001Yes, sir. Trusty Sige, Trustee Dunn >> here, >> Trustee Reese. >> Trustee Avery. >> Trustee Evans >> here. >> Trustee Hickman. >> Trustee Wallace Spooner. Okay, we are now going into the close session. The board will convene in in close session under chapter 551 of the Texas code of government codes sections 551.071 02 73 74 83 038 We're going to deliberate the following illegal personnel in the real estate. are now ready for our regular scheduled open board meeting. Would you please stand with us for the pledge of allegiance and the pledge of the state of Now have our recognitions. Good evening, President Trustees, Dr. Allen, and audience members. Sometimes championships are not only for the games that were won, but for the moment that bring a community together to celebrate. On August 25th, 2025, the
002Westbrook boys basketball team gathered with family, friends, and supporters to receive their championship rings, a symbol of their hard work, perseverance, and magical season. That milestone was made possible by the generosity of Rob Clark, principal architect with Architectural Alliance Incorated, along with Dr. Kimberly Pitts. Their sponsorship provided the championship rings for our players. This contribution reflects more than a gift. It represents a belief in our students, their potential, and the pride they bring to Bumont ISD. Tonight, we thank them for investing in our athletes and in the last memories that will inspire future Bruins for years to come. Dr. Pittz was unable to be with us tonight, but I ask that you join me in welcoming Mr. Clark to the podium members want to thank you for allowing the firm to make this contribution. We've
003supported the state for many years but that program with athletes and watching their involvement in the community giving back it was for us to make a decision as a firm to support the rings. The ring is a symbol of their honesty, their support and thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Clark. So that you all know he also did this for Bowmont United that they want to stay Art has the power to tell stories, preserve culture, and inspire pride in who we are. That is exactly what our Bowmont ISD students accomplished through the Viva Bumont Student Art Contest held in partnership with the city of Bumont. Students in grades 6 through 12 were invited to create original pieces of art inspired by this year's theme, My Culture, My Pride. Their work, judged by the Art
004Museum of Southeast Texas, was selected to be displayed at the Viva Bumont Festival, where our students creativity and talent were celebrated alongside our community's rich heritage. This evening, we proudly display some of that artwork, which you see over to the right. And we are delighted to honor our student winners for not only their artistic achievements, but for reminding us of all the beauty in embracing culture and pride through creativity. Please join me in congratulating these students with special recognition for overall third place winner Parker Pam, 9th grade Westbrook. Second place winner Kaia Phillips, 12th grade Westbrook, and first place winner Alexandra Fanaeka, 11th grade Westbrook. Addressing the audience tonight is Donna Wear, Westbrook advanced placement art teacher. Hi, good evening. Thank you'all so much for this opportunity. Um, I wanted to also recognize the connection
005between all of our campuses here in the district. I was a proud member of ODM and Ozanne campuses for many years and now I'm at Westbrook and those connections still continue because a lot of the students that I have here at Westbrook are ODM Academy students who came out of the ODM junior dosent program and we are so proud to still have that program going and those connections are still happening for us today. Thank you very much. Congrats. Congratulations. Good job. Everybody. right here. We invite community members to see Bumont ISD in action by joining us on our fall caravan. Let us treat you to a light breakfast before we board a school bus to tour three BISD campuses. Use the QR code on the screen to sign up. And you're invited to attend our
006annual bilingual parent resource night. Receive bilingual materials, enjoy door prizes, and hear from guest speakers at Fletcher Elementary School. The event is scheduled for Thursday, October 2nd at 5:30 p.m. Keep up with what's happening in the district by following our social media pages, subscribing to our YouTube channel, and visiting bmtisd.com. Thank you. >> No board meetings are exciting and exhilarating, but if any of you would like to leave, this is a good time. Thank you for coming. I'll hear the superintendent's report followed by the uh department reports as well. >> Thank you Mr. President trustees woman ISD community with our vision and mission statement. So if join me in reciting the vision statement in collaboration with the entire community will create an inclusive environment of academic excellence that supports the diverse needs of all learners.
007And our mission statement all students lifelong success through education in a safe learning environment. Our vision and mission statement is founded on six core beliefs. Tonight's presentation focuses on core belief number one, all children can earn and number two, we can achieve higher levels of performance within every facet of our organization. Tonight's report will center on the teacher incentive aotment and the district's efforts toward that and enrollment and attendance update for the 2526 school year. The teacher incentive aotment was an initiative that started under I'm not quite I think maybe HB3 several years ago as more and more districts have well as our legislature has actually added more and more resources to the incentive aotment. More and more districts are now taking advantage of the opportunity to increase teacher compensation. The goal of the teacher
008incentive aotment is to pay teachers who prioritize teaching in high need areas and in rural school districts a six figure salary. It is designed of course to recruit, retain and reward exceptional teachers. It it absolutely gives them a pathway to support students across the state by remaining in the classroom. So I want to talk a little bit about the teacher incentive aotment and Bulman ISD's effort becoming a TIA district. How does the teacher incentive aotment work? Teachers are designated anywhere from a recognized teacher to a master's level teacher. Those designations are actually placed on their certification and those designations are based on how well a teacher actually grows a student academically as well as the teacher observation data. A recognized teacher can earn from 3,000 to 9,000 additional dollars. An exemplary teacher can earn anywhere
009from 6,000 to $18,000 additional dollars. And a teacher that is designated as a master's level teacher earn anywhere from 12,000 to $32,000. A master's level teacher is would be designated as one of the top 5% of teachers in the state. Exemplary the top 20% of teachers in the state and recognized the top 33% of teachers across the state of Texas. teachers once they earn these designations they remain on their certifications for five years and it doesn't matter whether they remain in the district or if they travel to another district that designation remains along with the teacher incentive aotment funds that actually travel with that teacher for Bulmont ISD our draft plan for TI TIA designations will allow teachers eligible teachers in grades four through eight who teach reading and math as well as algebra one,
010English one and English two teachers. Again, the measures for designation 50% of the designation will be based on the test which is the teacher appraisal system. How teachers perform on tests as well as 50% on classroom student growth data. Okay, so you see on the right the actual minimum score for each designation. So we are looking to launch our initial cohort of TIA with teachers who are teaching in these content areas. Of course the the designation process it is a lengthy very comprehensive process but two main steps. The first step being a systems review that is conducted by TEA where they are reviewing our application. They are reviewing how we're designating our designations the weights and measures and our processes and And the second portion is a detailed data review that is actually conducted by
011Texas Tech University where the district has to submit all teacher observation data and student growth data where Texas Tech University will conduct an analysis in a data set to ensure the accuracy and reliability of our data. So we are currently in the data capture year. This year all of our observation data will be collected. We will submit that data to Texas Tech University and then we're going to get our final approval in during February of 2027. So the expectation is that once we pass data review and validation during next school year, teachers who are designated as one of the three designations will begin to receive payouts at the end of next school year. We're excited about the opportunity for teachers to earn this designation. We started this process several months ago. We have a TIA
012consultant. We have a TIA handbook. Currently, we are asking our teachers to go in and actually complete a survey about their knowledge of the teacher incentive aotment. We started with a stakeholder committee that will continue to meet to review our existing plan and make modifications. And every year we're going to continue after we launch this initial cohort, we're going to continue to phase in and add additional groups of teachers annually as more uh reliable student data comes abroad. So I know we're starting with a small subset of teachers for this initial cohort, but we're going to continue to add teachers in subsequent years. And again, the legislature is committed to funding the teacher incentive aotment with sustainable funds for years to come. Again, with the intention and goal of creating teachers and rewarding teachers for
013remaining in the classroom, rewarding high performing teachers. The second part of my report, I wanted to share, you know, we're in the sixth week of the school year, and I wanted to share where we are with our enrollment, our current enrollment, and our attendance data. As you can see, currently for 2526. As you can see, we're at a little uh little under 16,000 students. So this chart actually represents the TEA snapshot uh from 2324 all the way to our current year for the first six weeks grading period. As you can see there's an overall decrease from 23 24 of about 953 students over the past two years which is about a 5.7% decline in student enrollment. We have seen an overall decrease in students across the state. Of course, shifting in demographics, changes in housing
014availability, reductions in birth rates are some of the reasons why, you know, I've been asked if we see a reduction in our enrollment, you know, due to, you know, vouchers passing. We don't see that yet, but will we see it in subsequent years? I believe we will see a continued possible decrease in enrollment. So, with that, what does our attendance look like? September is attendance awareness month. Strong attendance we know is a foundation for student success. So when you look at our current attendance for the first six weeks for we're at 94.01% attendance compared to this same time last year. As you can see we're slightly higher. Last year we were at 93.3%. While we can say, "Oh, wow. We're doing better." It's not good. We're only six weeks into the school year and we
015know trends state that that 94.01% is going to do what? Is going to decrease decrease over the course of the year. We ended last year with 90.3%. So, while we are starting higher than we did last year, I I still want to encourage and really encourage our parents to prioritize students coming to school every single day. We're in school 175 days. And I'm asking, we are asking that, you know, parents don't take kids out of school needlessly, that they avoid unnecessary absences, that they schedule appointments outside of school hours when possible, and encourage students to be on cla on time to each class every single day. When you look at the data, this data reflects academic progress and performance when you get down to the end end of the school year. And you look at
016the students who are more successful are the ones who actually prioritize and who are present in school. They don't have gaps in their learning because they missed instruction. So I'm imploring our parents and our community members, you know, to make certain that you are encouraging students to come to school and come to school on time, not picking up students early. You know, we have significant issues with parents on a daily basis because they don't want to wait in the line to pick up students and literally picking up students an hour, hour and a half early every single day. That is a problem. Students are missing valuable instruction that is causing them to have gaps in their learning that is directly impacted impacted by you know what we see uh in the students progress. So, you
017know, again, asking parents to make certain that they are prioritizing attendance and understand the value of students actually being present every single day. This concludes my report. Does anyone have any questions? >> Yes, sir. >> Is concentrations of uh tardiness or attendance occur? When I say that, I mean is it elementary, is it middle school, is it high school? >> We produce an attendance scorecard that our our campuses receive weekly that you know it shows all of our campuses. So, we know exactly which campuses and which grade level. Typically, your elementary schools have your higher attendance rates than your secondary schools. High schools tend to have the lower attendance rates and then, you know, your alternative campuses have even lower attendance rates. So, we know exactly where it is. I've talked to us uh Dr.
018Frank and a couple of principles. We're having more and more elementary students, parents who are bringing kids to school late intentionally every single day as well as picking them up early every single day. So, you know, when we think about our incentives and our program, you know, you hate to penalize children for adult actions. I mean, you hate to do that. But, you know, as we work to develop incentives for kids, it's going to be unfortunate that, you know, all of our kids may not be able to participate with things that they don't have control over because parents are the ones, of course, who are bringing them to and from school, >> right? And that's that's that's more or less why I asked the question. I was at goals night along with Trusty Avery and
019you know, the poor principal, you know, he began his his plea with, "Parents, please bring your children to school. parents, please get them there on time and parents, please stop picking them up early. And you know, that's one of those things that goes back to the district cannot fix attendance for K through five. And and and and it's not the the responsibility of a kindergartener through fifth grader to get themselves to school. That's the that's the sole responsibility of the parent. And as a district, when we we're given a charge to remediate these campuses and and we throw everything except the kitchen sink at these campuses and we try to give the educators the tools they need. That's a community issue. So community, please, if you know people, encourage them to get their children to
020school on time every day and don't pick them up early because it's critical that they receive every ounce of instruction time that's available to receive. and we can't do Saturday schools because you do have to give the children a break and we can't continue to rely on summer school to be the backup plan. They have to attend school. So that's my spill on that and I know I'm preaching to the choir because most people in the audience feel the same. But you know just in case we got viewers in TV land that >> Thank you, Mr. Evans. Yes, sir. >> Anyone else? >> I have a question. Is it too late for me to go to school so I can go teach and make some of this incentive money? No sir, it's not too late
021for you to join the profession. We probably could DOI you into a roll. Make certain that you teach one of these areas and we can get you in there. Yes, sir. >> If you don't ask, you don't receive. >> Okay. Cabinet reports. Uh Dr. Frank Good evening. Tonight's cabinet report will cover two important components of the Head Start program. In part one, I will review the governance structure of Head Start. And immediately following uh the review of the governance structure, Miss Valencia Greenwood, who Our Head Start director approved by our board and also Head Start officially uh will give the annual report for the public. Together these two parts will provide a clear picture of both the leadership structure and the impact that our Head Start program has on students. So what is program governance?
022It is the formal structure that provides parents and other community representatives the authority and opportunity to participate in shared decision making of the Head Start program. There are three governing bodies of Head Start. The governing board which is our BISD school board. The policy council which is made up of and I see you guys looking. You have a packet with these slides. Okay. Thank you. The policy council which is made up of community members and parents and the management staff which would be the campus administration and the teachers. The governing board their responsibility is to provide legal and fiscal oversight, approve budgets, policies and major program decision. Also to ensure that we're in compliance with the federal uh regulations and is to work in participation with the policy council and the program leadership. Policy council
023is composed of parents of enrolled children and community representatives. Parents must make up at least 51% of the policy council. They play a major part. They meet uh monthly and they actually have a part in making major decisions for the program. It ensures that the parents have a voice and it promotes strong family and community engagement. The management team manages the day-to-day operations of the Head Start program. It begins here with our Head Start director, Miss Valencia Greenwood. And you see several other very important uh staff members that make up the management team. And the overall goal is to just make sure that we are working together. Collaboration is key to the success of the students. Decisions are made jointly. Again, parents at the policy council meetings. Any decision that is made for head start
024is presented to the parents for them to review and approve. This helps us to build transparency, accountability, and trust and overall just to strengthen the outcomes for children and families. Before I turn it over to Miss Greenwood to do uh give our annual report, are is there uh any question or are there any questions about the uh governance of Head Start? I just have one question. Who determines the the community members? >> The community members, you can actually uh recommend them to policy council. Parents are voted in by policy council. Okay. And then when it comes to our school board, uh you delegate a member. We we normally have someone that volunteers happily. Okay. But um if not the case then someone is delegated from the board. >> Denise, you got a question? >> You
025want to talk? >> No, I do not. President Taye, but uh we do have someone for you all. So no, Mrs. Greenwood and Dr. Frank that that has been taken care of and >> very important role. We meet monthly um and very informative meetings. We get to discuss decisions and concerns. So we look forward to having member board. Miss Greenwood will now give the annual report. Good evening President Thomas to our Superintendent of Schools and to the board. Okay, this is Bingman Head Start's annual report to the public for the year of 202425. This is the budgeted federal federal funds. As you can see, our regular grant uh the funds for the regular grant are listed. Our TNTA funds are here. Our COLA funds, our total federal funds, which was 4,79 uh 823,000 non-federal funds
026and in from Bumont Independent School District are listed here. And then this slide represents all of our annual expenditures to include our personnel cost, administrative, family, and community instructional health and mental health. All of our French benefits are here, our travel, trainings, supplies and materials, contractual health, mental health, uh other operating costs, building maintenance and usage, which gives us the total for the annual expenditures. This is to include TNTA and other our program specifications. We are federally funded for 510 students. We are a centerbased operation and we operate five days a week for a full day of 7.3 hours a day. 29 classrooms, 18 classes of three year olds with 17 children per classroom. 10 classes of four year olds with 20 children per classroom and one class of PPCD three and four year olds.
027Transportation assistance is provi pro provided by our grantee BISD and we are part of the national school lunch program. We have no findings for the audit that year. Bingman Head Start with the uh USDA nutrition. We do not receive any funds directly from the USDA because the meals provided on our campus are provided through the national school lunch and national breakfast programs through the child nutrition department under the guidance of BISD school district. The child nutrition department does not receive any money from the district the the district general funds or from Head Start funds. The USDA report of meals served is presented to governing bodies monthly. Program quality. We have 29 highly certified teachers, 31 classroom assistants. They either have a CDA or associates degree and are highly qualified through TEA. We have a full-time
028RN, an ESL teacher, speech disability services. We have a developmentally appropriate curriculum which is frog street community collaboration training initiatives and a fully certified content all fully certified content area managers. the quality of our program. We have content area service plans focus on school readiness uh outcome based teaching learning activities parent involvement at every level each month and we collaborate with the school district transitioning during the month of August. uh parents are trained uh to discuss what transitioning would look like for all of our preK4 students. And this happens in the month of April where our preK4 students will visit the BISD CLA uh elementary schools. We collaborate with the elementary school principles to make this transitioning into Head Start, I'm sorry, into kindergarten happen. We also offer a summer extension program uh in addition
029to the transition that you just saw. So, as you can see, we are f federally funded for 510 students and we carry that throughout the entire year. Our average attendance has been 91%. And our student enrollment, this is the ethnic distribution for Bingman Head Start for the 510 federally uh funded enrollment. health services. So in the fall and spring, as you can see, the medical exams that we have completed are there. Dental exams and the number who needed dental treatments were only one, which is great. Uh immunizations were up to date. Uh we had 473 in the fall and 470 in the spring. And what you're looking at here is a comparison of our CLI engage assessment for that for preK3 all three beginning of year, mid year and end of year. This is one
030for preK4 and this is uh the head start standards. We also follow the TEA guidelines for preK uh outcomes as well. And this just discusses what we do for Head Start in terms of being on the right track for school readiness as we connect with the BISC community from home to school and school to home. These are all of the goals that are a part of what we do for Head Start. Goal one, which is approaches to learning. has to do with initiative and creativity and curiosity with children. And all of these goals are also assessed in the CLI assessment. Uh social emotional development at the beginning of the year when teachers visit uh do home visits. They also ask parents about what their goals are for each child and what their goals are for
031themselves. But these are also presented. So we have approaches for learning, social and emotional development, goal three, language and literacy development, cognition, perceptual, motor, motor and physical development. All of these are also included in all of our lesson plans and then our program objectives. So these are our BMAN history performance objectives. These are the objectives that we place in our campus improvement plan. Um the objective one to decrease the number of tier three students from 42% on the end of year I stationation and as you all know I stationation we ended uh using eye station. So we changed that objective uh report by 10% uh May 2025. So we went to objective two to increase literacy and language skill scores from 69% on end of year to 79% for the 2025 end of year assessment.
032Objective three math and science skills will increase from 82% to 85% by the end of the year. Objective four, Bingman will continue to build on social and emotional skills from 83% to 95% by May uh by encouraging students to be anything they want to be. Five, uh objective five, we will increase parent participation in training and meeting offerings from 50 parents to 65 and that highly increased Objective six, we will increase our community partners from eight active partners this year to 20 partners. Objective seven, to increase proficiency level of instructional staff using their head start class observational evaluations that is strictly for head start. Uh it resembles test to some degree with domains three domains. Objective eight, Beman students attendance will increase from 89% to 82% by May 2025. We build people and good when
033we build people a good community emerges. And that is the end of the report to the public for being head start. Any questions? Thank you, Miss Greenwood. >> Dr. Frank, thank you. >> Dr. Frank I have a question and I don't in all cases we were talking about moving kids from tier three to tier two or one and we're looking at numbers like 69% I don't remember what the were uh 85% 79%. What plans does the district have to intervene for those children that are already behind well before they start kindergarten, pre kindergarten, and we know we're going to have to serve. We know that if we don't catch them up by second grade, they're going to fail all the way through school. What are we doing to intensify our work with these children with
034no money? Of course, it starts with the BOI assessment. First, I would say we encourage our parents to send students to prepare if they qualify. We have seen a decline in the last couple of years. We have students just like you said that are behind and some of them are starting in kindergarten and we even have some starting in first grade. So we assist them with a bi assessment. It's going to be math for math and then in class for reading if they attend uh our prek programs at CLI we see where they are and then we have to start using that data to intervene. The good The assessment data is it shows us exactly where they are deficient and then we can pull lessons and work with them. Small group instruction is what we
035push because you have kids at all different levels. So we have to be able to intervene right away. Uh one thing that I appreciate about Beingman's program is we fill the campus every year 510 and they do offer after school summer. Same thing we do for our students, but it it's intervening right away. We need to know where they are and that's why we do that BOI assessment and that's why we set our targets because if we know where kids start, every kid uh Every kid should grow. So from BOI to MOI, we should see growth and from MOI to EOI. The goals that you were presented of course were last year's targets. So the targets have have changed and Beanman sets targets and we like to get the BO data in because it's a
036different set of kids every year. I hope I answered your question. Not really because so let's leave them at head start and they're coming out with 79% out of out of the bottle out of the basement. That means that what 21% we know are in real danger. Are they going in then into a prek classroom where the teacher is supposed to do that small group? Now, the Head Start children have been taught how to sit on the carpet and criss-cross applesauce and all those things, but an awful lot of our children have not. So, how do we catch those up with one teacher who's got 18 kids, four of whom are trying to climb out of the windows and those who are climbing out of the windows are also the ones who can't identify a
037letter or a number. So, how do we help those teachers help those children and then teach the rest of the kids at the same time? and and what you are presenting is something that we actually see in classrooms today. It's actually there. We the prek students actually have a pair professor a pair professional in the classroom with them that can help them you know work with small groups work with students that maybe have some behavior challenges. Um of course principles knowing teachers and knowing their students also pushing support. It also comes down to PD and training teachers with working with some of our kids that we do know they come to us and we have to teach them how to walk in line. We have to teach them how to sit crisscross applesauce. But it
038we have to take our kids where they are. Uh but the campuses are doing you know what they need to support those teachers and it is we do find we have more and more students that you know we we have to teach behaviors so that we can instruct. So it is a challenge. It is >> I I know it's a challenge and we keep getting the reports that we've got 42% at first grade in tier three and we say third grade and we know what the star scores look like. We're not getting them. We're not fixing it. And if we don't fix it when they're little, we're not going to fix it in the sixth grade. >> I would say we are. We we are not fixing it to where we're capturing all of the
039kids. But we do see growth with the kids. The d It does show growth. Miss I I would I would say it does show growth. So yes, we want a 100% of our kids to get where you know to improve and be in tier one, but I will take a kid if they're in tier three and if I can move them to tier two, I'm that is growth. I understand that. question. >> I would just like to to get star scores one year. That made us all happy. >> We We all would. We're working towards it. >> Any other questions? Thank you, Miss Greenwood. Thank you, Dr. Frank. We are now at the point of the meeting where we do public comments. Miss Smith, do we have anyone signed up for to address the board?
040>> Yes, sir, we do. >> The board will now hear comments from those persons who have signed up to speak. This portion of the meeting is set aside for parents, students, employees, and community members to speak to the board about any matter of interest to them pertaining to the school program. Each person who signed up by 4:30 p.m. yesterday may speak for 2.5 minutes. Those who signed up after that time and prior to the public comments today will be allowed 1.5 minutes. During the public comment, the board will listen, but it's forbidden by the Texas Open Meeting Act from discussing any topic raised or making any decisions unless the matter is already on the agenda for this meeting. I remind you speakers that public comment can't excuse me public comments is not the time to
041bring forward complaints about a particular program, employee or student. Should the speaker's remarks include complaints directed at a particular student, employee or program, I will respectfully ask that the individual stop speaking and utilize the board's adoptive grievance procedures. Your time will be moni monitored. Vice Person >> Vicky Ladner. >> How are you missing concerned because I don't know whether I can address You can add at this time it's about >> Okay, Miss Wagner, you cannot mention the name of any employee >> or any child. >> I have not know there. >> Yes, I live here in my concern about the special education department at Westbrook High School and my autistic grandson. synopsis of the background as what's been happening is um we had a closing that was completed in May 23rd. The art was supposed
042to be addressing my grandson's classes to general to the general education. He had been in those applied classes for two years. He's actually a junior right now. This was due to his good grades he had received and they felt like they could handle it. His mother and I were against the plan and our concern. had a debate already completed the general. He's crying at home. He's telling us too much. He's overwhelmed. In fact, He is now ill. He has missed several days to doctor's visits and vomiting. Actually, he's went to school vomiting morning and vomiting end up vomiting at home. He has stressed he stressed himself out so much so he had to visit a pediatric GI specialist. symptoms. He was so stressed out overwhelmed that our son is literally completed procedure on Tuesday. He
043now has borderline on September the 22nd. My daughter and I have reached out to teachers administrators concerning our request to return back to his class because we do not know how to proceed withoutation. As a single mother, my daughter can afford that. I care about I care about this issue because I believe we as parents, our children should not have to deal with the added stress of not being ourselves. >> Thank you, >> Jennifer Moore. when I get up here. >> Take your time. >> Good evening and thank you for allowing me to address you yet again. Tonight makes my fifth time asking the board to see cameras in all self-contained classrooms across the district. I would like to share with you a more complete picture to request is important to me. I have a
044recorded conversation with Principal Owens at a million elementary that took place on February 3rd seeking cameras in the classroom after my daughter's first time of abuse by a teacher that was unfounded. In that conversation, he assures me that he would make the request. >> Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. In that conversation, he assures me that the request will take place after our meeting. No such request was ever made and instead I was sent a form two weeks later. After a parent gets a form to fill out, you also have to know the school ID number given by the TEA which I was not able to find and had to request from the district three times. That form was turned in at an art review meeting on March 20th. That ended with a decision to
045require my daughter to wear bus harness to and from school. On April 10th, I took my daughter to school, handed her over to a teacher that I trusted, and walked away. My world changed that day without My daughter came home broken and I could not calm her. The next night I saw the welted up bruises on her leg and I asked her baby what happened. She clearly told me that her teacher hit her with her bus. I have done everything I can possibly do to seek justice and validation for my child with nothing in return. Even with her statement and the bruises that match the harness, the school district says my daughter's claim lacks merit. Two weeks ago, my daughter's was presented to the grand jury and it came back with no bill. There will
046be no criminal prosecution. I stand before you tonight as a mom in deep emotional struggle. Where do I go from here? I know my daughter's truth and I cannot allow this to happen to her again or to another child. My request for cameras in her current classroom has been honored. I feel safe with where she is. But what about all the other children? The Moms whose kids cling to them at trouble or come home crying and can't tell them why or what happened. Cameras in classrooms are necessary to protect the fundamental rights of children with special needs. Cameras are on the buses and in the hallways. Why are they not in every class with children who can't protect themselves? In contrast, there are amazing teachers in special needs classrooms that are accused of things that
047may be misunderstood by a child with limited needs. limited abilities, excuse me. They could be cleared of accusations with these same cameras. Cameras are a silent witness to everyone and the truth can be seen clearly. And who among us doesn't want that? >> Thank you, Miss Moore. >> For one and a half minutes, Sue Ellen inner for one and a half minutes. Tony Lagon carrier >> thank you for allowing me this time please. Um yes anyway I just want to thank you guys for allowing me allowing me this time today. You know um I was reading in the news about how uh matters were encouraging them to not send their kids to school for higher learning, saying that they were being indoctrinated into liberal thinking or whatever, some crazy stuff. But um I was one
048of the people that was really responsible and I'm happy to say that I was happy that prayer will be allowed in school. Now it wasn't a specific prayer. The prayer that I wanted was a prayer of protection simply because as you know we are in a the climate now is really really horrendous. You know, it's really sick out there, especially when it's targeting education. You know, about the school shootings. You know, when asked to sign my petition, it was one person that told me he wouldn't he didn't have to sign it because his kids were going to Catholic school, but as you know, there was a shooting in Cathol. Now, as I said before amongst you guys, it might not be the only solution, but I feel that it is the best solution. So, I
049thank God for that today that it happened. You know, hoping it'll go all over the country. I'm trying to take it. So, thank you so much for letting a liberal Christian say what I need to say today. Thank you so much because we're not heathens. >> Thank you so much. for one and a half minutes. Brittney Trovinho. >> Hey Britney. >> Good evening. Thank you for allowing me to speak. I am here to be my son's voice. I'm here to discuss the need for cameras and special My son is 11 years old. He has nonverbal Indian March of last year due to concerns. On June 26 at Marshall Middle School, I was assured there would already was already in the classroom and Edmond assured me that she would put in a request that day to
050be turned on by the first. I did not receive verification that the camera was turned on. We reached out to multiple people to rectify the situ. >> Thank you. >> That concludes public comment. Okay, we down to theformational items. >> Good evening, board. >> Evening. you have in front of you uh a uh report a hiring report for the month of August. Uh it is a very long report because we hired 327 employees uh for the month of August. 177 uh of those were teachers. Any questions? 177. I'm kind of proud of it. So I'm going to stand. You have any question? Thank you. Joe ran away quick. Missandez, come on down. >> Thank you, Mr. Sige. For the tax office report, August collections were just over 139,000 for maintenance and operations and just under
05132,000 for debt service were 97.44% % collected for the general fund summary report. Um to date our revenues are 8,59,231. We have expenditures over $22 million. So this is why we have a healthy fund balance so that we're able to operate when we haven't received any funding yet from the state. outing purchase orders just over 5.5 million. And then for the campus activity funds, they collected $33,829,000 during the month of August. Then we have some monetary donations. 1413 to Charlton Elementary School for First United Methodist Church. And then America's Charities donated $500. And then we have some donated items to Marshall Middle School supplies from St. Andrew Presbyterian in the amount of the value at $600 and Kathy and Jason Fuller from Edward Jones donated $500 in school supplies. >> Thank you, Misswired intruder detection
052and Started findings, school board president Sige, Dr. Allen, and board of trustees. After the tragedy in Uvaldi, our Texas governor, the TEA and the Texas School Safety Center implemented the intruder detection audits to help ensure the safety of not only our students but our staff. Um, as of today, um, we've had four audits. They started on September 1st and of course our other 21 audits will happen throughout the year. Any questions? questions. Thank you, Mr. Mwell. >> Update on facility subcommittee, Miss Spooner. Thank you. Uh, tonight we would like to give our facilities report. I would like for you all to know those that are viewing I am currently the new chair of that committee appointed by President Sige and uh we had our meeting and we're off and rolling. Got some good things going
053on. The facilities committee met on Monday September the 8th 2025. The following members were present. Dr. Allen, President Thomas Sige, Vice President Robert Dunn, Mr. Randall Maxwell, and Dr. Ron Jackson, and also Mr. Mark Mlen. I'd like you to see him if he doesn't mind. I know he's out there. Mr. Mlen, will you stand please? Let's give him a hand. Yes. Thank you. He'll come to you in a few seconds. He is our director of maintenance and operations. And I tell you, without him and his team, we would be uh needing uh to focus on what's going on for our kids. We know we have to have our buildings and we have to have things up to poor. So, these are the following items that were discussed. BISD Treyand Transportation Complex construction continues on schedule.
054The roof is complete and side metal walls continue to be constructed. Tonight the board will be asked to approve new silicon roofing at four schools that is Ameilia Martin Jones Clark and Charlton Pard. Several summer projects were completed. Here are just a few. A new uh sil well new silicon overlay roofs were installed at Austin Smith and ODM. The carpet at Dishman and Martin was removed. painted uh painting at all Smith's common areas and five classrooms was done at Westbrook. An air handler replacement was completed. The press box at Durley Stadium was repaired and a new attendance office was created. The chiller was replaced at Paul Brown. At our police station, a new security entrance was installed. At Bulmont United, a new boiler was installed. And at King Collegiate, the interior is now complete. An
055extensive report about the Paul Brown campus was discussed. In that discussion, we looked at the auxiliary gym, which is the girls gym. Theft and vandalism has occurred and insurance claims were filed. Subsequent breakins continued and more damage has occurred. The estimated cost of the building to be inhabitable could total about $4.2 million. A subsequent discussion about the cost to raise the building also revealed an estimated cost of $150,000. and we'll come back to that with elaboration by Mr. Mlen. The purchase of two comfort boilers for the HVAC system at Smith is requested during tonight's meeting at the cost of $380,000 $380,461. The following additional facility issues were reported. These were reported. Uh the purchase of Westbrook softball bleachers, air temperature and quality during the summer at the Niatorum and a new swim timing system. the
056purchase of a wrap for the Westbrook Derley Stadium scoreboard, replacement of bleachers at Smith Middle School's main gym, a PA system for Westbrook football and soccer field, and also there is a need to replace the 15year-old scoreboard and sound system at Dogget Stadium and also the need to purchase weight room equipment at Peach Macau Arthur. Now, a highlight for tonight if we have a slide for that, Mrs. Simeon. I'm not sure if we do. If we do, we can show the audience that uh we would like to as a board encourage each one of you to take a look at all of the things, magnificent things that are going on in the district uh that sometimes we miss uh but they are occurring. Currently at Bulma United High School, we have two phenomenal monuments that
057reference the boys basketball 5A state championship back-toback 2022. They are beautiful. So if you get a chance Yes. Uh they are so nice and the photo on there is just remarkable to see our students. And just uh Christmas coming real soon, Westbrook boys basketball 5A state championship team will also be getting or receiving a monument for their 2024 2025 uh championship state championship. So that is on the way. That concludes my report for tonight. Uh Mr. Mlen, if you will do the honors are coming I mean for I mean uh to us at this time enlightening us on that $4.2 million. I know there are a lot of uh inquisitive minds uh full of fire right now and thank you. Thank you. How you doing? >> How you doing? >> Be patient. They got it.
058What questions? I mean, they totally vandalized the chillers. They took all the wiring from the switch gear upstairs all the way down switch to switch gear on the chiller pad. The gym is completely molded. Can't even go into it. So, knows a bunch. >> The building is inhabitable. >> It is inhabitable >> basically. >> So that you all know it's inhabitable. We spend $4.2 million to uh bring it up to stand. It ain't on my agenda. Thank you. >> Uh Mr. McCullen, just one more thing that I did not uh me. I love that smile on your face. It's like what is Miss coming up with? Uh on the rebrand for King Collegiate, just something in summary. Uh we would like the public to know that uh that campus is in store for a lot
059more is on the on the timeline, but where you are now and where you're going so they can know what to expect when they are traveling throughout that community. >> Okay. The the mechanical contractor should be done this weekend. We should have the close out documents next week. They've got to get a certificate of occupancy and then we can move forward from there. >> And so the signage and once we do all of that, >> that's going to be a beacon light >> in the community over there. >> Be a while. >> Steps. >> Yes, we know. We know. But it's something to look forward to. So you're taking all the steps to make that happen. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. We appreciate you. Mr. Mlen, u where did the monuments come from and
060who paid for them? >> Mr. Dr. Jackson, I think Dr. Jackson or Miss Cheetah. So, the vendor's name, Cheryl can remind me, but the monuments were put in at United under um the athletic budget. Um Cheryl's telling me no. >> The district paid for all the money. >> Yeah. From >> Okay. >> from our excess funds that we set aside for um extracurriculars. Each year we we set aside funds for the kids to go to state and the funds that we had remaining paid for the monuments. >> How much were they? >> They were uh 14,000 each. Thank you. >> Any further questions? M. >> Thank you, Miss Boner. >> Thank you. >> We have an update for Mr. Evans. >> Yes, sir. Mr. President, thank you. Just a brief, very brief update from the
061TASB, I'm sorry, Texas Association of School Board uh Delegate Assembly. Uh first, I want to thank uh Mr. Nicholas Phillips um for his leadership year in and year out. Um I'm always so happy that we we we elect and nominate him to be um our representative to the TASBY board of directors. So So thanks Nick um for your leadership for simplifying the process because it can be a somewhat overwhelming process. Each year I've gone it's been more of an efficient process. So once again thanks Mr. Phillips um the way he led our region five caucus which consists of you know Netherland, uh, even Silsby, you know, Lumberton. So, several several districts in our region. Um, so it's good to have Nick at the helm and kind of leading us through the process. Um, and the
062overarching theme continues to be the same like I discussed with you, presidents, is just uh we still are are continue to advocate for funding uh to overcome some of the mandates that the state puts in place. We wanted to definitely strengthen the language and double down on the fact that um you know we we want consistency and accountability. You know, we don't mind being held accountable, but we just want consistency and accountability. And so once again, that theme continues to win today over the last couple delegate assemblies because we're not the only district that struggles with trying to succeed with a constantly moving goalpost. Um local of course is always a top of the advocacy agenda and once again like I said funding for things that are mandated by the state but not necessarily uh
063funded. Student a lotments is always high on the advocacy agenda. And then our neighbors to the north and Lumberton proposed two really good resolutions regarding classroom management and um disciplinary train discipline and um classroom management training funds uh as well. So that was pretty much the the biggest takeaways for me in this particular assembly. So thanks and thanks board always once again for sending me to be a delegate. >> Thank you Mr. Evans as well as uh Nick. We know y'all do a good job with this delegate issues when we have to go to training. So we appreciate what you all do in order to make this district better and keep us in compliance with anything else. We're now ready for the consent agenda. Does anyone wish to pull any item off of the consent
064agenda for discussion? >> Uh, Mr. President, I move you approve the consent agenda and further author authorize the president to sign and the vice president to counter sign any related agreements. >> A second. >> Motion has been made by Mr. Evans and second by Miss Avery. Discussion. All those in favor? Motion carries 6. >> Mr. President, I recommend that we take item action item 2 F4 2 F5 first. I'm sorry, two F seven first. >> Seven and eight first. Therefore, I recommend that the board issue written notice of this determination of breach and notice of contract termination under section 7.8 of its agreement with Lite Incorporated as recommended by council and the district's consultants for the company's failure to maintain a viable presence and further authorize the president to sign and the vice president to
065counter sign any related agreements. So move >> motion made by Miss second by Mr. Dunn. >> We're not doing that. >> Okay, we have Molly in our audience and I want to invite her up. She's with Hanland and they are the firm that has um handled all of the district agreements and she's discuss approached the board to receive the benefit of a tax limitation agreement and one of the requirements of that agreement is that they maintain a viable pres in your district for five year five years after their limitation period expired in order that the community could benefit from the project, not just them. In 2022, the operation shut down. They were given an opportunity to either restart operations and continue the mandated required number of employees out there or have to give everything doesn't
066benefit from the agreement. Tonight was an opportunity for the company to come present an argument as to whether or not they were in compiance on my way here. They acknowledged they were not and they basically threw themselves on the mercy of the board to determine what the penalties are. So what we just discussed in close session and we're hoping to have your vote tonight is is determined that yes they are in breach of their agreement and for that failure they owe back all the taxes that they saved penalty and interest on that which is a total of $2.35 million uh for their failure to maintain their viable presence. And that's what the board determines tonight. We will invoice the company and that payment comes back to you. >> Thank you. >> 26 2.357 $270.72. >>
067Okay. They can keep the pennies, but the rest of them we all of them comes to you. >> Any questions? All in favor? Motion carries 6. >> Mr. President, I recommend that the board approve agreement number two with Bowmont New Ammonia LLC and further authorize the president to sign and vice president to countersign any related agreements. >> Second motion that's been made by Miss A and second by Miss Hickman. >> Thank you, Mr. will discuss the so our second item is back in 2022 OCI Bulmont or Bulmont OCI Bulmont approached the district to get their own 313 agreement completely separate from the one we just canled uh but when they applied to the district in 2022 they enisioned their project operating operational in 2028, but their timelines have accelerated. So, they are now requesting the
068district to amend their agreement with you. It's twofold amendment. One, they've reorganized the company name. It's now going to be known as Bulmont New Ammonia LLC. And the second issue is to move the tax limitation period early. So, what that means is that the limitation period where the project would be capped purpes would begin in 2026 changes the entire finances of the project that were presented to you originally in 2022. Now what we're seeing is that the company will begin making those payments in taxes to uh for the 2026 2027 school year as opposed to the 2028 2029. Our current projections are over the course of the agreement the school district will receive $42 million and beginning as I said for 2026 school year it will be again estimated $9.8 million unless of course we
069come back and cancel this and then we have to do this but that's the amendment request to move the timeline early and to acknowledge the name change of the project. Any questions? Sound like a plan to me. 42 million. >> I'll take it. All those in favor? >> Motion carries 6. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Now ready for the action items. >> Mr. President, I recommend that the board approve budget amendments from the general fund three and accept amendments from special revenue 6, seven, and eight. >> So move. >> Second. has been made by Mr. Evans and second by Mr. Dunn. >> Thank you, Mr. Sige. We are asking the board to approve GF3 which includes an increase in revenue of $2.5 million. This is a portion of the regional insurance aotment
070that the district is going to receive through House Bill 2. We're also asking the board to increase expenditures for um Chromebooks because there is a need right now um to purchase a supply of Chromebooks because we have a number of them that are going to not be able to be updated because of the way the Chromebooks are. We're also asking increase um for part-time teacher pay $150,000 and then um Miss Spooner mentioned about the scoreboard um is out of date. It um is in need of being replaced and so we've set aside 1.2 million for that and then some center updates for fine arts. There's a pack center at Westbrook and BU are in need of the projector screens or we're looking at replacing them with um kind of like a scoreboard looking thing panels
071but the sound in those um centers also need to be upgraded as well. So we've set aside $150,000. We also gave them $300,000 during the regular budget process from our one-time funds. So, this may help them to be able to get both of the pack centers completed in both projects. We're hoping, but if not, we we may come back to the board or see where we're going with that. We're also asking the board to approve the increases in the budget for some additional purchase order carry forwards that have come in from ODM Academy and the transportation department. And then we're also asking to increase the department budgets to purchase panels um for technology classroom instruction for 175,000. And then the $350,000 for transportation is for the increase that is tied to the last agenda item
072to look at helping to staff our bus drivers. so that we can get our kids to school on time because we have a shortage of bus drivers at this time because the plants have um hired away a number of our bus drivers again. >> Yes. Uh I'd like to uh this is uh for Dr. Allen and also Mrs. Hernandez in reference to the scoreboard. I know you have a team, Dr. Allen, but uh are we or we should reach out to Dogit also. Uh I would like for Dr. Jackson and whomever you have, Dr. Allen, to uh come together on that since they have our signage in the front, you know, see if that's there's any advertisement or something like that. I know we have these expenses and we've been waiting to see how they
073fall in line with with with our needs also, you know, and uh that's a beacon beacon I always call it coming into Bulma from the uh west, you know. I mean, we're coming from west. But anyway, Miss Frank, geographically speaking, I got it. But anyway, uh I would like that to personally be uh something that you all consider too with all of these needs that we have out there too. So they can be aware of that and if there is anything they would like to contribute or be a part of Miss Mand. >> Okay. So um when we put out that RFP to name the stadium there were funs with that and at the same time we did do it for the scoreboard. This will give us the opportunity to be able to have someone
074sponsor the scoreboard. At the time when we did it, we didn't have anyone respond. So if we have the scoreboard already in place and then you can put anything on them. So if you want to have the sponsorship, if you want to show commercials, you would be able to do it. The the signage at the top of the current one is fixed. This one won't have that signage. It will be just where you can put whatever it is you want if you have a sponsorship. And we be may be able to uh sell even more sponsorships. But with our agreement with Dog, they do have the first right of refusal. I have a little problem with 1.2 million being slipped in here in this general fund group when we have children who can't read and
075they certainly won't be able to read the new scoreboard. That would pay for a whole lot of extra aids in prek and kindergarten and first grade classrooms. Why are we not doing this as a separate item? I realize I'm the only non-athlete group in the group. But, you know, I just have a problem with us focusing that much money on a scoreboard when we have children who can't read and teachers who can't teach because the children in their rooms won't let them. >> Okay. I I totally understand this, but the the funding that we're using for this, we don't know if it's going to continue. So, we're treating it as like additional funds. Right now, when you hire people, you have to be able to continue to sustain those expenditures if we don't have the
076revenue to offset those expenditures. Understand that quite clearly. However, I'd like to know one, where the money's coming from that we have to spend now, and two, why we're not doing this as a separate item because it's an enormous expenditure and it's important that we look at it and not just pass it because we're passing this whole big big fund balance fund amendment. >> When um we received our summary of finance, TEA finally updated them on Friday. with the amount that the district's going to receive for the regional insurance allotment. We also received at the t same time our chapter 313 um calculations from Mo Casey that that's the firm that's hired by the companies to come in and do the calculations and and just as uh Miss Hanley presented the the projections were $9
077million that she just talked about in this amendment. Sometimes they don't come to that amount. For instance, we budgeted million dollar in chapter 313 funding we're only going to receive six million. So sometimes those one time expenditures can be made and we take that opportunity to make them with the funding that we have at that time. >> So I guess the question that Miss is there a way and I don't know if there is because I know this is how we typically record additional revenue anytime we receive additional revenue. Is there Is there a way within this motion to separate where we're putting the 1.2 million for the scoreboard allocation? I know when you record when you record additional revenue, you have to actually put it in a function. You can't just say, "Oh, we're
078going to put 20 two and a half million two and a half million. We have to say where we're actually going to function that money outright." Well, we you have to report it as this is state revenue because it's coming through our summary of finance, but the regional insurance allotment is they haven't told us if it's going to get it every year. They gave it to us this year because insurancees have been so high. I don't know if it's going to continue. We can set aside and then in the future if we have to go into fun balance or we could cut, you know, more teachers Did I not ask for that information two board meetings ago? I got it last month. It was in the board book. It does not appear this month and
079I haven't forgotten it. >> No, we we were intending to give it on a quarterly basis. The update on the You're talking about the federal revenue, >> but we slip things through every month. >> No, we don't. We don't. No, ma'am. We don't slip things through every month. We were we are giving that quarterly federal program update. We're planning to give that. But this information is the way we report anytime we receive additional revenue. This is how we actually report it because of the amount of it in this instance and because it's being allocated in this line item if that's something that we need to consider figuring out a way to pull it out so it can be voted on separately. That's what I think I hear you saying. >> I I would be happier
080with that. you know, if we can is there a way then that we can do it in this particular make an adjustment to this document to do it today is what I'm asking. >> Well, Dr. Alan, before you go, I'd like to know how each board member feels. I understand the sentiments of Mrs. Hickman, but Miss Hickman, but I mean, do we need to change something because of how what are we thinking? >> Mr. Dunn had his mic on. Joe. >> Yes, sir. Mr. President, Miss Hernandez, and maybe I don't know if you can answer this question. Maybe um Dr. Jackson may have some insight on it. So, we went out to to be for the scoreboard. We used I guess a company of some sort that I guess sold us the package or the
081scoreboard >> that the scoreboard was 15 years old. >> No, I mean the new one that we want to purchase. you're going to put out for bid. >> We didn't put out bid. >> No, I guess the reason I'm asking is that um >> appropriate funds so that we can move forward. >> And once again, I think maybe Dr. Jackson can maybe answer this if you can't um or or close to it. If we can advertise and we're not ping to only dog it, how soon can we recoup the 1.2? we get close to it in a year or two or three or four if we're selling first downs by HB and touchdowns by you know Coca-Cola or whatever. How is there do we know that or is there way to gauge that? >> And
082and I don't I don't it's up to 1.2. I don't think we're going to spend 1.2 million on the scoreboard. I don't believe that at all. We're just allocating the 2.5 million up to I don't think we would have to spend that much money on the scoreboard. There's still other needs of course you know >> because I think I think it might be helpful for me and of course I think Miss Hickman to know that if we do spend this type of money that we can recoup a large portion of it and even maybe turn a profit after >> and it's very possible you know the intent is to keep the structure and then you're just going to replace it all the way up but we also have to redo the the equipment, the cameras,
083the computers as well. It probably won't even come to a million, but we have needs in the we've got to redo the the failing because of the age of the equipment. >> Jackson, >> good evening. Board President, uh, Dr. Allen, uh, school board, uh, I know this is a sensitive subject because I agree with Miss Signal along with the board members if you're thinking u it's always about time and the stadium was built in 2010 so it's 15 years old and when I heard early about the Chromebooks need to be changed out because of technology technology has changed since 2010 really for three to five years the company that we used to come and repair this telling us we need a new school, we need a new school, we need new school, but understand athletic
084department, you know, point of view. I am in public education, so I know the sensitive needs we have number one personnel, number two, educating our children, numbers and things of that nature. So, I never really approached the board wanting to ask for money in regards to a But two weeks ago, the company came out to repair the schoolboard again and he went from recommending a new school say you need one. We're at a point that we have parts on the schoolboard. If they go out, they're obsolete. We can't purchase them anymore. So they go out, it's three or four parts that if they go out, schoolboard is no longer working. Now I want to I'm not in a rush. We're not in a rush, but we are in a need. Okay. Uh I agree with
085Dr. I don't think it's going to be $1.2 million. I think the highest we've got for just the scoreboard on $800,000. I haven't gotten the bid in the last year or so because again, I never really wanted to come to the board and actually with all the other things we need to address. But now we've got to a point we have to address it between now and December because we have to get this done in the in the spring. We have seven football games left at the statement this year. I'm crossing my fingers for those three or four parts that don't go out. But if they do, we're going to be put in a situation. So we're going to either do it sooner or we're going to do it sooner or later. But we're going
086to do it very soon. We have to address this issue. But I agree with Dr. I don't think it's going to be$1.2 2 million for the schoolboard, but we're going to have to address I'm thinking around $800,000 total for the scoreboard and on the outside and Hernandez is correct. We also have to address the natorium timing system. We put that in 2010 and the technology we have inside the natorium is obsolete and when you replace it because it's obsolete, you can't just replace one or two parts of the timing system. You have to replace the entire So you're looking at about 800,000 for the scoreboard on the outside, about 150,000 for the time system on the inside. But I'm willing to work with Mandez, Dr. All and come up with approaches how we want to
087attack this issue. >> Mr. Dunn, >> they just recently returned from school board conference in Houston. Talked to several different companies. Uh they're going to come out and talk to you. We get a bid on that. They've got many versions of this talked about this a long time ago. We were talking about selling advertisement for like Mr. Hernandez was talking about around the top of this thing sides all the different things and that would generate generate a lot of funds. I don't know how much but we we can control that how much we want to do that for. And so if this happens, you send that out for a bid, right, for companies to advertise and all these other big stadiums are doing this also and they're generating mega funds about that. And I understand
088the importance of having funding for these children. I do understand that. But like you said, this thing is 15 years old and it's going to be going out. So we need to think about it. >> Again, it's not it's not a question of want, but we're going to have to do it. Uh not a video. scoreboard video be different. Now the entire video entire scoreboard will be video. So you can change advertisers week on week toe basis whoever provide that funding to you. So that's another option the district going to have now that we didn't have before. I want to make sure we're very very thorough uh throughout this process. I haven't shared this with Mr. Nandez but I did share this with Miss Cheetah. I said, I want to make sure we go look
089at other school districts that have recently purchased a school board, get their input, advice, what companies, uh, they use, you know, decided to go with, uh, what, you know, criteria that they make them meet. I want to make sure we're very thorough because we have been very good, uh, over the years, our finance department, as a board, making sure we're financially responsible for the taxpayers dollar. But again, this is not something that we wanted to do at this time. something we have to do. >> So, you know, one of the things that I was informed, you know, at the game last Friday, there was a need to keep turning it on and off to have it make it through the game. It wouldn't even make it through the game because he had to Mr. Cor
090had to continually turn the scoreboard on and off is on his last legs. >> Yes. And and Dr. She's been, you know, two or three years ago standing next to me, side by side as a superintendent. You know, why is this? And I have to be patient and say and I she superintendent so I didn't say anything back in response but Dr. Allen we as a district have so many other needs right now. I don't feel comfortable addressing this need right now. Now I feel comfortable addressing the need because there's nothing else we can do because back said I'm crossing my fingers on Friday nights. Just give me seven more games. That's all I'm asking for. Seven more games and then we can move forward. >> Any other questions Mr. Jackson? Okay. >> Now, if
091we were able to generate dollars from the advertising, we could take that money and put it towards putting aids in classrooms and designate that for that. >> Any other questions? And Mr. Anders, I apologize. I know you don't keep up with the teachers and who go where and stuff like that. You're just doing the financial part of this. Chewing out about programs that she has no control. >> None. >> Unless you got some extra money. >> Well, that would generate additional money. We don't we don't have any way to generate any additional funding unless the state gives it to us because as we decline in enrollment, we decline in our revenue. So, when we decline in our revenue, But when we're given this extra money that we don't know if it's going to sustain, we
092don't want to spend it on something that we're going to continue. But if it could generate extra money to put towards some additional expenditures that that would sustain it, then we're good. >> Thank you. Any other questions? All those in favor motion car 6. Mr. Mr. President, I recommend that the board approve purchases over $50,000 from the general fund in the amount of $400,47640 from capital projects in the amount of 1,155,1752 and from federal funds in the amount of $777,16610. >> A motion move to approve. >> Motion was made by Mr. Evans, second by M. Dunn. >> Thank you, Mr. Sige. Um, for the general fund purchases, these are continuations or renewals of subscriptions or software that we're currently using with the exception of Stanberry Uniforms. We have Edgeoria for 72,4850, Raptor Technology for 83,200,
093Gaggle for 99,000. Stanbury Uniforms is the purchase of uniforms for West. This is their year of rotation. They keep them for I believe it's 10 years. So this is the they're going to be for the next school year in the amount of $145,857.90. Um leafy roofing for out of the capital projects. This is the funds that we generated from the ber. So we transfer money over 2.2 million each year for the uh maintenance department to take care of our roof needs and our HVAC needs and that is um we're doing Ameilia Charlton Martin and Jones Clark with that silicone roof coding in the amount of 1 mill155,1752 then our federal funds purchases are the renewals of our agreements with NWA for um math class screening and monitoring in the amount of 71,150 Renaissance learning for
094accelerated leader in the in the amount of 122,242 and 166410 respectively in the amount of 435. Imagine learning in the amount of 86,471 amplify in the amount of 147,700 and then college board. This um purchase is actually split between federal funds and the general fund in the amount of $77,222 for West. Are there any questions? Mr. President, I recommend that the board approved the order authorizing the defeasence and optional redemption of certain outstanding maturities of the district's outstanding unlimited tax school building funds and further authorize the president to sign and vice president to counterign any related agreements. >> So move to approve. Second. Mr. I believe the sixth or seventh year that we will be defeing debt. Um the legislature has has put a little kink in it for next year because it's going to
095require a little bit um more work on us. But um we have actually saved taxpayers millions and millions of dollars by taking debt and paying it keeping the tax rate the same. And um this order will defe >> I know you don't understand the minds of legislators. Nobody does. But what are they making you do that makes it more difficult? >> They're going to require the board. Typically, our board votes unanimously, but you're going to have to have a a majority of the the board vote. And then also, you're going to have to do some calculations on the tax rate, report to the public, what it would be with it, and what it would be without it. The rate and then the board will be adopting a higher tax rate. But not necessarily because most
096of the time when they're doing my tax calculations, they're generating a tax rate higher than I'm adopting. >> Most of the time because our notice that I mean when they did the calculation this this season or this year, the Jefferson County Tax Office does that calculation that tax rate that they generated was higher than what we are actually adopting. But our notice that we publish because we publish What we're going to adopt was less and we're adopting the lesser. >> Mr. President, I recommend that the board approve the 2526 tax levy ordinance and resolution adopting a tax rate rate of 93481, which is is effectively a 3.2% 2% decrease in the tax rate and further authorize the president to sign and vice president to counter sign any related agreements. So >> second. >> Thank you,
097Mr. I want to remind the board that the uh Texas Education Agency calculates our tax rate for our maintenance and operations and they calculated it to be 6322. We're adding our 14 pennies that the voters approved when they voted in favor of our Vader. So our our im tax rate that you're adopting is 7722 and then we're holding our debt service rate at 16261. So we're actually lowering our tax rate three pennies this year. >> That's good. How much I know we got caught in recapture after the ve how much should we have to give back to the state? >> Um we're actually still working on those numbers. There's a couple of uh tea did update our summary finance on Friday but there's a still a couple of more things that they have to finish
098up but right now it looks like $1.4 million. >> We're not actually paying it. All they're doing is reducing the amount of revenue. Thank you. >> Any other questions? >> All those in favor? >> Motion carries 6. >> Mr. President, I recommend that the board approve the increase in starting pay to $23 per hour for full-time bus drivers and increase pay for substitute and part-time drivers to $23 per hour, including corresponding pay adjustments. >> So move second made by Mr. Evans, second by Mr. Dunn. >> Good evening, board. The administration recommends increasing the starting pay for bus drivers to $23 per hour. In addition, substitute and part-time drivers will also be moved to $23 an hour. applicable pay adjustments will be applied across the pay structure to ensure internal equity. Uh these adjustments are intended
099to strengthen recruitment and retention efforts by remaining competitive with uh surrounding school districts and a broader transportation uh uh the broader transportation industry and uh for your pleasure. The goal is is to ensure that our students are in school on time. Any questions? Go ahead, Mr. Evans. >> Thank you, Mr. President. More more comments and and a thank you to Dr. Allen, too. U Dr. Allen, when I when I had a chance to email you about some things um regarding the transportation uh department with very little time, you you produced a pretty comprehensive document. I want you to know it wasn't was not an exercise of futility and I learned a lot and it will help me to have you know meaningful conversations with community because one of the the overwhelming conversations I have, one
100of the biggest complaints is transportation in some form of fashion. Kids are late. Kids are are not getting there on time. They're in crazy places. It's dark. And so, I want the community to know that. And in your report, you you addressed the shortage. We know we have a shortage and we're we're actively taking steps to to make sure that that is not the case. you talked about, you know, one of the questions I had was about monitors or aids and we we I learned that we do at least have special in our special ed routes, we do have aids assigned and I noticed that you said that it was one of the things that you're open to to talking more about. So, Miss Hern Hernandez, during budget time, we may have that discussion about
101how do we get more aids on the bus purely based on a conversation with a driver who said, "I left, but I would probably come back if I could have aid on this bus." Um, Derwin, thank you very Mr. Samuel, thank you very much for, you know, understanding that we we have to be competitive in our pay. And like you and I talked, you know, when you guys see all those buses, if you go to Port Arthur, you see like a gazillion buses in the morning. They're busting these guys in and out of the plants. We can't compete with that, but we're going to try. So, I want parents and the community to know that we understand. Um, one something else down there's there's a tracking program in place. So, we're tracking these buses and
102we're we're making note of arrival times, pickup times, because we are really trying to hone in on making sure that we're above operating in best practice neighborhood. So, um, I like it. Um, I hope we can continue to do a little bit more. Um, but bus drivers and future bus drivers, parents and communities, just know that we're cognizant of what's going on and we are actively trying to to fix it. Would you agree? >> Absolutely. You know, right now we are I think it's eight is it eight bus drivers short and you know so many folks who don't have the title of bus driver are driving buses and it is it is very challenging right now. Hopefully we'll be able to attract some of our former bus drivers back with this uh pay increase that
103would actually get them over $25 an hour. when you apply, you know, the 23 uh dollar minimum when you apply that to the uh to the pay formula. But parents right now, we certainly encourage our parents to download the app, the Myra K12 app. Download the app. You can know exactly when your child is expected to be at home. You can know when that bus is late. It is an excellent tool if parents choose to go and download the app. So, we're really encouraging them to do so. You know, I know it's challenging right now, but I'm I'm optimistic that this pay increase will help us re re uh regain some of our former drivers and put us Do you know, Mr. Samuels, where it will put us competitively in our region for school districts?
104I don't know if you know that. >> Okay. Compared to the other school districts and what they what they're starting Okay. Okay. Any other questions? Thank you, Mr. Sam, Mr. Nand. All those in favor? Motion carry 6. All right, it's almost time to go. M Evans, >> happy birthday. Miss Spooner and uh principles, administrators, community members who are in attendance. Thanks for for sticking with us. Um but so good night. >> I am so glad we're doing TIA. It is so very very beneficial to our our staff, our teachers. I see uh seen it personally um and retain teachers in the districts. So I'm excited that B is doing this. Um, Head Start. Good job, Miss Greenwood. Keep up the good work. Thank you very much. And shout out to the bus drivers. Yay. Let's
105do this. >> Mr. Mitch's driving. >> Mr. Mets out there driving the bus. >> Wait, Mr. Dunn. >> To all of you out there, I just want you to know we really appreciate what what what you guys are doing. We know it's difficult and sometimes is just people don't give you enough praise for what you do and understand what you're doing and you're doing it for their children. And I know they fuss at you and get all crazy sometimes, but you need to understand that's their babies and they're concerned about it, but they need to understand that you are concerned just as well as they are about their children and their safety and their education. So, I want you to understand that we know what you do and we truly appreciate it. Thank you. Spooner.
106>> Well, I tell you, you caught me off guard. >> Okay. So, that mean you're gonna keep it short. >> Well, I tell you, you know, there are times and I want to start by thanking the board uh for wishing me and the administration including Dr. Allen and each one of you. I don't want to miss anybody that wish me a happy birthday, I tell you. And um it was actually yesterday, but I have this uh philosophy. I celebrated the whole month because September has only 30 days. So, you know, I want to thank you all for that. I was going to be speechless, but I do want to I know that's hard for me to do, but I would uh like to say we've had a very productive meeting and I would like to
107salute uh as I close tonight, Hispanic Americans and special reference to their influence and many contributions to history, culture, and endless achievements in our district and in the world. And I looked out in the audience and I thought the director of uh bilingual and ESL, Blanca Jones, was still here. Has she left? Oh, Blanca's okay. Blanca, can you come to the podium, please? Come on down. Yes. And uh you know, I'm not trying to model you all, but a couple of years ago, Blanca and her team uh let me see for board appreciation. I don't know what everybody had in their bag, but they blessed me with this shirt. >> It's very cute. >> It is just gorgeous. It is. >> Thank you for wearing it. Yes. I cannot wait to wear it to different
108things I will be attending. And uh Blanca, I'm going to yield to you because I'm thinking about several people under your umbrella and even some parents like the Rodriguez. >> Can you go ahead and yield? >> No, no, I can't. Okay. So, President said I must yield to you. So, I'm going to yield to you and I want to tell you to keep doing what you're doing. You all are doing a great job. Miss Martinez Gillery, where is she at? Right there. I retired with that lady and uh Dr. Frank and all of them. >> Hey, fantastic, Miss Funa. >> Thank you. Got all of that. >> But you forgot it's my birthday. You need to give me block. >> Thank you. It's gonna be my birthday next week also so we can celebrate together.
109Thank you so much. Actually, I really appreciate all your support, especially the board, Dr. Allen, Dr. Frank, Miss Che, Miss Angelo, because if it was not because of your support, we wouldn't be doing everything that we're doing right now. And as Miss Jackie mention, we're inviting everybody to our bilingual night. This is the 10th year. Can you believe that? I've been in the district for nine years and this is the 10th year with that we celebrate our bilingual night and uh we hope that our community comes together again at Fletcher Elementary. Thank you. >> It's growing every year though. >> Every year exponentially grows. >> Yeah, we need we need to find another place like larger place. But uh we honestly we want to honor our bilingual campuses which only we only have two Kowan
110and Fletcher and that's why we always try to either one of those campuses. They're phenomenal. They we're working together pretty good, especially now that we're introducing this is the second year of our dual language program and it's it's growing. We're very proud of it. Thank you for your support. >> Thank you. >> And Miss Jones, I'd get to celebrate until October 15th. >> Okay. It's September 15 to October 15. >> Hispanic Heritage Month. goes from September 15, which it was this Monday, till October 15 as well. >> So you can wear your shirt again and again and again. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. >> I'm not sure I like where I sit this year. I have to follow Miss Wallace Spooner. >> Uh thank everybody for everything. It's been a great start of
111the school year and it's all because of you. Thank you. um continue to do the outstanding work you're doing and we'll get where we need to be. Have a good night. >> Thank you, Doc. >> Mrs. Sige, Mr. President, I think I'm speechless. [Laughter] >> Well, I'm I'm going keep it short as well. Y'all have a good evening.