October 16, 2023 at 6:00 PM - Board of Trustees Agenda Review Meeting
Agenda |
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1. CALL TO ORDER AND ESTABLISH QUORUM
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2. PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE / MOMENT OF SILENCE
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3. ANNOUNCEMENTS
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4. RECOGNITIONS
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4.A. AP Scholars
Presenter:
DSHS Counselor, Tina Hughes
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4.B. 2023 National Merit Semi-Finalists
Presenter:
DSHS Counselor, Tina Hughes
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5. PUBLIC HEARING
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5.A. Public Hearing - 2022-2023 FIRST Report
Presenter:
Deputy Superintendent, Elaine Cogburn, Chief Financial Officer, Gina Mitschke & Director of Finance, Joseph Riggs
Description:
The school FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) rating is the State’s financial accountability rating system. The FIRST reporting was originally mandated by Senate Bill 875 of the 76th Texas Legislature in 1999. The primary goal of School FIRST is to assess the quality of financial management in Texas schools. For the 2022-2023 ratings, districts receive a letter rating of "A - Superior Achievement", "B - Above Standard Achievement", "C - Standard Achievement", or "F - Substandard Achievement" based on 20 indicators. Five indicators are considered "critical" in that failure to meet the requirements under any of the indicators results in an automatic assignment of an "F" rating.
For the 2022-23 rating year (2021-22 data), Dripping Springs ISD was assigned a rating of "A - Superior Achievement" and scored 90 out of 100 points on the graded indicators. There was no need to file an appeal, as the District received a Superior Rating. Without an appeal, the preliminary rating will become the final rating. Attached is the School FIRST Annual Financial Accountability Management Report outlining the district’s financial management performance based on the 20 indicators. A public hearing is required to be held to present the district’s FIRST Annual Financial Accountability Management Report and required disclosures. District parents, taxpayers, and the public who are in attendance will be provided the opportunity to comment on the report. Public notice of the hearing was published on October 12, 2023, in accordance with 19 TAC §109.1001(o)(4).
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6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Description:
Board members will listen to comments but only the Board president, as the designated spokesperson, may respond to the speaker if required.
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6.A. Posted Agenda Items
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7. PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSION
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7.A. Learning Spotlight - Dripping Springs Middle School
Presenter:
Assistant Superintendent, L&I, Karen Kidd
Description:
Monthly learning spotlight will highlight Dripping Springs Middle School.
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7.B. Leadership Spotlight - Board Highlights & Liaison Reports
Presenter:
Board President, Stefani Reinold
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7.C. Presentation - Status Report Regarding the Collection of Delinquent Property Taxes
Presenter:
Deputy Superintendent for Finance & Operations, Elaine Cogburn & Partner with Perdue, Brandon, Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP, Sergio E. Garcia
Description:
A Representative from Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott LLP will provide Dripping Springs ISD with a status report concerning the collection of delinquent property taxes for the 2022 Tax Year.
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7.D. Presentation - 2018 Bond Advisory Committee Update
Presenter:
Director of Facilities & Construction, Clint Pruett & Bond Advisory Committee Chair, Anthony Chambliss
Description:
The Bond Advisory Committee (BAC) met for a regular meeting on October 5, 2023. At the meeting, the BAC discussed the following items:
Following discussion, the BAC took action on three items:
The BAC Chairperson, Anthony Chambliss, will present an update to the Board at the October 23 meeting.
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8. CONSENT AGENDA
Description:
No action will be taken on these items until the October 23, 2023 meeting.
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8.A. Approval of Minutes for Recent Board Meetings
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8.B. Approval of 2023-2024 Budget Amendments
Presenter:
Chief Financial Officer, Gina Mitschke
Description:
The Board of Trustees adopted the 2023-2024 budget on June 26, 2023. Budgets for the General Fund, Child Nutrition Fund, and Debt Service Fund were included in the official district budget. Budgets are prepared and approved at fund and function levels to comply with the state’s required level of control.
Budget amendments are necessary throughout the year to realign funds. Realignment of funds will increase and/or decrease various function levels within the budget. All necessary budget amendments that change the function level should be formally approved by the Board of Trustees and recorded in the Board minutes. Budget amendments increasing or decreasing revenues and/or expenditures also require formal Board approval. Submitted for approval are the budget revisions/amendments requested by various campuses and departments through October 11, 2023. The attached documents summarize the effect of budget transfers and amendments and the details of the changes being proposed. The amendments presented this month reflect several transfers among functions with no effect on the total operating deficit/surplus for the General Fund.
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8.C. Approval of DSEF / DSISD Funding Partnership Agreement for 2023-2024
Presenter:
Superintendent, Holly Morris-Kuentz
Description:
The Dripping Springs Education Foundation has determined their planning giving to Dripping Springs ISD for the 2023-2024 school year. The funding agreement outlines the terms, payment and renewal conditions.
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8.D. Approval of Discovery Mood and Anxiety Center MOU
Presenter:
Director of Special Services, Nadine Hogan
Description:
Discovery Mood and Anxiety Center is a local residential and non-public day school facility that provides treatment to children in need of support. The Local Education Agency (LEA) is accountable for providing educational services to all students who reside in a residential treatment center within the district boundaries, provided that the parents opt to enroll their child in DSISD, and the student can attend school in person. If the student is unable to attend school in person, the Discovery Mood and Anxiety Center, provides the general education services to these students. For students with disabilities, DSISD is responsible for ensuring that they receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education. DSISD and Discovery Mood Center have agreed to collaborate and ensure that all students residing at the Discovery Mood Center receive their educational services while residing at the Discovery Mood Center.
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9. ACTION
Description:
No action will be taken on these items until the October 23, 2023 meeting.
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9.A. Consideration / Approval of School Health Advisory Council Recommendation for Human Sexuality Instructional Curriculum
Presenter:
Assistant Superintendent, L&I, Karen Kidd & SHAC Chair, Justin Hudman
Description:
The School Health Advisory Council met over several months to review the curriculum for Human Sexuality Instruction. The G-W Human Sexuality Companion Curriculum has been the favored curriculum out of what has been previewed by the committee. This curriculum is from the same vendor as the previously adopted health curriculum, which the Texas Education Agency also approved as meeting 100% of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (standards).
The committee reviewed the curriculum used in past years and appreciated key aspects from that original curriculum with regard to the time it took and the topics covered noting that it met the high community standards. The committee requested the curriculum team provide a scope and sequence, along with recommended lessons for the council to consider. The curriculum team suggested the following lesson cycle features that mirror or enhance the previous program:
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9.B. Consideration / Approval of School Health Advisory Council’s Recommendation of Local Requirement for High School Health for Graduation
Presenter:
Assistant Superintendent, L& I, Karen Kidd & SHAC Chair, Justin Hudman
Description:
As part of the district’s coordinated school health model, the 2022 SHAC committee recommended to the DSISD Board of Trustees the desire to add a high school health course as a graduation requirement. The K-12 health curriculum is designed to motivate and assist students to maintain and improve their health, prevent disease, and reduce health-related risk behaviors. The addition of the required high school health course will conclude the sequential K-12 coordinated school health plan that addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions of health.
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9.C. Consideration / Approval of 2022-2023 Annual Financial Audit
Presenter:
Deputy Superintendent for Finance & Operations, Elaine Cogburn, Chief Financial Officer, Gina Mitschke & Whitley Penn Audit Partner, Roger Tovar
Description:
Texas Education Code, paragraph 44.008(a), requires an audit of each Texas school district’s financial records. The audit must be performed by a Texas certified or public accountant holding a permit from the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy and be completed following the close of the fiscal year. The Board of Trustees shall approve or disapprove the audit report. Reasons for disapproval must be provided. Whether approved or not, a copy of the audit report shall be filed with the Texas Education Agency within 150 days of the close of the fiscal year (November 27) for which the audit was conducted.
The audit of the fiscal year 2022-2023 records was performed by Whitley Penn, L.L.P. The audit resulted in an unmodified opinion, meaning the financial statements fairly present the district’s financial position. Roger Tovar, Audit Partner from Whitley Penn L.L.P., will be at the meeting to present the report. The preliminary report indicates the district is ending the 2022-2023 fiscal year with a General Fund fund balance of $50,141,699. Fund Balance is increasing by $3,063,980. Board approval of the audit is requested at the October 23rd meeting in order to comply with TEA’s November 27, 2023, submission deadline. If the audit is not filed with TEA by this date, the district will receive an F on its 2023-2024 FIRST rating. Upon Board approval, the final copy of audited financials will be submitted to various entities including: •Texas Education Agency Audit Division •Municipal Advisory Council of Texas (MAC) •Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC)
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9.D. Consideration / Approval of the Dissolution of the 2018 Bond Advisory Committee and Recommendation for Use of Remaining 2018 Bond Funds
Presenter:
Director of Facilities & Construction, Clint Pruett
Description:
The Bond Advisory Committee (BAC) held a regular meeting on October 5, 2023. As we approach closeout of the final 2018 Bond projects, one of the primary items discussed at the meeting included the process to dissolve the 2018 BAC. Included in the 2018 BAC Operating Procedures is language that states:
The BAC shall remain in place and functioning until 90% of the 2018 Bond funds have been spent, and the Board has designated the remaining unspent funds (approximately three years). At this time, the 2018 BAC has fully met all charges in accordance with the BAC Operating Procedures (well over 90% of the 2018 Bond funds have been spent), and we are recommending that the Board approve dissolving the 2018 BAC, and designate remaining unspent funds for safety/security, technology, and future portable classroom needs. Please also note that the $4.275 Million in 2018 Bond funds that is designated for land acquisition remains allocated for that purpose. Projects that develop and fit within these categories will be brought to the Board for approval prior to the use of remaining bond funds.
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9.E. Consideration / Approval of Bond Advisory Committee Chair and Revised Operating Procedures
Presenter:
Deputy Superintendent for Finance & Operations, Elaine Cogburn
Description:
The Bond Advisory Committee (BAC) is a citizen group appointed by the Board of Trustees to monitor the progress of bond projects. The Board reappointed committee members in September. This month, the administration is asking the Board to appoint a Committee Chair and approve revised operating procedures for the BAC.
The original Bond Advisory Committee was formed to oversee the 2018 bond program. With the upcoming issuance of a portion of the 2023 bond authorization, a new BAC needs to be formed to oversee the 2023 bond program. The recommendation is to also convert the Committee into an overall bond committee rather than operating multiple committees for current and future bond programs. The district will have 2023 bonds to oversee and potentially 2025 bonds and future bonds so rather than having multiple bond advisory committees, it is recommended that one BAC oversee all outstanding bond dollars. The Operating Procedures for the new BAC have been revised to reflect this recommendation and updated for changes in Board policy. To start the new BAC, the administration recommends four positions be started as two-year terms with the remaining 5 positions assuming three-year terms. When the first two-year terms come up for renewal they will convert to three-year terms. This will bring some continuity to the committee and provide limited terms for members of a committee that will last for many years. The 2018 BAC met on October 5th and reviewed the revised Operating Procedures. The Chair of the 2018 BAC will present information to the Board from that meeting. It is recommended that the current Chair, Anthony Chambliss, be appointed the initial chair of the new BAC.
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9.F. Consideration / Approval of Schematic Design for Dripping Springs Elementary School Capital Improvements and Renovations Project
Presenter:
Director of Facilities & Construction, Clint Pruett & PBK Architects
Description:
In June 2023, the Board approved PBK Architects to provide design services for the Dripping Springs Elementary (DSE) Capital Improvements and Renovations Project. Over the past few months, PBK has been working through the schematic design phase on the project.
As a reminder, because the scopes of work for the DSE and DSMS projects are very similar, we have combined the design work under one architect to provide for better efficiency in the overall design and construction at these two campuses. Additionally, we currently have a Request for Proposals (RFP) open for Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) services for this project, and we anticipate bringing a recommended CMAR contractor for Board consideration and approval in November. At the October 23 meeting, PBK will present a design update, and we will request Board approval of the Schematic Design. Following Schematic Design, the next phase of design is Design Development.
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9.G. Consideration / Approval of Schematic Design for the Dripping Springs Middle School Capital Improvements and Renovations Project
Presenter:
Director of Facilities & Construction, Clint Pruett & PBK Architects
Description:
In June 2023, the Board approved PBK Architects to provide design services for the Dripping Springs Middle School (DSMS) Capital Improvements and Renovations Project. Over the past few months, PBK has been working through the schematic design phase on the project.
As a reminder, because the scopes of work for the DSMS and DSE projects are very similar, we have combined the design work under one architect to provide for better efficiency in the overall design and construction at these two campuses. Additionally, we currently have a Request for Proposals (RFP) open for Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) services for this project, and we anticipate bringing a recommended CMAR contractor for Board consideration and approval in November. At the October 23 meeting, PBK will present a design update, and we will request Board approval of the Schematic Design. Following Schematic Design, the next phase of design is Design Development.
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9.H. Consideration / Approval of Most Qualified Real Estate Broker
Presenter:
Superintendent, Holly Morris-Kuentz & Deputy Superintendent of Finance & Operations, Elaine Cogburn
Description:
On September 7, 2023, the District issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for real estate broker services (RFQ 23-21-001). The RFQ was advertised on September 7, and September 14, 2023, and proposals were due by 2:00pm on September 28, 2023. Three submissions were received by the deadline. The selection committee has reviewed the proposals and will be conducting follow-up interviews. A recommendation for award will be presented on October 23, 2023
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9.I. Consideration / Approval of Board Policy DBA (LOCAL) and DK (LOCAL)
Presenter:
Chief Human Resources Officer, Linda Hall
Description:
In 2016 the DSISD Board of Trustees voted to approve the original District of Innovation Plan (DOI), which included exemptions in the area of teacher certification. The plan was renewed in 2021 and included language to allow the District to hire teachers in hard-to-fill, high-demand, dual credit, and career and technical/STEAM (applied Science, Technology, Engineering, and Arts & Mathematics) courses. The policy was updated at the time, but "hard-to-fill" was accidentally left off. Approving this motion will update the Board policies to reflect the previously adopted DOI Plan.
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9.J. Consideration / Approval of Resolution #2024-08 Legislative Priorities for 3rd Special Session
Presenter:
Superintendent, Holly Morris-Kuentz
Description:
Governor Abbott called the Texas Legislature to reconvene on Monday, October 9, at 1:00 p.m. for a third Special Session prioritizing a call to provide education savings accounts in Texas. Last Spring, DSISD Trustees adopted Legislative Priorities for the 88th Legislative Session. As this most recent special session focuses on important educational issues, DSISD trustees will review recent legislative priorities for potential updates.
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10. REPORTS AND INFORMATION
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10.A. Learning & Innovation Report
Presenter:
Assistant Superintendent, L & I - Karen Kidd
Description:
Monthly L&I report highlighting events and activities within each department making up the L&I team.
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10.B. Finance Reports
Presenter:
Chief Financial Officer - Gina Mitschke
Description:
The monthly financial report consists of several reports which present information on the district’s financial position through the reporting period. The reports show the status of revenue and expenditures to date, tax collections, purchasing activities, and investments to date for the month reported on. This month, the reports reflect activity through the month of August 2023, the second month of the 2023-2024 fiscal year. All reports reflect unaudited figures.
The financial reports as of August 31, 2023 include:
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10.B.1. Quarterly Investment Report for the Quarter Ending September 30, 2023
Presenter:
Chief Financial Officer, Gina Mitschke
Description:
Board Policy CDA states "Not less than quarterly, the investment officer shall prepare and submit to the Board a written report of investment transactions for all funds covered by the Public Funds Investment Act for the preceding reporting period." The administration presents quarterly investment reports in addition to monthly reports. TCG Advisory Services, LLC manages the Dripping Springs ISD investments and has prepared a report on the investment portfolio of the district’s funds.
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10.B.2. Financial Reports – September 2023
Presenter:
Chief Financial Officer, Gina Mitschke
Description:
The monthly financial report consists of several reports which present information on the district’s financial position through the reporting period. The reports show the status of revenue and expenditures to date, tax collections, purchasing activities, and investments to date for the month reported on. This month, the reports reflect activity through the month of June 2023, the last month of the 2022-2023 fiscal year, as well as financial reports for the month of July 2023, the first month of the 2023-2024 fiscal year. All reports reflect unaudited figures.
Two files are attached this month; one as of June 30, 2023 and one as of July 31, 2023. Both reports include:
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10.C. Operations Reports
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10.C.1. Bond Reports for September 2023
Presenter:
Deputy Superintendent for Finance & Operations, Elaine Cogburn & Chief Financial Officer, Gina Mitschke
Description:
The 2018 and 2023 Bond Reports provide updated financial information on the status of the 2018 and 2023 Bond projects, including project budgets, expenditures to date, and remaining project budget.
The 2018 Bond projects are approaching completion. As projects are finalized, the Board will be presented with information on reallocating any project savings to other projects allowable within the confines of the bond orders. This is the first month to present the status report of the 2023 bond projects. The 2023 Bond Report reflects the projects included in the May 2023 bond authorization totaling $223.7 million. At the September 25, 2023 Board meeting, the Board authorized the issuance and sale of bonds up to $120 million. The bond sale is scheduled to occur on November 9, 2023. The Board approved moving forward with critical projects through the approval of a Reimbursement Resolution utilizing General Fund fund balance to cover expenditures until bond funds are received, at which time the General Fund will be reimbursed. The 2023 Bond report provides detailed financial information regarding the status of the 2023 Bond projects.
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10.D. Human Resources Report
Presenter:
Chief Human Resources Officer - Linda Hall
Description:
POLICIES:
DC (LEGAL/LOCAL) Series - Employment DK (LEGAL/LOCAL) - Assignments/Transfers DFE (LEGAL/LOCAL) - Separation from Employment DBAA (LEGAL/LOCAL) - Criminal History Reports CRE (LEGAL) - Workers’ Compensation DEA (LEGAL/LOCAL) -- Compensation and Benefits The monthly HR Board Report keeps Board Members apprised of new staff, transfers, separations, current vacancies, substitute usage, risk management in the workplace (reports of injury, background checks, etc.), and monthly HR Department activities.
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10.E. Superintendent's Report
Presenter:
Superintendent - Holly Morris-Kuentz
Description:
The superintendent’s office regularly reports on district operations, including legal services, land, etc.
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10.E.1. Legal Fees
Presenter:
Superintendent - Holly Morris-Kuentz
Description:
This is a report of the legal fees that have been paid through August 2023.
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11. CLOSED SESSION
Pursuant to Tex. Gov't Code Sections 551.071, 551.072, 551.074, 551.076, 551.082, 551.0821, 551.089 and 551.129, the Board will deliberate in closed session on the following items: |
11.A. Consultation with Legal Counsel regarding any matter posted on the Agenda
Presenter:
Board of Trustees President - Stefani Reinold
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11.B. Consideration of Legal, Real Estate, Personnel or Student Matters
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12. OPEN SESSION
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12.A. Possible Action regarding Matters discussed in Closed Session
Presenter:
Board of Trustees President - Stefani Reinold
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