001All right. Please stand as trustees Dr. Sonia Hassel leads us in the invocation and pledges of allegiance. >> The prayer first, right? >> I thought it was a prayer first. >> They are prayer first. >> Pray first. Almighty and merciful God, we ask your guidance and blessing upon this board, students, parents, patriots, teachers, and administrators as we assemble here this evening in the common pursuit of this great nation's wealth, our children. Amen. >> Amen. over here first. >> 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. >> Honor the Texas flag. I aliance to the Texas. One state one and indivisible. The time is now 6:01 and the meeting will now be officially
002called to order. Good evening and welcome to this called meeting of the North Side Board of Trustees. Before we call our first agenda item, the board would like to take a moment to briefly review some of our rules for conducting our meeting. In order of business for this meeting, it's set out on the agenda and the purpose of this meeting is to conduct board business and for that reason it is held in public. It is not a public forum, however, and we do provide the opportunity for audience participation. If there's anyone who would like to address the board during an agenda item, we do ask that you please complete a sign up prior to the start of the meeting and indicate which agenda item you would like to address. The signup sheets will be provided
003at the entrance of the boardroom. And this is so that we do not overlook anyone that would like to speak to the board. Due to this being a called meeting, there will not be a citizens to be heard portion. We will review the rules for addressing the board later in the meeting. Is there anyone who would like to sign up for an agenda item and has not already done so? >> Okay. Well, thank you all again and we'll go ahead and get started here. I'm moving up to our first item on the agenda, which is recognitions. >> Yeah. So, uh good evening, Madam President, members of the board. Um welcome to the uh well, I guess really the third day of school. We've successfully finished the second day of school and so uh momentarily we'd
004like to introduce uh a little over 60 new administrators. Now when I say new new to their positions, many of which are uh obviously uh advancing right here in North Side ISD. But um before we do, I would like to congratulate really those that are with us in the audience on a really successful uh start to the school year. um minus a few power outages uh about five of our campuses which uh we really had no control over as a result of being uh outside transmission lines. Uh those were resolved actually before we uh started the the first uh hour. So uh was a great start to the school year. Uh what we thought we would do before we introduce our new leaders is uh uh really just share with you a quick video uh
005that's a uh just a a small uh sample of the tremendous work that goes into the preparation for kicking off a school year. And um so I believe we've got a video moment uh if you will uh just indulge us for just a moment uh that describes the experience Carlos Elementary School uh just uh navigated. Um, and like I say, we are well off and running uh to the 2025 2026 school year. So, um, I think we've got a video moment uh queued up. >> How many? [Music] As the sun rose on another first day of school, the little ones at Carlos Elementary were greeted by cheerful, well-rested educators who probably spent their well-deserved summer break relaxing by the pool, >> sipping on iced tea, and catching up on the latest Hollywood gossip. Completely rested
006and ready for work. >> There is no rest for us. We're constantly working. >> Okay, so maybe not completely rested. To find out why, let's rewind a bit back to the days leading up to this one, where school principal Jessica Linquist says the real magic happens. >> It takes a tremendous amount of work and heart and teamwork just to make the first day of school um a special place for our kids. And >> it all starts with this crew, >> our custodial team, our office team, they're working around the clock to make sure everything is ready so the teachers can get in to start making the magic happen. First things first, everything needs to go. And I do mean everything. Every desk, chair, rug, and table. Once the floors are bare, they can begin part
007two of their assignment. >> They have to clean them. They have to strip them down. They have to rewax them. Then they have to move all the furniture back into those rooms. >> While they work on the floors below, electricians are busy installing new lighting above. >> We had all new lighting, so every bit was taken out and put back in. We had all new electrical wired in. >> There's much to be done and not much time to do it. Throw in some meetings, a convocation. >> Then it's time for part three of the assignment, classroom prep. Teachers will spend hours in their classroom making sure everything is ready down to the last detail, getting everything just right for the real stars of the show, the students. when they come walking down these halls, which
008are pretty spotless, by the way. From hanging posters to lining up furniture just so. And don't forget the textbooks. >> Now, volume two. We are distributing textbooks to our staff. Our wonderful IIA team here is helping me count them, helping me distribute them so they can be ready for the first day of school. >> It's pretty much an allout marathon until that first bell. So, while there may not be a whole lot of sitting by the pool and sipping on iced tea, the people at Carlos Elementary, just like every other school in the district, are up for the challenge. And all we have to do is fast forward back to that first day of school to find out why. >> The payoff is the moment those kids walk through the door. >> Are you ready?
009Are you ready? I saw you. >> I saw you, too. Are you excited? when they come in and they are excited and they have smiles and that nervous energy and they're just so excited to meet their teacher for the year. >> What grade are we going to be in? >> First grade. >> You came back. Welcome back. I love the haircut. >> We're so happy to see you. Have a good day. >> When they walk in and they get to make that connection, that's that's the payoff. That makes it all worth it. >> Come on through. Welcome. Welcome. Happy morning. [Music] >> Yeah, absolutely. And again, congratulations to uh really the entire school district, um our our teachers, our custodial staff, our our transportation department, of course, school nutrition. Uh there is a tremendous amount
010of preparation, work that goes into uh like I say, kicking off the school year. And so, uh great job. Like I say, uh we're off and off and running and um like I said, we're very proud of the work that's already gone into preparing for this school year and uh really anticipate it's going to be a great one. Thank you again to our trustees for your support during uh our convocations. Um it's always great to be able to celebrate with staff, celebrate with our students, um and like I say, uh start the year off on the right foot. So with that being said, what we'd like to do uh for just a few minutes uh is introduce uh leaders to new positions. And so I'm going to let Valisk and Jessica Palmar uh lead us
011off. Um like I say, many of these individuals you'll probably recognize. Um they're just in different roles uh as we uh commence this uh 2526 school year. So without further ado, Val, Jessica, I'll let you I'll let you start. >> Take it away. [Music] first and last name, your previous is the ultimate test. Kids, as we know, are great at following instructions. Adults, the juryy's still out. >> It's okay. I'll mess it up. I'm Serena Torres. I was formerly the associate principal at Mora Elementary and I'm now principal at Minan Elementary. [Applause] Good evening. I'm Dora Timbers. I was previously the associate principal at Fischer Elementary and I'm now the proud principal at Draggers Elementary. [Applause] >> I'm Amanda Frasier and I was formerly the associate principal at Hoffman and I am now the principal
012at Thornton. [Applause] I'm Amanda Espinosa, formerly a reading language arts instructional support teacher with elementary curriculum and instruction, now the associate principal at Lewis Elementary. >> Awesome. [Applause] >> I'm Dina Martinez, uh formerly the uh administrator intern at Callison. I am now the proud associate principal at Hoffman Elementary. >> Good evening. My name is Erica Gilmore. I was formerly the elementary principal at Cornerstone Christian Elementary School and now I'm in my second year as the associate principal at Colonies North Elementary. >> All right. >> Good evening. I'm Chris Kalcano. I was previously the GT specialist at May Elementary. I am now the proud associate principal at Evers Elementary. Hello, my name is Elena Zavala. I was the ELA newcomer teacher at Jones Middle School and I'm the associate principal at Roads Elementary. Hello, I'm Karina
013Ramos. I was a first grade teacher at Lewis Elementary. I am now admin intern at both Martin and Kobe class. [Applause] Hi, good evening. I am Sandra Samaria. I was previously a math specialist at Martin Elementary. I am now the proud associate principal at Martin Elementary. Nice to meet you all. Hi, Abby Mclofflin. I was a teacher at Morelis Elementary and I'm the associate principal on my second year at Los Reyes Elementary. [Applause] >> Hi, I'm Norma Abago. I was the assistant director for partnerships and now the director of partnerships. [Applause] >> Hi there. I'm Franchesca Parker. I was the assistant principal at Pieraw Intermediate and now I am the assistant principal at Brisco Middle School. >> Hi, I'm Na Olike. I used to be the assistant principal at Brisco and now I'm the academic
014dean at Bristol Middle School. Good evening. Uh Aaron Logan, uh formerly assistant principal at Brennan High School, now the academic dean at Jones Middle School. >> Good evening. I'm Nicole Makavoy. I was the admin intern at NEF and I am starting my second year as assistant principal at Jones Middle School. >> Good evening. I am John Castillo. I was IPC teacher and head girls track coach at Clark Texas. I am now an assistant principal at Clark Texas. >> Good evening. I was a title one academic program coordinator at John J and now this is my second year as an assistant principal at Clark Texas and my name is Venus Gonzalez. >> Hi, good evening. My name is Lori Gyos. I was formerly the director of leadership development and now I'm the assistant superintendent for elementary
015instruction. [Applause] >> Hello, my name is Susie Pontton and I was previously the leadership development specialist and now I am the director of state and federal programs. >> Good evening. My name is Sra Diaz. I was formerly the LSD split between Glenn Oaks and Colon North and I am now an admin intern at Meat Elementary. >> Good evening. I'm Susan Cleveland. I was the director of research and development and now I'm the executive director of continuous improvement. [Applause] Hello, my name is Kathleen Quis and I am the former proud principal at Peas Middle School and now I am the executive director of student services. >> Good evening. I'm Nicole Wall. I was the previous AP at Passmore and now I'm the associate principal at Bowo, home of the Bulldogs. [Applause] >> Good evening. Carrie Gray.
016I was the associate principal at Scobby and I am now the associate principal at Kobe Glass. [Applause] >> Hi, good evening. I am Ma Martinez and I was the associate principal at Martin Elementary and now I am the associate principal at Leyon Valley Elementary. [Applause] >> Good evening. My name is Lawrence BBE. I was a GT specialist at Hoffman Elementary. Now I'm the admin intern at McDermott Elementary. >> Awesome. Good evening. Uh, my name is Jose Gonzalez. I was the former student success coach at Holmes High School and now I'm the proud assistant principal at Strauss Middle School. Awesome. >> Good evening. I'm Ariselli Faras, formerly assistant principal at Clark Texas. I'm currently my second year at Strauss Middle School as associate principal. Good evening. My name is Erica Savo. I was previously the admin
017intern at Martin Elementary and I'm now the proud associate principal at Fiser Elementary. [Applause] Good evening. My name is Selena Gthania. I was formerly the math specialist at Cody Elementary and now the associate principal at Cody Elementary. [Applause] Good evening. I'm Cara Beavers. I was formerly a fourth grade teacher at Scarboro Elementary and I am now associate principal at Scarboro Elementary. [Applause] >> Good evening. My name is Leticia Zaba. I was formerly at PreK4SA and now I'm grateful to be the associate principal at Rabba Elementary. >> Good evening. My name is Cole Otter. I was formerly the associate principal at Rabba Elementary and I'm the proud principal at Rabba Elementary. Hi, my name is Suzanne Landdale. I was the associate principal at Nichols Elementary and now I'm the proud principal at Nichols Elementary. [Applause] Hello,
018I'm Brook Mard. I was the associate principal at Ward Elementary and now I'm the proud principal of Ward Elementary. [Applause] Good evening. I'm Jen Platt. I am formerly the associate principal at Scarbor Elementary and now I am the associate principal at Wonke Elementary. [Applause] Hi, I'm Samantha Weisler. I was the associate principal at Wonke and now the principal at Wonky. [Applause] >> Hello, good evening. I'm Tammy Raina. I was the proud associate principal of Cody Elementary for about two and a half years and now I get to be the proud associate principal of Leak Elementary. Good evening, guys. Amber Mc Williams. I was the former assistant principal at John J High School and now I'm the associate principal at John J High School. >> Good evening. I'm Pamela Ferman. I'm formerly assistant principal at Jefferson
019High School. I am now assistant principal at Warren High School. [Applause] Hello, I'm Denise Kipa and I was at USAA before coming to North Side. I'm happy to be the director of accounting and accounts payable. >> Good evening. My name is Marisa Lucia Martinez. I am the proud uh associate principal at Powell starting my second year. Formerly I was special education teacher at Evers. Thank you. >> Hi, good evening. Uh Angel Sander Cruz, formerly the 504 testing coordinator at Warren High School. Now the assistant principal at Warren High School. Good evening. My name is Soie Walters, formerly instructional coach at McNair Middle School, now the academic dean at Jordan Middle School. [Applause] >> Hi, good evening. I'm Jessica Marcha. I was previously the academic dean at Jordan Middle School and now I'm the director of
020the Jordan Multimedia and Design Magnet. [Applause] Hi, I'm Diane Alanise. I was formerly at Carlos Kunos the math specialist and now I'm the associate principal at Scobby Elementary. >> Hello, I'm Gina Rodriguez. I was previously the academic dean at South San Antonio High School and now I'm returning to Northside as the academic dean at Taft High School. >> Good evening. My name is Ryan Bole. I was the former associate principal at Evers Elementary and I am now the current uh principal of Bolt Elementary. [Applause] Good evening everyone. I am Jennifer Delar Rosa, former associate principal at McAndrew Elementary, current associate principal at Carson Elementary. Go Cowboys. >> Buenoes. Uh, I was the assistant principal at Southside High School and now I'm the assistant principal at Brennan High School. Awesome. >> Oh, Lorenzo Salvana. [Applause] Good
021evening. My name is Ryan Brazzle. I was the assistant principal at Brennan High School. Now I'm the new associate principal at Brennan High School. [Applause] >> My name is Kurt Wonderly. I was a science teacher at Taft High School and I'm now an assistant principal of Brennan High School. [Applause] >> Hi, my name is Brett Jawasco. I was previously the boys basketball coach at Okconor High School and currently an assistant director of athletics. [Applause] >> Hello, I am Sheree Rich. I was formerly an assistant principal at Warren High School. I am now the academic dean at Clark Texas. [Applause] >> I am Alfred Batella. I was formerly a program manager for Lock Lockwood Andrews Newman. I am now the uh engineering director uh for engineering services. [Applause] >> Good evening. My name is Lzette DeLeon.
022I was formerly a pre-K teacher at Westwood Terrace Enrichment Academy and now I'm the proud associate principal at Westwood Terrace Enrichment Academy. >> Good evening. I'm Kevin Vanlham. I was the associate principal at Ruer Middle School and I'm now the proud new principal at Peas Middle School. [Applause] Good evening, guys. I'm Paul Ramirez. I was the former principal at Ruer Middle School and now have the great opportunity to be the proud principal of the original North Side High School, John Marshall High School. >> Hi, good evening. My name is Anna Lopez. I was formerly the student services facilitator at Rudder and this is my second year as assistant principal at Garcia Middle School. Good evening. Um, Conrad Hernandez, formerly an assistant AD in the athletic office, now the executive athletic director. >> Hello, my name
023is Jessica Betta. I was the ELA instructional coach at Peas Middle School and now the assistant principal at Peas Middle School. I'm also a proud product of all North Side schools. >> Awesome. [Applause] >> Hello, I'm Brian Feifer. I was the assistant principal at Jones and Peace Middle School and now I'm the assistant principal at Sodtoayor High School and my favorite color is blue. >> It works out well. >> Good evening. My name is Christova Salana. I formerly served as the associate principal at Sigin High School in Sigin, Texas. And now I'm an associate assistant principal at Stoayor. [Applause] >> Good evening. Um my name is Terry Diaz. I was the assistant director of continuous improvement and am now the director of the North Side Education Foundation. >> Awesome. >> Well, again, congratulations to all
024of our administrators new to your roles and particularly congratulations to those that are new to North Side as well. We're uh thrilled to have you as part of the team. Often times uh I'm I'm asked um you know, Dr. craft. What is it that that the superintendent does during the course of the summer months other than just kind of kick back and relax? Well, I think you probably just saw a demonstration. We hire um we hire quite a few uh individuals, but again, congratulations to our leaders. Congratulations again on a successful start to the school year. Um, I know that it's going to be um one that we'll have challenges along the way, but I have no doubt, no question at all that uh as a team we will navigate uh really as a result
025of your tremendous leadership. So again, congratulations and hope that you've had a good week so far. Um, Madame President, members of the board, I know that they would love to stay for the next couple hours of our board meeting. Um, >> but um Oh, sure. Yeah, I'm sorry. And probably we need to introduce Miss Megan Bradley as well. So, um, yeah, why don't we do that? Yeah, >> we had some new cabinet members we think you'd like to meet. >> We're trying to stay hidden, but it didn't work very well. Hello board. I am Megan Bradley. I'm the deputy superintendent of business and finance here at Northside. I wear my North Side Blue also, and I come to you from Colleen Independent School District as the deputy superintendent of operations. I'm Dr. Fay. Proud to
026be back in San Antonio, Texas. My favorite color is going to be and is currently northside blue. Uh and I'm a recovering superintendent from Colleen, Texas. So glad to be here. Thanks so much. >> So again, um you're welcome to stay. Um well, I say that Dr. Fay, Miss Bradley, >> you have to say >> this. you're not included in this piece of of uh the celebration, but um you're more than welcome to stay, but we also understand we have school bright and early in the morning. So, uh thank you guys again for all your hard work. Um it's going to be a great school year and um hope you have a good rest of your week. >> Thank you. [Applause] Yeah, this is just a >> wellbody agenda. >> Wait a minute. >> I
027think that's an obstruction. And then I'm going to introduce our ambassadors. >> Yeah, you can get >> this. >> Yeah. >> As we're transitioning uh members of the board, I I do want to introduce you uh to again some of our newest members to the team and these are our student ambassadors that are with us this evening. Uh, so, um, Mina was with us. Um, Mina, where are you? Yeah, there's Mina. She greeted me as we came in. Uh, Mina, thanks for being here this evening. Uh, Aaron is also with us. Erin's behind the monitor. Erin, great to see you again. Uh, Tina, uh, Quatch, thank you so much, Tina, for being here. He's a Derek. Uh, thank you. And I think Josh is also joining us. Joshua Albert. Uh, so these are, like I
028say, five of our newest ambassadors. and they're already being put to work. Monica's got them running already. So, thank you guys for being here. Uh we really appreciate your participation in this important process. >> All right, so we're going to move on to our consent agenda. We do have one person signed up for citizens to be heard for um I item number five. So, we'll go ahead and read that when that time comes. Okay. Yeah. So, one followup item, Madam President. Uh, with the consent agenda, uh, 2B the 4 extracurricular status request. I don't know if you had the opportunity. I followed up with the criminal background check on those adject uh, professors. Um, so they do actually go through a pretty thorough criminal background check and actually it's a little bit more thorough than
029our criminal background uh check. So we feel pretty good uh in that regard. Um and then I believe in Friday letter uh there was also a followup with the purchase of the attendance credits. Um again we don't anticipate this um coming to fruition um but it is a formality as you recall that we do have to submit to TEA. >> Thank you. All right. So, do we have any motions to approve the consent agenda? >> Dr. Freeman, Mrs. Freeman. >> Yes. Doc um Dr. Don, I move approval of um consent agenda items. >> And Mr. Dr. Mr. Salio is going to second that. Okay. So, all in favor say I. >> I. I. >> Any opposed? All right. Consent agenda is passes. And next we have our um item number four on business and finance.
030>> Yeah, I I'll turn this uh portion of the agenda directly over to Miss Bradley and her team. Um there are three items uh that uh they will present this evening. Uh tr the truth and taxation which will of course have to be published in our local newspaper. uh we have an opportunity to save uh some significant funding uh taxpayer uh dollars uh in regards to some bond defeasants uh that we'll present and then of course the presentation of our fiscal year 26 uh proposed budget um again to be published and uh scheduled for your consideration for final approval on August 26. So uh with that Bradley >> yes sir you have the floor. >> Thank you. I'm going to invite Chris Grammer to come up to the podium. He's going to help us this
031evening with the first item, truth and taxation. So, back in 2021, June of 2021, our school board took action to rec um to recommend and designate the deputy superintendent for business and finance, which is me, along with appropriate business um office staff, which I'm going to say are right over here, Tiffany and Jake and Julie, along with state funding consultants, which Chris Grammer is one of our state funding consultants to calculate our no new revenue tax rate as required by the legislature. And so, that is still in effect. it was adopted that year to take place for the year of 2021 and subsequent years. So, I want to remind the board that that is in place. And so, Chris is going to um talk us through the truth and taxation notice that is pub um
032talked about in your board packet. The draft notice that will go in the newspaper this weekend is there for you to review and he's going to go over the highlights of that process for you. So, Chris, thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Bradley. Again, Chris Kramer, our company is CG Strategies, and we work with school districts all across the state uh in this capacity, helping them uh set and adopt their tax rate and understand uh the many intricacies that are involved in that process. Uh there aren't just there isn't just the one tax rate that the the taxpayers see, but many tax rates that uh are calculated in coordination with many different entities, TEA, the controllers's office, the three different taxing uh jurisdictions and counties that uh this school district goes over um Bear, Bandara,
033and Medina. And so and then also working with and I'll I will pause right here. Um I am very confident that none of the other school districts I work with are watching tonight. So, I will say this that Miss Bradley and her team are just a step above the rest. Um, it's been a pleasure to work with them. They've made this a very smooth uh, transparent and clean process. And so, you're very fortunate to have all of them here uh, working with North Side ISD. I work with uh, many great people around the state, and they're they're just some of the best. So, it's been a real pleasure on my behalf to work with uh, not only the school district, but Miss Bradley and her team, and y'all are lucky to have her here. >>
034Thank you. Good job. um the notice and and this is one of there are many things that that North Side does that interacts with the community most importantly uh educating the students and and preparing the next generation uh to enter the adult life and the workforce and society. Um but one that touches many other uh people and in one way that is uh impactful as well is the tax rate that you all levy. Uh the notice that's set to go out to the public uh I think was shared with you in your board packet. uh we've worked in coordination with the school district and those under other entities that I've uh forementioned uh in helping prepare that information that is before you and will go to the community. Um and I'm going to reference some
035of that. Um of course feel free to ask me any questions if I don't uh belabor some of the points as much as you would like. I'm happy to elaborate on those. But chief among them and of most interest uh to most people are the M and INS tax rates. uh the tax rates that are levied to bring in the revenue in coordination with state funding to pay for the day-to-day operations uh to pay for the fabulous people that were just introduced here and educate the the children that are part of this school district. >> So highlighted on the top of the notice is both the maintenance tax. >> Chris, I'm sorry. Just a minute. I don't know. Can we do we have the ability to pull this up uh for the public to view
036as well? >> I believe we should have it as a PDF document or board docs. Apologize Chris. Thanks >> noon. That's fine. While they do that, I'll just kind of talk about some of the other uh um aspects of this this process that that don't uh entail the the notice here that we'll that will be published and we'll discuss here shortly. Um, also there's a there's interaction with the state controllers's office and so they have a truth and taxation worksheet in which we also calculate some of the tax rates that are involved. Um, from TEA we get the maximum compressed rate, the MCR. So that's your tier one tax rate uh that the school district must levy uh in order to be eligible for any state funding and to be a part of the school
037finance system. There's the voter approved tax rate. there's the no new revenue tax rate. Um, and then there's the proposed M and INS tax rates involved. So there again, there's there's a lot of moving parts. And then we we take the aggregate of the the tax base across the three counties to work with the local um data that's going to be presented later as a part of the budget uh to get to what we put forth to the public here. So if we could scroll all the way, that's page two, and then we're going to keep going up and right there. That's a perfect place to stop. Um uh so outside the pertinent details in terms of when the public um hearing will be held um to which comment can be made by any member
038of the public on the tax rates that are to be adopted. Um we jump to the maintenance tax and the debt service tax. So M tax or INS tax rate again to the public then on the tax bill those are combined into one rate and so oftent times a taxpayer will just see the the combined amount of those tax rates and we'll get to a section that that defines that but just over a dollar in total tax levy um for each and every taxpayer here. But that's broken out into M and INS. So these rates should look familiar to you. Um they're similar to the rates that were adopted last year. Those are um in response to the moving parts that are the legislation that is passed by the legislature, what happens in the local
039tax base, what happens in the budget and the revenue needs that are uh required to to run the day-to-day uh business of the school district. Um based on those tax rates and looking at the tax base that's in place and what the legislature has done in terms of funding at the tier one level and the tier 2 level. Um, and so to back up as I'm using that terminology just to make sure we're all on the same page, your your tier one rate is set by TEA. And so that's the bulk of that 66 cents and change tax rate. So at 616194, that's the minimum that the school district can levy. Uh, in the past, we've approved uh five additional pennies. And so 6694 is the maximum uh tax rate that the school district can
040adopt without going to the the taxpayers for what's called a vader or uh voter approved tax rate election if we were to go above that. Uh so that's the rate that was proposed for this year. And then below that is the debt service tax rate of 33 cents and change. Uh so again those combined to a dollar um and 49,000th of a penny if you will. below that section. So again, that that right there is primarily what what most taxpayers are interested in, but the the notice does have uh additional information uh for them to look at some comparisons. And these these sections are all dictated by the legislature over time. Um information has been required to be included in this notice. Uh and so you can see the t tax code references that are
041there. So again that these these sections are not um thought up of locally but this is what every school district is going through here. So you see the comparison to last year's budget to this year's budget as well as then the total appraised value and total taxable value. So these are the combined values across the three counties. And you can see every taxpayer will be able to see the aggregate of the preceding year with the current year and the comparisons there. As we scroll down, uh, the bonded indebtedness. So again, that second rate, that's a part of it, that 33 cents, um, going to service. This is a a line item that just shows the total outstanding debt. So not the amount that's being paid this year um, in the re by the revenue that's
042being brought in from that rate, but the total outstanding debt of the school district. Moving on to page two, then we get into a comparison for the the public to be able to see last year's rate compared with the bottom line being their proposed rate u for the 2025 2026 school year. And then what will show up on the tax bill is the total rate there of just over a dollar and then broken out on a per student uh in a revenue basis there. And the section below that again a comparison of last year to this year we're looking at just what's happening on the local tax base in terms of uh average market value act average taxable value uh for the residences within north side ISD. So this is again to a distinction between
043this is not just Bear County section but this is of all three counties combined what that is there and then the estimated increase or decrease in the tax bill as it pertains to North Side ISD. Uh in this case a decrease uh on the average um taxable value of a residents from last year. Uh the remaining sections are areformational in terms of again as I alluded to the rate uh that is the maximum that is allowable for the school district to adopt without holding a ratification election. Uh and then the fund balances that the school district maintains. Again, the inclusion of this information here um is a part of the budget, but as we understand a school district budget, the fund balances are not a uh as we have a um as a a savings
044account. Uh the fund balance is is an amount of money that the school district has to be able to move from from one fiscal year to the next to absorb uh ups and downs in revenue and when those come in and when expenditures are. So oftent times I find the inclusion of this a little misleading because a lot many times it's jumped to is like well why are you hoarding all that cash and that's not the case. This is different from the rainy day fund that the legislature holds. This is to help smooth out the transitions from revenue and expenditures on a year-to-year basis and throughout the year. I know I went through that kind of rather quickly, but I I am trying to be cognizant of your agenda tonight, but I'm happy to answer
045any questions that the board may have um or go back to any sections. >> Mrs. Freeman, thank you. On page one, please review under the comparison of proposed budget with last year's budget debt service. Is that the rate or is that um because our our rate has been flat for a very long time, 33.55? >> Yes. is this debt service what is that 8.17% reflect >> the the increase in the expenditure from year to year and so the changes between what's happening in the tax base what's happening and I know we have our next presenter is going to talk about what's going on with the bondedness and the schedules of payments but changes within that that then result in that percentage change whereas the tax rate that >> it has nothing to do with the
046That's correct. That is just revenue within the budget aspect of the debt service. The rate is holding the same as last year and the year before. >> That is a our payment for our debt service will go up in the next fiscal year um for by a sizable amount, but the type of debt that it is, we've actually been paying a portion of it prepaying for it and so it's sitting in account. So that's why our tax rate is going to be able to maintain flat. Uh, but you'll see between Michelle's presentation and mine that change in that source. >> Thank you. >> One other question if I may. >> Um, Miss Bradley, question for Miss Bradley. Many times during the year, we have um notices that must be um posted in the newspaper. And
047I always ask um about the cost of how much this actually costs because we we continue to go to our legislators and ask ask for relief of not having to print this in a print edition of the of the newspaper when we can post it on our website and such. How much is this costing us? $4,200 to put it in the newspaper this weekend. >> One time >> and it is a required posting >> four only >> $4,200. >> Thank you. >> A lot of money. >> I will say to that note, although that's, you know, not a whole salary, it is dollars when y'all are making very many tough decisions that there's you hopefully continued mo um momentum within the legislature for relief from that to be able to post this online. But although
048that's not the case right now. Uh and again I will not speak to anything that I hold any hopes of the legislature doing one thing or the other. But again a small change that we'd like to see among many others. >> Thank you for that. This is not the only posting that we have during the notice. Correct. So be interesting to have >> that for the entire year at an appropriate time. Thank you. >> Yes ma'am. And so the intent of this notice is to tell the public that we are going to host a public meeting at our next meeting on August 26th and invite them to come and listen to that um discussion and be able to speak towards the budget for us that night. And that's at the very top line of this
049piece. So that's the information that the public receives to invite them to come and be part of the process. >> Dr. Hall, >> I think um and I kind of put our heads together on this one. Um, so can you go back to the purpose of the and maybe this is more of a Megan um question for the public to come in. What are what are some reasons we're going to share this what else are we going to share? And then what do we hope to accomplish from that meeting? >> So we will have a presentation at the beginning of the board meeting on the 26th that will go through a present basic presentation of many of the things you've already seen through time. the general pay increase, the cost there, and um things that
050you'll see tonight also. So to inform the public that that may be the first time they're really listening to it to give them a big picture view of what we're going to ask the board to propose and it's to ask them to come in and provide input on that uh budget process and what we're proposing for the budget. And then we will be asking the board to take action to adopt the budget and the tax rates on that night that evening. And this is pre this is pre-informing the public through the newspaper notice of what those budgets will look like by this patient piece here of showing that Elmano budget will decrease MIT debt service budget is increasing and what we're expecting the tax rates to be >> so would that be an opportunity well
051two things would that be an opportunity to talk about um what a TR is or Bader >> we could we don't have that currently set up in the presentation but we can >> combine Yes, we that would be appropriate to put into the presentation. We don't have it there now, but we can easily add a slide of similar information of what we brought to the board previously so the public sees that. >> Okay, I can do that. >> Um the other is if we're paying $4,000, is there can we provide additional information to this like a a one pager on the budget or something else? Can we sneak some not? Unfortunately, it is very regulated the the font sizes, the size that we have to take up and the it has to be this document.
052>> Yeah. That's not to say we couldn't take out another ad. >> We can take another ad, >> but this we we go through this with a fine tooth comb. >> Um this has to be exactly verbatim particular size. This this is very prescribed as a result of >> Yeah. >> legislation. >> That's correct. >> Yeah. We can't we can't include anything else on on this two pages and how it outlays. Uh again, anything would anything additional would have to be outside of that. >> Is this uh is so is this uh the steps that we take asking for greater? >> No, no, no, no. This this is this is simply uh notifying the public of the our intent to set the tax rate on the 26th. The the vader or the voter approved tax
053ratification election uh again there will have to be an efficiency study. Uh yes there will be required notice postings but it's very different than truth and taxation. But Miss Sabata, if you look at the second page towards the bottom, I don't know if the presentation if they could go down to that area where it says the dollar 0049 twice on that second page, that area is saying that is the maximum rate that you could adopt as a board without going out for the vader. That is the rate we are proposing. And so that we are not asking for a vader. If next year we decide we would want to go out for a vader, that that section would still be what it calculates to be. maybe this rate, maybe something different, but then we would
054ask the board to approve a rate that's higher than that rate and that's what initiates the vader. >> And so we would look be looking at an additional three pennies. We talked about those three golden pennies. So that that rate would uh increase by three pennies in essence. And so this process, the truth and taxation process is dictated by uh the tax code that's put in put in place nearly just over 40 years ago in terms of um discussing how to bring the public and make them aware of what's going on locally. The Vader or the tax rate election process uh is in addition to that. So a process as Dr. Graph just mentioned just to allude to it that starts much earlier um in really in the spring. There are many steps that you
055have to take well in advance of this to get to this place for that presentation to include a tax rate that would be higher than just what's already been previously approved. >> Thank you. >> Thank y'all. >> Thank you, Chris. >> So, we'll go about uh reaching out to San Antonio Express and having this uh published within the required timeline so that we'll be prepared for August 26th. >> Yes, sir. So, our next presenter is Michelle Aragon with Hilltop Securities. Right there. She She snuck over. Okay. So, Michelle has been assisting the district with um for many years working on our debt rate and our debt portfolio, I would call it. Um we've been emailing. We had a defeasence that just went well, I think it goes through on Friday, but but we we transferred
056the money. We've got it all ready to go. And so, Michelle's uh we talk on a regular basis through mostly through email. I shouldn't say talk, some Zoom meetings. uh but her firm does a great job of working our debt portfolio uh because it is a large debt portfolio that is very complex and so thank you Michelle for that work that you do with our with our team. Um should recognize that Denise Kipa that was um recognized earlier as one of our newer employees. So she's been here almost a year now and her team is what the one that really does that that work that was there. So Michelle's going to talk a little bit tonight about the defeasance process and what that means for our tax rate and how we manage our tax rates.
057Michelle. >> Thank you. Thank you, Megan. >> One page slide that we have. >> Oh, >> okay. Okay. Well, while she gets that going, Madam President, board of trustees, Dr. Craft, thank you for having me here this evening. Um, as Megan said, my name is Michelle Aragon. I'm with Hilltop Securities. Uh, we serve as a district's financial advisor. We assist with all of the bond issues, including bond elections and the management of the district's existing debt. Uh this evening I'm here to talk about cash defeasence and cash defeasence is just a fancy award word for the prepayment of existing bonds with cash on hand. They provide debt service savings to the district and they assist with managing your INS tax rate the debt the debt service tax rate portion. In order to authorize the cash
058defense the board must adopt a redemption resolution uh that creates the obligation to prepay the existing debt obligations. The district has historically utilized cash defecances. And there on the right uh you'll see a chart uh showing the different defeasence amounts from 2019 through the current one in 2025 totaling 435.05 million. Um as Megan alluded to, we are currently in the process of doing the cash defense for 2025. That amount was 100.49 million. uh that paid off the entire uh 200 uh no series 2015. There was two bond issues that it paid off. Uh we're going to do that on Friday the 15th and that is going to produce 31.82 million in debt service savings for the district. Uh we plan to do another cash defense in 2026. That approximate amount is 84.36 million. We don't
059know the exact savings because once we get into the 26 fiscal year, we will choose the bonds that produce the most debt service savings for the district and then uh report that back when we perform that cash to be. Um but if the district um decides to go forward with it, there will be a redemption resolution at the next board meeting for the board to approve to proceed with the 2026 cash defense. So short and sweet uh that I'll be happy to answer any questions uh that you might have. Well, I think it's safe to say that the administrative recommendation is going to be to go forward with the cash deficients uh as proposed. Anytime we can save our taxpayers, uh money, we're going to jump at that opportunity. Um so, Michelle, thank you so
060much. >> I say one thing, one of the reasons why we're able to keep the debt service tax rate level for as many years as we have is because the district does a great job of managing its existing debt and paying off bonds early when we can. And that creates the capacity for new bonds and the savings debt service savings to the taxpayers. >> My question that I have really quickly maybe this will answer some >> is the decent amount like strategically set up. I show that it increases and then yes at the peak was 25 and then we went down again. So how is that organized or structured? And >> it is really based on uh well there's a couple things. Sometimes it gets larger because the district might have excess funds in that
061existing balance. You saw on the sheet before there was an existing debt service balance. If that gets high and the district wants to contribute more money from that, then that's why that's a larger amount. If there's more um uh uh penalty payments throughout the year, various tax monies that come in, then there's more that number gets larger. >> Mrs. Freeman, you had a question. >> Yes. Thank you. Was there legislation, >> wasn't there discussion about districts um paying down debt that we couldn't do it anymore without a penalty? Can you please >> Yeah, it was proposed. Go ahead. >> And it did pass. Yes. However, it is the difference. So um as you know there's been various levels of the changes for the homestead exe exemption when two years ago the last bianium when it
062was raised at 100,000 the state said we're going to give districts what's called additional state aid for homestead exemption. So there's monies and that also determines the that money that that amount getting larger because you're getting some more extra money from the state to help that difference between the homesteads. So for the the legis that what just passed this this current session is the difference between if a district goes forward with a cash defense you will not receive that additional state aid from the homestead exemption but only the part from 140,000 to 100,000 which we don't actually know that number yet but you will still receive the existing and so just to give you uh la last year the district received 23 million yeah 23 million in state aid but the defeasance that we're going
063to do is saving you 31 million. So when you look at that the additional dollars there's value in uh in paying off debt early >> not as not as much advantage as we had. >> There's going to be some difference as the law has changed. The other thing that is going to change is but it's not going to be for this tax year. it will be for tax year 26 will be how the board adopts that resol adopts your tax rate there you have to do you have to have a 60% um approval by the board and you have to have certain language in your approval but that doesn't go into effect until tax year 2026 >> okay yeah this is a it's an unfair question but maybe a future one >> I was just
064curious on if we incur no further debt how long would it take us to pay off >> all of our debt that's why I depending on if you keep the tax rate the same. I'm not sure. Uh but uh we just issue new bonds this year and they typically have a 30-year uh final maturity because we match the useful life and we're dealing with buildings. Um and so right now the final payment is in 2055. However, um that depends on your taxable values, collections, tax rates, what mandates we get from Austin. So there's all there's a lot of contributing factors. I guess the other way to ask it is what's our total debt right now? >> Total principal I think is 2.44. Yes, he was in >> and we'll show you a slide here in
065a moment on that shows the through. You're always ahead of the game the >> No. Well, maybe but going through 2055 like Michelle said, but we would have opportunities for you know restructuring and refinancing that could bring that up. >> That's correct. >> Also, so we'll look at that. We do cash to businesses and then when there's opportunity to refinance bonds. So that's means you're issuing a refunding bond issue much like when you would refinance your home mortgage you exchange your current rate for a lower rate. However, with and you have debt service payments. However, with that you're still issuing bonds. With a cash defense, you're not issuing any new debt. That that debt is gone and off your books. >> So going back to Mrs. Freeman's question. Is it almost like a early payment
066penalty if you want to pay over 100,000 now from 100 to 140? >> The state is trying to make it like that kind of um um uh it is not it's not it shouldn't be um for the district for the taxpayers and I should introduce I am a proud North Side parent. I had a recent Taft High School graduate and uh my son is a fifth grader at Medelis and so uh this affects me too and so I will show up and down how much the defeasence really saves the taxpayers. >> Thank you. >> You got a question over here somebody. Okay. All right. Thank you. Thanks for being here Michelle. We appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Oh good idea. Is that obvious? So our next item on the on the agenda is a
067budget planning update. And so we are going to go through some items related to the budget and I will have to send Mr. Blood that that slide so that you could see that presentation. >> I'm not even >> Okay. Okay. So tonight we're going to look at some um more of our budget review as we're preparing for the big budget night which will be August 26th. And so we're going to go through a few things with for you tonight. We're going to review the proposed budgets. here the three listed. We're going to look at our taxable values and we're going to talk about our proposed tax rate. >> Great. >> So, the legislature um that is codified in the Texas education code requires that our superintendent either prepare or cause to be prepared a budget
068that's proposed to you before on or before August 20th. So, tonight that's what this presentation is. we are bringing forward those proposed budgets that are required by law to be proposed to you before the 20th. And so that's what we're doing here tonight. And the general fund, which is also known as the maintenance and operation fund, these are the the big items that are included in our budget that we want to make sure that you're paying attention to. We have taxable value reductions. Though our values themselves have grown, the the overall value, the net value has decreased due to the homestead exemptions that Michelle just talked about and we talked about at the last board meeting. We also remind the board that our average daily attendance, which drives most of our state aid funding, is
069decreasing. You can see that we ended our 2425 year um at 91,574. We're budgeting at 91,500. So, we're watching that enrollment and attendance very closely. Um, but we've, of course, as you know, we've put in the open enrollment. We are allowed to now have our uh classroom teachers have their own children that are in pre-K come to full day pre-K for free. So, we're hoping to see um some increased enrollment from the original projection. So, this is the projection we're using. And then I also want to remind our board and say thank you to our board for the compensation plan that you approved for our employees and put those on here because that is a a large expenditure. uh but giving back to our employees that do so much for us. So these are some
070of the big drivers of our budget as we're talking about the general fund. As we look at our revenue, uh you uh have probably heard that, you know, historically it's been discussed that the local taxpayers would pay half the cost of the public education in your area and state would pick up half of it. So I want to show you that that's no longer true. Uh you can see that it's a little closer to that this coming year than it was last year, but we had our taxpayers paying 55% of our revenue for the general fund for the current year that's about to end. And for next year, we're projecting that to go down to 51% and then the state aid is is flip-flopping and making up that difference in our budget. So, I know
071this is a question you probably get asked a lot. So, I wanted to give this this information to you in a quick and easy review. and that is due to the legislative updates um that came in through the state aid that increased that state revenue. This is our general fund proposed budget. Again, you've been seeing lots of um pieces of this as we have gone through. You have uh our um revenues have increased by about $62 million uh from our budget from our adopted budget that came to you this time last year. And then our expenditures have actually decreased from last year as we did all of the work uh that we did at budget reductions. Even with uh the pay increases, the compensation plan, we have actually still reduce the expenditure budgets. So our
072net change that we're proposing tonight is a reduction of um fund balance of $26.8 million. You can see that at the bottom. That would come from our instructional continuity. As you remember from our previous conversations that we've talked in depth about that instructional continuity, we expect to have $49 million in that instructional continuity rolling into this um year, the fiscal year 26 year, and it would be reduced by 26 million as we continue to try to get to a balanced budget. Our goal is for the year after this, the 27 year when I'm sitting here to be bringing you a balanced budget at that point is our goal. But and we're making strides. We're doing doing well with that. So this is our proposed general fund budget. I wanted to point out to the board
073because I think it's important for you to know that in this proposed budget looking at it in a different way. I should have said the previous view is what TA requires you to see as you're proposing as you're adopting that format is and I'm going to go back just to point it out. TA requires that the board adopt the budgets in this format where you're doing your showing your expenditures by function code. And so that's why we do it this way because that's TA required view of the budget. But I think it's a lot easier to see um when you take that same dollar amount that we're showing on the previous slide, show it in this pie chart and show you that 87.9% of our budget is payroll and related cost. So that's payroll and
074benefits that makes up that 87.9% of our general fund budget. The child nutrition fund is the second fund that we will ask our board to approve on the 26th. So we will show you that proposed budget on the next slide. I think it is a lot of um accolades that we need to give to our child nutrition department. They do a great job. They have uh 76 campuses uh that have the community eligibility provision known as C that provides free breakfast and lunch for all students at those the campuses that are eligible for this C provision. That's a four-year provision and we are starting year three. So we will have this year and one more year for these schools and then we'll have to go back and rebalance and see what schools are there. But
075this is great for those 76 schools that they do not have to worry about breakfast or lunch for anyone in the campus. Also the the team has been able to balance with the increased prices of food cost and the general pay increase that they are not having to go up on the student paid meals. They have not increased the student paid meal price which is in the bottom left chart there uh for nine years. So they have kept it steady for nine years which is phenomenal. I do not know many school districts that if any that have been able to do that. Is this cost uh is there like a competitive like or is this a set price >> there? There's a calculator that they actually have to do to be able to qualify on
076the free and reduced lunch side to make sure that our paid prices are within a window. So, they have to do a calculation on on that piece, but they still are they are very low. Um >> No, they're super low. That's what I'm wondering. Like these meal cost prices, we set those, right? >> We do. Yes, ma'am. >> So, I mean because I know other districts are much higher >> and Yes. And we did think we considered coming and asking for a price increase this year, especially with the general pay increase because that does hit their pocketbook if you remember um from the budget amendment and you'll see that it um coming forward on the 26th for the end of this year. Also, they purposely were spending down their fund balance and doing some some
077upgrades in the kitchens with the fund balance that they were able to recognize through the co years and a lot of grants that were received during that that time frame. And so they're still we're you're going to see that they're balance. They're asking proposing a balanced budget, but Mr. Weary has made it very clear to me if they have any deficit at all, they're still okay with that because they do have a a good size fund balance still. U they don't expect to go into that, but they don't want to raise meal prices before they need to. And so I I appreciate that very much. So he's watching it very closely. They watch their meal cost very closely and their labor costs that go into those items. They they are running a large business in
078the school nutrition department. >> Thank you. >> Yes. So, um, another big piece that you may not be aware of is Texas Department of Agriculture has come in this year and statewide said that they are going to cover the cost of the reduced meals. So, if you think in the past the breakfast and lunch cost may have for if you're on the reduced program and you qualify for that, you may have paid 25 cents for the meal, the TDA has come in this year and said they're covering that cost. So, all of our students that fill out a national school lunch program application and qualify as either free or reduced will not have to pay anything at the register this coming year, which is also another good a very good thing. >> I remember those
079days. >> Yes. So, it's it's a great it's one less thing, right? And one less thing you have to think about and so that is a wonderful benefit for our students also. So you have our paid meal prices on the left, you have our adult visitor cost on the right hand side. Those have um fluctuated and gone up over the nine years some, but still very reasonable. And I encourage you if you're at a campus reading to stop by and have breakfast or lunch at the cafeteria as Mr. Weary and Iana day. >> Okay, >> we'll get you a meal a menu so that you can see. >> So, their child nutrition budget uh this is their proposed budget that is a balanced budget as you see at the bottom is zero. So, that means
080your revenue and expenditures are the same cost. Uh they have had some reduction in their revenues and expenditures. As the students numbers decrease, their revenue goes down also. And so the good news is when um those numbers inc decrease their costs go down too so they're able to keep that in check. So we are proposing a balanced budget for the child nutrition fund. Moving on to the debt service fund that Michelle was just talking about. These are the items that we have in our debt service um payment plan for this year. We have principal payments of 94 million um proposing a defeasance of 84 million. Again, the board will need to take action on that item on the August 26th meeting for us to be able to do that. Uh, then there'd be interest payments
081of 95 million and some fees that go along with that. And I'm going to show you a slide here in a moment that will be help see that a little more visually, but this is the debt service budget proposed that goes with the payment plan that we talked about. So, our total expenditures would be $275 million that we showed on the other page with this um local revenue taking bringing in most of that revenue. So, this is our debt service payout that Mr. Blunt was asking about. So, just a few minutes too late to show this to him, but you can see if you were able to see 25 uh fiscal year 25 on the left hand side, that is no longer showing because we're about to end that year uh on August 31st. it
082looked a lot more like 2027. So is lower. And so next year we do jump up a little bit in our debt service payments and that's why the expenditures go in Miss Freeman. So that's that's the difference of when you have the 8% increase. That's why um we are able to keep our debt service rate level uh through the work of Michelle and the team, the whole team here, but working very hard to be able to do refundings when we can. So, if you think out to I'm going to I'm going to just show a hypothetical maybe 2039. You can see how it drops pretty significantly in 2039 from 2038 on what we would owe that year on debt service payments. If we're able, we will come in and refund some of the items that
083are further out to the right from 2039 and lad them back on top of that so that again we could keep the tax rate level. Our goal would be to keep it as flat as possible across the top. So, if we do go out for a bond election next November, what we will work to do is fill in any gaps along that line and keep it level for as long as you can out so that your tax rate can remain the same. You don't want your tax rate to dip and then have to bring it back to go up. You you want it to stay flat or decrease as as you can. Uh sometimes you can't do that, especially with a bond election, but you can see that we have capacity in our ladder was
084what they call it, lading it out, uh to be able to fill in gaps and keep it steady going forward. So that would be our goal as we work through bond election. And now we're going to talk a little bit about our taxable values. Uh we have three counties as Chris told you about. Uh so we are uh North Side ISD. A lot of people do not realize this. I know it was Freeman realizes it from where her district is that um we actually hit um Bear County, Medina County and Vandera County. So we have values in all of those. You can see they have all reduced and the reduction is due to that exemption from the um the homestead exemption and the over 65 and disabled exemptions that are increasing. Also, the controller uh
085TEA has directed the controller to have us utilize those increased exemptions even though we will have to vote on them as taxpayers in the next election, but they assume they will they will increase. And then our proposed tax rates, these are the tax rates as you saw in the notice that Chris Grammar went through um that we are proposing as part of the budget process when we bring it to you on the 26th. We will ask you to approve the budgets first. Even though the budgets take these tax rates into account, that's how we calculate them. The education code that's on the bottom left hand side, uh you can go in and read those sections of T Texas education code that says you must first adopt the budgets and then adopt the tax rates. Again,
086this is where if we were asking for a vader, we are not. I want to make it very clear. We are not asking for a vader this year, but next year when we're here, we will likely be asking the board to adopt a tax rate that we're using to build the budgets that will be higher than that maximum allowed without voter approval. But for this year, you can see on the top and the bottom slides, uh, that we are proposing the exact same tax rate as we have currently, which is great for both the Elman and the INS. Um we I was expecting our M rate to go down through further tax compression but due to the additional exemptions it stayed flat. Um which I think many people were expecting them to go down. So,
087a lot of people did a lot of research and and we um determined that it was because of those exemptions and the values decreasing that kept our rate steady for El M. And then our INS, as Michelle told us and we talked through, we work very hard to keep it consistent going forward. So, this is our tax rate history by year. So, if you look at the bottom light blue area, that is our in rate. You can see it's been the same value since 2015. Back in 2015, our Elmano rate was a$14 and then the legislature came in in that 2019 year and started working on the tax compression is continued to come down through tax compression through those additional years as we move across time. So, our next steps are we will have the
088notice of public um hearing. We'll go into the newspaper this weekend that you've seen the draft in in your uh packet. And then on August 26th, we will come back here. We will give a presentation at early in the agenda and offer ask the board to open it up for public comment in case anyone wants to speak to that presentation. Uh we will add the items about Vader into that presentation for you, Miss Dr. Harl. If there's anything else the board would like to see, I'm happy to add in. We have a a lot of information we've talked about since February and so if there's something that you think it's important for the public to see, uh we will add it in there. I will also take this time to tell you that we have
089gone in um into board docs and moved all of our presentations that were in administrative content into the public content. So, and we'll do the same tomorrow once we sorry once we finished this meeting I will move this into public comment our public section tomorrow. So rather than adding them to our um budget transparency website, it was getting pretty full of the presentations, figured that way it's really easy to find and it's view for anyone in the public can see those. So we've started doing that. Um and then again on the 26th after that presentation that we will again post the next day onto that section, we'll have the public hearing and then we'll ask the board in the finance section of the board meeting to consider the budgets and the tax rate for adoption.
090I know that's a lot for any questions. >> Thank you. >> No, this is great. I don't have a question about this. I still have a question about um how to get the word out is as so I know when catching up with C um >> we can make it >> with cash. With cash catching up with cash >> smash that might get people's attention, right? >> Throw them off. >> I know. Maybe I'm just wondering how because we do get a high readership on that. I'm wondering how we can have links to any kind of public >> information just because this will be now that I understand it a little better a yearong process to get to >> um a Vader. So um >> yeah, I mean this this upcoming week will be our
091uh first edition as promised. Um don't know what campus we'll be visiting just yet, but we can absolutely discuss the budget. We can add hyperlinks. I mean, this is Yeah, this is pretty >> just I don't know how many people I mean go to the the site that you just shared. Um >> maybe there's a way to measure that, but um >> yeah, we can run metrics, >> much word out about the budget and um >> there's just a lot of confusion. There'll be public meetings, right? >> Not >> next year when if it's time to make this request by the community, we will have public meetings like we do. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Oh, absolutely. And keep in mind, too, that this is probably going to be in conjunction with also a bond election.
092Um, so >> exactly. >> We're going to have a lot of communication efforts. >> We'll be very busy >> transpiring. >> Dr. Hustle. >> Yes. Oh, I just wanted to mention, I mean, I think this is also a big part of going to our community meetings or HOA meetings because that is where a lot of our community wants to know what's going on and really, you know, how to make that in a way that we could give them the information. Um, sometimes it'll just be me. So, what information is the best information to give them when I'm going out there? And I think it's important to kind of do that. I know I also kind of want to mention like of course HOA meetings. We also have a Saturday event coming up that North Side
093North Side AFT um our school's democracy and also Councilman Gavon. So there's different opportunities that we're really focusing on to go out there and let the community know because you know as we're here this is recorded. Um, but as we're here, like there's a handful of people here, like our voters and individuals that are going to be voting on this, um, need to know this like now so they kind of are fully aware because one of the biggest things is, you know, you don't want to be going to community meetings just asking for this. like you want them to already know you and be someone already in your community because if not then it's like oh like it's North Side again asking for a tax increase instead of like oh it's my you know schoolboard
094member or my superintendent that comes to our community pretty regularly that attends events that is part of the community and they're here to give us more information about it because I mean and then I guess it's also the rules with it and against it because I know there's certain things as a board member and as a superintendent like we can't really tell people to vote in one way or another when it comes to that decision. So what is that information that we can share so we're not violating anything by giving information to the community? >> Yeah, we'll have like I say a pretty in-depth electioneering dos, don'ts, can'tss, uh shall um it it has to be education. It has to be purely an education uh platform. I think with fiscal year 26 and 19 slides
095um doesn't do justice to and doesn't really articulate the amount of work uh that has transpired and and here's one big talking point um because I think it's it was mentioned in convocation but it's a big one. The reality is is that as a result of collaborative teamwork, we've reduced a deficit, an operational deficit budget, $80 million in one year. That's a reality. Uh we we were running operating 105 almost $106 million deficit budget and now it's down to to 26 and we're going to continue to capitalize on efficiencies. I think the second talking point is is that yes uh while appraised values have slightly increased the tax rate which you have within your jurisdiction is flat. There is not going to be an increase in the tax rate. Now the argument can be well
096you've you know received additional revenue from the state as a result of house bill 2. I would push back. I am going to push back. The reality is is that the additional revenue that we have any flexibility with has gone straight to uh compensation and the compensation package that you've already approved. And so, you know, going back to that talking point number one, that deficit budget wasn't a reduction as a result of this truckload of additional state revenue. It just wasn't. And we can demonstrate and prove that time and time again. Um and then the other the third talking point um that I think is you know really important and almost kind of words of encouragement while we're talking about student enrollment. We're looking at student enrollment numbers as of yesterday and will as of
097today throughout the rest of uh the week and into next. You know our attendance rate is really important. So helping to encourage particularly parents of kids coming to school um is really important because that does impact uh the bottom line. The higher the attendance rate uh we can attain uh the better and of course enrollment is interrelated into that whole conversation. Um but uh really talking about things that we can control and have control and have have worked uh on I think are really the big talking points um with this particular budget. >> Mrs. Freeman, >> thank you. Um I think my opinion I I think we've got to be very careful about getting too far ahead of ourselves when we talk about the Vader and and the bond. Um, one, we haven't approved um,
098a Vader yet, and we've discussed it probably much sooner than many other school districts discuss it, and I think I think it's great to talk to our patrons to let them know that that's what we're considering. But regarding specifics on that, I mean, we don't even know how many pennies we're going to ask for because we haven't discussed it whether we're going to go into the copper pennies or we're going to just increase it for the golden pennies. So, I just want to I want us to be careful so that we're not getting giving misinformation as well up front. Um, okay. To mention it, but specifics we actually don't don't have. >> We don't have specifics, but we have a pretty good trajectory of where we're uh headed and what kind of a deficit budget
099is going to be proposed even for the following fiscal year minus another round of looking at compensation. So, we're you're correct. We're much further ahead than 99% of the districts in the state of Texas right now. >> Yeah. >> So, these are your official um proposed budgets uh as you see them before you and they will be the budgets that are used for the notice that you have seen and you'll see that in the newspaper this weekend and then we'll come back on the 26th and have the public hearing and ask for the board to adopt the budgets and tax rates >> and then rinse and repeat and start again. you'll get to see it another for another round. So, >> and I appreciate Megan and her team's effort u because like I say, it
100has been it's been a lot of work and it does it's not captured really and not the 19 slides. So, thank you again to your team and really the entire North Side team. >> Thank you guys. >> Thank you. >> All right. So, we're now moving on to our item number five on the agenda and this is the one we did have a U citizens to be heard. >> Yes, ma'am. So for this we want just you to know that we value your opinion and we will listen to what you have to say although we are restrained by law from taking any action. So if you could please address your remarks to the board and confine your remarks to the policy or the practice and limit your remarks to three minutes. And at three minutes
101you're going to be asked to wrap up your remarks and please do not make any personal attacks on individuals. So thank you. Uh >> the only individual we have signed up uh this evening is Katherine Rouse. Good evening. Uh, I am Katherine Rouse. I have students in NISD. We've lived here since 2012. So, we've had one in NISTD since then. I have three kids here actually. Um, one just graduated uh this year actually. Um, so went here the whole time they were in school, graduated early. Um, what concerns me about this law, I've been, uh, my brother went to Coline. I was in, uh, the middle school down the street. Uh, there was no lockdown policy at the time, as you can imagine. Uh, I was in, um, an out building because we had extra
102buildings because it was a overcrowded middle school. Um, and we weren't attached to an intercom, so I don't know what happened inside the school, but my teacher got a phone call and they said, "Lock your door, make your students sit next to the wall. Nobody's leaving." Um, and so what concerns me the most about this policy is the thought of students getting their phones taken away from them. Um, I don't mind so much that they're not allowed to use them in class. They shouldn't be using them in class in the first place. And if my daughter ever used her phone in class and got it taken away from her, I'd be like, "Bravo, teacher. Take it. She shouldn't have had it out." Um, but not getting it back till the end of the school day
103if something should happen. And she's not in a place with a teacher and nobody knows where she's at. Should she get injured and the fastest way to figure out who she is and to contact me would be that she had her phone on her person and they could find mom in the contact and call me and say, "Hey, your daughter was injured." Should she be scared and not be able to remember my phone number that she's had memorized since she was three to be able to use somebody else's phone because she doesn't have a phone with her? How is she supposed to get in contact with me if she's been running? Um because there was there was a superintendent somewhere else where somebody said, "I want to be able to call my mom in an
104emergency." And he said, "You can go to the office for that." How are we depending in this day and age the way schools are these days for a student to be able to go to an office? And when I told my mom that somebody said that, having lived her experience with a student at a school that had to run up a hill with his best friend who had been shot five times and almost didn't make it and hide behind a shed and the fact that they had a phone on them was the only reason they could get to safety. that we're going to the office to call for help and also students having their phone being confiscated and uh I read the TEA guidance and only a parent being able to pick it up. We
105also live in a day and age where parents work all the time from 5:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. How are they supposed to get to the office to get that back? How are they supposed to have the time to do that if that is the only phone that child has at home? because there's also no house phones. So, I just want you to consider that as you make your policy. Thank you. >> All right. >> Um, I'm going to uh go ahead and at this time direct the board uh to the FNC uh proposed revisions documents uh in your board docs. do have uh the current FNCEES approved, but I think just going to the revisions, you can see um the um markedup version um and and see really what we're trying to accomplish. Um
106again, as discussed previously, and while I know this is first reading, um we I feel like we've had the opportunity to really discuss uh what the um prohibition of telecommunication devices during the school day would look like in North Side ISD. Um I'm really pretty pleased to say that as a result of uh again the first day and now the second day um this is being communicated and I'll uh briefly describe what this is going to look like from an administrative um regulation uh vantage or really implementation. Uh but the policy is pretty straightforward and again this is uh truly a result of House Bill 1481. We've been working with TASBY Legal. uh we were awaiting the TEA guidance um which was just released last week and so I know that one of the questions
107was asked well why did we wait until the second day of schools really well one it doesn't go into effect until uh September um but we also wanted to make sure that what we were prepared to put into practice we weren't going to have to redirect our course and going forward and and so I'm I'm pretty pleased with where we uh stand uh currently um because this is this is very different. So telecommunication devices is not just cell phones uh and I know that's often times um really what it's referred to but it also includes iPads and other electronic devices uh to include uh headphones. Um and uh the school day uh is really defined as the beginning of the school day. So, first bell to the end of the school day. Um, I know
108that there's been a lot of questions in and around, well, what about passing periods and lunch periods? The author of the bill and the legislative intent is very clear that that is considered to be during the course of the school day. Um, again, a lot of research and a lot of conversation has transpired uh as 1481 was uh engrossed. Um basically uh the district uh will comply with a house bill as it like I say was legislative legislatively intended. Um with the exception that we're we're and I shouldn't say exception we are not going to prohibit these devices from coming to school. The students are going to be able to to bring the devices to school uh at the beginning of the day. We're simply asking them to power them off, place them in their
109backpack, which will then go into a designated area in the classroom. If the students don't bring a backpack to school, uh we'll have the designated area or trays or pouches or really however the classroom teacher so chooses to collect the devices again powered off and then redistributed at the end of that class period. Um, but I do believe that most students are going to find that bringing a backpack to school, powering them off, placing them in the backpack, and then in a designated area, uh, is likely going to be, uh, the most common, uh, practice. And so, again, we're we're trying to work to strike this balance of we absolutely want to protect the integrity of instructional time. We want students to come to to school, come to class, attend class with the intent to
110focus on learning. Um, at the same time, I do agree and I think that as a parent, we're in a day and age that safety is of top priority and concern as it should be. And so, the idea of collecting phones, collecting devices uh, at the beginning of the day and then trying to redistribute logistically uh, across 132 campuses, it's it's just not feasible. and and it just I I'll be the first to admit it would be a herculean effort um that I just quite honestly don't want to task with our administrators or nor our our teachers. The prohibition i.e. they don't come to school at all is another option. It's not going to happen. um we can we can pretend like yes, we're prohibiting phones from and communication devices from coming to school. They're
111come they're going to come to school. Um and so then we'll be policing that matter day in day out class period to through class period. And so I think that like I say striking this balance of creating an environment a learning environment of mutual respect so that the teachers are not having to battle cell phone utilization uh but at the same time um really trying to comply with the law but also protect the integrity of the instructional time is outlined in this policy. So, uh, we have a a a communication video, um, that, um, actually two of our student ambassadors, Preston and Nvani, uh, helped us with, which we'll show here just a minute. But there are some exceptions, and these are the exceptions that are outlined in this particular law. One, uh, the exceptions
112is if it's necessary for the students IEP or 504 plan, uh, to be implemented. Uh also if there's uh documentation uh due to a directive from a qualified physician uh they may keep on their person their cell phone. And then the third uh if it's a necessity to comply with the health safety requirements uh and district safety campus protocols. Well, so I I think that that interpretation is if there's some form of reporting system that would require students to have their phone in their possession, uh that would be the exception. Um that one's it's it's it's going to be interesting to see how the that's interpreted and and implemented going forward. Um you will receive a report in regards to the implementation of this policy. I know that one of the questions is asked, well,
113what about the consequences? Well, our code of conduct uh clearly outlines uh uh consequences uh that are on a graduated uh scale for insubordination. Again, our expectation, our directive to students has already been put place your cell phones, turn them off, power them off, place your cell phones in your backpack in the designated area in in the classroom. If it's not, if it's a matter of non-compliance, it's really insubordination at that point and there will be graduated like I say disciplinary consequences. Uh as far as the confiscation of phones, it's clear in the legislation. Uh it's clear in policy. Yes. Uh if the students are continuously uh disruptive andor non-compliant, then at that time the cell phone can be uh confiscated. But that will not be upon first warning or even the second consequence that
114will be a graduated um discipline disciplinary matrix. Um so so like I say this is the policy. I realize that this is first reading. We are uh asking the board's consideration tonight simply because we'd like to have this put in place so that uh we can really refine administrative regulations and our student um uh handbooks going forward. Um, I know you probably have some questions. I do think we have a quick video. Again, thanks uh to Preston and Avani, two of our ambassadors, that uh per your approval of this policy, uh, we're going to go to work pretty swiftly in launching this and trying to clarify to our community not only what our expectations are, uh, but what they can expect this to look like through full implementation, uh, throughout the course of the of
115the school year. Um, so Monica, I don't know, Barry, if you can play us and then we'll be glad to answer questions. >> Hey, North Side, you probably heard this year there's a new rule about phones and other communication devices. >> Actually, it's not just a rule. Texas law now says that phones and other communication devices cannot be used during the school day. We obviously don't create the laws, but the intention behind this is to limit distractions and in the end will help us all learn better. >> So, here's the deal. from the first ball of the day to the last ball of the day. Your phone, it must be placed in your backpack and kept in a designated location inside the classroom. Students without a backpack will be asked to place their phone in
116a designated phone holder. >> And it's not just your phone. Smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, and even those fancy smart glasses. Yep, all of it away. >> This does not apply to a schoolisssued Chromebook, though. >> What if my parents need to reach me in case of an emergency? In case of an emergency, parents can always call the school. All classrooms and the front office are equipped with a phone in case of an emergency. >> Look, we get it. Being without your phone all day feels weird, but we're all adjusting together. >> And remember, >> it's the law. We're fortunate also in the sense that just a reminder each teacher in individual classroom they all have their phones they have they have uh handheld phones uh handsets um so again you know I I think that to
117be in compliance um with the law I I know that there are numerous different approaches um that um you probably have heard about Um, I can say with absolute full confidence, uh, having experienced this, uh, particularly as an assistant principal back a long time ago, um, when the very first generation iPhone, uh, hit the market. Now, this this was a long time ago. I'm really dating myself. And, uh, we took up the practice of no cell phones, uh, put them away. if they uh were um out, they would be conf confiscated and there would be a $15 fine. Um we didn't make it through the first semester. Um and I will say this that we fought more with parents than we did confiscating phones from students. Um now phones have evolved um since the very
118first iPhone. Not only that, um, but I would venture to say the volume of these devices has also, uh, slightly increased. Um, and so we again, we're going about this to be in compliance, uh, with the new law. Uh, protect the integrity of instructional time and again create this u strike this balance of mutual respect between the teachers and our educators. And um, our intent is to focus on teaching and learning each day. Um, and I think that this policy and particularly our practice that we will be uh formalizing, putting into the handbook and um, uh, communicating going forward uh, does just that. >> Questions, >> Mrs. Freeman? >> Actually, I have a few. I don't I could I could do one at a time or um I I have a question about the rationale
119about putting a backpack in a designated area as long as I mean I could see during the course of a class period where a a student wants to get in their backpack for certain things. It could be a pen. It could be all kinds of things. And um as long as the phone is away and not visible, is there a challenge with keeping the we talked about the backpack by the desk? >> The designated area in the classroom is just purely to be compliant with the law. It's very clear in the statute. It's to be they are to be placed in a designated area in the classroom. So, I'm not to say that I guess we could designate the area at every individual student's desk, but I think that that would be very tempting. >>
120I'm just thinking of practicality when a when a student works and what they need and then I mean even their own their own computer. >> Yeah. Um >> they put not their own but the district's computer and such. >> Yeah. So we we looked at it from a standpoint of this is actually the practice that we put in place for testing days. This is exactly what we do. Um and so maybe a a um a training um just as the students come in, they put their devices or make sure the devices are turned off. They're in the backpack. Grab your Chromebook, grab your personal device, which I'll be glad to discuss that here momentarily. um you know, whatever supplies, materials you need for the day. And then, you know, if it's one of those things
121that they've forgotten something, I don't think our classroom teachers are going to prohibit them from being able to go to their backpack to retrieve. Um >> yeah, I'm I'm just thinking that maybe during the course of a class period, there might be several trips to the Just thinking about it. >> There there may be, you know, and I think this is where classroom management is going to be so vital to the whole process because It hasn't been that long since being a biology teacher. If Johnny decides that he needs to use the restroom five times during one class period every day, I don't know, you know, that that would raise some suspicion. Uh I think and so it's it's that kind of classroom management and again in mutual respect. You know, one of the things
122that came up as we were discussing in cabinet is while we're fortunate to have technology devices available uh to students, i.e. Chromebooks and and uh iPads in some cases. Um we are going to have to really work with uh teachers on BYOD initiatives u because there are many cases particularly in art classes where the Chromebook as a result of pixelation and uh applications they will not be sufficient for the students to be able to uh successfully complete their their academic work. And so, uh, we fully anticipate that we're going to maintain a bring your own device, which we have the ability to do. um we'll have success in regards to the traffic or greater success in regards to the traffic on social media platforms and different applications uh as a result of our network monitoring
123which Chris Tjo and his team have been working pretty hard um over the course of the summer in preparation for that. That's not to say it's going to not, you know, going to be 100% proof because iPhones have the ability to create hotspots as well as there's other various devices that uh can work off of our network. But for the most part, I think that that's going to be, you know, far and few um students that are going to be trying to uh kind of utilize those those those types of um network uh ender rounds. and and we're still even with BYOD i.e. students bringing MacBooks, iPads to class have a pretty good monitoring and control over uh the utilization uh in particular with text messaging and and social media uh correspondence. And I don't
124know if that answered the question or uh >> I was just wondering about >> behind that and convenience for students or >> an issue with classroom >> disturbance. Um, also variances per school. Um, we are going to require that the schools at least adhere to um, minimum requirements as to what this policy says. >> They have to. It's this is state law verbatim. >> Just I I think there's some other information out there that I've heard from some parents and information that they've gotten in at their school. And so I was >> well we and we've had that conversation administratively and if it's not in compliance with board policy and it's not just this policy. whatever has been put in place is going to have >> is is it's going to have to I could
125I could I could make such a a joke right now, but it's it's it's it's going to have to be uh retracted um and explained that this is the North Side ISD policy. And one more. Um, so we have students that go off campus during lunch if they're in their car. I mean, obviously we're not going to police a if a student's in their car. I mean, I can just see this whole piece. Um, I mean, that's going to happen. Kids are going to go sit in their car. >> Sure. I mean, if that's but that's >> by the letter of the law, they're they're not to be utilizing their personal communication devices while on campus during school hours. Now again, as the leader, instructional leader of the school district, I'm more interested in students
126coming to school and focusing on learning than I am chasing a 100,000 cellular devices all over Bear County. I don't know if I'm being >> too vague. >> No, that's good. Dr. I have two questions. So my first one is just is there am I going to assume in place to get feedback from the people that are going to have to enforce this cuz I want to you know is there like a a six months feedback like just to kind of get a sense of like you know cuz you know we we're going to put this policy in place but in practice you know that might be a little different and so is there some way that we can you know >> yeah you know I'm always open to feedback. Um, and and we can
127probably survey, but I don't know what feedback we're going to receive because this policy >> is state law. >> Yeah. >> And and while I appreciate that some teachers, educators may not like it, >> it's law. >> Yeah. Well, I think too like because it is very vague and so I feel like different schools are implementing in different ways and so the unfortunate is like legislators don't they left it really vague like yes there are specific things that are like this has to be done but I feel like it's vague because so many different schools are implementing different ways. So >> well yeah and I and I think that's where we're going to work to clean up. Okay. Because that vagueness >> with this particular law >> Yeah. It's in in my opinion there's a
128lot of vagueness with a lot of pieces of legislation that have been passed pertaining to education. 1481 is not one of them. It to me is very clear. Uh it is not they are not to be used during the course of the school day. uh either prohibition or powered off, turned off, placed in a designated area and then there are consequences associated uh if students are in violation. I yeah so we can collect feedback. I just >> so >> I don't know how it's going to steer. >> No. And I I completely agree. I think it's just like, you know, can we see if there is something that, you know, I feel like with a district so big, like we're talking about 133 schools, we're talking about hundreds and thousands of teachers. I mean, what
129a great way to kind of get some feedback from them because we never know like there might be someone out there that has a great idea. So, it's just can there be a mechanism in place? Yes. knowing that like I mean I feel like teachers understand like this is what's in place this is what have to happen but is there a way that I mean and it could just be us bringing this up like hey can we bring this up in six months to be like hey how are things going >> and I I think that's part of as the policy outlined a report to be delivered >> this is how you know we're we're implementing and here are the number of infractions and I I I think that that is the intent >> um
130>> you know I just >> to me to to me the other option in to be in compliance with this particular law is to prohibit they don't come to school. >> Yeah. >> That's just really it. >> Oh, I had two. Sorry. And then my second one is um you know because our policy is the way it's set up like are there going to be and it's kind of like piggybacking off of what you were saying is is there going to be like clear instructions on consequences because I feel like many times like in conversations with parents you know I feel like sometimes the frustration and what administrators will have to deal with is if there's not these clear rules on consequences Or will you know this student was treated this way but then my
131student was treated differently like what is is there going to be set consequences on for admin to be able to follow or is that going to be each individual admin will decide I'm just it's a question obviously it's not something that we it's just I think that kind of adds to the dynamic of the parent because if there aren't these clear consequences that students know of and that parents parents aren't aware of and there is this kind of flexibility then that's what I feel angers individuals more than anything else because then they feel like they're not being treated the same or their instance is different than someone else's. It's a little easier when I'm talking to individuals where I'm like, "But it's listed right here, like this is why it happened versus like, well, it
132depends." Or, "Well, this instance was more severe than maybe another instance." >> So, this is this is not um an anomaly. Uh I compare this um to dress code. >> Yeah. Now, you probably don't like to hear that. Um, but we have a dress code. Uh, our expectation is for students to be in compliance with the dress code. And so, I can't promise that there's not going to be some degree of inconsistencies with the implementation. What I can say is that the law and the policy before you will dictate us outlining consequences uh through like I say our code of conduct and our and our uh student handbooks. What will those consequences look like? Well, they will mirror image like I say our spectrum of disciplinary consequences for insubordination. I mean the directive is this
133is the directive during the course of the school day. Cell phones, telecommunication devices will not be used. And so that's in essence not following a directive. There will be graduated consequences as a result of insubordination. Um that's that's what it will mirror. Um in essence and again we're not we're not trying to be overly punitive. um rather let's focus on learning. >> There is a just to follow up with you as a prior school administrator. There's the code of conduct and then each school has their escalating consequences which is also part of the code of conduct. So the way that that child's consequence is given is based on their his history. >> Yeah. And and that that's that's a good point. >> So you have a first, second, third offender that's going to look different.
134And so I need parents to understand that it's based on your students your own students individual record if you will because if I get him twice in my office for the same offense now we're at a different level and it's going to escalate to level two right >> and they know the students know oh I know this is my level three I'm going to get ISS they already know their consequence and that's been very clear especially if they've been with us in the office before. So, if you're not sure what those escalating consequences are as a parent in a household that maybe thinks this might be an issue in your household, then you need to ask your school leaders, what are the escalating consequences for this? And I think >> and and that's a great
135point. They'll be graduated depending on disciplinary history, but there's also this aspect that you know in some cases campuses implement after school detention. Some cases campuses implement inschool detention, lunch detention, >> Saturday schools. And so again, this is we're not going to prescribe to the extent of every campus 132 plus uh every campus must, you know, do a Saturday school for the second cell phone infraction. I mean, it just it's a rule. Um that's really what this boils down to. Yes, it's law, but but it's going to be one of our rules, i.e. expectations and that consistency, it absolutely needs to be consistent, particularly through the implementation across the board. And that was one of the things that we had a great pretty extensive conversation with our cabinet in regards to should it look different
136at the elementary level, at the middle school level, at the high school level. But when you really again look at the legislation, that's not what the legislation prescribes. And so let's let's make it consistent across the board. >> Mr. Hata, >> um I I agree coming from the from education, it's it's a policy that uh it's not going to be easy implementing. It's going to be a little tough, but uh it's something like what Dr. Craft said about being consistent, having clear guidelines, um you know, making sure that we're communicating with families and with students very clearly, you know, and and uh I think also to you know, again, being consistent at at all levels, you know, and um just a couple of questions that I have. I I agree with it because I think
137the whole focus I want to make sure that we remember is uh it's about supporting teachers and and uh protecting that learning environment. And it's it's it's we have the best teachers in Texas and we need to be able to support them and and have high quality instruction bell-to-bell and and without any distraction. So we we owe that to our teachers. I think implementing this I just I want to reiterate why it was put in place and it's it's it's to help our students for their success. Um a couple of questions I have is uh will phones be will students be able to use phones during the passing periods? >> Yeah. No during lunch time >> lunch and and passing periods are inclusive of the school day. Um and that was a specific question. Thank
138you for asking that I reached out to legal and it's very clear. Okay. >> Uh passing periods, uh lunch periods, those are considered in during the instructional day. Yeah. >> And I think another concern I have is again just u coming from education is making sure that there's a we have you know making sure that we're managing that classroom management and how with the teachers too you know following it you know not having some teachers following it to the tea and then you know others being locked. just making sure that we have something in place to make sure that we're monitoring that so we can again uh be consistent with that. But I think this is a great opportunity uh for North Side, you know, to lead the way with this policy and just create
139a clear pathway to protect the learning environment and and it's it's going to be messy and it's going to be hard, but I it's it's owed for our teachers and for our students and I think we need to just also stay focused on that. And we do have a system in place. I I know every classroom has uh telephone, you know, if a student needs to be if there was an emergency, they can reach the office. There's an intercom system, I believe. Correct, correct me if I'm wrong, there is >> where you can um >> yeah, that the front office was be able to contact the the teacher, please, you know, pick up the phone that that communication then can proceed. So yeah, I I I think that the the communication uh aspect in the
140event of the emergency it just doesn't concern me as much. Um and I will say this too that um I think that the initial implementation we may have some challenges but all in all um I really believe in our students and I believe that if uh our communication as to the rationale and the importance of why cell phones need to be turned off not to take away personal devices for true schoolwork academia or or district issued Chromebooks. Um I think if that is communicated um with the emphasis on or in and around we are concerned about you and your future and your ability to learn during this particular class period. I think that they'll be pretty receptive and we've got a few of our ambassadors here that um you know we've had the ability to
141engage in conversations with. I I I believe in our students. >> And then just one more comment and I just want to make it clear and I I just want to make sure that I I don't want to see any employees being held accountable for someone's cell phone because it got lost or it got stolen from because shouldn't even be bought it in the first place. I want to make sure that our teachers um are protected. >> Yep. >> As do I. >> Mrs. Dr. Harl, excuse me. Um, I think one of the messy parts will be because we've had surrounding districts um share their version of this before. I mean, I know it took time for us to get to this place tonight because we were waiting on the date, but I know um
142a couple have already announced and they are going to let them do it during passing period and at lunch and before you know um there may be a couple other times. Um so, we're going to have to do explaining, but I do know there's been so many districts in Texas that started doing this last year and had really really good results. It was real messy and bumpy at the beginning. They had very specified going back to um u some of the conversation earlier levels of disciplinary measures that were spelled out. there's a level of specificity and I think just in talking to folks the past week there um there's there's just maybe some confusion or opportunities for clarification around that level of specificity. Um you know uh girls wanting to have purses that don't carry
143backpacks, you know, is it going to be backpacks? Can they have purses? Uh Karen mentioned something about chairs. Some of our classrooms when they took out the lockers, the classroom size didn't increase. So, where are these backpacks going to go? Something like that. Um, I think will help us get through the messiness. I also and I I believe in our teachers and kids too, but I also have issues when, you know, you can't drink Coke in class, but then the teacher is drinking Coke. You know, you can't use your phone. Is the teacher going to be allowed to use the phone? Are they going to be walking down the halls on their phones? I that part I'm I'm having a really hard time. I'm struggling with that. Um, as an educator who carries her phone
144with her everywhere you go, um, we have other responsibilities. I know I can explain it. Like honestly, my mom did turn 90 today and so she calls all the time. I have to be ready, but I I can't make excuses either. I would never drink a Diet Coke in front of my class if they couldn't drink a Diet Coke. This is a little different. So, what has been the talk about the teacher use was one question. And then what's the process um for all campuses after tonight? >> Yeah. So, um I think that the the reason that there's uh I guess some ambiguity uh in regards to consequences and is simply because we we're proposing policy and so we haven't put in place here are very specific um procedures, protocol, much less consequences because we'd
145be getting ahead of the passage of this policy. So, we're going to encapsulate our expectations through, like I say, our administrative regulations, working on that consistency, and then also um ensuring that parents are um aware of what our expectations are through the student code of conduct, like I say, student handbooks. Um, you know, in regards to uh our our classroom teachers and their use of of cell phones, you know, in the event that there are emergencies, um, because the law doesn't clearly identify or articulate no cell phone usage for staff members. And and I think that before we paint ourselves into a corner, um there may be in some instances where a teacher needs to use a cell phone. Hopefully not for a safety situation, uh but some other situation that's really really important. Now,
146that being said, you know, if it's 30 minutes out of every class period, every instructional day, I mean, that's going to be an administrative uh matter to to work with. I mean, generally speaking, as I've again discussed at convocation and in fact even I think demonstrated, if I'm not mistaken, I know it was last week, but you know, our expectation is if we're going to ask students to place cell phones in backpacks and put them away, then probably so should adults. You know, in regards to other districts, I you know, I I can't really comment. can't speak to. I can tell you this that in my conversations with legislative offices um with um our legal review and policy, I can say this with full confidence. The legislative intent is not to allow passing periods and
147lunches for students to be able to utilize telecommunication devices. Now I beyond that I don't know but that that's coming straight from the horse's mouth. >> So so >> I don't know. >> Yeah. The only comment I had was kind of the same thing that my other colleagues said about um everybody being on the same page. We have 131 campuses. We don't want one campus. I have two granddaughters in separate schools. you know why does so gets to do it and not this school you know what I mean I kind of have something that's this is what it is you know don't give you say give them the option of doing whatever they want to do you know what I mean it's kind of like events backpacks on this corner all backpacks in at every
148school not just you know what I'm saying giving them options of >> every school you know what I mean because >> they got to come back and say why does that school get to do it and not this school >> yeah and I think that the The question also to to your point Mr. Salceto but also Dr. Harl that we don't have space in our classroom uh to implement. What have we done when we test nine or 10 times out of the year? Somehow we've made it work. I noticed that I noticed the new furniture that was placed in all the schools this year. It comes with little hooks on it. >> It may that may be the designated area. It may be, you know, hooks or uh cubby uh what are they called? Cubby
149holes. Uh I think we still have cubby holes. Um >> cubbies. >> Do we still have cubbies? >> Just cubbies. >> Cubbies still exist, Andy. Okay. >> Elementaryaries have cubbies. >> Thank you. Okay. >> So, I I see this like very important to everybody's point like we really had to be um compliant, right? We have no choice in this. We didn't create this. We're just adhering to it. We have our code of conduct in place. We want to be consistent. Should there be inconsistency, I'm sure we're going to hear of it. And that's their administrator's job to oversee that for their campus, the campus oversight for teachers and then for students. And then I'm sure if there's any concern that we're going to get word of that and so if you have a problem with
150this, how can they you need to speak to your legislature? Yeah, I mean I I you know again I I don't know other than just the prohibition um you know any little tweak if we buy $10 million of pouches um we're still doing the same thing. Um the only difference will be students will be turning in their uh iPhone version uh one and maintaining or keeping their version 17 or 18 whatever the latest and greatest is. Um u that's been proven already. Um so I I I don't I mean I I don't know I don't know what uh iteration we would adopt other than to be in compliance with the legislation just they don't come to school and then I'll argue we'll we'll be fighting a whole different battle every day. >> Well, I just
151like to swear uh share a quick comment from my granddaughter who came home upset yesterday. She said she felt like she was in prison during lunch. Um, an example was saying that everyone was quiet because they couldn't pull out their cell phone. They had two police officers basically just roaming in between looking for somebody who had their cell phone, which last year she compared it that they were just standing the doors, not moving around. yesterday, first day of school, they were actually just walking around and she felt like she was in an inmate or something like that. That's how she described it. So, >> yeah, I think that's important feedback as well. You know, that that's not the environment that we want uh to uh unintentionally, definitely not intentionally uh create. Uh one of the
152uh stories that were was captured from yesterday was actually uh students are um sitting down and playing board games at lunch and uh actually having interactions with one another. So I I think that um you know those are when we talk about the learning environment I think I think that that's a part of the evolution as to what does this now look like. It's also, in my opinion, kind of an indication of just, you know, how accustom um our youth, but probably adults as well, have gotten so used to having this device right in front of their face every free moment um they have. And and I I I think this is actually going to end up being a real positive uh for the entire community uh once it's all said and done. if if
153I think we do it right and take the take the correct approach. >> So students are allowed to speak to each other during lunch, but they're going to have to create these social experiences now and learn how to talk to each other again. >> Personal communication. >> So that's an opportunity coming back. Yeah. >> Coloring books, crayons. And for those that don't want to socialize, bring a book. Maybe we'll get more visits to the library. I don't know. I think this could be a moment of rediscovery. Maybe we if I if you take my phone away, I don't know. I'm going to start drawing. I don't know. >> Well, and again, I don't I don't think the I don't think the legislative intent is to be overly punitive. I don't think that's it at all.
154I I think that the intent and again haven't been on the very onset of the conversations has always been let's get students back focused on learning and and teachers teaching and not having to police social media and all the other stuff that has been accompanied um with the overutilization and just actually just time domin ation of these devices. >> Any other comments? >> This actually is asking for You have another comment? >> I know it's first reading. Um, but I I actually placed it on your for consideration because this will expedite our ability to go ahead and put in place, like I say, uh, procedures, protocol through administrative regulations, as well as, um, our communication efforts going forward. And it's one that I know we've been discussing even though not formally presented in a policy
155format for okay several weeks now. >> Any actions from the board? >> Uh I I uh motion to adopt the proposed version uh revision of the communication devices. >> Okay. >> Any second Dr. Hassel? >> Okay. >> Dr. Don before we go forward with a vote. >> Any other discussion? >> Thank you. Mrs. >> um Dr. Craft the you know and looking at the at the bill itself it does um require it says the policy must establish disciplinary measures to be imposed for violation. Now I understand that you've referenced um the student code of cond conduct if we're taking a a strict look at this bill. Do we need to go ahead and put something like reference our student code of conduct or reference something in this policy? >> No, this this policy was actually
156drafted straight from TASBY Legal. Um, so we can we can revise it, but that's not what their recommendation. >> I'm just looking at the bill though. bill says the policy must. >> And so, and then regarding TASBY legal, we still haven't seen the legal policy, which it's very, it's unusual for us to adopt local policy without actually seeing the legal. I understand why we need to do it because we're starting the school day. I just want us to pay attention to that. Perhaps we can always change local policy. >> Sure. >> But, um, but that's in here. So, I guess I question why we're not um >> I I I think that um again, we can be as prescriptive as we uh would like to be. I think that whatever we prescribe is likely going
157to change. >> I I agree. I >> Yes. Yeah. >> Sorry. I I would agree. >> So, I I think that the infractions can be absolutely covered with our our student code of conduct. Um and again it's just it's really in my assessment insubordination not following a directive here here are the consequences of the result. >> Okay. So any other discussion? Okay. All in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? >> Okay. The motion is passed to adopt the personal communication devices. >> Thank you. And like I say, we'll we'll start communication uh next steps immediately because I know there's still a lot of questions surrounding >> I want to say was there um that bill has some grant funding too also right with TA? >> Yeah, that was just uh announced last week with
158TA. We'll we'll look at if we need devices um for like I say collection um outside of backpacks or purses or bags. Um uh we we can definitely look to apply for some of that funding. I want to say it's about $10 million across the state. >> One question about the funding. Um I I guess I I guess the schools are also looking at if there is an a a classroom like in a um a room that doesn't have a phone that every room will have a phone. You said that earlier. >> I believe every every classroom used for instruction has a handset telephone. >> Okay. In 133 buildings, every classroom where kids are being instructed has a phone. >> And if there's not, let us know. >> 911 >> and they all dial 911.
159Hopefully never, but thanks. >> Okay, >> I feel better. >> Good. Okay. Uh the next two policies, uh again, this is just from a uh timing standpoint. We've discussed these as well. Uh and these are interrelated. Uh this pertains uh FD um pertains um uh to um students not enrolled. Um if you recall uh districts um school boards were required to in essence um designate through policy whether or not they would allow private school or andor homeschooled students eligibility um if they were not enrolled in uh curricular extracurricular activities. Uh, as we discussed in our conversations with UIL, uh, this policy, you'll see the change on page two of three, um, outlines, student not enrolled or enrolled in a private school, including a home school, shall not be eligible for concurrent enrollment in the district,
160nor participation in curricular extracurricular activities. Uh, so again, um, pretty straightforward. And then the second policy associated is FM And that proposed change is really straightforward in the sense that it refers back to FD local uh on page three of three. And again, these are uh for your consideration. Uh the reason these are being brought forward again we've discussed on several occasions I recognize. Um but also uh tonight actually is our first varsity volleyball game >> that we have started. >> All right. So do we have any motions from the board? >> I I motion to approve both policies. >> Second. Second. >> And Dr. How will second that? Any other discussion? Okay. All in favor say I. >> Any opposed? All right. The motion is passed. Thank you. Um like I say, we'll work
161to communicate that through handbooks as well. Uh the last item I have is just future agenda items. Um and uh you'll see in your board docs. Um we have uh several committee meetings in between now and the 26th. Um uh so I know building committee is one. Uh we are looking at um the legislation surrounding uh the slack or the school library advisory council. Uh we'll have that conversation in our next academic meeting as well. Uh we do anticipate bringing forward amendment number two uh to the GMP for the uh administration classroom replacement Marshall High School. You met Paul, our new principal at Marshall. Uh uh keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Marshall High School right now is under construction uh to say the least. Um and it it's going to be great. I'll
162just go ahead and say it. It's going to be great, but it's going to be a little painful uh in the near future uh while we're demoing and uh transitioning. Uh of course, as already mentioned, fiscal year 25 budget amendment and then the public hearing for fiscal year 26. of this year's budget uh with your consideration adoption and tax rate adoption. Um the commitment of fund balance would be in essence uh to utilize the design designated continuity of construction fund balance. Uh we mentioned the defeasence resolution and then um the um bare appraisal uh district reappraisal schedule that that will come off that was an item from last year that has been since resolved. >> I had a record question. I'm and it's probably just me, but I'm still confused if we because I understand
163the the Vader process takes a long time, right? And he even mentioned um and and I don't want to start anything too early, but at the same time, money is is very confusing right now with families. I'm wondering when when do we do we as a board say we're going to go out on it and then the process starts or does the process start and then the board gets on board? Sorry about that. >> Yeah, it it really depends on the timing of the election. um you know I if we uh working in conjunction with a bond election like we've discussed in the past and look at the fall of 2026 you know we're still over a year out now if we're looking at uh May of 2026 that's going to expedite the timeline. We'll
164need to get that conversation started much earlier. But but this fall, um we're going to be looking at enrollment numbers, but then also efficiencies at campuses because we still got a little bit of work to do in my opinion before we approach the community in asking for their consideration and additional resources. >> Now, we've worked hard. Again, $80 million is real, but but we still have a few items to include looking at campus enrollments and particularly underutilized campuses. And so so those conversations, not to say that any final decisions uh or recommendations will be forthcoming in the near future, but but I think we owe that to our community to look across every aspect, turn every rock over before we ask for in essence a potential tax rate. uh increase. >> We will also have
165to do the efficiency audit that we discussed and that will >> like a efficiency audit, >> right? That will come in probably February, March time frame. >> Okay. >> So, so we'll we will definitely need to have conversations leading up to approving the efficiency audit. Efficiency audit, I believe the timeline is four months prior to adopting a tax rate. So, I've got it on my calendar. I know to bring back in February. I just I want to get real clear about that language and about the timeline because I mean people are asking questions and I'm using it as an opportunity to to to talk especially now that they're starting to understand or at least the ones I've been talking to the the budget deficit >> and that was I mean that took everybody by surprise
166not just in North Side but so many community members and leaders like every district has a budget deficit the you know now it's kind priming the pump for some more conversation about it. So, >> yeah, I don't I don't know. Well, okay. Yeah, >> I can I can add a a timeline related to >> different timelines based on different scenarios for budgets and tax rates um without making any assumptions, but maybe have it in a sidebyside of if the board was wanting to go out for a Vader versus if they're not in the timelines and bring that back in say October, November >> and and it may be a matter that you know as we get ready to have our first seabback committee meeting and we continue to work on not only this fiscal year,
167but really fiscal year 27, which is what we're currently working on. Megan, let me speak for you, but she's I know working on getting 26 across the finish line. We're really working on 27. You know, it may be one of those things that, well, we really need we have greater debt service needs in the form of a bond election and let's just figure out how we go about getting that $26 million cooled down to a balanced budget and going forward. I mean, so there's there's still a lot of conversation and and work to be done before we commit to yes, we're going out for evader. I mean, I think it needs to be on the radar as as we've put it on the radar, but not committed uh at this point. >> And I I
168honestly it's not at the fault of anyone in the district not communicating things about budget deficit or anything like that. We've talked, we have said, we have communicated. I think it doesn't hit you until it hits you personally or you know a teacher that you loved had to go to another ch you know now people are really in it and so um I'm just thinking of multiple ways and opportunities to start that intro with just common language and vocabulary around it too >> and I would piggyback that as we start communicating whether it's a bond or a vader is like what does that mean for an individual household what would that look like on my taxes and a lot of People start asking, "Well, my tax rate, that's a different department, right? That's like the
169Bear County Appraisal District." Like, so we had to like teach use these moments as teachable moments for our consumer, our community to understand how it's going to affect them personally, but also this is also another like rude awakening that we are continuing to improve our efficiencies because we are in a deficit budget that's not going away. So, we you guys have done a great job. You gave a shout out to all the principles that had to make those difficult decisions on their campuses. Those are still continuing because of where we are fiscally and because we want to get certain things approved. We've got to do a good job and be fiscally responsible, right? And so that's ongoing that never ends. >> Yeah. I mean, our objectives like articulated, we want to protect jobs and we
170want to protect the integrity of our programs. that those will be our two continued focused areas and going forward and thus far we've been able to >> well and I do want to add like I think individuals are going to start asking us because there are other ISDs that are going to be looking to call for Vader this coming election so it's going to be discussions that are going to be asked of us so I feel like as board members it's important to have those talking points because once you start seeing like there's some already in this August meeting that they're going to start calling for Vaders for those ISDs and the first thing they're going to ask is well what are the other districts doing and we want to be able to have that
171information to really be able to let individuals know like for this year like that is not something that we're looking into but it is something for maybe you know what do we want to share to the community because people are going to start asking >> yeah I think that again as a result of having our continuity of instruction designated fund balance we're not quite yet in a position particularly as the actions that were taken this spring going into uh your consideration of fiscal year 26. We're just not there. Um now that's not to say that we won't be. But we're fortunate in the sense that we've nar narrowed down a$und00 million plus deficit budget to >> 26. And as a community member that would be casting a vote, I think that that is a fair
172expectation that we've done everything on our part to be as phys fiscally efficient as possible before we go knocking on the door asking for a tax rate increase, >> especially with property values and of course inflationary pressures, etc. Okay, so um um >> okay, we're agenda to executive session. >> We we will have a couple more items. I'm sorry, Dr. Ron. >> Sorry. Uh uh discussion of good cause exception. This is a good cause for armed security officers. Uh we're close but we're not our police staffing is increasing but we've still got the rovers at our elementary campuses. Secondary campuses were covered but this is a requirement to bring forward each year for the consideration. We'll have the first iteration of board superintendent goals. Um, and then I've got evaluation process uh to be discussed
173in uh closed uh session along with we probably have at least one maybe two three more appointments uh on the 26th. >> We're still hiring. >> We are um we are um we have vacancies, but I will say uh as we were discussing this morning, our vacancies are much much lower than they were at this time last year. In fact, uh, we're down to, is it 55 special education vacancies, which we haven't seen that we haven't seen that number in, well, since I've been here. Um, uh, we have very few core classroom uh, positions open. Staffing wise, we've done pretty well. Uh, we're actually in in pretty good shape. >> Great. Kudos to HR. Thank you, sir. IAS. Are we still looking for IAS? >> Okay. >> 26, I think. >> Let me get to
174it. >> 103. >> And I can Can they um have an associates degree? I mean, if I keep pushing that, I want to make sure I'm It's associate degree. >> Okay. >> Good. In anything. >> Okay. Okay. Thanks. >> Very good. Yeah. >> 51 general ed, 65 special ed, and um 103 instructional assistants, which is a low number for um where we've been historically. >> Very good. Well, thank you all for coming tonight. Um, we're going to now move to uh on August 12th, beginning at 8:25, we're going to convene in close meeting in accordance with the Texas Government Code section 551071 through 089. No action will be taken in the closed session and any decisions that we make when the board reconvenes will be made in open session. Um, and we're going to be
175the discussion will take place on the following items pursuant to Texas government codes. Pursuant to Texas government codes 551071 through 0821 and we're also going to do talk about the appointment of principal at Rudder Middle School uh motor elementary and OK Conor. So, thank you all and you want to reconvene in Okay. All right. So, it's now 9:09 and we're going to go ahead and convene our open meeting. No action was taken in close session. And regarding the agenda items discussed in the closed session, do we have a motion or three a couple of motions to come before the board? >> I do. So, >> okay. All right. Uh I move that the board direct administration to discuss possible exemptions from the new grievance policy law with our district of innovation committee. >> Second. >>
176Okay. Dr. Hall seconds that any discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Okay. Motion passes. Um Dr. Don, I move that cons um consideration and possible action concerning pending litigation and possible settlement of student um versus North Side ISD before a special ed hearing officer for the state of Texas docket number 168-0225. >> Okay, do we have a second motion? >> Second. >> Mr. Salceto seconds that any discussion. Okay. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Uh opposed. Say eight. All right. Motion passes. Yes, Mrs. Freeman. >> Um I'm looking at this motion as written and I wonder um if I need to add amendment to that motion. Um proceed as discussed in executive session. >> Oh, thank you. Julie noted. >> Second. >> Okay. Do we need to revote
177with an amendment? Yes. Any discussion? Okay. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? All right. Motion carries. Thank you. >> Any other motions? >> Yes. I move that we um accept the positions as shared in executive session. >> Okay. Any second? >> I second. >> Mrs. Apata seconds that. Any discussion? All right. All in favor say I. I. >> Any opposed? All right. Motion carries. Thank you. And that concludes our meeting today on August the 12th. Have a great evening.