001Good evening. It is 5:00 p.m. >> The board of trustees of Leort Independent School District is now convened. I wish to extend a warm welcome to everyone present. Every student success is our number one priority. As the Lord ISD 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. It 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 responsibility of the superintendent. This is a public meeting of the board of trustees, not a meeting of the public. School board meetings are open to all who wish to attend and hear the matters discussed. Audience participation is limited to the patron presentation portion of the meeting. Board members may
002not 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 time this evening to join us and for your interest in Leaport Independent School District. At this time, we will stand for the pledge of allegiance. Join the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The >> Texas flag the Texas flagg to thee Texas one state under God one and indivisible. >> I can't. That's what you do. >> I will be deleting the invocation. So please bow your head. Father God, we thank you uh first and foremost for this opportunity to come
003together this evening. I thank you, Father, for each and every individual that's representing this room and for all the ones that are not. All of our teachers, our our staff members, our students and parents, God, as we're wrapping up this summer, I just pray for wisdom and discernment uh for this board as we go and make decisions on behalf of the district. Uh I pray for every single employee that they just have a a blessed rest of the summer and even better year to come here in Leport ISTD. Father God, we ask a hedge of protection over every single uh person in our community. Uh and we thank you for the opportunity to come together tonight in Jesus name. Amen. >> Go to item number three, public comments. The board will now hear those who
004wish to make comments and who have completed and returned the public comment participation request. This session will be 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. President, do we have any? >> We have none. >> All right. Move to item number four, action and our closed discussion items. Number A or letter A, excuse me, discussing and consider approval of updates to policy FNC local. >> Good afternoon, Dr. Jackson. Um so just here today to present some information related to policy FNCE local. Um you guys have a handout on that handout just a a summary about House Bill 1481. Um so uh this was a Texas bill that mandates that uh public schools uh implement
005policies prohibiting student use of personal communication devices during the school day. Um and that includes uh lunch and passing periods. And so uh this includes devices, cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, and tablets. Uh there are some exceptions for documented medical and safety needs. And this bill is a part of a broader effort to reduce traction distractions and promote a more f focused learning environment. And so, uh, we've, uh, interpreted that and come up with the slogan, away for the day, no sell from bell to bell. Um, all devices must either be left at home or secured for the duration of the school day. Um, some of the steps that we've taken as a district, uh, one, we've researched what our surrounding districts are doing. Um, you know, we didn't want to be the outlier in this
006implementation of of the policy. Um so we've we've looked we've collaborated with other uh peers and colleagues from across uh the region and the state just to kind of see um you know what their plans were for implementation. Uh we've discussed that interpretation of House Bill 1481 with legal counsel. Uh we have uh Mr. Gilbert with us here today and um um I know he's been um a valued partner in helping us propose some changes and update student policy FNCE. So uh Mr. Mr. Gilbert, would you you have anything to share? >> So, what y'all are doing you want me to come up? >> Yeah. >> What y'all are doing is pretty consistent with what most school districts are doing. This was not optional for y'all. I mean, you're required to at a bare minimum
007prohibit use during the school day, and that's what y'all are doing. You could have gone an additional step and prohibited kids from even bringing them to school at all and told them they had to stay at home. Um, y'all didn't do that. I don't know of any school district that is doing that. I'm sure there are some, but I'm working with a number of school districts on implementing this law and adopt and changing these policies. And what y'all are doing is is pretty consistent with what everybody's doing. So, >> thank you, sir. So, again, I really appreciate his guidance and and wisdom and especially working with several surrounding districts to to to give us some up um some policy recommendations for updates. Uh we have a communications plan and so um on your iPad on
008that second tab, you should be able to see a unique link. It's not live yet. Um but you know should this policy be adopted uh this evening then we would be able to mobilize our communications plan um also have it on the uh screen uh for people in the gallery to to see but it has our infographic way for the day no sale from bell to bell. Um there is some research um on the site which uh explains the benefits of prohibiting uh you know student devices during the school day. Uh there's also just a quick summary of the proposed updates to the cell phone policy. Um starting with, you know, this is in accordance with Texas state law, House Bill 1481. Um and then there are also frequently asked questions. We anticipate there are
009going to be a lot of questions asked from parents, staff, community members. Uh so we thought it would be a good idea to have a a space for them to uh access where they could um just you know see those frequently asked questions uh with some of those answers there. So um you know if this were to be approved um when we're uh we're able to go live with this uh with the community as as quickly as we can. So that's there for you you guys. Also, um we've collaborate collaborated with our own district and campus leaders um on really what this would look like with implementation. We know this is a change um it's a large change. Um and so to making sure that we are uh being, you know, fully transparent with our
010staff and our and our students and having a comprehensive plan moving forward. Um you know, we we've had opportunities to discuss in district leadership meetings. I was able to attend a campus meeting at the high school where Dr. presented the information to his staff. Just you know, bill summary. Um this is what what it's looking like having an open conversation with staff and uh you know really good um conversations with staff about enforcement and communicating expectations to our students. Um so I really appreciate them. We also have uh with us an elementary representative, Miss Hyde. And Dr. Griffin, if you guys could please come up um and they can speak to a little bit. But really, one of the things we know is that we need to be consistent with our management plan. And so
011you guys have a copy of that plan. That's not something that is uh published or you know outward. Um this is something for you guys and for our administrators um as far as how we would address any uh infractions or violations to the policy. So I just uh have Miss Hyde and Dr. Griffin will speak after her just to talk a little bit about what what their um role has been in this. >> So, we had an opportunity to visit as an administrative team collaboratively with secondary as well as just with elementary. Um we feel like the policy is a a good policy that we have have a good plan in place. We were able to really kind of pinpoint where we thought concerns might arise. Um, and at the elementary level, it's pretty much
012what we've already been doing. You know, we don't allow cell phones out during the school day. Um, it's going to be more of a learning process. So, less punitive unless there's an ongoing concern. So, right. So, um our kids just need to be taught that, you know, you can't have it out when you're waiting for the bus and you can't have it out, um they don't really take it out of lunch, but um and so when we talk, we were able to kind of look at where we might have concerns and address those. I think we feel like the most important piece is going to be that communication piece with our families and we've got a good plan in place with those frequently asked questions and so we feel like it's going to go really
013smoothly at the elementary level. Um, I don't enforce any concerns at all. >> Thank you guys. Uh, so it's going to be a little bit different at the high school than it is at the elementary. Um, I I think um, you know, any initiative at the high school, consistency is the number one factor that makes something happen. And so we wanted to make sure I I called my guy and coalition of teachers up uh last week and we talked not only about cell phones but about some of the construction issues and things we're going to have to work through procedures we're going to put into place. But I really wanted to hear what they thought, you know, about the cell phone uh policy and the the House bill. I think the thing that was important
014for me to relay to them is that if you take all the politics out, if you take everything out, if I just asked you, would you rather have your kids not have their cell phones during class or have them during class, 100% of you would say that you would rather them not have them in class? And so, why don't we go into this excited about it? We want to we want to be consistent with it. We want to enact it because ultimately it's going to make things better at the high school. Um I I would say that 98% of the discipline that we deal with on a daily basis is directly related to a cell phone. Whether it's kids not following a rule, they're talking about somebody on social media, it's it all gets, you
015know, back to that one thing. And so if this is something that we can come together as a faculty, uh and really uphold the way that the law is intending, that ultimately it's going to be a good thing. And so I left that meeting with the teachers feeling good about it, feeling good about the plan that that we kind of talked through that this is kind of what we're thinking it's going to be. Um, and so it was a really positive meeting. We're pretty excited about the direction and that ultimately at at the heart of the law, whether you like the law or you don't like the law, ultimately the result, if it's done properly, is going to be a positive thing for the high school. So, thank you. And I just want to um
016reiterate just how appreciative I am for our campus leaders um you know, just to get their input uh to to meet with their staff to to you know, unpack what does this mean? um you know the the questions came up to hear a teacher say well you know what do I do when the student doesn't want when they don't want to release release it to me then you know what have you always done in that situation you contacted an administrator we've been able to come um and we assist with that so it's just reminding folks some of the expectations that have always been there but just making sure that we start the year very uh strict with enforcement and consistency and then that's the key and that's why you don't see a separate plan for
017elementary and junior high and high school. I mean, it's a consistent uh plan for all of our campuses across all of all of the levels. Um, and we really hope that we can uh communicate those expectations clearly. Um, be consistent with our enforcement and we feel like this ultimately can be a positive thing. Um, you know, if if we stick to those. So, um, I'll open it, I guess, for any questions, but I also wanted you to see the next steps which you guys have. Um, again, once approved, we would be able to align our uh student handbook with the updated policy that that's something that we would need to do. Again, I appreciate Mr. Gilbert's assistance and looking at CASBY model handbooks and making sure that we're in alignment with with the resources that
018we have. Um, the communication plan, ongoing discussions and back to school trainings with staff, and then uh clearly communicating those expectations. And then lastly, enforcement, right? being consistent with with our enforcement. So at this time if you guys have any questions or comments >> and just a comment I mean I think consistency is going to be our biggest problem is you're going to have a teacher no matter how much you drill it into someone a teacher at the high school who may they may take it up and they may give it back to the student at the end of their period and then move on and then the next teacher doesn't give it back and then we have to follow this because if not if low if I'm not picking names but Lommax Junior High
019does it and Leaport Junior High doesn't everybody's going to find out cuz not that we live on die on Facebook, but we don't want to seem inconsistent on Facebook. So, I think that's just going to be a big struggle. >> Valid point. You know, that's been our um you know, overwhelming um call to action is with consistency and making sure that we are um across all of our campuses um you know, implementing the same way. >> I think the key I think the key in anything of this magnitude is really um is buy in. one is is making sure the messaging is strong enough that everybody really buys in and understands that we've got to remove the emotion from the situation. This is a very objective matter and I mean the state has laid out
020the expectation and we can't get in our feelings about it and we obviously there's a lot of concerns about safety concerns and since you a lot of people want to have got it and I think that Leaport has positioned itself uh to lead the pack in terms of giving parents that peace of mind. So, I'm hoping that's a big part of our our messaging is that we have things in place that other districts may not have that should give you some assurance that you know your your child is safe. And uh I think that's going to be really important to Mason's point. Consistency enforcement is going to be paramount. But I urge everybody, all our stakeholders to really understand and it's about how we message it to the kids as parents, as administrators, as teachers,
021as everybody. If we're not sold on it, the kids are never going to buy in. Um, you know, they're very impressionable. They're going to take our our lead on the on the matter. So, I urge everybody listening that really, you've got to understand this is a law. This isn't just a Ford ISD thing. This isn't you're going to take your kid and go to somewhere else. they're going to have the same laws in force. Uh and I think that this is just a way of life and as you get into the professional sector, you know, you're going to have these same rules and regulations. Uh I mean, it's going to follow you the rest of your life. So, I think our our kids are uh immune from that is is I think a little uh
022misstep. So, just being consistent our messaging, I think, is going to be really important. And I urge all of our our parents to really take a position of support and understand that the the pros there's so much evidence that these cell phones are detrimental to kids in a learning environment. So that's my my takeaway for >> aren't allowed to walk around with our pajors. >> No, they're not. >> We're making them take away take off their Apple watches too and put them in their backpack. >> So smartwatches, earbuds, um you know, even someone brought up smart glasses, right? >> The glasses. Anything that has messaging capabilities, Bluetooth um you know capabilities would be something that would be in violation of the policy. >> I mentioned this to Walter earlier today in a conversation we were
023having. One of the hardest things is for a teacher to approach a kiddo with a level head with the right words. You know, some teachers are very good at it. Some teachers can do it with a sense of humor like Miss Lee, you know, and the kids will just let me give you all my technology. But we it would maybe be helpful if we gave our teachers like a script almost, you know, kind of like you do with, you know, what are you doing? What are you supposed to be doing? Are you doing it? So that teachers have an automatic message, not give me that, you know, because I think that's sometimes and sometimes teachers don't want they're too they're almost afraid to confront a kiddo, but if they had a me a set message,
024you know, that they could use like a little script. >> Sure. Yeah. I know that's that's and that's one of the conversations that took place with the staff. What do we do in that case? And is, you know, >> then you you don't engage, right? You you don't put yourself in that situation where you're being combative with the student. You you you remind them what the the expectations are. If they're in violation, then we contact and we provide additional assistance as needed. We don't want a teacher to to, you know, be combative or put themselves in a compromising situation over a cell phone. And in the in no time are the teachers expected to actually take up the phone or Yes. >> So there there could be instances where it's released back at the end
025of the class period. Okay. Um or u you know delivered to the office or the corresponding AP office and then you know returned at the end of the school day. >> Wait a second. Sorry. So it's being returned back at the end of the class period or it's given to the principal and or the administrative office after the first offense. So first offense we have it's confiscated and documented with administrative conf uh conference. So so for the um elementary classroom that could be that it stays with the teacher for the duration of that day for that class period day and then returned back to the student. Um so it just it'll progress as as you go but there could be instances where it's returned back to the student. Correct. But at the high office. >>
026Okay, that was my question. >> During the first offense for the fun, right? Okay. >> If you get 30 of those a day, what do we are we going to have a It seems like we're going to need to have some kind of formal procedure of like if I turn in a $2,000 phone. >> And we're talking about the storage devices that we need for that office so that we can securely store them and have a process for returning those and logging those. Absolutely. >> I hate that you guys have to do that. I get like this state. I think the the hopefully the why behind it is a good thing. Uh and it's a less distraction, but I told Dr. Jackson in my perfect world, we would it would been a little more uh
027uniform across all districts. For example, like we can compare against Deer Park all the time, right or wrong. I looked up today, they have in there says you are allowed to, this is Deer Park High School, North Campus, you are allowed to use your phone and earbuds during breakfast, lunch, and class change. I found another one uh neighboring district says you may be used during transit they may be used during transition periods in the hallways and during assigned policy >> those may not have been updated as dear parks attorney that's probably not what they're polic is it like so that that's so I mean again somebody says like hey I'm leaving for your policy it's going to be specific that it can't be during passing periods or lunches that was uh you know that was
028part of the mandate is that uh you know during the instructional day which includes the passing period and launch that it could not be um you know >> cuz I don't think anybody's updated their handbook. >> But it's weird because like I have it has included like the 2425 on the deer park page and then this is an updated one because it has fines included that they didn't include last year. So it's it's kind of it doesn't have a date on it. So it's kind of weird. >> Awesome. >> Yeah. They start like $5. It's all over their all of their their social media stuff. >> Yeah. So the guidance that we've received is that the you know the fines is not something that's permissible. Right. >> Right. I mean, and I'll say that we've
029been talking to a lot and pretty much everybody's fairly in line with the stepping weight >> in terms of the progressive >> discipline and understand like each one of these there's instances where you know we had a conversation it may be your second violation but in the course of confiscation you use some profanity towards a teacher or you you know there there's something else. So it's not going to just that. Yeah. So, so there are instances where you know it's not going to follow exactly depending on >> uh other took place. >> Okay. I had um several points written down to make sure I talked about and I want to thank y'all for your thorough presentation because I got to knock a bunch of things off my list obviously. Um but I think my main
030question right now can uh is around the exceptions to the rule. Um the exceptions are safety protocols, a documented need or directive by a physician. Um but we do have discretion on that. Um and then if it's part of their IEP or 504. So um I think we can anticipate that a lot of parents are going to come up wanting to have a art committee meeting. Here she comes. and um you know to get devices added to their child's >> IEP. Are we are we prepared for that? What what's going to be our stance on that? And what's going to be our stance about the qualified physician directive? How are we going to make sure those are authentic? Um, and then well, I'll let you answer that and then I have a question about number
031eight because it's directly in >> opposition of the new House Bill 6 as far as ISS. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. So, we already have a process in place for a student who has a medical need through a 504 committee. So, when it's just like if they request homebound, what we do is we get a physician statement. It can't it it can't be um uh your let's see it can't be a med spa or it has to be an actual medical doctor and they and we have to see that there's a need. Our district nursing staff communicates directly with the physician. We don't allow the parent to fill it out or have the doctor fill it out. Not that they would do that, you know what I mean? That they we get we ensure that it
032is filled out by a physician. Our staff calls and communicates with them. Then we don't take everybody's word for it. Even then we sit and have a committee and decide and we have an either a 504 and our committee and decide is there truly a medical need for this device. Typically it's going to be a diabetes monitor. I can't even think off the top of my head right now what another medical need would be that you would need your cell phone. But we would take it as it comes just like we would a service dog request or a request for homebound a request for a shortened day. We already have that process in place and Jennifer Upshaw drew up some forms that I I still need to get approved through for a procedure, not a
033process. So we don't I mean yeah a procedure for the district but so that we have something uniform for all the principles to share but they'll communicate with my office and we'll handle it if there's a request. We we foresee that we will have two additional requests this year. >> Mhm. Okay. Um, >> can I quit? Can I ask if a diabetic has his phone? Are there going to be different consequences for that diabetic if or the kid someone is diabetic if he's caught using the um playing on his phone, messaging on his phone and stuff? Are there going to be different consequence because you can't take his phone up? how how are we gonna >> so that's where I mean the discretion of the principal comes in on and and we would be consistent
034with our discipline um you know cuz we don't want to be you know treating this student differently than we would. So, we would be able to administer discipline um appropriately and and in line with similar infractions, but you know, we'd have to take into consideration that that phone is needed for whatever purpose. >> Sure. Good question. >> Because you're going to get a lot of that. >> Yeah, that's true. um safety protocol. What is our >> So, you know, there there could be a situation where um if there are now you are you asking on when that would be approved because of a safety need is that like what what so I'm just leaving that if there was a situation where um you know and it could be a range of of >> could be
035a shelter in place. I mean there's a lot of things. There could be other things that uh give us opportunities where we would uh allow contact with the family if it's related to a safety matter and >> just use common sense and discussion >> as a principal. I'm sorry and the principal uh certainly would have the discussion of that and we would certainly be in touch with them. But the other part of that and Trusty Hanks mentioned it earlier today that I haven't had a chance to share. We we're going to have to do a better job of making certain that our parents understand we have this new systemics and all of this, you know, where we can press buttons and get all of the support that we need should there be um a need
036for additional police, a need for additional whatever. And so, while the child may not be able to do that, there's always adults that are going to be around that are wearing those on their person. >> Yeah, maybe we need to do a video about that. >> So, we will we will make certain that we our messaging will talk. We spent you allocated a lot of funding for that to happen and so this is a great opportunity for us to share here's another way that we can make certain that we are communicating and your children are never going to be without somebody helping them remain safe uh while on our campuses. Okay. >> Okay. Number eight on the discipline plan. the new House Bill six, which um is relative to ISS, right? Allowing us to have
037students in ISS more than 3 days up to 10 days. Um and we have to review it at 10:00. A um special education child, we would have to have a manifestation determination by 10 days. So I think we're placing oursel with a lot of administrative work by putting 15 on number eight >> by putting 15 days. >> This is DAP. If a student is out is is not receiving their services for more than 10 days across the span of the school year, then we would need to do an MDR. But in Leaport, we push our case managers into ISS to make sure that they get their needs met. Now, of course, we do not want students in ISS, >> any students, for more than 10 days. However, sometimes that there's a need for that. We
038push in on every campus, we push into ISS to make sure that kids have the all of their needs met when they're in there. So, >> yeah. And maybe HB6 specifically um has a different verbiage for DAP than they do for ISS. I don't know. PA don't you have to do an MDR regardless I've got you asking about ISS yes of course we always have it wouldn't matter it's a removal and they do but they do get their services at DAP as well we have special ed staff >> okay >> and then not that it would hopefully never happen but if you get to step eight and it happens a ninth time do you just repeat step eight >> I mean I'm just curious but >> well bottom line is after The second one, parents
039are going to have to come visit with somebody to talk about this. And I I would imagine a parent is going to get fed up with this and have some strong conversations. I know my parents would have >> if we've learned anything that some parents just a little differently than I agree. But to get that phone back, a child is going to have to get a parent or guardian to get up there. And that's going to that's going to take some some work on the students account. And so I'm not I'm not saying we have an answer for that, but it's it's going to be, you know, uh something that the child has to determine whether or not they want to keep going down this road to do that. So hopefully we don't have to
040get to to seven or eight. Uh and we might and we we'll have to figure out how to how to deal with that. >> Yeah. >> Uh but our our ultimate goal is to do what Miss Hyde said earlier and Dr. Griffin, we've got to begin this process by teaching, modeling, right? And then teaching and modeling and teaching and modeling and communicating. And I think that cycle is going to have to happen not just for August, not just for September. It's going to have to be something that we do every day and every month, you know, for the entire school year. And it will evol eventually become part of the culture. But it's going to take some time and it's going to be a lot of work on all of us because let's just face
041it, Dr. Griffin's got 2200 kids on that campus. He's got six administrators, >> right? So teachers and administrators alone are outnumbered and and how many kids can have that happen? So we've got to teach the expectation, model it, communicate it with everybody, and start that cycle over every day. And we're going to do everything in our power to help you uh and all principles do that and be as consistent as we possibly and humanly can be in this process cuz we're going to be challenged. Uh I said to several board members as I've spoken with you out throughout the the weeks about just this this process. >> The youngster today um just feel like this phone is part of their soul. They feel like it's part of their their personages. And so when when you're
042threatened with this phone is going to go away, all logic seems to ceases to exist. And so we don't want that. And we certainly don't want adults overreacting in that process. So just like we're going to have to teach and model for that those youngsters, we're going to have to teach and model and support our teachers because it's going to be a lot of work on everybody's part. And so you have our word that we're going to do the absolute best we can. And I mean, I assume I'm sure this is uh in the works, but we'll be talking about this at every back to school event, every you know, here comes the seventh graders at LPJ or LMAX and here comes the eighth graders. >> Yeah, we kind of talked about that. Uh the
043advisory times, the um morning announcements, the you know, constant messaging um signage that we're we're going to provide campuses. Good. Um, you know, so this this will be a big roll out. >> You you will hear a wave for the day multiple times. >> Trusty Thompson, this sadly will be at least a snippet in my uh address on convocation at convocation because you've got the entire school district there. >> I mean, nobody is going to be able to say, "I didn't know that." Right. >> Um, right. So, we're going to work really hard. We're we're going to use video delivery. We're going to use social media as best we can. Uh but ultimately um and and we're we're a tight-knit family in this community. We need our parents to support us in this process. >>
044Absolutely. >> Uh I think several of you have already said we believe the intent of the law uh is with good intentions and so we've got to embrace it in that way. We need our parents to help us with this. >> All right. I think I think this is one that uh came from Austin that people really have uh good intentions for for our school districts with this. And so we we want to embrace it and be positive about it, but we're absolutely going to need to partner with the parents of this school district to help us and not that it's an antagonizing relationship about a phone. >> You know, they say that great things require great effort and this is going to be one of those things for sure. >> But I think it's
045an opportunity also to to really separate ourselves again um in just one more facet. I think that it's an opportunity if we can get the total buy in that the district will see the the fruits of the labor. They will see it will it will pay huge dividends. Um I I apologize. I've been trying to pull up my has some notes about it. But if you really dive into this subject, the statistics are scary, but they also help the narrative. And uh I I heard this one part it talked about the uh coping mechanisms of adolescence and uh the cognitive development and that you know we've got age restrictions on smoking, gambling, drinking and the dopamine release is so addictive in each of those behaviors and yet the same dopamine release with cell phone usage
046and there's no age restriction on that >> and it's highly addictive. It is it's corrupted you know >> our our youth. It really has. And I think this is an opportunity. It's going to be painful. You're going to go have kids go through withdrawals just like they would in any other habit. Um, so, uh, it's going to be tough, but again, I I think that, you know, I think this board will support the the teachers, the administration and doing what you do. It I hate that we have to get to this level, but again, it's a state law. So, >> it is it is what it is. So, we've got to meet it head-on. We're not going to shy away from it. And that's my teacher. >> Okay. One more question from a teacher. Once
047a personal electronic device is approved for instructional use, how will we let teachers know and staff know if the device is approved or not? Will it be indicated in Skyward or will we receive a live document? Otherwise, I see it as an issue of students saying it's been approved when it has not. >> I mean, just at the high school, we're one of the there are no other approved. I was going to say just from my personal experience, you know, my son has used an iPad for communication and he could not use his personal iPad. He had to use a district's iPad. So, >> there's no So, in a situation like that to a device for instruction, >> well, they're probably just reading the law where it says that it could be approved. Okay, good.
048>> It would be 504 paperwork, right? Or something like that that the teacher would get, wouldn't it? >> I think I know we need a motion for this. One more quick comment uh for public records. So again, we we've mentioned several times this is mandated by the state. We do have some leeway on how we uh implement these policies, put them in place. And so I want to commend Dr. Jackson and the team you guys that came into place because uh public want to say we we are very we we've air on the the lenient side. So it's very the big deal that we're allowing them to bring their phones and keep them in their backpacks and so they will have in an emergency they their babies will have access to these phones if there
049is an emergency and that is a big deal. So, I commend you guys on that. Um, we talking to Dr. Jackson and his team, I know that we understand it's going to put a little bit of extra burden on our staff and it's going to be chaos implementing things for the first time. And so, but again, I know you guys are taking a lot of effort to to try to uh to mitigate that and minimize that impact as much as possible. I know it's not going to be perfect, but I have faith that as we things come up, we can adapt and yeah, we'll be mo most importantly be praying for you guys and and we're asking for I want to publicly ask for grace from the parents. Again, public safety is the number one
050thing. And number two, we want to educate your kids and give them all an equal learning environment and and so we we uniformly agree that these cell phones are distraction, right? And so again, this won't be perfect and it's going to be hard the first year, but we thank you guys for for rolling with the punches and putting the best plan possible. So with that, I seek a motion uh to approve. >> Second. >> Trusty Hanks f uh motion. Trusty Perez second. Please vote. motion approves unanimously. Thank you guys. >> All right. Um we move on to B. Discuss and consider taking action on whether to allow non-enrolled students the opportunity to participate in UIL activities. So, uh, board, also in your, um, packet there, uh, you have an explanation of, um, just Senate Bill
051401, um, in a policy suggestion update for FM local. And so, this has to do with the participation of non-enrolled students in UIL activities. If you recall, last year, um, ISDs could opt in to whether or not they allowed non-enrolled student participation. Uh this year the change in the law uh with Senate Bill 40 401 ISD shall provide non-enrolled student participation unless the school board votes to opt out and uh of allowing non-enrolled student participation. So you see the the difference in how that um that law changed just from one year. Um so that's what you have before you and I know that's the um the agenda item that you guys will discuss today. Well, I'll I'll just say that one. Everybody's looking at me. The um the the part of of educational athletics is
052the responsibility and and of getting your work done and and having those extra responsibilities, being a leader in the classroom and in the hallways, being an ambassador for your school. You're representing the school and your community. And you can't do that if you're hidden away the whole time. In my opinion, I think that it's a it's a full-time job and you sign a you sign a contract, whether it's virtual or not. It's you sign a contract to represent your school in the best manner possible. And to do that, you've got to be present. And that's my my two cents is I think that our athletes need to be on campus. I don't think that it's it's fair to those that do um to have someone that isn't taking on the same responsibilities and and and
053taking on that that role. Um so that's that's my two cents. >> You know, I'm with you on that. I mean, there's not much discuss we're going to do it or not going to do it. And uh I'm for not doing it. >> I mean, >> yeah, I think we should opt out as well. Um, I just feel like if as a parent, if you want your child to be able to do those extracurricular things, whether it's debate or theater or sports or or whatever it is, then you need to come be part of the Bulldog family. So, that's my opinion. >> Extra curriculum for a reason. >> It's extra. That's right. >> And you will have some parents that will argue that they are being educated at home. I mean, we understand that, but
054at the same time, I feel like the important part of being part of a team, whether it's debate or theater or whatever, is that you are showing up every day with your teammates all day long at school. And like you said, Danny, you're an ambassador. There's a lot more to being a participant in sports and extracurricular activities than just showing up for practice and playing the games or performing or whatever. It's a It is. It's a full-time job. So, it's it's a student athlete. >> Mhm. or a student participant, whatever. >> So, and I mean, this is going to sound crazy, but you know, if you have a whole bunch of homeschool students decide to do this, who pays for that extra coach? Because we're not we don't get the um daily rate for them.
055>> So, you know, it's also it would also could also be a budgetary issue as as time moves forward. So >> that's where my mind was too, Karen, is if we get paid on average daily attendance. If they're not attending our school, we're not getting paid to have these kids be a part of these programs. They get hurt. I'm sure there's liability and insurance and other issues. And so, and again, so I'm with you guys 100%. Uh I believe we had a good plan in place of not allowing this in the past. And so I'm not in favor of changing that. >> Okay. >> Any more comments? If not, I seek a motion. I make a motion that we opt out of um SB 401 FM local to not allow non-enrolled student participation. >> I
056second. We have a motion and a second. Please vote. >> Motion carries unanimously. Thank you. Move on to item C. Discuss and consider approval of sound system renovations for Angel Theater. So, this is um exciting to be able to present this to you all. Uh you know that we have been working uh behind the scenes to um discuss the renovation for the Sonia Angelo Theater. And so that's involved just a comprehensive analysis and assessment of our sound, of the lighting, of the things like the rigging inspection, the you know, just all the safety aspects uh that we need to bring up to speed. And so we uh are going to begin in phases of the theater renovation. Um one of the the phases we feel like we can accomplish is sound. Um and we feel
057like we can get this done or at least be to a substantial completion. Um so that we can proceed with the musical uh in the timelines that were given to us by our theater directors and staff. uh we feel like we can accomplish this sound project, which it really is um in need of some some enhancements and upgrades. And so you have uh the quote um you know that's not something that we would just contract to anyone. We have some um experts and specialty companies that can uh deliver the product. And so uh the group that you have before you is Texas Sound, formerly Southwest Building Systems. They've got over 40 years of experience um in AV work. Um we've used them on some other projects within the district. So there's compatibility with our systems
058and familiarity with operations of of the equipment. And so we feel like this is a step in the right direction uh getting the sound system overhauled in the Sonangelo Theater. next steps, you know, will involve several other projects, but just to get going with um you know, the sound. Uh this will allow us to hopefully get the uh majority of that work and uh they know our timelines with our expectations for musical and so we feel like we can accomplish this within that timeline. >> Good. I only had one question and it says warranty included and it says the company's labor warranty is at one year. Is there any? And then it says other warranty applies with a little check box. Is the equipment warrantied? >> So there are and different equipments carry different warranties
059if that makes sense. So uh speakers, microphone, you know, so there are different warranties that apply to the different um uh components. Um so we would uh you know there's not anything that extends that. But again, that's the benefit of working with a company that we have familiarity and that they're able to answer our phone when we need them um in which they've done on other projects that that we've done. >> Absolutely. >> So, um yeah, it's not like uh for each component would would carry that same warranty, but almost vary by >> I just was I just worried that we I don't know how much we're spending. I I know, but you know, $356,000 worth of equipment. And I didn't know if three speakers were ended up being $100,000. Well, one speaker breaks and
060then we're in big trouble. >> Yeah. No, >> if I may say to these companies, >> I know the 356 architectural companies or sound companies, the folks that do these big jobs for us, they absolutely survive on our word of mouth and our ability to call other school districts and say they did a phenomenal job for us. These folks don't want to do that to us. Okay? So, if something were to happen, I guarantee you we're going to be taken very good care of. All right. I can't answer the the warranty question, but they're not going anywhere is what I'm saying. They would be back to support 99% the way I understand it because I did dig and follow up is like if you look like some of the amps or whatever, those may have
061a threeyear warranty. Speakers may have a five. Each item, line item really carries could carry its own warranty for that component. like the cables. I don't think we'll ever have to worry about cables ever again. But each of those things and I will say that we have some exceptionally uh talented people within the district that have looked this over fines who've come and been very very involved and they assured me that everything that we need as a district is on here and included and we'll be very proud of where where it's at. >> My only concern is the knowing you associate sound and lighting together. Is there a reason we can't do the lighting? Because I right like we have to rent lighting and sound every year. No, I sorry to interrupt. Sometimes um they
062are lumped together. Um with this project, there are um certain um systems that need to be inspected. So like rigging and lighting go hand in hand. And so um we received a rigging inspection Friday, last Friday. And so uh and then the lighting, it's a little bit more uh detailed. And so we did not feel like the timeline we could get all of that completed prior to musical. And so that was another reason why we had to separate. And then also we're because there are so few companies that um specialize in these areas even for them to take on projects uh within our timeline that was a challenge. So we did you know our goal was to see progress and get progress going uh quickly for the musical. Um and so we felt like the
063sound is something that we can deliver and that lighting knowing that that's going to come later but um that that's one of the reasons why that's separated. What would be the uh like how many additional phases would you see after the >> So, you know, really we'll be able to do some things um cosmetic uh you know, so foyer upgrades um the electrical, you know, we'll be able to do some things in in the foyer. Uh the full lighting, um you know, that would be a a phase. Um stage refinishing. Um, I feel like there could be a possibility where we could get that done prior to um, you know, so really our idea going into it was um, safety, you know, looking at all of our inspection or our our rail systems and bringing
064those up to speed. There's some substantial work we got to do to the pit. Um, just kind of some safety modifications there. So, kind of the phase one was just safety and inspections. Phase two, we start getting actually to sound um, you know, and lighting. Uh, we just had to push the lighting piece. So, uh, I feel like by the end by this time next year, we should be, um, in a very good place with, uh, fully renovation of our theater >> and we'll, we'll pick back up in the spring. >> Absolutely. >> Yeah. As soon as, um, >> and that's just a challenge again with scheduling. A lot of these companies, they schedule almost a year out. >> And so, you know, we we pulled some favors even being able to get the rigging
065inspection to be here. Uh Texas Scenic is a company that came and did that for us. So getting them here when they did was only because they had a cancellation and so they were able to come and and help us there. >> We can go one more year. >> Yeah. Yeah. No, it's going to be one more season. >> No, we are very excited and we know what this means to the community and um excited about that. >> That's exciting. >> Any more discussion? If not, I seek a motion. So moved. Second motion second. Motion carries uni. Thank you board. And if there's nothing else to discuss, quick meeting, we