June 26, 2024 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:  Brenda Thompson will present information on the Full STEAM Ahead Academy. 
 

Description:  The following newly elected/appointed board members will take the Oath of Office. 

• Trey Clark
• Kristi Hughes
• LaNell Wilson

A Statement of Officer form will be completed and filed prior to taking the oath.
 

Description:  Dr. Terrier will give TEA updates to the Board from the June CCRS meeting.
 

Description:  Board members will be asked to provide their availability for attending the September 27-29 txEDCON24 Convention in San Antonio, Texas.  Housing and registration open July 23, which is prior to the next board meeting.
 

Description:  Wednesday, August 28, 2024, 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 the TASA Superintendent Study Group.

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 28 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: 
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 (executive) session, the Board will conduct a closed (executive) session in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Government Code, Chapter 551, Subchapters D and E. 

Before any closed/executive meeting/session 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: 
The Board is requested to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

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 recommended that this contribution be $525 per month per employee.     
 
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 to the employee.
 
The $525 per month will consist of a state contribution of $75 per month per individual to the ESC toward health coverage. It is recommended that the ESC contribute the additional $450 per month per individual.
 
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, 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:  In accordance with policy BDD Local, Region 5 ESC requests approval to retain the following attorney firms during the 2024-25 school year, if needed:

• The Fisher Firm
• Powell Law Group
• Walsh Gallegos Kyle Robinson & Roalson P.C.
• Leon | Alcala, PLLC

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 the GASB 54 Fund Balance Assignment/Commitment as presented. 

Motion by:

Second by:

Vote:
 

Description:  Request approval of a salary increase of 4.5% from the pay grade midpoint for all pay grades except pay grade 1.  Pay grade 1 will receive a set dollar amount of $2,000. The estimated difference in salaries from school year 2023-24 to 2024-25 is $206,558.

Motion by:

Second by:

Vote:
 

Description:  The following Southeast Texas Purchasing Cooperative bids are scheduled for release on the following dates.  

July Bids: Release July 2, 2024

• Athletic Complex, Gymnasium & Auditorium Equipment, Supplies and/or Services
• Audio-Visual/Media Equipment and/or Services
• 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 ESC Only - Print Services

August Bids: Release August 6, 2024

• Paper Supplies (6 month bid)
• Signs-Outdoor & Indoor Sales and/or Services
• Drug Testing - Identification Services
• Pest Control Supplies and/or Services
• Rental Car Services
• Portable Building, Ramping, Supplies and/or Services
• Transportation Parts & Supplies (excludes sales & service)

Motion by:

Second by:

Vote:

 

Description:  In accordance with Policy DBA, "...the Board shall reorganize and elect a Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary."

Nominations for Chair of the Board:

Motion by:

Second by:

Vote:

Nominations for Vice-Chair 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: 

Minutes taken by: