001All right, good evening. It is 7 p.m. The board of trustees of the Leaport Independent School School District is now convened. I wish to extend a warm welcome to everyone present. Every student success is our number one priority. As a Leaport IC board of trustees, we are here to set goals, adopt policy, approve budgets, contracts, personnel appointments, and communicate the district's vision and success to the community. Is not the role of the board to make day-to-day operational decisions. The management and day-to-day operations of the district are the responsibility of our superintendent. This is a public meeting of the board of trustees, not a meeting of the public. Schoolboard meetings are open to all who wish to attend and hear the matters discussed. Audience participation is limited to the patron presentation portion of our meeting. Board
002me, board members, excuse me, may not respond to the public comment section. These proceedings may be recorded and I respectfully ask that you please refrain from talking while others are speaking. Thank you for taking your time this evening to join us and for your interest in the Leaport Independent School District. At this time, will you please stand for the pledge of >> allegiance forward march >> joining us tonight from Lefort High School JOTC color guard American flag left face present colors. Cadet second lieutenant Garcia American Rifle Cadet Staff Sergeant >> Pak Texas flag cadet staff sergeant daughter and Texas rifle cadet private first class Flores Oops. Ready. See. Please join me in the pledge of the US flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for
003which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> And now the Texas flag. >> The Texas flag. I aliance to the Texas. One state under God, one indivisible. >> Center face. Mark time. March. Forward march. Thank you again to the outstanding students from the Ford JROCC program. If you please remain standing for tonight's invitation led by Trustee Danny Hanks. Let's bow our heads. Dear heavenly father, we come to you and humble hearts as we begin this meeting. Grant us discernment in our decisions, wisdom in our discussions, and a spirit of unity that brings true synergy to our work. Guide each voice at this table and hopes that it reflects uh integrity, compassion, and purpose. Strengthen our determination to teach, support, and shape the lives of our young people. Remind
004us of the responsibility we carry and the lasting impact of our choices. We ask that you cover Leaport ISD with your protection and grace and we ask this all in your holy name. Amen. >> Amen. May >> be seated. >> We'll now turn to item five, board recognitions, performance by Lommax Elementary School. Ladies and gentlemen, as our Lommax Elementary performers are filing in, I would ask that uh when the performance is complete, if you would please exit this way so that we can avoid a bottleneck because we have other people coming in. And um with that um I'll introduce you to Miss Shelby Zika. Hello, I'm Shelby Zeke. I'm the music teacher here at Lowmax Elementary. I have about 27 28 of my fifth graders. Um, and we are super super excited to be here
005with you today. This is a piece we've actually been working on for quite some time. It's an traditional spiritual. It's called Children Go Where I Send Thee. And um, these kids are just fantastic. This was actually a high school allstate piece uh, back in 2019, I believe. and we just made a couple changes to make it appropriate for them. So, we're super excited. I've got Lucas Hernandez, Grayson Parker on drums. I've got Emma Irwin and Rachel Reagan on my little shaker section. And this is totally a capella. So, we are super excited to be here with you. How shall I send thee one by one? Unbelievable for all silent I'm a little baby lay down in a manger where I send I send man For nine, I dress so eight for eight. I should adop
006five for the school. Three for four that three for the Hebrew children. Two for falling silus one for baby down in a manger. That's my 10. That dress all mine. Eight for eight. Seven for seven. Six for six that never got fixed. And he never got fixed. And he never got fixed. And he never got fixed. And he never got fixed. Five gospel. Four was that. Three for the Hebrew children. Two for one for baby wrapped all up in clothes. Lay down in a major born in Bethlehem. Great job. >> Great job. Very good. >> I'll get all of the parents. Don't get in trouble. Oh yeah. No doubt everybody. Good job. say good >> and alert. That was great. >> That was cool. >> The year they did that, Brian had Sutherland had the
007choir sing that like at their Christmas concert. >> So, >> man, I thought they would do Earth song. >> I love that one. >> That's such a good song. I listen to that. >> Ladies and gentlemen, the Houston Livestock Show, Livestock Show and Rodeo Art Shows Hoff Gallery at NRG Arena features seven works this year by Leaport ISD artists. And here to honor them and tell you a little more is Dr. Matthew Burke, director of visual and performing arts for Leaport ISD. Thank you, Mr. Holland. Students from Leaport High School, Leaport Junior High, and Heritage Elementary all earned best of show awards for their respective age categories in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Art Contest. Artists from Leaport High School, Lommax Junior High, and Leo A. Resuto Elementary are represented in the gold medal
008category. Each January, schools from across the greater Houston area and other parts of Texas compete in the rodeo school art program with judging taking place at the district level. All work is eligible for the show's school art auction as according to the rodeo website. In our best of show category, we have Mr. Fernando Sio from Leaport High School. If you are here, is Fernando here? Oh, Fernanda, I'm sorry. Come on up. Has an O. Come on up. >> It's a long name. >> Come on up. My phone in best of show. Autumn Knap by Jandra Tibbo from Leaport Junior High. In our elementary division, homage to the skies. Congratulations from Heritage Elementary. Mr. Ethan Scrogggins. Would you like please? Excellent. In our gold medal category, trust between two spirits, Leaport High School, Allison Bravo from
009Lomax Junior High. From a child's perspective, Khloe Anderson from Leo Azuto Elementary School. Cactus Illusion by Emma Stakes. And finally, from Leaport High School, for the first time in the history of Leaport High School, this student's art went on into the auction process. And this student walked away with $10,000 in scholarship funds. Miss Ashley Morales with midday rest. And here's a picture of her artwork. >> Miss Christina Tedaro teaches our Leaport High School winners. Miss Amanda Maddox teaches at Leaport Junior High. Bobby Laponsky teaches at Lomax Junior High. Miss Jamie Lupold and Miss Mona Gibbs teach at Heritage and Leo Azudo respectively. If you if our art teachers will please come up as well to get photos with our folks. If you haven't had a chance, all of their artwork is up in our foyer
010here. So on your way out, please I encourage you to go and look at all these fantastic pieces of artwork from these incredibly talented students. >> Proud of you guys. >> Great job. Four Leaport Bulldogs football players have been named to the Padilla Pole Coaches 2025 5A Division 1 Allstate team. First up on the list, he's a multisport athlete is Mr. Blake Stout, defensive back. He is a Texas Wesleyan University commit and he was named to the second team defense. Can we give him a hand, please? Offensive lineman Jake Haymon and Grady Ferrante, who have both committed to Blend College, were named to the third team offense along with junior tight end Riker Reynolds. And I believe congratulations Congratulations. >> I believe Riker as well is uh out on the baseball diamond in the middle.
011Y'all like I know she needs to move. >> I feel like I'm like okay. Congratulations. >> Congratulations, gentlemen. >> For only the second time in program history. Our Lady Dogs basketball team this season advanced all the way to the state's final four following a 30- win season. And this deep playoff run was fueled by five all district players, including district MVP and all UIL or UIL all tournament honore Jayla Glover, a wonderful bench, and an outstanding coaching staff led by athletic director and head coach Alicia Thompson. Ladies and gentlemen, please join us in honoring the 2026 5A Division 1 state semi-finalist, the Leaport Lady Bulldogs. Yes, sir. WOO. >> As your name is called, come on up. Denel Martin. >> Denzel Martin. >> Martin. >> Sophia Bright. You know what? If you want, why don't
012you all I'll all come up to you. >> I think we'll have some Congratulations. Thank you. >> Congratulations. >> Had to get out. >> You should have seen the text I was getting. >> Yeah. I know. >> Get your coaches up. >> Are you right there? >> Oh my gosh. >> Here. Get on my shirt. >> Come closer to me. Come closer to me. >> Here. Get over here. Way to go. >> We're doing it again next year. >> We appreciate all your hard work. Great job, parents. >> Are we done? Good to see you. two months. >> Sweet. All right, guys. We now move to item six, public comments. The board will now hear those who wish to make comments and who have completed and returned the public comment participation request. This session will
013be conducted in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act and board policy. Complaints and concerns for which other resolution channels are provided shall be directed through those channels. Mr. Vice President, do we have any wishing to speak this evening? >> No. Thank you, sir. I'll now turn to item seven, our administrative reports. Um, a our first one, superintendent. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, board of trustees. Just a couple of comments uh as we have returned. As of Monday, we've reached the halfway point of the spring semester and are now in the final stretch of the 202526 school year. Port ISD students and staff have continued to work diligently towards student success on the upcoming STAR and of course exams which begin in early April. But they also have made time and effort to succeed
014in many other areas as you have just witnessed all of the youngsters that we've just congratulated. Our academic decathlon team continues to make us proud recently bringing home several medals from the state competition and it was their fourth appearance in the state at state in 5 years. Congratulations as well to our DECA and Taffy students uh who recently competed at state and to the Taffy students who qualified for nationals. Let's give it up for our Taffy students qualifying. The district's athletic programs have been nothing short of spectacular this spring. Leaport High School will take a record number of powerlifters to the state championships. Both our boys and girls soccer teams are entering the playoffs this week. And our swimmers and divers continue to set records. We have already seen no hitters by our baseball and
015softball teams. And of course, the Lady Dogs basketball team, who we just congratulated, advanced to the final four for only the second time in program history. As you have seen in our pop art gallery right here in the administration building with the recognition uh earlier this evening, Leaport ISD is home to some phenomenal uh and some phenomenal student artists, including several whose work has been on display at the Houston Livestock Show in Rodeo. and we're certainly proud of their efforts and are ecstatic that for the first time ever, one of our artists took home a $10,000 scholarship following the auction this past weekend. We just saw that beautiful art and we congratulate her again. Elsewhere in our nationally recognized fine arts and performing arts programs, five of our orchestras have been earned sweep stakes prior
016to spring break in the UIL concert and site reading contest. Our one act play competes at the UIL competition this week uh with our bands and choirs competing soon. Later this week, we will hold a STEM night at Leaport High School where we will offer many activities including shows in our worldclass planetarium, the Astro Street team, robotics and coding, and much much more. The fth annual Young Entrepreneurs Day is scheduled for March Saturday, March 28th from 10 to 1 at Baker 6th grade campus where our students will put their business plans to the test in selling goods. And we certainly invite everyone that hears my voice to come out and support those youngsters and their business plans. We are grateful to the many volunteers who have taken the time to teach our students about running
017a business and these lessons will undoubtedly serve our students well. Finally, Mr. President and board members, as you know, safety and security is uh are paramount in our school district and we maintain a vigilant approach across every campus with school resource officers present and ongoing reminders to students, staff, and families. We continue to emphasize that if you see something, say something because awareness and communication help keep our schools safe. As you can see, board, there are many, many, many great things happening in Leaport ISD, and I'm certainly proud to serve as your leader. And with that, I'd like to also take the privilege, Mr. president to introduce to you someone that the board will have to take action on a little later on this evening, but I'd like to at least introduce this person so
018that you would have an opportunity to see who this is. We would like to introduce to you Haley Hendman. Haley, would you please stand? Let's give her a hand and welcome her. Should the board take action tonight on this item? Uh, and I'm using my time as the as as superintendent's remarks. Uh, our new director of finance, uh, potential new director for finance of Leaport ISD, Haley recently served as financial coordinator with Houston Independent School District where she oversaw multiple campus budgets, payroll, and purchasing processes. She has a strong understanding of the complexities of school finance and will bring valuable knowledge and leadership to our team as we continue working towards our district's financial goals. A proud 2015 graduate of Leaport High School. Haley attended Beayshore Elementary, Leaport Junior High, and Leaport High School. She
019earned a bachelor's degree a bachelor of science degree in finance from the University of Houston Clear Lake in 2020 and is currently pursuing her MBA in financial management from Lamar University with an anticipated graduation date of December. Haley resides in Leaport with her husband, a behavior specialist with a school district that we shall not name and three and a three-year-old beautiful son who will attend Leaport Elementary in the coming years. She has a deep family roots in Leaport and with generations her uh and with generations of her family, proud graduates of Leaport ISD. Haley will be based on your decisions excited to return home and serve I'm just I'm just trying to be careful there. Return home. She'll be excited to return home and serve the district that helped shape her. She looks forward to
020investing in the continued success of our students, staff, and community. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming home Haley Henman. Haley, do you have a guest that you'd like to just introduce your Would you like to introduce your guests? >> This is Winston. >> Hi, my husband. >> Thank you all for being here tonight. >> That will conclude the superintendent's remarks for the night, Mr. President. >> Thanks, sir. I'll now turn to Dr. Martinez on the bond safety and security update. >> This is the last board meeting. You'll be able to escape early, so you may want to go now. >> Yeah. All right. I give her a little bit of time. You're okay. So, uh, good evening, uh, President Martin, Dr. Jackson, trustees. I'm going to share just a few quick updates with
021you all. Um, we've we've made some exciting progress with our our bond projects. And I think the last time we had spoken uh we were uh still talking about substantial completion of uh the gym. Uh since then we've received uh the substantial completion for the band and orchestra rooms at Lommax Junior High. Um so that picture to your right was taken uh yesterday and so students and staff have already begun moving into that space and utilizing the band and orchestra rooms. And so it really is a a beautiful space and I know that Dr. Jackson, we plan to arrange some time to to uh do a boardwalk so that you guys can really see it. Um you know, pictures don't do that space justice. I know Principal Rose and her team are very excited to
022be in that space and um it really is beautiful. So, um what you see in the top is the old practice gym and or the you know, it's it's the floors are refinished. It looks beautiful, those parket floors. Um and you know, we we've got some few updates now because we've redone the floors. We want to make sure we refresh the paint and um you know we're going to take down some of those banners, paint and then you know decide on which ones are going to the new competition gym and things of that nature. But um it it already looks great out there and we're excited about um you know that space as well. And then the bottom you just see the that's the competition gym. One of the things we weren't satisfied with was
023just that that red uh you couldn't really you could see the um the gym floor um through the red paint. And so we had them go in and repaint that over spring break. Um, and so you can see that's the updated. It looks great. That red is just very it pops. It's the real red. It's the Lobo red. It looks great when you go uh into the gym. And so we're able to get that accomplished. And um again with with not any impact to the campus uh nor their operations. So um exciting for that. But again, we will schedule some time to get you guys in the band and orchestra so you can see it. and they've they've already been, like I said, occupied and we've got owner trainings just so that they're familiar with
024how to operate, you know, all of the systems that are involved over there. Um, and so moving on to Leaport High School, just wanted to share the schedule with you all kind of where we are currently with that, um, renovation. Um, over the break, uh, continuing this week, we've got a lot of still of the, uh, MEP work happening in that area A and F. That's that front entry area. And so there's still not a lot for you to like see there as far as walking that space, but we're getting closer. Um they they did a lot of the fireproofing over the break and so we would now actually be able to to start moving in. But that will start closing up and a lot more work happening after testing season. So what's happened now
025is that um the construction site has kind of moved from that space to going to that gym space. that's going to allow them to get work done and not to work around the the campus testing schedule. And so they're already uh making that area safe and a starting demo later this week and we'll start the MEP rough in and concrete. Those are all things to come and then we'll be able to revisit that area A and F so that we can finish that space. But that is um tracking well. It's it's on time. You know, we're we're actually going back to LMAX. that wasn't supposed to be finished until April and we got that turned over to us on March 16th. So, we're excited about our schedules and you know, everything is on time and
026moving as it should. So, um but we will hopefully have some more to see in the high school in the near future. So, I just wanted to highlight a couple uh of other things. So, technology, we uh just purchased some um multi-touch display screens for elementary campuses. We have 21 of those that were received um actually over the break. I know we've got some trainings. I think we had one at Rudo today and another elementary campus uh has reached out and so we're getting those in the hands of our our teachers and our principles so that they can impact students in the classroom. And so those will be um deployed uh to all of our campuses if they haven't been done so already. Right. So so they're already received. So 21 and so that's going
027to be three per campus, three of our elementary campuses. And so we had met with principles and instructional specialists to kind of get some feedback on the devices. And um we felt like that was a good number so that they can check them out and people can use those and u I think that's a great start to um you know to to making sure teachers have that. So these are meant to supplement so that the teachers still have those uh you know a projector or whiteboard in the classroom smartboard and so this is just I mean so this is a 75 in display so these are large uh display that they would be able to to utilize for um different different purposes. So um it's it's it's a great uh item to have to supplement
028the already great technology that we have in the classrooms. So, a few other things, a new backup server was purchased to meet growing capacity and transfer needs. Uh, we've uh the Synology NAS that's for storing additional photos and videos to for district events and it just uh increases our capacity there and new infrastructure switches for ITC admin support services, Baker, Jenny Reed, Rudo, and Heritage. And so again, we've got u just trying to build that uh infrastructure support and has been an ongoing goal uh with our with our bond purchases and then maintenance and transportation. Some of the things that we're focusing on there, we've uh concluded our uh furniture uh audits with our campus principles to really determine what the needs are in the next phases for purchasing uh furniture items. And so you
029see some just a chair and a small group tables, but we're looking at student desks and chairs, teacher desk and small group tables uh for the classrooms and not every you know say like at the high school there were some recent purchases for the uh CTE and STEM buildings and so we're primarily looking at BB building and so really looking at the age um in need so that we can uh bring you know some equity into those spaces so that people have and then our goal also with furniture replacement is to make sure we're standardizing some of that uh because as programs shift and as you know kind of numbers fluctuate that we would be able to you know move student desk and chairs and they would match and they would be fall right in
030line with what that campus might need. So uh that's been our goal is to really standardize some of that. Um what you have um you know on the agenda tonight there's a few chiller replacements that we're looking at Lommax Junior High and then College Park. Uh there's a 16week lead time on that. So we're hoping to get those in installed prior to the start of school. So that's looking at summer work there. And um just another as far as transportation. So it's on the agenda as well. We've got four 14 passenger uh buses that we're looking at. So really this is a dual purpose. This satisfies a need. Um you know how a challenge it is to find CDL drivers. So if we purchase the um 14 passenger as long as they don't meet a
031certain tonnage, then we can actually utilize those without a CDL driver. So that helps us uh with some of those smaller trips. Um you know when we have to go out of district, let's say we have uh students that attend High Point or another campus and we can uh transport uh and that helps us with fuel costs but also um you know the the CDL driver that's a driver now that I can have in district that's assisting. Um so that's helpful. And then extracurricular events, you know, all these great accolades that our students, some of those smaller programs, we can use these uh to transport students. And then as well, MV, that's our Mckin Vento students. Uh you guys know a lot of what goes into that with those interlocal agreements transporting students, you know,
032to their um home um you know, the residents and and so so that's a big issue for us. So um that's going to help uh streamline and better use of resources. So we're we're excited about that as well. Um just a quick safety and security update. So you guys received the facility summary report. Uh just an update on that cycle 3 audit. Um and so that was concluded on December 12th again right before the Christmas break. We got some good feedback from that. We're internalizing that as a staff and we're making some adjustments where we need to. Um and so our next audit cycle will be for the next three years and then you know we're going to go right into that phase and we'll be ready for that. And then our TEA uh IDAS,
033so that's our intruder detection audits. Those are ongoing. Uh last month we had uh Jenny Reid and Beayshore. Um actually right before the break, so it was still this month, but those pass were successful with that. But again, they'll hit every campus before the end of the school year. So principles that aren't on that list, they know that they're always ready and always prepared. And even if they are, because they could have another visit. Um, and we're still anticipating those district vulnerability assessments. They haven't visited uh for that purpose yet, but that could be any time, even for a campus that has already been uh visited. So, just a few quick safety security updates um for you all along with the bond updates. Um, and be happy to answer any questions that you all may
034have. I have a random question on the uh I don't know why this stood out, but the chillers at Lomax. So, I think I could be wrong on this, but normally when we do our chillers, it's typically one or one or two maybe at a time. I'm curious why there's three. >> So just when they reach their life cycle and there were two actually, but adding the third, there's some potential cost savings associated with that because if it's a difference between say 10 or 12 years, there's a benefit to doing it uh a little now before inflation and that helps us so that we don't have to go back and then there additional fees for the uh third party agreements and everything that goes in with that. Uh so there's some benefit some cost savings
035in the long run. uh for be able uh being able to replace those uh on that type of schedule. >> How many do they have in total at Lomax? >> Three. Yes, sir. >> Was there a new one that we had designated for uh the new arena? >> Is it on a separate one or is it >> Yeah, >> it's on it. >> That has a separate that's all new. Yeah, these are for the for the campus. >> So, there's four. >> Yeah. Well, three for the campus and then for the competition gym there be the four. >> What about for uh was the other one heritage? Are they they multiple chillers or they >> College Park? I think >> I'm sorry. >> I believe there were I'd have to go back and check, but
036um I know this as far as a life cycle replacement that was recommended for that one. >> We can we can go back and get updates on. >> Yeah, just I figure that I mean I thought that each campus had more than one and so I didn't know they were on a schedule like a rotating. >> Yeah, we we have a a a replacement schedule and that we're following uh with all of those. And then again, I love that we're doing a lot of stuff at LowMax because it definitely needed it. But I'm curious like what other um outside, you know, all this construction and things you're talking about now, what are some other projects, if any, that are going to go on at Lomax Junior High >> at Lomax right now? Um yeah, so
037we're hoping um in the summertime we'll be able to do the canopy up front and so that'll be that's you know we're finalizing the details on that but uh that's going to be a whole covered front uh entry canopy for that campus and um >> I think so I mean that's really just the canopy that's in addition to the to the front, right? So, so that's going to go, but it will change the look of the front because you won't be able to see the the I don't know how to explain the windows that are in the front. They're kind of >> during the bond during the bond season when we were going around getting input from from stakeholders. That was a big deal that our kids are left out in the elements during the
038rainy season or the hot season even. >> And so, you know, we agreed that, you know, once we got everything settled, we would try to try to do some of that. I think it'll certainly uh it it won't hurt the uh aesthetics of the building. >> I'll bring it up just because I we've had discussions on the board during the bond, especially, you know, go back a couple years, the bond about creating a a brand new Lite Junior High, but it seems to be with all the stuff that's going on, this essentially will be a brand new building. >> It's going to be very solid, right? The infrastructure is solid um in the canopy is much needed. And the great thing about um we're able to do that with cost savings from this current bond.
039So this is not any additional any you know this is all from being able to be um kind of on time under budget so that we can apply the cost savings elsewhere. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Um I believe that we were uh getting some new tracks at some elementary schools and I didn't know the progress based on the fact that had some weather. So >> yeah, we have um some track enhancements and I I right off hand I know Rudo was one of them and you know the other one Blake off hand you have the crush granite. >> Yeah. So so I know that's you you'll see some enhancements to those tracks uh in the very near future. I know that was a project that we were working on right before the break.
040>> We ever get the pipes at Baker figured out where they don't you know they don't growl >> in that restroom area. >> Yeah. That was a pretty accurate >> We had someone to come out uh because I was there the day that we were there and we heard all of that, >> but we did we did have someone to come out and take a look at that. >> We know they >> Tracy, do you still hear that >> update on that one? >> She stepped out. >> Baker Pipes. >> Yeah, I can say, you know, from in house, you know, we've got two great plumbers, a master plumber plumber. Uh far as I know, that's been taken care of. Just changing cartridges. >> Yeah, I think >> I haven't learned anything by sound. Yeah,
041there hasn't been any other um >> feedback that we've got received about that. And I was actually there today and no one stopped me with any growling. So, >> it was a real issue. I'm not just making this up. We can we can follow up when you take the band was new. There's a championship from 1992. Want to make sure it gets moved over. >> Can you create one for 94? That would be great. >> We'll work on it. >> B team Bandits right here. Awesome. >> All right, there's no other questions or comments. Thank you, Dr. Martinez. We'll turn now to uh our Dr. Baker with a CT update. All right. Good evening, Dr. Jackson, President Martin, Board of Trustees. How are we doing this afternoon? >> Good. Great. Great. >> So, Dr. Griffin
042and I are just here to give you a little update on CTE, kind of where we are right now in the year and then where we're headed. Um so the vision of our CTE program here in Leaport ISD is to prepare passionate, highly skilled, empowered and future ready students. And our mission is to provide engaging real world and challenging learning experience in a safe and caring environment. So the goal of our programs, we want to challenge our students with high academic standards and also relevant technical knowledge so that they can advance their careers when they graduate school. Um, we align our programs to high wage, high demand, and high-skll occupations in our area. We teach our students valuable life skills that they'll need in their future, and we create career and world ready students. Uh,
043so the way that CTE is designed, there's 14 nationally recognized CTE clusters. So, business, marketing, and finance, health science, those are examples. Here in Leaport, we offer programs in 12 of those clusters. In Texas, we have programs of study within each cluster. Each cluster has a sequence of courses that students take and they culminate in a practicum or a capstone experience which provides the students with job shadowing, internship opportunities or hands-on project-based learning. Um, each of our programs also offers at least one aligned industry based certification. Um, so for our district, we have 14 programs of study currently. Um, the recommendation from TEA for a district of our size is between five and seven. So, we're offering double what we need to offer. So, that's good. We provide a big variety for our students. Um,
04470% of our high school students are currently enrolled in CTE courses. We have currently 16 different um industry based certification opportunities. And we are projecting by the end of this year that we'll have over 200 IBC's earned by our students. And I promise Dr. Griffin is going to talk at some point. Um, >> you know, I will. So, uh, just to kind of give you a layout, um, we have the career clusters within each cluster, programs of study in their sequences of classes. Um, and then we have our IBC's. We try and meet our IBC's and our programs again to for what is high demand, high wage, and high school in our area. Um, so for CCMR, so we always want 100% of our students to be CCMR when they graduate. So, from a CTE
045standpoint, for a student to be considered college career and military ready, there's a few things they can do. Um, they can enlist in any military branch or the Texas National Guard. That automatically earns them CCMR. They can complete a level one or a level two certificate program with a junior college. So, our current one that we offer is maritime science uh level one certificate. We're adding a few more. Um, and then for the class of 2026 on campus, they have to be a CTE completer, which means they complete at least three classes for four credits in the same program and then they earn an IBC. And so if they do all of that, then they will also get their CCMR point. Y'all have any questions about that? >> Say that again. >> Yeah. >> three
046classes or more for at least four credits in the same program of study. like the same pathway and then they have to also get the aligned IBC. >> The reason it works that way is because a lot of the upper level classes as you progress through the the pathways they're double block classes. So you get two credits for one class. You can get four credits by three. >> So that's why no it's >> on scheduling I would assume >> on some of them. Yes. >> It depends on how popular the program is. You know what welding is is tough. Uh we have so many students who want to go into welding. I mean you can only safely put so many people in the shop and they're two periods. So it's just taking away opportunity that
047way. >> So we have a solution for that. >> I'll get there. I'll get there. >> Yes. >> Um so how do we decide what we offer in CTE? Well, there we take several things into consideration. Again, what is high wage, high demand, and and high skill in our area. So we look at labor market data to see what we need in our area. Um what are the certifications offered for the programs? Are students successful in earning those certifications? That's a big one because there's lots of certifications, but sometimes they are two years of college certifications and so they're not always attainable by high school students. Um, and then do they benefit our students futures? Is holding that certificate going to give that student something extra when they go out to get a job in
048the future? Um, we also always consider what our stakeholders say, so our industry partners, our college partners, community members, teachers, students, parents. Um, and then any other local needs that we need to meet. So any other local needs that come to us, we try and see if there's a program that we can offer. So in our area, these are the top needs. Um nursing is almost always number one. It's really kind of nationwide a number one shortage. Um transportation, construction, education, welding, and manufacturing. Um so in orange, the orange bar is how many openings there are. In the two blue bars is how many students are graduating for those openings. So you can see that for all of these there is quite a shortage. Um so we are working on aligning programs to fill those
049needs. Excuse me. Um from our recent um Perkins analysis, our CTE learners, so students that have taken at least two CTE courses outperform our nonCTE learners on all factors of accountability. So in this chart you can see just some of them are like graduation rates um academic proficiency in reading and math and things like that. That's all across the bottom there. Okay. So some changes for 2627. Um so effective this year JRTC officially became a CTE program of study under law and public service. So JRTC is now a CTE weighted funded class. Um so that's good. So, our kids um we're still waiting on some clarification from the TEA on what the IBC is going to look like for that program, but it is now a program of study. Um we are phasing out programs,
050but I don't want you to take that negatively because we are just rebranding them. Um so, our marketing and sales, uh accounting and financial services, we are rebranding to business management. So, we business management and in all management really is very high need in our area. Um, so looking at the programs and kind of how they're built and what they offer, that was a a thing that we decided would be good to push our students more to like a management aspect and then more entrepreneurship. Um, agricultural technology and mechanical systems is um similar to welding and also our our um industry partners have really requested that we add back construction. So, we're kind of replacing construction, replacing the Ameck program with a construction and then changing those students to welding if they're interested in welding.
051Um, we're expanding our animal science pathway. Uh, we're expanding our business course offerings so that again we have more entrepreneurship opportunities um for students. Um, we are working on curriculum building for engineering uh so that we have a more well-rounded program in engineering. Uh we renamed a program of study nursing science just to show that we know what we need in our area and so we want the community to see that we're offering nursing science. Um we are adding a dual credit welding program at Sanjac College. So this is going to help with our welding popularity. Um they can take up to 80 students at Sanjack. Uh so we're working on getting some of our upper level students there and they can earn their level one certificate in three semesters. So, if they start their
052junior year, they'll have their level one certificate in the middle of their senior year. Um, and then at DeWalt, we created um its own AV production program that we're going to be building out over the next few years. Okay. Um, just some updates on IBC's. So, the new IBC list did come out this year, last fall. Um, and TEA likes to always switch things up. So, what they've done for IBC's now is they have tiered them. So tier one is I'm just going to say it so that you guys can understand it. The most difficult ones for students to earn. Those are the hardest ones. Tier two is the average. 75% of all IBC's fall in tier 2. That's the green. And then 3% or 21% are in tier three. Tier three are low wage
053or low demand or very easy for students to earn. Um 95% of the IBC's we offer are tier 2. We are looking at moving towards tier one in the ones that we that we think we can move towards tier tier one in. Um so that tiering went into effect this year but it does not affect accountability for this year's graduates. It does not start affecting accountability till next year's graduates. Okay. Um so far certifications earned uh we have 31 food managers, 15 new medical assistants. We have 19 students certified in Adobe Photoshop. Uh, seven of our engineering students certified in Autodesk Fusion. And we certified 13 of our um collision repair students so far in um refrigerant recovery and recycling, one of the um automotive service for excellence uh certifications. And then I just added
054that picture of those are our 15 medical assistants there. Um plus we've done over 100 local certifications for food handler and in CPR first aid for health science. Um again, so that's 85 certifications right there. We anticipate about 200 by the time the year is over. >> Yes, sir. >> President earlier today business >> question. I think we handled the question well. But so those youngsters that are coming with the certifications, >> let's say the young men that you just talked about, all the folks with the refrigerant, >> what can they do with that? So it just gives them a little bit more experience if they went to go out and work like in an automotive repair or a body shop. It would just give them a little leg up because they show that they
055have that. And we are looking at adding more ASSE certifications because there's an unlimited certification, >> but they could be hired to work in an automotive job. >> Yes, absolutely. And then also our collision repair students also earn 12 IICAR certifications, but ICAR is not recognized by the IBC, but it is the gold standard for collision shops. >> It's it's one that even though we don't get credit for it for it, it's we we know it's good for kids. And so we're going to get it to everyone is very expensive. Like I said, there are a lot of professionals >> and that does like our students in practicum that intern at our restaurants, they're already food manager certified, so they could after they graduate go into an entry- level management position at any restaurant with
056that certification. Um, so just some CT things that we've done this year, our welding students created uh picture frames for Christmas gifts. Um, our agricultural fabrication students and a lot of other students created customized items for the Rotary auction back in the fall. Um, our advanced culinary arts students provide catering for local events. So, the most recent event was the Rotary lunchon that they served a cheesecake bar. They made a cheesecake bar. Um, our business students operate both the school store here on campus and the team store in the stadium. Um, we have our grow your own program which is our education and training students. So, they um do their internship at Beayshore and Leaport Elementary. They're really grateful to those principles for allowing our students to come in and work with their teachers and
057their students. Um, our early education students go to local daycarees and also our early childhood center at Heritage. Um, our JRTC program is everywhere. They do everything. Um, our health science students go uh to new clinics. We've got some some um new clinics added this year that have allowed our students to come in. So, we're very appreciative for those. Um, and then, you know, our AV students are at every sporting event um providing coverage there. our practicum of culinary students. I mentioned this already, but they intern at six local restaurants in the Leaport area. So, they get um to get to go to a lot of different restaurants and do a lot of different things there. And our FFA students um while they're doing livestock shows this week, they also have been doing several leadership
058and career development events. >> Your turn. >> Now it's my turn. It is definitely a great day to be a bulldog. I've said that every day this year. Uh and so one of the things that I do love to do and it's my honor to do celebrate all the successes that we have at this high school uh and around this community. Um and CTE is no stranger to that. Um we had five Leaport High School Taffy students qualify to an state conference. I got to go and uh be there with them and uh see them uh really just be so proud to watch them sign their letters of intent to go into the profession. I mean it's really a a great sense of pride that we have that we have this program that these kids
059are dedicated to our profession and want to pursue that. Uh we have two that are headed to nationals in Portland uh in June. Uh we just have our first uh travel meeting tomorrow to figure out how we're actually going to make that happen. Uh but we are very very excited about that. Um and uh we had our first cohort of six educational aids last year and this year we're think we're going to be able to certify eight more. So we are very very excited about that. Um we had two DECA students who uh got to compete at the state level in Dallas in entrepreneurship. Um four of our Skills USA students placed for collision repair at the state level. They're actually competing this next month. And then five students qualified for state on the Texas
060high school welding uh series competition and that will be in May. Um >> I'm going to interrupt you real quick. And the Texas high school welding series. This is the first year we've had that competition. >> First year made it to state. First year out of the gate. I mean uh just truly doing great. Uh and then this Saturday, uh 19 of our JRTC students are going to the state archery tournament. Uh so I mean just truly just program by program shining at the state level. uh really making their mark. We're still waiting to hear back on how GRC is progressing in uh Jabs to see if they make it to nationals again and as soon as we know then we of course will update you guys on that. Okay. Um so uh just you
061know some of the things we're talked about the the thing that I love about um not just our CTE program but you know the focus coming back to CTE being a very important part of the high school and just students experience at the high school level. Um, and so our kids, you know, like we've talked about, they're everywhere. They're doing things. They're they're excelling at things and we're trying to bring the community and make CTE be just as important as everything else because it is. Um, and the state is telling us that we want kids to be college and career ready. Um, and so we're making plans and working through different things to make this be a very viable part of the school community so that we can by the time that they graduate make
062sure that if you want to go to four-year college after high school, fantastic. If you want to go into the workforce, fantastic. You have that opportunity. You have the skills that you need. We've prepared you for whichever path that you want to take. Um, and so those successes are just evident everywhere. Whether it's the uh cardboard boat riata, which you've not had a chance to go see, you really need to go check it out. It's uh pretty awesome. Uh, and what's great about that one is that uh it goes all the way from the junior high up to the high school. So have them compete against the high school kids is always a really fun deal. um you know, our robotics program, they have a competition um in about a month um where they're going
063out. Of course, uh FFA and um um A has been at Houston Last Show and Rodeo for the last two weeks uh doing great. Um and so it's just it's just a really great part of the high school and it's really coming into its own. Every program by program is uh turning out great results and then all of the what are what do they call the organizations called? >> CTSOs. CTSOs. Thank you. We have so many acronyms. Uh all the CTSOs are doing well, going competing at the state level and then on to the nationals. So, it's just a really great time to be a part of CTO High School. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um just an update on Project Lead the Way. So, we are currently in our second year of Project Lead the
064Way at the junior high level. Um and so this year we were actually able to offer our Project Lead the Way students in 8th grade high school credit through Principles of Applied Engineering. So, they are using the PLTW um curriculum plus some extra that they had to develop on their own. Um and so that gets them one step closer to CCMR because they're not going to credit it out in the eighth grade. Um this year each of those programs was awarded a $10,000 grant and next year each of those programs has been awarded a $15,000 grant. Um and this was in addition to a $20,000 grant that we got for startup costs. So they are they've been fully funded. >> I do want to add one last thing. the um esports team, the uh Super
065Smash Brothers is on track to go to the state tournament in esports. >> Um oh, also one thing we didn't mention too is uh our second annual welding border battle will be on May 2nd. So where it's us versus Deer Park. Last year >> last year we cleaned the floor. >> We did. So we should do that again. Um um and then also we always want to partner with our community. Um so I'm always working on building those community partnerships, looking for places for our students to intern and job shadow and take field trips on. Um so we're actually I'm taking 35 engineering students that I don't know on a trip on Thursday to Sanjack. Um we have two field trips planned to Lubberall in April. We're going to the Carpenter and Milright Union uh
066association in April. So, several opportunities for our students to get out there, um, talk to industry partners, ask questions, potentially get job offers, and just learn about the opportunities that are out there. Um, so some of our goals for the future, increase our enrollment in maritime science. We have doubled our enrollment from last year from one student to two students. So, that's good. Um, our welding technology, um, so it's 100% improvement. Um our welding technology uh certificate program will start uh in 2627. I think right now we're at 17 students enrolled in that. Um so super excited about that. Um a lot of them have done what I've been told by their instructor is they have done what they can do here at the school level and they need somewhere to go and shine. So
067we're going to send them to the college where they can advance their skills and and learn different types of welding. Um for 27 and 28 we're looking at adding process technology. um as a a level two certificate program. So that would um students would start that in the 10th grade and work towards process technology. Um and then in the future we're looking for at health science, engineering, education. How can we partner with Sanjac College to bring those programs uh to our students? This the last one? Nope. Two more. Um career exploration. We're working on more K through6 career days. Um maybe creating uh CT ambassadors to do presentations for the elementary schools. working on a CTE signing day, um increasing those competitive events uh for our CTSOs, um working on finding making sure that our
068students are ready to offer services to our community um in their shops and and with what they can do. Um and then our goals, uh always continuous evaluation of our programs to make sure that we're meeting the needs that we need to meet in our area. Providing high quality instructional materials, um expanding CTE courses and learning experience in the lower grades and supporting our our teachers for with professional growth and development. Any questions? >> Yeah, just some uh comments. First of all, thank you very much. I really appreciate how we're leveraging Sanjack. There's no one better at finding a need in an industry and going and figuring out how to create a program and a pathway. Sanjack does a fantastic job with that and you can tell by the process technology center and the maritime
069center. I mean, >> they saw a need, they filled it. Um, and I'm happy to see that we're working alongside that. Uh, 100% growth in the maritime program is great. Uh, however, I think that, you know, I think that is such a great we have a lot of work to do and I think that is such a great pathway. They graduate here, they go to Sanjack for one year down the street, literally down the street, >> and they can go make six figures the next year, graduating from Sanjack >> and doing it for free. By the way, I mean, right, >> that uh promise program applies to Sanjac. Um, the school district sends us to a few different conferences and the conference we went to last week was student led and we saw a lot
070of passion u from students in a few different CTE pathways that I thought are worth uh investigating and I'm sure some of the board members here will agree that we're in them. Um, one of them was an aviation program. Of course, red flags went up when I heard aviation especially in insurance. But it was not flying planes, it was aviation mechanics. Cleveland ISD is doing a really really good job at >> one. >> Yeah. And they were we were all in it. >> I have never seen students so passionate. I mean they literally love their instructor and love the work. And I there was one student who I didn't even think he wanted to graduate. He loved helping all these other students learn the program. >> Yeah. And so I would like us to maybe
071call over to Cleveland. They have a program. They have a um little system that almost ready to go if we're willing if we're willing to write a check for it, I guess. But um and then the other one was a retail and marketing um program similar to what we're doing with the Bulldog Spirit store. Um this was Thraw's ISD and they also have a >> Purple Pride or something. >> Purple Pride. Yeah. They have like a little booklet um that helps when that goes over their curriculum, how they implemented it, how cheap it was to implement, and they do all sorts of projects. And I think that is something that we can really expand on at the business and entrepreneurs. >> They like the burning of the like cutting boards and stuff like that with
072their logos and >> was really people can order from like gyms and things. It would be a really cool >> like expanding a little bit some of our absolutely from what I understand the program kind of pays for itself based on the work that they're >> doing. So they're selling the cutting board to Deian for 30 bucks and Dian pays for it. So it's a really neat program that gives a lot of business values uh business time. It was it was really interesting going back to the aviation program. One of the things they come out with as an you know they can get mechanics and that is in big demand and and especially in this area definitely see and need obviously and general but it is something that San College is even looking programs that
073would be. So, it's really an interesting program to have been >> and to be clear when bringing and when we bring in new ideas, we aren't diminishing all the work you've already done in the program. So, I think all that is very fantastic. >> Super excited with with the progress being made and the excitement around the program. So, kudos to everybody involved there. I would definitely push on the um exposing the young the littles as soon as possible. the elementary, junior high level and let the parents see what programs are available because that is going to captivate a child's heart is if they're excited about it, then you don't have to motivate them to go do the work. They want to do the work. So, I really think the sooner we can get our offerings
074out to them and the more they see it, I think that's really what's going to drum up the interest and that program will just take off. Um, but kudos to the work being done so far. Appreciate it. >> I love the idea of the CTE signing. couple just as important. >> I'm sorry. >> I would just like to um give appraise for for the program and for public education and the opportunity to do this in public education. Um, I got into a very passionate discussion with a local business owner who has been around for a while who is a resident of Leaport said t school, you know, school district raises my taxes and they were not even able to, you know, get kids into technology and and industry and different stuff like that. And I
075had again a very passionate conversation with him about when was the last time we looked at what programs the students are actually able to get involved in. He said, "Well, they're just pushing college." And I said, you you need to back up and look at everything that is being offered. This is so much more elaborate than what it was when I came on the board, >> even just a few years ago. And knowing that this is available to our students, readily available to them, is amazing. And this is not the kind of stuff that they're going to get at some of these smaller schools that students are trying to trans. So, I just want to give us a kudos for that. and say way to go. >> Thank you. >> I want say uh again
076I'll echo the uh the rest of the board. It is impressive. I think we come a long way in in a short period of time. So we we certainly commend that. I'm glad you guys brought up the uh uh the maritime. So that's in the world that I live in. Dr. Jackson, some of these people uh that's been the one that I I get the most. I put this nicely. I push back right. So we had a I had a meeting last week with some representative portions. has some amazing programs and a lot of stuff they do is tied to the San Maritime Center. So, I'll say this, I would really love for us, Dr. Jackson, to set a meeting with the director of the Maritime Center is an active member of the Rotary Club.
077He's a good good person, good friend. Um, and then we have the representatives with Port Houston that their sole job is to go around and connect to the different uh CT programs throughout the greater Houston area. And she was talking, I don't want I can't tell you the technical name of it, but they are talking about taking some major uh programs out of our area. and they said there's a the people in Perilland specifically and others are really wanting this and there she's like I just don't understand why we're not doing it with port. So I think I mean you talk about growing it and we can help you guys grow it and this is something that went on way before before your time for whatever reason it's been kind of like running our head
078through a brick wall to get the maritime kind of up and going and it takes the right people right and so that's the thing we learned this this conference you can have all these we can throw out all ideas in the world but it takes the right passionate teacher right uh so that my comment is again I would like to set a meeting if we can help you guys get in the help facilitate some of these things uh uh with maritime and the other thing I get the question random question I Again, it's great because I mean we saw that that's one of the greatest com we have to do these continuing hours, but the greatest conference we go to in my opinion is this governance conference where we get to hear from all these
079kids from around the state with their CT programs and you see the passion and stuff and so again uh I'm just curious I don't want you to name a name but it looks I mean we can't continue to add a whole bunch of new programs but one of the things that stood out for me at that conference was that a lot of times they said like some of these programs run a shelf life and so uh just because say welding for example and that's really popular right now well 10 years from now that might not be it might change and so Um, and I know that you've inherited a lot of these programs. I'm just curious if there's any that have maybe have run it >> run its course. And if if so, if there's
080something that what I am going to ask you about if you have any that maybe on the wish list on in your mind that we don't currently have, can you see anything maybe down the line? Uh, I know there we we've thought of some ideas, but there's anything on on your radar right now that you think might be of interest. >> I want to throw out the programs in a >> No, no, I don't want you I don't want you to say throw out this program. I'm saying are there are there any in your on your radar that you could see like Mason talked about the uh aviation but is there anything that's currently on your radar that we might be looking at in the near future I guess is my question. >> Um cyber
081security is on my radar and drones. >> Oh and Sanj kind of a Sanjack uh guy but Sanj has just invested a lot of money into the cyber security um >> field and has built a new facility for cyber security solely for cyber security. So if we haven't reached out to them on that portion and they and we paid a lot of money to buy a curriculum for cyber security >> biome. Sorry, that was my Sanjack plug again. >> And that aviation program that is one of the things they teach >> drones program >> Cleveland. >> Yeah. Well, the district my my last district had a drone program, so >> Oh, good. Okay. >> I can I can call that teacher. >> Well, yeah. Thank you guys for the presentation and for answering our questions.
082Does anybody else have another comment question? >> All right. Well, thank you. Now that Mason has left, we'll turn to his consent. >> I I'll say I'll say though, uh, Mr. President, >> um, you know, I think it's apppropo to even just share this. Uh, Dr. Baker has done a yoan absolutely here in two years this year. I've kind of pitched this already to you before, but going to need some help to pull off all of this. She's a team of one right now. And Dr. Griffin, you know, and his team. So, we're going to be looking at getting Dr. make for so that you can help to oversee these programs. >> Love to hear that. You you'll get something. >> All right. Thank you guys. >> Thank you. >> All right, guys. We'll turn
083to item A, consent agenda. A, determine approve any consent agend agenda items. B, approve board meeting minutes. One, regular board meeting minutes February 10th, 2026. C, receive principal reports. One, early childhood center. Two, Beashore Elementary. Three, College Park Elementary. Four, Heritage Elementary. Five, Jenny Reed Elementary. Six, Leaport Elementary. Seven, Leo A. Rosa Elementary. Eight, Lomax Elementary. Nine, James H. Baker Sixth Grade Campus. 10, Leaport Junior High. 11, Lommax Junior High. 12, Leaport High School. 13, BO DeWalt High School. D, receive financial reports for January 2026. E, receive human resources report. F, notice of employment of professional staff. G, approve budget amendment. H. Approve interlocal agreement for region 10 education service center purchasing cooperative. I approve purchase of four nonCDL school buses. J. Approve purchase of Leaport High School marching band uniforms. K. Approved purchase of
084professional services for chiller replacements. L. Approved purchase of replacement chillers at College Park Elementary. M. Approved purchase of replacement chillers at Lomax Junior High. and approve receipt and first reading of TASBY policy revisions to CV local, DBA local, DK local, DNA local, EV local, EEB local, FNG local, and GF local. O approved term and non-certified contract recommendations for certified teachers, administrators, and professionals in pay grades 1 through 7. Mr. Vice President, can you please read back the items as proposed? >> Yes. Um, A B C D E F G H I J K L M M N O >> board. I seek a motion and a second to approve the consent items as read. >> Uh, Trusty Hanks in a second. >> Mason Perez. Trusty Perez. All right. Please vote. the green one. >> All
085right. Like record show that unanimous approval. Thank you board. >> Now turn to item nine. Action on close session items. We do not have any this evening. Uh going to item 10, closing comments of the board of trustees. And a reminder uh speak on attendance of recent district and community events, announcement of upcoming district and community events or outstanding performance by district staff and students. Thank Miss Hall. Um I just wanted to say a big congratulations to all of the the um people we saw here tonight our and and good luck to our soccer teams that are coming up one act and I know there's a a lot of other things coming up. It's very exciting. It's also very exciting to see another Leaport High School graduate coming into our finance department. I love seeing
086Bulldogs coming home. So that's really wonderful. and hope everybody had a wonderful spring break and now we just motor through till May. >> Um I want to congratulate all the students that we recognize this evening. Um to me that's always the my favorite part of any board meeting. Um when you remember the thing that is the thing that we all do. And um I enjoyed the CTE update. I've always been a big proponent of CTE and said college is not for everybody, but it is our job to raise good citizens. So, I'm excited for what we are doing now and for the future. And Dr. Baker, God bless you for what you've accomplished in your short tenure here. And um you know, just keep on doing what we're doing to get through the spring semester.
087>> Uh thank you. I want to congratulate all the FFA students at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo right now. They are doing a great job, especially um you know, our arts winner of the Houston rodeo. It's a big deal and you're competing against a lot of people from all over the state of Texas. And then they're prepping for next month for the Leaport Livestock Show, which is our local one. Um just Leaport students. So if you have a chance to get out and to that next month, other than that, that's all I got. Uh baseball season is probably one of my favorite times of the year and it was kind of nice getting out there during spring break and watching two uh Leaport baseball games. Uh one didn't go our way, one went our
088way. Uh but it was really exciting to get back out there and just uh and just and watch that again. Um, and also it's going to be nice tomorrow. I get to bring my kids from that second that district that Jeff loves so much over here to running a track meet uh against Leaport and Lommax and stuff like that. So, I get to bring my kids over there from Deer Park to see this beautiful stadium and running this beautiful stadium and stuff. So, I'm really excited about getting over there and doing that and them talking about it when we get back to school. So, >> Chris staying on the track thing. Just real quick, the Behore Olympics returned to the stadium. That's no small undertaking. So, kudos to everybody involved in that big old undertaking
089to get that done. It was a great event. And uh I sit on the balcony with Doc for a little while and it was everything we would hope it would be. Um these were just a drawing. So, kudos to everybody there. And uh welcome back from spring break. Um, everybody touched on most of what I had to say except for on March 28th, our young entrepreneurs groups are going to be uh presenting their works at Baker. So, uh, keep your keep that on your calendar. Stop in and see them. Support those young students who are creating their own businesses from scratch and going to be selling their ideas and items and everything else. Um, it's a really fun event. Um, luckily a couple years ago we changed it. It's not just lemonade, so you don't
090have to taste uh different lemonades, but lots of other um things to check out that they've created. So, come join us that day. Dr. >> So, yesterday I got the opportunity, the privilege to uh attend again the monthly sessions of the aspiring leadership academy. uh Angie Vtor has done a phenomenal job over the last 5 years of that and putting that program together which is was a vision of mine but she took my vision and just moved with it and it's just it was beautiful. I say that to say tomorrow at 6:45 in the morning, I'm taking a group of 30 high school students to Texas A&M University, which is part of the superintendent's student advisory and they're going to go to the George HW Bush School of Government and the presidential library and then
091tour Texas&M as part of a capstone project. And so each year we select a different group and the principal helps with that and counselors and what have you select students that we believe we can grow as leaders. And these are some brilliant leaders and you would know all of them. But I guess what I'm trying to say I'm I'm just not only are we trying to grow our leaders that are already professionals but we're also trying to make certain that we impression and place a positive impression on our students. And so many of those kids are so excited because they said, "Dr. Jackson. I've never been on that campus. And so they're going to go see uh a presidential library. They're going to hear from college level students uh give them tours and talk about
092what it means to about government and opportunities for them. And so I I think it's important for this board to know we're not just trying to grow at the top. We're growing all over. And I'm very very proud of that. And so we'll I I I'll I'll work real hard to try to get a kid or two up in front of you next month to kind of tell about their story and adventures. >> Yeah. We will not be indoctrinated. >> We have no problem with you taking them as many times as you want. >> I'm very proud to be taking them too. All my money is >> all you can stay away from that. >> But I you know I want to say this. It's it's so refreshing guys. Like we uh I we love
093that our sports the the Lady Dogs, the the football team, our band. I mean all the you know are some of the pillars are are are having exceptional years. That's amazing. But when we hear other things about ROC and all the things that CTE I just we have so many amazingly talented kids across the district and that and that is an awesome thing. So I'm very excited for this this time in our district. Um I want to thank Dr. Jackson. So uh one of the things we didn't mention we have our state of the uh cities and education. So it's a chance for our mayor Helton Leaport mayor uh Harris with Morgan's Point. And Dr. Jackson on behalf of the school board uh district is going to give an update. So we we thank you
094for allowing us the use of that. We have several people that are coming that have never been in our legacy center. So, we're excited to show off uh showcase the facilities we have here. So, um I'll say this too, you know, again, I'm married to an educator and you know, I was grew up in a family of educators and we hear different things from time to time. I just we we appreciate on behalf of the board, we appreciate all all the uh the staff, the teachers across the board that choose to make Leaport home. I know like as we we this board can be really hard on on Dr. Jackson on trying to push him to to to continue to make it better. Uh, you know, we always thrive. You know, it's not all about
095numeric scores, but we we're pushing for eighth districts, so we push pretty hard, and I know he pushes hard. Um, and you know, to get greatness, you have to have that rub. You have to have some some discomfort sometimes, and we know that, we hear it. Uh, we just ask for for for some grace and patience. Uh, it is a process and we are fully confident on this board that we have the right people in place. Uh, and that we are making positive strides in that direction. So, we appreciate each and every one of you for uh for being a part of this team. Um, lastly, I'll say uh y'all talked about our young entrepreneur expo. I want to thank the the principles for allowing our chamber volunteers to to kind of come on to
096your campuses and bringing some parents in these last four or five weeks. Um, again, we can't say it enough. We're we're so honored and proud of our kids. Uh, we just hope that you guys will help show up and help get the word out. You'll see a lot stuff coming the next week from Adam and from Terry and myself and others. Um, we love to have you guys out there. from uh 10 to 1 next Saturday at Baker. So, thank you again, Dr. Jackson, for allowing us to do that.