June 28, 2023 at 10:00 AM - Regular Meeting

Description: 
Call to Order Time: 

Invocation by: 

Board Members Present: 

Board Members Absent: 

Region 5 Personnel Present:

Guests Present:
 

Description:  Killey Hays will present information from the recent "Spring Fling" event for special needs students in Region 5 held at the Beaumont Civic Center.
 

Description:  The following newly elected/appointed board members will take the Oath of Office. A Statement of Officer form will be completed and on file prior to taking the oath. 

• Jimmy Hicks
• LaNell Wilson

Debbie Nicks took the Oath of Office on June 20, 2023, in the office of the Executive Director. Dr. Byron Terrier, Denise Wallace, Maryan Ramirez, and Sheila Davis were present to witness the oath.
 

Description:  Dr. Terrier will provide a legislative update to the Board.
 

Description:  Dr. Terrier will inform the Board of changes taking place in the Spanish Distance Learning program and the addition of the Principal Support System.
 

Description:  Dr. Terrier will report on employment, retirements, and resignations of staff since the previous board meeting as shown on the attached report.
 

Description: 
If, during the course of the meeting, discussion of any item on the agenda should be held in a closed meeting, the Board will conduct a closed meeting in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Government Code, Chapter 551, Subchapters D and E. 

Before any closed meeting is convened, the presiding officer will publicly identify the section or sections of the act authorizing the closed meeting. All final votes, actions, or decisions will be taken in open session.
 
Motion to conduct a closed session:

Second: 

Vote: 

            Beginning Time:  
 
Motion to return to open session:

Second: 

Vote: 

            Ending Time:  

Action on items considered in Executive Session:
 
Motion:

Second:

Vote: 
 

Description:  Board members will be asked to provide their availability to attend the September 29-October 1 convention in Dallas, Texas. Housing and registration opens July 25.
 

Description:  Board members will consider their availability for the November 10-12, 2023 TAESC Conference in South Padre Island.
 

Description:  Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 10:00 a.m. is recommended for the next Board meeting to be held at Region 5 ESC. This meeting/public hearing will be held jointly with TASA Superintendents.

The Board is required to meet periodically with superintendents, members of local school districts, and representatives of institutions of higher education. Prior to the regular August 23 board meeting, board members will have a luncheon meeting with superintendents and any school board members they wish to invite, as well as any other guests.
 

Description:  The Board is requested to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held Wednesday, April 26, 2023.

Motion by: 

Second by: 

Vote: 
 

Description:  It is recommended that the Service Center, as a member of the TRS Active Care Group, continue to contribute toward full employee-only health coverage. It is further recommended that this contribution be increased from $460 to $525 per month per employee. Currently we have 93 employees who elect medical benefits. Based on June TRS ActiveCare enrollment numbers, that would equal a monthly employer contribution increase of $6,045 ($65 increase x 93 employees).    

If an employee declines Active Care coverage, then it is recommended that the ESC offer $160 per month to declining employees for use toward other ESC insurance benefits (example: dental, vision, cancer, flexible spending account etc.). If the amount of optional insurance selected is above $160, the employee will be required to cover the difference. If the amount of optional insurance is less than $160, then no other amount is due the employee.

The recommended $525 per month includes a state contribution of $75 per month per individual to the ESC toward health coverage, with the additional $450 contributed by the ESC. 

If an employee chooses ActiveCare 1-HD, the difference between the cost of employee-only and the contribution from the Service Center can be used toward other ESC insurance benefits (example: health savings account, flexible spending accounts, dental,
vision, cancer, etc.).

At a cost of $5.00 per month per employee the service center will provide TeleHealth coverage through MDLive.

Motion by:

Second by:

Vote:
 

Description:  At a cost of $1.50 per month per employee, as of now, the Service Center is currently providing employee life insurance coverage in the amount of $25,000. This would bring the ESC insurance contribution to a maximum of $531.50 per month per employee.

Motion by:

Second by:

Vote:
 

Description:  Consider approval of proposed salary schedule for 2023-24.

Motion by:

Second by:

Vote:
 

Description:  Request approval of a salary increase of 3% of full-time employee’s base salary.  The estimated amount of this increase totals $430,099. This amount includes staff salary increases and promotions from Spring 2023 through August 2024.

Motion by:

Second by:

Vote:
 

Description:  It is recommended that the Board appoint a replacement for Position 6 on the Board of Directors, which was previously filled by Wanda Woods. Upon her resignation, an Orange County representative is needed to fill the vacancy.

Motion by:

Second by:

Vote:
 

Description:  Review legal policies and take action on local policies listed below:
BE (Local) - Board Meetings
CP (Local) - Records Management
DBE (Local) - Employment Requirements and Restrictions: Nepotism
FBA (Local) - Student Welfare: Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation

Motion by:

Second by:

Vote:
 

Description: 
As required in Policy No. CBF the Executive Director will present a detailed report on the enclosed investment portfolio for Board approval.

Motion by: 

Second by: 

Vote: 
 

Description: 
The Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer will review the Statement of Operations, budget amendments, budget proposal for Fund 499 Org 808, check register, and checks over the amount of $10,000 (copies enclosed) for approval.

Motion by: 

Second by: 

Vote: 
 

Description:  Consider approval of GASB 54 Fund Balance assignment/Commitment as presented.

Motion by:

Second by:

Vote:
 

Description:  The following bids for the Southeast Texas Purchasing Co-op will be released on July 4:

• Athletic Complex, Gymnasium & Auditorium Equipment Supplies and/or Services
• Audio-Visual/Media Equipment, Supplies and/or Service
• Computer, Peripherals, Supplies & Operating Systems Technical Assistance
• Fencing Supplies, Installation, & Service
• Janitorial Equipment, Supplies and/or Services
• Kitchen Equipment, Parts and/or Services
• Lawn Maintenance, Equipment, Supplies and/or Services
• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
• Region 5 Only Print Services

The following Southeast Texas Purchasing Co-op bids will be released on August 1:

• Paper Supplies (6 month bid)
• Signs-Outdoor & Indoor Sales and/or Services

Motion to approve by:

Second by:

Vote:
 

Description:  Approval is requested for the Region 5 Food Service Cooperative Fresh Produce Catalog Bid released for procurement of Fresh Produce from July 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024. The bid was awarded on June 20, 2023. 

Motion by:

Second by:

Vote:
 

Description:  Consider resolution and title change on the PNC Bank Accounts from Dr. Terrier as Acting Executive Director to Executive Director.

Motion by:

Second by:

Vote:
 

Description:  The meeting will be turned over to the Executive Director, and in accordance with Policy DBA, "...the Board shall reorganize and elect a Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary."

Nominations for Chairman of the Board:

Motion by:

Second by:

Vote:

Nominations for Vice-Chairman of the Board:

Motion by:

Second by:

Vote:

Nominations for Secretary of the Board:

Motion by:

Second by:

Vote:
 

Description: 
Motion to Adjourn: 

Second: 

Vote: 

Adjournment Time: