna let you go here in a minute. >> All right. Well, uh I want to start out with the uh the E3, the LED mechanical project that we've talked about uh at last meeting. Last meeting, we were waiting on two chillers for the junior high and two pumps for West Columbia Elementary. One of each has taken place already. uh last weekend that the they came in and installed the chiller. We're waiting on factory startup which will happen this coming Tuesday. Once that take place, we're ensure that that chiller is up up and operational. Then we'll work on the second one, getting that in, which we anticipate on uh the following weekend and then start
073up on the 4th. Then we can relinquish the rental and get that out of here. Uh the roofing projects, those are completed with the exception of West Columbia Elementary, the the sheet metal panels around the sundial. Uh we're getting the schedule on that. Uh but both campuses otherwise complete. Uh we did throughout all this process uh the LED and lighting or excuse me the LED and mechanical we were getting some uh incentive monies back from the school or excuse me the it's changed now compass program uh which works with Texas New Mexico. They look at the upgrades that we've done and they take into consideration new equipment, lights, mechanical, and how that factors in. And they they offer us money back on that, which I'm Julie, I know you've gotten several checks. >> About about
07466,000. I think we got another one. >> Yeah. >> In the last few days of 20 something. >> They come in stages as certain areas of these projects are finalized and then signed off on. So that that's kind of helping too. Could you make sure I get a list of those and I'll put it in your weekend board letter so that they know. >> Okay. >> I mean, I told Julie, >> I'll get with you on that because I I can't keep up with which ones are which. >> Other than that, it's just a routine day in maintenance. >> A routine day in maintenance. >> Every day thing. >> Every day something new, but still the same. >> Anybody have any questions for Justin? Right. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. >> Appreciate it. >>
075Have a good evening, >> Mr. Miller. >> Try the best report for you tonight. I have nothing for you. Uh other than what is um what uh you'll you'll find chief's report in your folder. Nothing nothing moving and shaking in the safety and security world this month. other than starting in uh December, we'll start completing safety audits on all the campuses so that we can meet our October reporting deadline for this safety audit cycle. So, we'll have safety and security uh meeting the the the fall safety and security committee meeting I believe the last week of November. So, and you will get an invite to that. It'll be closer. That's all I have. was short and sweet instructional update. >> Not anyone. Not one tonight. So, >> okay. >> We got a good report from
076the principles on what's going on. >> Very thorough and repetitive and consistent quarterly investment report. >> Um, you should have a packet in there. where we had a total um interest for the quarter of $317,000. The interest rate of course is it's slowly dropping. It's around 4.2% on most of the fund on most of it is coming from 167,000 of that is coming from your bond money. Um, so we had about 100,000 general fund. >> Any questions? >> What percent we at? >> About 4.2. That's a Texas class. That's where most of our money sits for bond and for general fund until we need it. And then we come to prosperity and we're only I think it's theirs is around 2%. when it moves there. Any questions? All right, we're flying here. Financial report. >>
077Yeah, I mean, we're 25% through the year. You can see on the financial statements our are running around 20%. In good shape. >> All right, our bond report. >> So, Columbia High School projects coming to a close. Um they're Jamal's working on the court interior courtyard, working their way out. And as they do, uh they'll be taking care of the courtyard, the turf, the planting areas coming out, awnings, the seating, and as they pull out of the courtyard, there's some additional concrete and safety fencing that that will be done, the gate, pouring concrete to the back entrance of the uh excuse me, the welding building. So, uh, getting very close probably, uh, within a month, month and a half of of Drumala being gone. Uh, on the A barn project, uh, we're in the process
078of of getting permits with the county right now. So, I don't I don't have an update since they've u since they've applied. So, >> how's the courtyard area looking? Is it >> It's good. >> It's getting there. Again, remember there's no um uh there's no grass, right? It's all concrete, pavers, turf, and then some planting a few planting areas. >> Pavers going in yet? Are we still on hold those out last? >> That's last. >> So, I figured that would be last. >> Yeah, those the pavers that Prograd sold will be the will be the last thing to go. >> I guess the new entrance and the parking lot. Parking lot's always full. parking lot's full, but right now the traffic patterns is working and we probably again that new entrance was going to be
079the parent drop off but we probably will leave things the way they are until 36 is done which could be another how long. >> So the it's actually working very very well is it officer D'vorak or Chief D'vorak? >> I mean I we don't have any problems in the morning do we? >> No sir. >> So everything seems to be working good the way it is. It's actually it's even safer than we designed to be honest with you. >> Remarkable visible change. I think it looks good. >> Very good. >> All right. You ready to move into our action items? We can skip down to three. We've taken care of one and two. So number three is to consider acceptance of supplemental project funds under the American Energy Institute high emission vehicle replacement project. It's
080our buses. Would somebody like to make a motion? >> Make a motion. >> He makes a motion to consider it and Mr. Christa second. >> All right. You want to give us some information on that? >> Yeah. So, if you'll see attached, that's the approval letter. Uh, so just to give you some background, it seems like over two years ago, we were talking about buses and we were sitting here and at that time we, if you'll remember, we bought two regular route buses. Uh, we discussed gas, propane, diesel, right? Travel mileage, warranties, and we made a decision at that time there weren't any grants. We bought two gasoline engine buses. Uh, you know, it takes a while to get them in. Soon as they came in, one of them was in an accident when construction
081on 36 started. If you remember, it was total. We got some insurance money for it, but not all of it, right? And so over I guess a year and a half, we bought two and a half buses and have two, right? Because of the difference in insurance money. But at the same time, years ago, we said that when that we would look towards the two special need buses when uh some type of grant became available. Well, here it is. You can see this is your award letter that we've been awarded $220,000 toward the purchase of two buses. would be trading in two special needs diesel buses for and if you'll pull up the the other the quote here's the quote for the two buses right these buses are they are they propane >> propane buses
082yes >> so we'd be going back to two propane and if you remember at that time we talked about that if we were going to continue the propane we needed to continue on the shorter routes not you know we didn't want to add more propane buses to the long routes and that would be take on buses we would take on extracurricular trips that we wanted to add them in the shorter areas which would be the special needs. So you can see the price tag on two special need buses is 300 just over $320,000 of which we would be getting $220,000 in a grant for that. So the purchase of two special needs would cost us right at $100,000. So, >> two years of planning, here we are. So, if we still want to do it,
083I I think now's the time. Ray Ray has you have Ray O'Neal, our transportation director's here. He spec those buses out. We've asked him to get what he wants, what we need, meets all the requirements. So, >> I I can tell you this that uh I was told uh I was I was told that the buses are that we're ordering now. Uh all the buses are good. We can expect a major increase in price uh over the next few months. So um if if we could get this locked in now, it may take us eight months to get the bus, but we'd lock it in at this point. >> I was fixing to ask you what the lead time is. So you're thinking eight months? >> Well, looking like about June. So yeah. >> Yeah.
084So we're actually talking about next school year right now. So >> So that's one of the things. Just so you know, you're talking about we don't pay for the buses until we get them. >> So what budget are we talking about? We could be talking about the 2627 budget and not the 2526 budget. >> So we with the 100,000 difference, we're going to have them in the budget somewhere. >> Well, what would happen is it would just come out if if for some reason in the budget year you you you tack it to the budget year and if you didn't have the expenditures, it would come from fun balance. And remember, we do have those funds that we put in that one account. >> 200. >> Yeah. 200,000. >> The 200,000. We put everything in
085there that we had extra. That was >> not extra, but >> Well, it's a board control account. It's the facilities. >> It's a facilities which could be transferred to pay for these. >> Yes. >> When they come in, >> if they come in before June 30th, >> feel good about 100,000. >> Yeah. because all we have to do is is we we would we can do a budget amendment when it comes in. It'll probably be on the June the last budget amendment. We just put it in function 34 and so yeah, we have a there. >> How many of the uh propane buses we have right now? >> 10. >> Yeah. of these 10 um half of them are are uh uh sped buses and they're all well they're they're real high in mileage right
086now and uh in fact that's that's one of our our things is uh the scary things is we've been at the point where we've had like uh if we had one more bus breaks down one more of our sped buses break down uh we were going to be in some serious trouble. uh because we had some in Houston getting worked on some here. So, uh real important that we can get this done. We're going to be getting rid of two buses that are older than 2006 >> in exchange for two new buses. Um those those buses just they just need to be gone. So, we're getting a great deal. >> They give us straight in. >> They give us the 220. We give them the buses. >> Okay. That's the trade in. >> That's the
087trade in. >> So, I would call it very hot. >> I would call him very hot. >> I thought I thought we were shooting for a little trade in plus the grand. >> No. What we have to do is we have to destroy the buses. Destroy two buses. >> And that that's part of the grant is is we have to take uh take two buses to Houston. They destroy them and then uh and then we get that uh >> that for the grant. got a question for you while you're in the audience. U I did go tour with Mr. Galloway the transportation building and I know you got it down there but I didn't see it but storage of your propane for your propane bases. You have a big old tank down there I guess.
088Huh. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. I didn't see it. >> Yeah, it's in it's in the the back leftand corner. >> Yeah. We we we have it we switch companies. Uh we uh went to to this propane company that we have. We get uh we pay 35 cents above market value, which right now we're paying about just a little bit over a dollar a gallon for propane. >> Really? >> Yeah. We got that kind of locked in. We were paying almost uh $2 and a half dollars a gallon. >> And we we get about six miles to the gallon on the propane buses. >> When we went to propane years ago, it was first on a little skid >> and it I mean, I want to say it was like filled up almost daily it
089seemed like. And now we've got a permanent a permanent tank in there. >> Uh how long you have any idea how long you're locked in on that dollar? >> Uh it's on the it it fluctuate. You're talking about the fuel? >> Yes. >> Uh it fluctuates. Uh I think I looked it up today and I think it was 97 cents plus 35 cents a gallon is what we paid. So today it was 97 cents. Um >> Okay. So, so, so when it gets colder, cooler months stuff and they start burning more, we could be paying a little more then. >> Yes. Yes. >> Okay. >> More questions? All right. We have a motion by Jackie and a second by Greg to accept the supplemental project funds under the American Energy Institute of High Emission Vehicle
090Replacement Project. And do we want to add the purchase of the bus? Do we need to put that in there? Well, it says replace it says replacement project and so we assumed that that meant replacement. >> Okay. >> When you can just say per quote would >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. All in favor raise your right hand. There's no opposition. Got that, Jennifer. All right. Then we need to consider a proven early release on February 6 for UIL. >> Correct. So yearly, you know, for for many years, our a what we call A+ UIL, which is the academic competition for grades 2 through 8, we've hosted and been involved in that. Uh it's generally Colombia, Bay City, Sweeney, Elcampo, Needville, Stafford uh that participate. Uh with Colombia High School renovations being finished,
091our plan is to go back and host the main part of this competition. to do that. Uh we we're asking for an earned release lease on Friday, February 6th, and then that would allow us to begin that competition at 2 PM. Uh because of the new facility at Columbia High School, we used to have two waves of competition. Now, we'll actually be able to have one wave of competition uh and get that done much quicker and much easier and much more organized. So, we would ask that uh this is a good thing for us. Um, it's something that that I personally take a little bit of pride in doing and being involved in. And so I would I would ask that you would approve an early release date for February 6th. >> All right. >>
092What day of the week is that? >> Friday. >> Motion. >> All right. Ray's made a motion. Do I have a second? >> J second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. I. >> No opposition. All right, we need to talk about nominations for TASBY board of directors. >> If >> there's a lot of information in there on that not to have a candidate, were you pushing for somebody? >> Anybody feeling political wants to jump in the realm in the ring? >> Just sharing it. If there's no motion, y'all can move on. >> Anybody have any input or feedback about it? Did you look at all that paperwork? >> Yeah, >> I skipped it. >> That was a lot. >> I'm gonna just skip over that one. I don't think there's there's a motion
093on that. Okay. So, last is our consent agenda. We approve the minutes from September 16th of the regular meeting and September 29th of the special meeting. approve budget amendments and donations that were listed for us to look at and approve the 20 2526 WCE West Columbia Elementary book list. Does anybody want to pull any of those items to talk about? >> All right. >> So, I guess from a previous meeting I was a little I'm a little bit confused. I thought we didn't have no input on book list. Can you clarify that? >> No. Well, okay. You do have input meaning no no instructional materials or books library books books box to classroom can be brought into the school and used without the list coming to you. Okay, if you remember what the board policy
094was was there were two choices. Number one, we would follow the same guidelines which is we have campus committees D so forth. And so what this has gone, it's gone through the campus committee, it's gone through the principal, it's gone through central office and now it's coming to you saying all of these people all the way back and said yes, all of these meet the guidelines for these books to come into use in the school. Or the other option would have been that we create this committee of representation across the district and the books come there and then the committee approves it and if the committee approves it then they go in. And so we kept the the regular route which is campus central administration and now it's coming to you. We bring it to
095you. We're saying yes all of those guidelines have been met in these book. We're asking for you to approve for these books to be used. Now, most of these are each campus has done a book fair, right? And so, life's different, right? Here's a book fair. Most of you've bought books at Bookfare before, and you've gone through and you bought five books to put in the second grade classroom. Well, those five books can't be put in that second grade classroom anymore until they get on the list, get checked out, and get approved. Life's changed. A teacher can't just bring a book from a class and put it on the shelf anymore. It has to be on this list and be approved. So, life's a little bit different. And so this is the first round of
096this of of of of what we're doing. We also have groups that wanted to make donations to the school. Guess what? Those folks have to go through that same pro. You can't just donate books to a school anymore. It doesn't happen. There's a process. And so we have two things here. We have a donation and we have a book fair for you. So that's is this is what what we have. So this one thing says uh book donations for afterchool events. >> There were actually two donations. We haven't had our book fair yet. It's it's next week, but there were two different entities that uh donated books. One of them we're going to pass out after school. So it is going through a different process. But the one he referred to is the ones we're
097going to hand out during the day because they were for specific grade level students and we don't have an afterchool program of specifically for that one grade level in which we can hand it out to them. But it still had to be on the website for 30 days. You know, no opposition. Y'all's approval before we can put the books in the kids' hands. >> Okay. >> That answer your questions, Mr. >> I guess, but uh we'll go from here. >> Hey, there won't be a vote of on each item unless you pull it out. >> I'm pulling it out. >> All right. We're pulling it out. Okay. So the last so the action items include the minutes from the special meeting and the regular meeting and the budget amendments and donations. All in favor of
098consent agenda say I. >> I. >> Anybody opposed? Okay, that passes. I'm sorry. Did who made the motion? >> The consent agenda? I did. >> Yeah. Um I didn't write it down. Yeah. Jana, did you make the second? >> I did. >> Yes. >> That was the one before. >> I did. >> Okay. >> You're good. I'm sorry. >> Sorry. >> And we voted. Yes. Okay. So, would someone like to make a motion to approve the book list? >> We're approving it or talking about Well, we've already talked about it. >> We're going to we're going to make the motion and then we'll talk about it again. >> So, Ray's making the motion. >> I'll second. >> Okay. Jackie, is there further discussion? Do you want No. Okay. Anybody else? All right. All in favor
099raise your right hand. Mr. Sison Gocher and all opposed. Mr. Christo. We're doing this because we have to list the vote now. You have to put the names down of how each individual board member voted. This is new to this year after the legislature. So, we're just making sure Miss Jennifer has the easy time of getting it all written down. Okay. So, that sends us to close session. We'll adjourn for close session. Pursuant to Texas government code, the open meetings act, we will consider the employment of professional personnel, discuss the resignation, retirement of professional personnel, and discuss the performance of personnel. We won't make any decisions in voting.