April 21, 2025 at 7:00 PM - Board Meeting
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1. CALL TO ORDER AND OPENING PRAYER:
Speaker(s):
Larry Birdwell, Board President
Description:
The subjects to be discussed or considered or upon which any formal action may be taken are listed below. Items do not have to be addressed in the same order as shown on this meeting notice.
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2. PUBLIC COMMENT:
Speaker(s):
Larry Birdwell, Board President
Description:
All persons who address the Board at this time must sign up before the meeting begins.
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3. OPENING REMARKS BY THE SUPERINTENDENT:
Speaker(s):
Dr. Gregory Nelson, Superintendent
Description:
Good evening, Trustees,
Tonight’s Board Agenda includes several action items that will help us fulfill our mission:
Each item reflects the seriousness with which we are approaching this next phase of our journey. |
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4. CONSENT AGENDA:
Speaker(s):
Larry Birdwell, Board President
Description:
Unless removed from the consent agenda, items identified within the section agenda will be acted on together.
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4.a. Confirm upcoming Board meeting date(s):
Speaker(s):
Dr. Gregory Nelson, Superintendent
Description:
Next Meeting Date: Monday, May 19, 2025, at 7:00 pm - Dinner at 6:15 pm
Future Meeting Dates: Monday, June 23, 2025, at 7:00 pm - Dinner at 6:15 pm Monday, July 21, 2025, at 7:00 pm - Dinner at 6:15 pm Discuss Meetings for August 2025 and beyond. |
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4.b. Minutes of previous meeting(s):
Speaker(s):
Larry Birdwell, Board President
Description:
The minutes of the March 27, 2025, meeting are submitted for review and approval under the Consent Agenda, as presented, unless any corrections are noted.
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4.c. Assistant Superintendent Report:
Speaker(s):
Jessica Crabb, Asst. Superintendent/CFO
Description:
The Assistant Superintendent/CFO will provide an update on all relevant financial records including, (a) Board Report, (b) Cafeteria Report, (c) Check Report, (d) Investment Report, (e) Tax Report, and other information as needed.
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4.d. EPEC Report:
Speaker(s):
Kris Lamm, EPEC Director, Dr. Julianna Carpenter, Asst. Director, or Dr. Gregory Nelson, Superintendent
Description:
The EPEC Director(s) will provide an update for EPEC and the Lorenzo Independent School District students served in the Cooperative. It should be noted that Dr. Juilianna Carpenter has accepted a Director's position in another cooperative. She will complete her contract with EPEC on June 9, 2025. We wish her the best in her new role.
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4.e. Elementary Report:
Speaker(s):
Amanda Haire, Elem. Principal, or Dr. Gregory Nelson, Superintendent
Description:
The Elementary Principal will provide an update for Pre-K through Grade 5 including, important initiatives, programs, activities, assessment data, and key occurrences.
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4.f. Secondary Report:
Speaker(s):
Tanner Bales, Sec. Principal, or Dr. Gregory Nelson, Superintendent
Description:
The Secondary Principal will provide an update for Grades 6 through Grade 12, including important initiatives, programs, activities, assessment data, and key occurrences.
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4.g. Athletic Report:
Speaker(s):
Brian Sepkowitz, Athletic Director, or Dr. Gregory Nelson, Superintendent
Description:
The Athletic Director will provide an update on athletics, including, upcoming games, important initiatives, programs, activities, key occurrences.
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4.h. Safety and Security Report:
Speaker(s):
Adam Ortiz, Dir. of Safety and Security, or Dr. Gregory Nelson, Superintendent
Description:
The Director of Safety and School Security will provide a general update concerning areas of need, recent achievements, and safety and school security initiatives.
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4.i. Technology Report:
Speaker(s):
Danny Thomas, Director of IT, or Jessica Crabb, Asst. Superintendent/CFO
Description:
The Technology Director will provide an update on technology, including, important initiatives, programs, activities, key occurrences, recent purchases, and hardware, software, or infrastructure needs.
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4.j. Operations Report:
Speaker(s):
Omar Villegas, Director of Operations, or Jessica Crabb, Asst. Superintendent/CFO
Description:
The Operations Director will provide an update on maintenance, custodial, and transportation-related initiatives and key occurrences.
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4.k. Health and Wellness Report:
Speaker(s):
Laura West, Direct Nurse, or Jessica Crabb, Asst. Superintendent/CFO
Description:
The School Nurse will provide an update on our school nursing program, including current initiatives, activities, key occurrences, and any specific concerns related to outbreaks or illnesses resulting in higher-than-normal employee and or student absence.
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5. DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Speaker(s):
Larry Birdwell, Board President
Description:
These agenda items may include a presentation and discussion of an item to provide the Board with important information. No action will be taken on these items.
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5.a. Human Resources Report: (new hires, employee support, and employee exits)
Speaker(s):
Dr. Gregory Nelson, Superintendent
Description:
The Superintendent will share information with the Board related to NEW HIRES (onboarding), EMPLOYEE SUPPORT (data on employees on level 2 or 3 support), and EMPLOYEE EXITS (resignations, retirements, or terminations). This item may be discussed during the executive session if an employee's performance evaluation or discipline is relevant.
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5.b. Review and Discussion of Strategic Plan Implementation
Speaker(s):
Dr. Gregory Nelson, Superintendent
Description:
The Superintendent will provide an update to the Board of Trustees on current and upcoming initiatives aligned with the district’s Strategic Plan and administrative priorities. Trustees will have the opportunity to offer input and suggestions to support the effective implementation of the Board’s established goals.
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6. ACTION ITEMS:
Speaker(s):
Larry Birdwell, Board President
Description:
These agenda items may include a presentation and discussion of an item with a request for approval. The Board may take action to approve or reject these items.
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6.a. Consideration and Possible Action of a Partnership with AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination).
Speaker(s):
Dr. Gregory Nelson, Superintendent
Description:
As part of our long-range strategy to meet and exceed the Board’s established goals, the Administration recommends entering into a partnership with AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). This collaboration is designed to ensure our students develop the essential skills, growth mindset, and confidence necessary for success in college, careers, and life. AVID is recognized globally as a leader in college and career readiness. Peer-reviewed research highlights its effectiveness, demonstrating outcomes such as:
This partnership would align directly with our Board Goals and reinforce our commitment to equitable opportunities and academic excellence for all students. |
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6.b. Consideration and Possible Action on the Renewal of the RFP Submission for the 2025–2026 School Year Food Services Management Contract.
Speaker(s):
Jessica Crabb, Asst. Superintendent
Description:
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has received and reviewed the FSMC contract renewal for the 2025-2026 school year. The contract renewal, as submitted, is approved for execution. Changes to the contract are not permitted unless written approval from TDA is obtained before the contract is executed.
Contracts that are altered or amended in any way may result in unallowed costs that require reimbursement from non-federal funds or a rebid of the contract. |
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6.c. Consideration and Possible Approval of the Region 17 ESC 2025–2026 LASO 3 Strong Foundations Interlocal Agreement:
Speaker(s):
Dr. Gregory Nelson, Superintendent
Description:
The Administration recommends approval of the Region 17 ESC Interlocal Agreement for the 2025-2026 school year to support the implementation of our Strong Foundations Planning through the LASO 3 Grant. Strong Foundations Planning Overview: The Strong Foundations Planning Grant provides targeted support for developing a robust instructional framework in either math or literacy. Key components include:
This partnership with Region 17 ESC will provide essential expertise and resources to strengthen instructional systems and support student learning. |
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6.d. Consideration and Possible Approval of the Texas Education Agency Certification of Provision of Instructional Materials Survey for the 2025–2026 School Year:
Speaker(s):
Dr. Gregory Nelson, Superintendent
Description:
The Administration requests Board approval of the Certification of Provision of Instructional Materials Survey for the 2025-2026 school year, as required by the Texas Education Agency. This certification verifies that Lorenzo ISD will provide students with access to instructional materials that cover all required Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for each subject and grade level. Submission of the certification ensures compliance with state requirements and supports the district’s instructional planning and funding eligibility.
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6.e. Consideration and Possible Approval of the Attached Deed(s) and Corresponding Property Card(s) for Trust Properties Located in Lorenzo:
Speaker(s):
Dr. Gregory Nelson, Superintendent
Description:
The Administration recommends Board approval of the attached deed and corresponding property card for Trust Property Parcel #11617, located in Lorenzo. The property was offered for sale through the tax resale process, and the winning bid of $2,100.00 was submitted by Reymundo and Manuela Lopez. Approval of this item will authorize the execution of the deed and transfer of ownership in accordance with statutory requirements.
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6.f. Consideration and Possible Approval of Bid for Installation of Bullet-Resistant Window Film on Designated Windows at Lorenzo ISD:
Speaker(s):
Dr. Gregory Nelson, Superintendent
Description:
The Administration recommends approval of a bid for safety and security enhancements to designated areas of district facilities. Due to the sensitive nature of the project, specific details are being withheld to maintain the integrity of campus security measures.
Funding for the project will be paid at least in part by current safety grant allotments. |
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6.g. Consideration and Possible Approval of a Budget Amendment for the 2024–2025 Fiscal Year:
Speaker(s):
Dr. Gregory Nelson, Superintendent
Description:
The Administration recommends approval of the budget amendment due to increased funding allocations for the 2024-2025 fiscal year based on higher than projected student attendance.
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6.h. Consideration and Possible Approval of Certified Professional Contracts for the 2025–2026 School Year:
Speaker(s):
Dr. Gregory Nelson, Superintendent
Description:
The Administration recommends approval of certified professional contracts for the 2025-2026 school year. These contracts include agreements for certified teachers, counselors, nurses, administrators, and other licensed professionals, including diagnosticians, LSSPs, speech therapists, and related staff. Approval of these contracts will ensure the district has the necessary personnel in place to support student success and meet instructional and support needs. Additionally, the Administration will provide Formal Written Agreements for other Non-Certified Professionals, such as those in District of Innovation roles, the Director of School Safety and Security, the Director of Technology, and other similarly situated positions.
The Administration will issue Letters of Reasonable Assurance (LORAs) to at-will employees who are expected to remain on staff for the 2025-2026 school year. This action does not require Board approval. |
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7. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
If, during the course of the meeting covered by this Notice, the Board of Trustees should determine that a closed meeting or session of the Board of Trustees is required, then such closed executive meeting or session as authorized by the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code Section 551.001 et seq., will be held by the School Board at the date, hour, and place given in this Notice or as soon after the commencement of the meeting covered by this Notice as the School Board may conveniently meet in such closed or executive meeting or session concerning any and all purposes permitted by the Act, including, but not limited to the following sections and purposes: Texas Government Code Section: (a). 12.01 551.071 Private consultation with Board's attorney. (b). 12.02 551.072 Discussing purchase, exchange lease, or value of real property. (c). 12.03 551.073 Discussing negotiated contracts for prospective gifts or donations. (d). 12.04 551. 074 Discussing personnel or to hear complaints against personnel. (e). 12.05 551.076 Considering the deployment, specific occasions for, or implementation of, security personnel or devices. (f). 12.06 551.082 Considering discipline of a public school child, or complaint or charge against personnel. (g). 12.07 551.083 Considering the standards, guidelines, terms, or conditions the Board will follow, or will instruct its representatives to follow, in consultation with representatives of employee groups. (h). 12.08 551.084 Excluding witnesses from a hearing. Should any final action, final decision, or final vote be required in the opinion of the School Board with regard to any matter considered in such closed or executive meeting or session, then the final action, final decision, or final vote shall be either: (a) in the open meeting covered by the Notice upon the reconvening of the public meeting; or (b) at a subsequent public meeting of the School Board upon notice thereof, as the School Board shall determine.
Speaker(s):
Larry Birdwell, Board President
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8. CLOSING REMARKS BY THE SUPERINTENDENT:
Speaker(s):
Dr. Gregory Nelson, Superintendent
Description:
The Superintendent may have brief comments to the Board of Trustees prior to closing the meeting.
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9. ADJOURNMENT:
Speaker(s):
Larry Birdwell, Board President
Description:
If no further discussion or action remains, the meeting will be dismissed by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees.
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10. PUBLIC POSTING:
This notice was posted in compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act by Dr. Gregory Nelson, Superintendent, Lorenzo ISD, at 1:00 PM, Thursday, April 17, 2025. |