001and we believe that this is in the best interest for our students and our staff to bring on another security guard at WAPS. Uh right now we're holding at nine security guards and this will make it 10 security guards. So it is in the best interest for our kids. >> Three and three. Three at high school, three at WHs. >> Three at high school and three at WHs. >> You're still going to have the police officers here. >> Oh yes, sir. >> Four at high school and high school. >> We had two at We only had two at W. We're moving to three. >> We're moving to three. >> And what about elementaryaries there? >> There's one campus. >> One per campus. Yes. Next, I would like to uh on the teachers and librarian salary
002schedule, I just want to clarify from our last budget meeting that we held. Uh this will be for all teachers and for the librarians. We do have two librarians at the elementary level and we do have two librarians at the secondary level. We have one librarian at WAMS and one at Alice High School, which would be a total of four librarians in the district. And that's our salary schedule for the 25 26 year. >> Those are the only changes that we have from the last time that we met. We just wanted not to repeat everything but just the changes being recommended after reviewing these with the administrators any additional changes for this >> and on our substitute pay rate. Uh we did call around the area surrounding areas and this way we're compatible and we
003can help uh our substitute pay. we are recommending and I we I did call around the surrounding areas is for our substitutes from going from $80 to $90 a day. Our certified teachers from 120 to 130. Uh our subs that have a bachelor's degree from 100 to 110 and our subs and existing vacancies to go from 150 to 160. And this will we be compatible for surrounding areas. >> Any increase to substitutes had not been done for many years. So we're trying to also recognize the cost of living and we do need subs and we want to just be fair compared to the market value. >> Now on the 2526 proposed statements. Okay. What we are uh recommending for is to uh bring up to the board is on page 22 and I know we
004brought up last time but I we are recommending that we provide for our English teachers at Alice High School a stipen of 3,500. Okay, which right now we have 10 English teachers over at Alice High School. And then we have one uh teacher that is providing the English class that counts for credit for Alice High School and will be paying her recommended for a $3,000 stipen. But this is our 2526 stipen list. Any questions? >> Good evening, members of the audience, members of the board. Last time we met at our budget workshop, you guys asked us to evaluate the difference between um lowering the math, science, and English benefits to 3500 versus keeping them at the 4,000 that they were at. And so these stipens get paid out of a title two budget, which is
005a federal program. And so they lowered our budget this coming year by 68,000 overall and they lowered the salaries category as well. So you see in green there the new budget for the new year. If we keep everybody at $3,500 we will be under budget for salary and fringe at 212,000 for the year. If we go with the $4,000 we'll be overbudget in our salaries category. So that's why we're still recommending to go with the 3500 for the math, science, and English stipens. >> And for the English, it's going to be their first time ever receiving. >> Yes. So on the general fund side, when we were projecting revenue, we had some assumptions that we made. One of the first ones was that enrollment should be at 4,300 students. And of those 4,300, we were
006we're expecting an APA of 91%. So in 23 24 we had a 91% uh ADA in 24 and 25 we had 92.91. So we are aiming for a higher number but for budget purposes we are being conservative with the 91%. Um our total taxable property values came in at 1.233 billion. This was lower than our 2024 values of 1.365 billion. And this is because of the new homestead exemption that is going to be coming into effect of 140,000 for each home instead of the 100,000 that we had in 2024. And we are um estimating that our property taxes collected will be at 97%. So with the passing of HB2, we are receiving some additional money in the coming year. One of them being the basic aotment that increased from 6160 to 6215 per ADA. So
007that'll get us an additional 214,000 for the year. Then we had the safety aotment increase from 10 to $20 per ADA. And the per campus aotment went from 15,000 to $33,540 per campus. So this is about $154,000 more than last year. Um the teacher retention a limit we're projecting 1.7 billion to come in and this is to be used only for teacher salary increases nothing else. Uh the support staff retention aotment which is an additional 154,000 is to be spent only on support staff that does not include any administrative staff. And then we have the basic cost aotment which was $106 per student. And this is to help cover any operational costs like your transportation, your utilities, your insurance premiums. And that we're projecting at about 455,000. So after looking at all of that, our
008revenues for the general fund look like this. We will have local sources at 8,446,365. Our state revenues will be 39,364,231 and our federal revenues will be at $230,000 which brings us a total of 48 million4,596. So last time we were here, we were also we showed you all um how did you go so far? We showed you all four different models for some possible pay increases for our staff. And you guys asked us to focus on just two of the models, which was model 3 and model 4. So if you see model 3, teachers will get a $2,000 increase if they have 1 to two years experience, 4,000 if they have three to four years, and 8,000 if they have five plus years. And this will be based off of a PES report that will
009be submitted. And this will be the same in model 3 and in model 4. professional and admin. In model 3, it's 2% of the midpoint. So, the average increase for each employee there would be $1,722 per year. In model 4, if it's 3% of the midpoint, the average is $2,72 per year. The paraprofessionals in both models will get 75 cents per hour and that increase is about 4%. That's an average of 4% and an average of $1,189 per year. Um, auxiliary staff would also get 75 cents an hour and that increase is about 4.5% or $1,370 per year. And the reason auxiliary staff is a little bit higher than pair of professionals is only because they work calendars that have more days than the pair of professionals. So they're increased higher. So the total cost
010for model 3 is 38,672,000. Model 4 is 38,739,000 and there's only a difference of $67,163. So we are going to go ahead and we budgeted for model 4 which is the 3% increase because at this time we think the district can take on these costs. So, we also gave the campuses their own a lotments to budget for and um so this was based on enrollment. So, high school got $170 per student, middle school got $140 per student, and elementaryaries got 115 per student. We also had some cost savings when we were looking at the budget. One of the biggest ones was from our property insurance premiums. We went out to get a renewal for the incoming year and uh which will be brought to the board at the next board meeting. So um our premiums
011in 2024 were $795,000. In 2025 they'll be $689,000. So that's a $106,000 savings that we'll have from that or a 13% rate in reduction in rate. And we did update the schedules with additions and deletions uh like the stadium that we're not using this whole year, the the bleachers, the press box, everything that we don't have there. >> Those are savings on the insurance. >> Yes. >> Our copier fees are expected to go down also because we're not using Sharon Wells this coming year. So we won't be making copies this coming year. And so that was that was about 42,000. >> Is that an inside joke? >> It is. >> And then our biggest one is the substitute cost. So last year this time we were budgeting a deficit and we were looking at ways
012that we could decrease our cost. And the year before in 2324 our substitute costs were over $800,000. And so that was one of the areas we were going to focus on. And so our substitute costs went down to $571,000 for this this year. So that's over $254,000 that we're going to be saving in our upcoming budget. So this is what our expenditures look like um by function and the total is 48,40,596 >> to the I rounded. So uh our fund balance this is estimated beginning fund balance as uh 42526 would be 17,732,63. Our projected revenues are and expenses equal. So our ending fund balance would be 17,732,63. And in order to um >> be in compliance with the amount that we have to have the three months operating expenses, we would have to have at
013least 12,10,149. So we are in compliance still. So then our next major fund is our child nutrition services and this budget is at 4,662,66 and uh revenues and expenditures will balance and then debt service is our third fund and the budget for this would be 5,523,000. uh the revenues are staying and this is enough to cover our um debt payments of 5,518,000 plus >> that's for all the bonds of 2024 >> yes 16 we'll be paying one of them off this year so we'll have one of them off the schedule >> bonds >> one of them and so this is really small I don't know if y'all can see it but you can see the three major funds put together and they're all balanced. And I just want to say that this is it's been
014not just this year. It's this has been years of work put into trying because we knew we were going to have deficits. So this has been years of work from everybody in the district from the attendance of the students to the teacher attendance, the CCMR, the just watching our budgets closely. So it's on everybody. Everybody did a good job. >> So do you all have any questions? >> Well, I want to thank you for because you were here before and you >> was it was you and uh well thank you for that. >> Thank you. >> So we'll be able to give that raise of 3% 75 cents the teachers all that without having to go to fund balance this year. So Melissa, >> I I did have some questions, but it wasn't about the
015budget. It was about the stipens. >> Um, and maybe I don't I don't know if it's cut off, so I don't know if this would go to Lynette, but um, so I'm looking at like in athletics. Um, and it could have been very well cut off, but I see that we have a head girl soccer, but we don't have an assistant girl. >> There is an assistant who was cut off. Okay. And then I see that we have a head swim coach, but it says head swim girls. Is there a head swim boys or >> is it just one coach? >> Because it's 7 through 12 and there's no assistant. So I was just wondering >> and then the assistant. >> Okay. But is there an assistant? >> Yes. Yes. Okay. >> Cuz it wasn't
016listed. That's why I was wondering. Okay. I think it's just when it bakes into a >> Okay. When you put it in a PowerPoint, it cuts off. >> Stop. Okay. I was just wondering cuz I was like, "Oh my god, she's doing seven through 12." I just wanted to make sure. >> Any other questions? >> Yeah, I do. Back to the stipens as well. I noticed that the math and the the English at the high school We leveled them off at 3500 and but the English at middle school is 3,000 >> but MS is middle school. Right. >> Right. >> It says 3,000 and math middle school is 3000. Should they not all be the same or is there a difference because it's high school? >> I think they've always had them a little different.
017Okay. >> This last year and the year before, every year when I went back, they had it uh the high school was hired in the middle school is >> so and that is a reason. I mean, is it harder to teach English at the high school than it is at middle school? I mean, I'm just I don't know. I'm asking why the difference. >> I think also the recruitment piece. I mean, because that's throughout the state, the high school is just a little more demanding. I can't just >> And then the one at the the one at the middle school that's highlighted, that one y'all said gives them high school credit, right? >> Yes, sir. >> But that one's 3,000. And the one the English teacher at the high school, which offers the same credit,
018is 3500. >> Yes, sir. >> That one I can see because that is a high school. >> It's a high school credit. >> I think we need to raise that But isn't the math also because they do algebra one as well, right? >> Maybe one or two section. >> Algebra one. >> No, that's true. It's not all day. It's just one section. >> And then biology as well. >> True. >> It's just 26 kids. >> Okay. >> Not all day. >> Okay, I understand that. Okay. >> Same thing with the algebra. Yeah, >> but those are good questions. Yeah, I I think if they're teaching a high school level class, they should probably be compensated for that. >> And I think just because the high school, if they're teaching the high school course, they're teaching
019it all day long, >> right? >> And at WH will be the >> one section of that certification like the English math. >> Correct. Well, and I know it's easier to get uh >> Sorry. >> Like in middle school, they could be like uh like a fourth through 8th generalist and they can teach every subject. Yeah. >> And I get that. >> But I I kind of feel like need they need something if they're being held accountable to, you know, for those students to get credit. >> So that's good. >> Thank you. The questions. Thank you. >> Good job, ladies. >> Thank you. Is there any other questions or comments at this time? Thank you so much for your hard work. >> And we're hoping to have a bring to the board on Monday the
020compensation plan and the stipens so we can start inputting that information and the raises to come later on because Melissa needs to post the tax rate in the paper for 10 days. At this time, on to item number five on the agenda. Ajourn. The time is now 5:59 p.m. This one [Music] says No, >> he's on right now. The time is now 6:32 p.m. I'd like to welcome everyone here to the specially called board meeting here at the Alice Independent School District. Thank you for all of you who are joining in the audience and to all of you who are watching online and invested in our district. Today is Thursday, August 7th, and I'm now calling this meeting to order. This is a specially called board meeting of the board of trustees of the Alice
021Independent School District to be held in the ALSD administration building 412 pilot trial Texas 78332 to do the roll present today is Dr. Aniah myself board president Jennifer Ba Mr. Vice President Herman Ariano trustee Adrien Pena trustee Miss Deba trustee Mr. Cody Reeves and trustee Mr. Lemon. So at this time we have a quorum. This meeting is called and posted in accordance with the Texas Openings Act section 551.043 of the Texas government code. On to item number three on the agenda. The pledge to the United States flag to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [Music] I aliance to thee, Texas, one state, one indivisible. Item number four on the agenda, public comment. Audience participation
022in a board meeting is limited to the portion of the meeting designated to include public comment in accordance with the board policy be local. At all other times during a board meeting, the audience shall not enter into discussion or debate on matters being considered by the board unless requested by the officer. If the speaker is seeking board resolution of a specific complaint, that concern should be addressed through the district grievance process. At regular board meetings, the board shall permit public conduct regardless of whether the topic is an item on the agenda posted with notice of leave. Public comment shall occur at the beginning of the meeting. Individuals who wish to participate during the portion of the meeting designated for public comment shall sign up with the presiding officer or designate before the meeting begins as
023specified in the board's procedures on public comment and shall indicate the agenda item or topic on which they wish to address the board except as permitted by board policy beed local and the board's procedures on public comment An individual's comments to the board shall not exceed 3 minutes per meeting. When necessary for effective meeting management or to accommodate large numbers of individuals wishing to address the board, the presiding officer may adjust public comment procedures in accordance with BED local, including establishing an overall time limit for public comment and adjusting the time allotted to each speaker. However, no individual shall be given less than one minute to make comments. Thank you, Dr. At this time, we do have someone who has signed up on the public comments portion, Miss April Alua of committee action. He's going
024to address the lease agreement for Mary R. Garcia. Miss Alua. Yes. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> So, board chair Dr. Ano and board members, I would just like you to know. So, I'm here today. My name is Awansel Dua. I'm with Community Action Corporation of South Texas um with the Head Start Birth of Five program and we're just um asking that you strongly consider and reconsider the continuation of the lease agreement for Mary or Garcia for the upcoming school year. So we currently serve 152 students at that site birth to five and so we have infants, toddlers in half of the building and our three and four year olds on the other half. So most of those aren't they're not four until they're kind of four before the September ones. They kind of roll
025in. So we provide education, health services, mental health services with our LPC and a lot of family engagement for parent uh evidence-based parenting. And so we just ask that we're able to continue to provide this support and this service to the community at that facility. Thank you. Thank you, Michelle. Thank you. >> Thank you. On to item number five, the action items. 5A, consider action and possible action on the agreement with the A Corporation of South Texas for the leasing of Mar Garcia for the 2025 2026 school year. We'd like to recommend that you all extend that agreement. We got the agreement in late July and so we know that it's pressing for a community action being that they start school August the 12th and that's why we thought it to put it in this
026meeting. So we do recommend that the board approve this. It is continuing to serve the students in our community and we'd love to have that partnership continue. >> Thank you Dr. Pinho. At this time do we have a motion? >> I'll make a motion. >> We have a motion by Mr. one. >> I'll second >> and a second by Mr. Pña. >> All in favor? Any opposed? Motion passes. Item 5 B, consideration and possible action of the policy implementing House Bill 1481, policy FNCE, local. Dr. >> Yes. Good afternoon, members of the audience, members of the board. Last time that we had a board meeting, we did have Lyanna Vasquez share what the committee had evaluated as far as implementing House Bill 1481, which or includes the fact that students cannot be using cell phones
027during the school day. And so we'd like to give you all an update of where the committee stands as well as with the principles. Good evening uh board president, members of the board of the committee. So uh last time I was here, we brought to you this as anformational item. So tonight we do bring this to you as for approval for FNC local. Um I do thank you for the opportunity to let us speak tonight about this issue and we do know that it's pressing for our students who continue to use these devices during instructional time. So just kind of a little bit background on that. So our house bill 49 uh 1481 was passed by the AD Texas legislature. It mandates that school districts adopt a telecommunications policy uh restricting the use of personal
028electronic devices during instructional time. This is Texas law. This is not something that we're putting together on our own. Uh I presented this last time like I saidformational item. Um, I'm just going to read over what I presented last time for those who weren't here. So, in accordance with House Bill 1481, analysis's dedication to providing a safe, respectful, and academically focused environment, the district will implement a strict no cell phone policy beginning with the 2526 school year. A student is prohibited from possessing or using a personal communication device on school property during the school day. The use or possession of cell phones or other personal electronic devices, including smartwatches, earbuds, or similar technology, is strictly prohibited during the school day. These items must be left at home and will not be allowed on campus. No
029student personal electronic devices will be accepted for storage by campus staff. Students who bring prohibited devices to school will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the student code of conduct. Now there are some exceptions that will be granted only under the following conditions and again this was given to us. This is not exceptions that we made. Uh a student's individualized education program their IEP requires use of a specific device such as a student who needs assisted technology for therapy or transition. A student has a section 504 plan that outlines approved use such as a student who uses her phone to receive time real time glucose readings via a continuous glucose monitor. A student has a documented medical condition with supporting documentation from a licensed healthcare provider necessitating uh access to a device during
030the school day. This will be reviewed by the campus nurse and administration. And while the committee strongly recommends implementing a full ban on personal communication devices during the instructional day as it is the most effective way to eliminate distractions and support classroom learning. We also recognize the importance of flexibility in implementation. For that reason, the committee has provided alternative options uh as requested by the board for consideration that still aim to minimize disruptions while allowing for our campus specific needs. These options are designed to maintain focus on teaching and learning even if a complete plan is not immediately adopted. So for option one I shared with you uh with the committee has come up with uh banning the all cell phones. We do have an option two. Option two we were looking at u continuing
031the W's routine which is every morning students turn in their phones to their first period teacher. During the final five minutes of seventh period, they return to their first period classroom to retrieve their devices before dismissal. That would just be for WAMs only. All other campuses, the students would be allowed to store their phones in their backpacks with their phone turned off and security stored out of sight. For high school, the students must keep the personal communication device powered off the entirety of the school day while on school property and must keep it out of reach in the students locker or in a backpack. That's our option two. Option three would be backpack storage only for all campuses. This would include students at all campuses will keep phones powered off and stored in backpacks during
032the school day. Any visible or audible use is addressed with disciplinary action. Students must keep the personal communication device powered off the entirety of the school day while on school property and must keep it out of reach in the student's locker or in a backpack. These are these disciplinary actions are for all three options. First offense would be device is confiscated, mandatory conference written warning. Second offense would be the device is confiscated, mandatory conference, one day of inschool suspension and one day of extracurricular activities. That is something new that we added. We didn't bring this to you last time. Third offense would be device confiscated, mandatory parent conference, two days of inschool suspension, two days of no extracurricular activities. Fourth offense would be device confiscated, mandatory parent conference, 3 days of inschool suspension, 3 days
033of no extracurricular activities. And then the fifth offense would be device confiscated. Parent and student have to attend a mandatory 45 minute session. That would be with our counselors and social workers just kind of looking at why uh uh cell phones are affecting our students. Four days of inschool suspension, four days of no extracurricular activities. After the fifth offense, cell phone privileges are removed. And that of course would be for option two and three. We will still continue to confiscate the devices and they can only be picked up by a parent or guardian on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. So, as a committee, they decided, well, how would we iron this out? Well, if it's a same day confiscation, they will they will be picked up at the next available date. So,
034I gave you examples. If a student's phone is confiscated on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m., their parent will need to pick it up on Thursday between 2 and 4 p.m. If a phone is confiscated on Thursday at 10:00 a.m., the earliest pickup will be on Tuesday between 2 and 4 p.m. So, yes, that would mean the student would not have the phone that whole weekend until Tuesday. >> You went this way. Sorry. So why we chose this time frame? Our campus principles do play a vital role in maintaining our structure, safety, and consistency across the school day. In implementing the cell phone ban, we have been intentional about establishing specific non-negotiable pickup times for confiscated devices. This is not about convenience. It's about protecting the instructional day. They are strategic and they allow each campus to
035operate efficiently while keeping the focus on teaching and learning. In closing, I just want to sincerely thank the board for your time, attention, and thoughtful consideration of this important matter. Regardless of the decision made tonight, we are grateful for your continued commitment to support our students and staff. I also want to thank the committee tonight. If they would please stand up, they're here in the audience. These were made of our administrators, our teachers, and our um Did I miss anybody? Administrators, teachers, and we have a couple of our fine arts and our athletic director there as well. Thank you for that. And we uh thank you all for devoting your time, and collaboration, and exploring our solutions, and recommending what they believe is best for teaching and learning across all campuses. >> Thank you. So
036there are three options. >> Three options. One is banning. Me go back. See if I can go back to this. The first one would be the ban of all devices on campus. That's option one. Two would be WHAMS would continue their routine which they pick up during first period. After the end of five minutes of seventh period, they would go back. They get up during their first period class. And all the other campuses, high school and the elementaryaries would have to uh they're allowed to store their phones in the backpacks. That's option two. Option three would just everybody just has the backpack storage. >> How long has been doing it like that? >> This is two years. Two years. >> This will be >> when I started. >> So two complete. >> I have a
037question for both I guess Dr. How effective is that policy as far as compliance? So, I'm going to be honest. We don't we're not at 100% compliance with our students. I think at the beginning of the school year, we were about maybe 8020 or 80% of our students were turning in their cell phones. They were compliant. They were doing what they needed to do. But, of course, as the year gets goes on, kids become a little bit more comfortable. And so, towards the end of the year, I would say it was about a 6040. But I am going to say that just because 40% of our students weren't turning it in, doesn't mean that we were having issues with them pulling out their cell phones, they weren't turning it in, but they were probably keeping
038it in their backpacks and just not bringing it out. So, we never were really aware, but we did see a decrease in the amount of phones that were being turned in. >> I have a question, too. >> Thank you. >> Um, extracurricular, I'm sure you guys have like policies already in place. I I know cheer does because cheer doesn't allow the phones to be used at all during practices when they're getting ready for competition and they're pretty strict about that. It band I know you mentioned the last meeting that you all do the same thing. Is that across the board with all extracurricular or >> Yes, it is. >> It is. >> Yes, ma'am. >> So, for the most part, our students do comply and they just >> And I guess at that time it
039wasn't the law. >> Right. Right. It was just something that we had put in place. >> Now it is the law and a student who would have it out is not not complying. Well, now not be complying with state law and now administrators need to make sure that we are. So that's why consequences do have to be, you know, very consistent, >> right? Very consistent. >> Consequences are good. We still do give that written warning because we did the last time we talked we said let's give them at least that uh first warning before they begin the consequences. >> So what exactly is one day of no extracurricular activities and what and what determines >> I mean if your star quarterback is getting the one day is it Friday night or is it Monday morning?
040Um have coach address that because that did we sell out. So >> yeah. So like right now if a kid is in ISS on the day of of a >> game they don't participate in correct they're in ISS. >> If from what I understand the day that the offense happens the confiscation of the phone they would miss that particular day. Okay. Whether it's a game day whether it's just practice but they would miss. Now, if it's not a game day, it's still going to affect that kid cuz he missed the day of practice, right? >> Which affects his playing time and things of that nature. So, it could happen on a game day. >> Same thing with band, right? >> Same thing with bad. Okay. >> So, they know I mean, >> exactly. >> So,
041it's on the day of the confiscation, not a day chosen by >> it depends on the time, too. >> The time of the day. tell you all that we've tried to get them started this summer with it to prepare them and they they've been pretty good about it. I I did share today that uh we've noticed with phones being off the marching pad uh and watching and teaching instruction they're talking more >> and we thought it was a behavior. No, they're socializing. >> They're building those relationships with one another. They're getting to know each other. >> Well, Dr. Ku initiated that three years ago and and it was like oh my gosh what's going to happen and look where we're at now. >> So for like the at Williams if they got to turn it
042in at first period Dr. Cabala brought up that people were turning in broken phones. So if they get if they turn in a phone right the teachers don't think they have it on them and they get caught with the phone is that going to count as their first they blatantly broke the rule they knew they were doing wrong. So, is that going to count as one of their first defense, I guess? >> Well, the first offense, we're going to iron out details, whatever decision y'all decide. So, that first week of school would be more likely to be a one to two written warning before we actually begin the consequences because again, we got to tell the teacher, staff how we're going to iron this out. We got to let the public know. We let the
043students know. Let's, you know, try to make sure we're all on the same page. Whatever we decide, >> we're going to be consistent across all our campuses. after our meeting their meeting >> when you go to close session we're going to meet together with the principles and based on the decision what we're going to have to do >> so it'll still be bell to bell correct like in other words >> from when they come into the building >> I have a question if I can recall correctly when my sons were in elementary school their backpacks were hanging outside the classroom are all elementary schools like that so the phone will not even be in the classroom is that correct >> I It should not. You're right. All of our campuses have a book on outside
044of the room. Um, however, like in their pockets, you know, we won't really know that. But at the same time, at the elementary level, it hasn't been an issue as large as high school. more for our if y'all would agree with me, it's more like in the afternoon at the end of the day, our fourth and fifth graders might be the ones to call home and just be like, "Mom, you know, I'm ready." or whatever, but it's not like a lot >> and that's after really after school. >> And the only issue that we um came across and it's just a handful were kids wearing the smart watches. And so there were a few times where students were messaging parents, I don't feel welcome for me. And then parents would show up, I'm here for
045my child, they're not feeling well. We didn't have that connection with the nurse and whatnot. So like, what's going on? Or it became a pattern of the student wanting to go home with the connection of the iPhone and just a handful of kids. And so we had to put a stop to that. >> But now they'll all have to be in the backpack, right? Or not bring it back. >> And then if Dr. Kavala could answer. Is there a locker available for every high school student? >> We do. Whenever we expanded, we became a 9 through12 campus, we did add lockers in all the new parts of the high school. So when we used to issue lockers, you know what, 10 years ago, every student was issued a locker. So there are enough. And then
046we also talked with band and athletics that the students that go to to them first period, they could leave them in those lockers and that way it wouldn't have to be in the backpack. And I think Miss Vosquez has also stated either locker or backpack. I'll choose that option. >> But same advantage football are the lockers locked. >> So I talked to coach Garcia if you want to elaborate on that. >> Yeah, we all we issue out of lockers. A lot of our lockers already have the the built-in locks already, but the ones that don't, we issue out lockers to all of our kids. And we're going to highly encourage and recommend that our athletes leave their cell phones locked in their lockers. But hey, junior high, >> same thing. They get locks as well
047for their >> I remember that they they stole they would steal the clothes >> their their pennies and all that >> cuz they'll leave their stuff out though. >> They forget to lock the lock. They leave it open. And once y'all make the decision through the PR department, they're going to be creating a video too on how this can be executed and rolled out so everyone can be in the know. >> Did you put the options back up real quick? >> Yeah, of course. >> Thank you. >> I know what I did. >> So option option one is the ban the no. Okay. Two is the WHAM's routine where they continue what they're already doing. Now, high school and all other campuses would do the backpack storage. And then three would just be everybody doing
048the backpack storage. >> So, the difference between option two and three is WHAMS. And WHAMS is pretty much used to the routine. It's successful. It gives teachers and they're not having to >> Do you have a preference? >> We we are comfortable with option two. >> Yes, because I honestly feel that that would be the best option for whams because our students are already used to it with the exception of our incoming sixth graders, but we can definitely get them in the routine of that and I think that it's also safer for them in the long run to have this option. >> I'll make a motion for option two. >> I have one more question. So if they um let's just say they don't turn it in. So is there a consequence if they don't
049turn it in and just leave it on off mode in their backpacks? >> So if we find it I if if it if it I mean if it goes off or if we find it I mean we are going we can't what I was told is we can't go through backpacks to specifically look for a cell phone. >> And so with the ban >> we were able to do that. So we were looking for three things. That's what we were prepared to do is of course weapons, drugs, and cell phones. But if they are allowed to keep them with them, you know, we we couldn't go through them. It would just be unfortunately they need to turn it in. If a teacher suspects, they can let us know and we can question the student. You
050know, we can build that relationship with them and just let them know it's important for you to turn it in and maybe call up the parent and tell the parent and have that conversation with the parent as well to make sure did your child bring a cell phone? If they say yes, you know, we just need to follow protocol. We just want to make sure this is in place for the protection of of your child. We don't want them getting in trouble. So, just having those conversations with parents. >> I just I have a concern in that, you know, because I always forget how to even silence the phone, you know, you know, when you go to a meeting, you're supposed to and I always press the wrong button and turn the volume up versus
051turning the volume down. My concern is is do you have a classroom of 22 23 kids and somebody's phone goes off and then there's going to be especially at the junior high >> you know it's going to be you're going to lose time now because like all right who has a cell phone so is there's going to be this big drama about whose phone just went on I mean how do you I'm just curious how would you handle that >> yeah well their phone should be turned in in the event that it's not we normally do go in if if there's a disruption with the cell phone, especially now because it's it is against the law, >> right? >> And so we would have to go in and investigate and follow through with the consequences
052because the last thing we want is our students to see or hear a cell phone go off and us not act on it and then they think, "Oh, okay. Well, they're not really looking into it, so we have to follow through." >> We also have shared with Mr. set aside that at all the PTO meetings and all the parent meetings that we also address this with the parents to remind them don't be texting your student or calling them also because sometimes it's the parents calling the students and so just to remind them that instruction is the most important thing and calling your student if there's an emergency call the front office because that's who's calling the children sometimes It's the parents. >> Well, and I I think I I mean, they're both really great. Thank
053you for working on this. Um, and I know the importance, you know, being an educator myself, I know the importance of instructional time and and wanting to do that. Um, but I also believe that we need to be fair across the board. And so, you know, I feel like if we're going to allow like elementary, like why do they need to be different? I kind of feel like they all need to be the same. They know the rule. It's to be in your backpack. It's to be on off. And then this way we're not punishing some and not punishing others. So, I mean, that's my opinion. >> I do have one last question. Um, so with option two, does that give the possibility to give the high school who are perceived to be, you know,
054a little bit more mature, a little bit more responsible the opportunity to have them in their locker room backpack? And if that doesn't work, could we come back and change the policy or how does that work? If for storage wise, if we go backpacks, um, they can't have it in their pockets. It can only be those two choices. Backpack worthy, >> but can they go back later? >> Oh, yes. >> And be more strict. >> Yeah. Right. >> Okay. So, that also gives them a pilot program because we've received a lot of feedback. I'll be very open and honest with everyone in this room. I've gotten a lot of phone calls, concerns, messages, and I personally sat and I thought to myself, would I be able to comply and take my children their cell phone
055at 4 in the afternoon after school for a extracurricular activity? And the answer was probably not. >> It'd be very difficult for myself. And that's because I'm able and I have a support system. And if I feel that I can't do it, I don't expect anybody else to do it. But at the same time, I I do want us to be in compliance. I want us to have instructional time and I do want us to keep moving forward. So to undo three years of progress at Whams could possibly be us taking a huge step back and creating more problems because Whams was innovative. They they developed this on their own three years ago and I think just were just adding to it versus taking a couple steps back. So that's why I wanted to ask
056like in the future is it possible or could the board revisit if say for instance the students at the high school are complying and we have a lot of students in ISS because that's what this is going to be based off of an honor system it sounds like who's turning it in or having it in their backpack to ask that >> okay is there anybody who has a question comment or concern We do have a motion by Mr. Aiano >> for option two >> for whams continue what they're doing. >> And Miss Pettis, that's the one you were in favor of. Is that correct? >> Yes, that's the one that I feel would be probably the best option um for us. >> It would be backpacks. >> Are you all right with that? >> Yes.
057I second. And >> we have a second by Mr. Dan. All in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion passes. >> Thank you. And thank you to everyone again on the committee. On to item 5C, consideration of possible action of the student code of conduct for the 2025 2026 school year. That would include uh approving the code of conduct based on what you just approved. So you approved the cell phone usage and how we're going to implement that. This is just kind of the same thing now based on what you were just >> updating it. >> Exactly. >> Thank you. Do we have a motion at this time? We have a motion by Mr. Is there a second? I'll second it and a second by Miss Gam. All in favor? I any opposed? Motion passes. On to
058item six on the agenda. Post or executive meeting or session called in accordance with the following provision set forth in the Texas government code. 6A Texas Government Code section 51.074 personnel matters. 6 A1 Presentation and discussion of the fires. 6 A1A discussion of the superintendent's recommendation regarding the hiring of an individual for the position of assistant athletic director's coordinator. 682 presentation and discussion of retirements. 683 presentation and discussion of resignation. 684 personnel update regarding investigations. Sorry. 6B Texas Government Code section 551.071. 071 legal matters board attorney advice and 551.074 personnel the board will recon session to consider and take action necessary on the items discussed and close session. It is now 7:05 and we are going to complete an executive session. The time is now 7:36 p.m. and the board is back from executive session.
059Item 8, announcements and action items. 8A consideration and possible action regarding the hires. A1 for consideration of possible action regarding the hiring of athletic assistant of assistant athletic director for coordinator. >> I'll make a motion to uh to approve the hiring of the assistant athletic director, girls coordinator, coach uh >> Mr. George. >> George Van. >> Thank you. >> And thank you, Miss Ghetto. There's a second by Miss Getta. All in favor? I >> motion passes. >> Item 8 B, consideration and possible action regarding retirements. >> No action. Item 8 C, consideration and possible action regarding resignations. >> I make a motion to accept the resignation as discussed in executive session. >> You can see >> Monica Monica Garcia. >> Thank you. We have a motion by Mr. wrote it down also >> and a
060second by Mr. >> All in favor. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Item 8 D, discussion and possible action regarding ongoing investigations. That was anformational item. There's no action. On to item nine, adjourn. The time is now 7:37 p.m. and this board meeting is Thank you. Oh yeah.