Monday, December 18, 2023 6:00 PM - Regular Meeting
| Agenda | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ESTABLISH QUORUM
|
||||||||||||
|
2. PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE / MOMENT OF SILENCE
|
||||||||||||
|
3. ANNOUNCEMENTS
|
||||||||||||
|
4. RECOGNITIONS
|
||||||||||||
|
4.A. Dripping Springs High School Tiger Marching Band
Presenter:
DSHS Band Director, Derek Woods
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
4.B. Dripping Springs ISD December Retirements
Presenter:
Chief Human Resources Officer, Linda Hall
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
|
||||||||||||
|
5.A. Posted Agenda Items
|
||||||||||||
|
5.B. Non-Agenda items
|
||||||||||||
|
6. PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSION
|
||||||||||||
|
6.A. Learning Spotlight - Walnut Springs Elementary School
Presenter:
Assistant Superintendent, Learning & Innovation, Karen Kidd
Description:
Participating in service projects is beneficial for elementary students for, as it helps in their overall development and contributes to a positive learning environment and supports students’ sense of purpose beyond academics. Service projects provide students with opportunities to connect with the community. This connection fosters a sense of belonging and helps students understand the needs and challenges faced by people around them. Engaging in service projects allows students to develop empathy and compassion for others. Service projects require teamwork and collaboration and students get an opportunity to learn how to work together to achieve a common goal, developing important interpersonal skills that are valuable both inside and outside the classroom. Engaging in service projects at an early age helps instill values such as generosity, kindness, and altruism. Participation in service projects provides elementary students with a holistic learning experience that goes beyond traditional academic subjects. It helps shape them into well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also socially aware and compassionate members of their community.
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
6.B. Leadership Spotlight - Board Highlights & Liaison Reports
Presenter:
DSISD Board Vice President, Mary Jane Hetrick
Description:
The Dripping Springs ISD Board of Trustees is actively engaged in the vision and mission of the district. The trustees frequently attend district events to serve more than 8,500 students and approximately 1,100 employees. The trustees also serve as liaisons on committees across the district.
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
6.C. Leadership Spotlight - Strategic Planning
Presenter:
Superintendent, Holly Morris-Kuentz and Executive Director of Communications - Jennifer Edwards
Description:
Dripping Springs ISD, in consultation with Engage 2 Learn, continues to make progress on its Strategic Planning initiative. The process is intended to provide us with a structure and focus as we engage a cross-section of stakeholders to build upon the current DSISD vision and mission, establish updated goals, objectives and strategies, and activities to address DSISD’s desire to deliver the highest-quality student outcomes with life / college / workforce readiness. The Engage 2 Learn methodology is a multi-phased process. We have completed the Engage and Design phases with our stakeholder groups and are now preparing to begin the Create stage of the process during which we will develop the Strategic Plan. The outcome of this year-long process will be a Strategic Plan that is comprehensive, actionable, and aligned with the district’s vision and goals to drive our focus and actions for the next three to five years, beginning in 2024-2025.
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
6.D. Sycamore Springs Middle School Traffic and Construction Update
Presenter:
Director of Facilities & Construction, Clint Pruett, VL Architects and HDR Traffic Engineers
Description:
At the November 13 meeting, VLK provided a project update that included an overview of progress as we approach the start of construction activities in early 2024. This month, an additional update will be provided including the construction site plan and information on traffic flow changes. The traffic engineering consultant, HDR, will also be present to discuss short term solutions for traffic flow to be implemented in January 2024 to accommodate construction on the site.
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
6.E. 2024-2025 Budget Assumptions, Parameters and Calendar
Presenter:
Chief Financial Officer, Gina Mitschke
Description:
The administration will review the proposed budget assumptions and parameter to be used as a starting point in building the 2024-2025 budget. The Board will be asked to approve the assumptions and parameter at the January 22, 2024 Board meeting. Data elements will be updated throughout the budget process as better information is received, with updates presented to the Board during the budget preparation process.
The presentation provides a review of legislative changes, as well as the proposed assumptions for 2024-2025, which include:
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
7. CONSENT AGENDA
|
||||||||||||
|
7.A. Approval of Minutes for Recent Board Meetings
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
7.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 December 12, 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.
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
7.C. Approval of Clinical Placement Agreement with Angelo State University
Presenter:
Assistant Superintendent, Learning & Innovation, Karen Kidd
Description:
This agreement between Dripping Springs ISD and Angelo State University will provide practicum experience to eligible students enrolled at the university. Implementing this agreement will advance fieldwork experience and aid in meeting the ever-increasing demand for trained educational professionals in the state and nation. The attached agreement outlines the obligations of both DSISD and Angelo State University to ensure the highest quality and continuous support between our district and Angelo State University. The agreement will remain in effect for four years.
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
7.D. Approval of the University of Texas Educational Experience Affiliation Agreement and the University of Texas Speech-Language Pathology Program Agreement
Presenter:
Director of Special Services, Nadine Hogan
Description:
Dripping Spring ISD and the University of Texas have previously engaged in a partnership to provide Speech-Language Pathologist enrolled in the University’s Master’s in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences with educational experience utilizing the personnel, equipment, and facilities of Dripping Springs ISD. Both DSISD and the University of Texas would like to continue this partnership, allowing practicum students to work alongside our Speech-Language Pathologist. The agreement would extend our partnership beginning 01/01/2024 and ending on 12/31/2028.
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
7.E. Approval of Interlocal Agreement with ESC 20 for TEXAS 20 Purchasing Cooperative
Presenter:
Deputy Superintendent of Finance & Operations, Elaine Cogburn & Director of Child Nutrition Services, John Crowley
Description:
Education Service Center (ESC) 20 provides Texas districts with the TEXAS 20 Purchasing Cooperative under which members may participate in the processing of USDA foods and/or commercial purchasing. The district has participated in this purchasing cooperative for many years and the Agreement is in effect as long as the district remains a member of the Cooperative. An updated Agreement is being submitted to incorporate changes to the responsibility section for commodity processing driven by new processes from the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
8. ACTION
|
||||||||||||
|
8.A. Consideration / Approval of the 2024-2025 Academic Calendar
Presenter:
Assistant Superintendent, Learning & Innovation, Karen Kidd
Description:
The District Advisory Council collaboratively developed and sought feedback on the annual academic calendar for Board of Trustee consideration. The following requirements or recommendations make up the foundation of the academic calendar:
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
8.B. Consideration / Approval of the 2023-2024 Staff Development Minutes Waiver
Presenter:
Assistant Superintendent, Learning & Innovation, Karen Kidd
Description:
Districts must obtain Board of Trustee approval before submitting the Staff Development Waiver to the Texas Education Agency. Effective since the 2018-2019 school year, the Staff Development Minutes Waiver provides a maximum of 2,100 total waiver minutes for district professional development. This waiver is for staff development in place of student instruction; therefore, the waiver minutes are only applicable to staff development provided staff receive structured, high-quality development opportunities that will positively influence student outcomes.
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
8.C. Consideration / Approval of Award of RFP 23-24-008 for Custodial Services
Presenter:
Deputy Superintendent for Finance & Operations, Elaine Cogburn & Director of Facilities & Construction, Clint Pruett
Description:
On November 3, 2023, the District issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for custodial services (RFP 23-24-008). The RFP was advertised on November 9, and November 16, 2023, and proposals were due by 2:00pm on December 4, 2023. Six submissions were received by the deadline.
The RFP was issued to address staffing shortages in custodial services. Services under the RFP would target Cypress Springs Elementary, Rooster Springs Elementary, and the Sycamore Springs Elementary/Middle School campuses. The plan includes consolidating existing district staff to campuses on the western side of the district while using a contractor for the campuses listed in the RFP. A selection committee was used to review the proposals. Based on the proposals received, the selection committee recommends awarding the bid to IQS, Inc. IQS has a local presence and currently works with 5 school districts between the Austin and Houston area.
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
8.D. Consideration/Approval of an Agreement for Architectural and Engineering Services for the High School #2 Project
Presenter:
Director of Facilities & Construction, Clint Pruett
Description:
In September, the Board approved VLK to provide design services for the High School #2 project. Additionally, in November VLK provided an update outlining the High School #2 design process, which included a preliminary design schedule, as well as an overview of community engagement efforts that will occur throughout the process. The process is set to begin in January 2024 with a series of community outreach meetings.
Administration recommends approval of an agreement with VLK to provide architectural and engineering services for the High School #2 project. The standard AIA contract document (prepared by the district’s legal counsel) is attached for the Board’s consideration and approval. As a reminder, the May 2023 Bond included funding for design work through the construction documents phase for the High School #2 project.
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
8.E. Consideration / Approval of an Agreement for Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Services for the Dripping Springs Elementary (DSE) and Dripping Springs Middle School (DSMS) Capital Improvements and Renovations
Presenter:
Director of Facilities & Construction, Clint Pruett
Description:
In November, the Board approved Rogers O’Brien Construction as the top ranked firm to provide CMAR services for the Dripping Springs Elementary (DSE) and Dripping Springs Middle School (DSMS) Capital Improvements and Renovations projects. The next step is approval of the contract documents with the selected firm. The standard AIA contract documents (prepared by the district’s legal counsel) are attached for the Board’s consideration and approval.
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
8.F. Consideration/Approval of Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) #1 for the Sycamore Springs Middle School Expansion Project
Presenter:
Director of Facilities & Construction, Clint Pruett
Description:
Under the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery method, the contractor develops a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the scope of the project to be completed. The administration is requesting approval of a partial GMP (GMP #1), a partial GMP, to facilitate the early procurement of long lead-time items and begin early site work in order to meet the critical path schedule. A final GMP (GMP #2) will be submitted for approval in early 2024 for the balance of the project.
Bartlett Cocke has proposed GMP #1 to cover essential aspects of the project, including but not limited to the geothermal field, mechanical and electrical equipment, an elevator, and civil site work. The amount of GMP #1 is $3,233,445, which is within the budget for the scope of work covered. GMP #1 Summary
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
8.G. Consideration / Approval of Design Development for the Elementary #6 Project
Presenter:
Director of Facilities & Construction, Clint Pruett
Description:
In September, the Board approved the schematic design for the Elementary #6 Project. The next phase in the design process is design development. Over the past few months, Pfluger has continued work on the project and completed the design development phase. Following design development, the next phase of design is construction documents. Construction documents are estimated to be completed and brought forward for approval in early 2024. At the December meeting, Pfluger will present the design development work for approval.
The Board also approved the selection of American Constructors as the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contractor for this project in June. One of the benefits of the CMAR method is that the contractor is hired prior or during the design process to review constructability, develop cost estimates, and help identify potential cost savings options. American has been working with Pfluger since being awarded the contract and has submitted a Guaranteed Maximum Price #1 (GMP 1) for long lead time items and site work. This GMP will be approved under an additional agenda item.
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
8.H. Consideration/Approval of Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) #1 for the Elementary #6 Project
Presenter:
Director of Facilities & Construction, Clint Pruett
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
8.I. Consideration / Approval of Policy Update 121 and 122 (1st Reading)
Presenter:
Superintendent, Holly Morris-Kuentz
Description:
TASB Policy Update 121 recommends revisions to the following local policies:
TASB Policy Update 122 recommends revisions to the following local policies:
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
9. REPORTS AND INFORMATION
|
||||||||||||
|
9.A. Learning & Innovation Report
Presenter:
Assistant Superintendent, Learning & Innovation, Karen Kidd
Description:
Monthly L&I report highlighting events and activities within each department making up the L&I team.
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
9.B. Finance Reports
|
||||||||||||
|
9.B.1. Financial Reports – November 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 November 2023, the fifth month of the 2023-2024 fiscal year. All reports reflect unaudited figures.
The following report is not included in the financial reports for November 2023:
The financial reports as of November 30, 2023, include:
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
9.C. Operations Reports
|
||||||||||||
|
9.C.1. 2018 and 2023 Bond Reports - November 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. The 2023 Bond report provides detailed financial information regarding the status of the 2023 Bond projects and the 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 occurred on November 9, 2023 with total proceeds of $100 million. At the June 26, 2023 Board meeting, the Board approved moving forward with critical projects and agreed that General Fund funds would cover expenditures until a bond sale is finalized, at which time the General Fund will be reimbursed and the total amount that will be refunded is $2.2 million.
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
9.D. Human Resources Report
Presenter:
Chief Human Resources Officer, Linda Hall
Description:
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.
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
9.E. Superintendent's Report
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
9.E.1. Legal Fees
|
||||||||||||
|
9.E.2. Subdivision, Annexation and Development Notifications
|
||||||||||||
|
9.E.3. Out of State Student Travel
Presenter:
Superintendent, Holly Morris-Kuentz
|
||||||||||||
|
10. 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: |
||||||||||||
|
10.A. Consultation with Legal Counsel regarding any matter posted on the Agenda
|
||||||||||||
|
10.B. Conduct Candidate Interviews for Safety Specialist and Deliberate regarding same, pursuant to Tex. Govt’ Code 551.074, 551.076.
Presenter:
Director of Safety, Sirena Cumberland
|
||||||||||||
|
10.C. Legal Consultation Regarding Settlement of Student Complaint – Texas Government Code, Section 551.071
Presenter:
Superintendent, Holly Morris-Kuentz
|
||||||||||||
|
11. OPEN SESSION
|
||||||||||||
|
11.A. Possible Action regarding Matters discussed in Closed Session
|
||||||||||||
|
11.B. Consideration / Approval of Safety Specialists for Campuses
Presenter:
Director of Safety, Sirena Cumberland
Description:
On August 28, 2023 the Board approved the implementation of the School Marshal Program to satisfy the armed security requirement on each campus, per HB3. Interviews were conducted and two finalists were chosen as the most qualified applicants for the position.
Attachments:
()
|
||||||||||||
|
11.C. Possible Action to Approve Settlement of Student Complaint
Presenter:
Superintendent, Holly Morris-Kuentz
|
