March 16, 2020 at 5:00 PM - Regular Meeting and Public Hearing - Amended

I. BOARD MEETING - 5:00 P.M.

I.A. CALL TO ORDER

I.A.1. Announcement in the Board room by presiding officer that a quorum is present, that the meeting has been duly called, and that notice of the meeting has been duly posted for time and manner required by law.

II. CLOSED SESSION. Section 551.001 et seq. (if necessary)

II.A. Deliberation regarding the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee, including discussing complaints, hiring, resignation, termination, proposal for non renewal, proposal for termination, evaluation, promotion or demotion of personnel. Gov't Code 551.074.

II.B. Deliberating the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property. Gov't Code 551.072.

II.C. Deliberation regarding security devices, personnel deployment, or security audits. Gov't Code 551.076.

II.D. Consulting privately with the board’s attorney concerning contemplated litigation. Gov't Code 551.071.

II.E. Discussion regarding the duties and responsibilities of School Board members. Gov't Code 551.074.

III. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION

III.A. Invocation and Pledges of Allegiance to the American and Texas Flags.

III.B. Open Forum: Hearing of individuals or committees.

III.C. Human Resources

III.C.1. Consideration to approve the personnel report as recommended by the superintendent that
includes employment, retirements, resignations, position changes, and potential addition of positions.

III.C.2. Consideration and action to approve administrative and professional contracts as presented.

III.D. Recognitions. (No earlier than 6:00 P.M.)

IV. BOARD WORKSHOP

IV.A. School Specializations.

V. REPORTS

V.A. Project Manager Report.

V.B. Update to provide traffic coverage at WHS.

V.C. Discussion regarding district response to COVID-19.

VI. OPEN PUBLIC HEARING.

VI.A. Presentation of the 2018--19 Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR).

VII. CONSENT AGENDA.

VII.A. Consideration and approval of Minutes from previous meetings.

VII.B. Consideration to approve Monthly Financial Reports that include cash position, revenue reports, budget summary, tax collection report, bid report purchase order requiring board approval, and proposed budget amendments.

VII.B.1. Financial Reports.

VII.B.2. Budget Amendments/Transfers/Purchase Order Approval.

VII.C. Consideration and action to approve a resolution authorizing the retention of the Webster Law Firm to initiate litigation and file suit against any appropriate parties, including JUUL, to compensate the District for damages suffered by the District and its students as a result of the manufacture, marketing, sale and use of electronic-cigarettes and vaping products, and to seek any other appropriate relief. Pursuant to Section 2254.1036 of the Government Code, the District provides the following information. The Webster Law Firm has years of experience pursuing mass tort and other personal injury litigation. Jason Webster, of The Webster Law Firm, is a former resident of Ellis County with lasting ties in the community. Lee Auvenshine, Deputy Superintendent and General Counsel, has met with Mr. Webster regarding JUUL litigation. These cases will be pursued in Multi District Litigation (MDL) in Northern California. The District’s attorney and supporting personnel cannot adequately prosecute this case in the MDL or any other venue while performing the myriad other daily legal and supervisory functions on behalf of the District. The District does not possess the funds to pay the estimated amounts required under a contract providing only for the payment of hourly fees, and thus desires to enter into a contingency fee contract with The Webster Law Firm as a result. Pursuing this litigation is in the best interest of the students, staff, employees, and the District to recoup some of the costs incurred in dealing with the abuse of these products in our schools. In the event there is no recovery, the District will pay no attorneys’ fees or expenses.

VII.D. Consideration to authorize placement of dedication stones by the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas at the Ron Appleton Agriscience Facility and at Max H. Simpson Elementary school.

VII.E. Consideration and possible action to approve a contract with Pyro Shows of Texas for a fireworks display at the 2020 WHS commencement ceremony.

VII.F. Consideration and possible action to approve the purchase of a modular office building to be located behind the WISD administration building

VII.G. Consideration and possible action to approve the 2018-2019 Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR).

VII.H. Consideration with possible action to approve contract with Honey's Roofing, LLC to replace Finley roof and flat roofing sections at Dunaway and Shackelford at price not to exceed $600,000 plus the cost of required bonds.

VII.I. Consideration with possible action to approve engaging Linedrive Consulting, LLC to review building plans for possible elementary school for compliance with IBC 2018.

VIII. ACTION ITEMS.

VIII.A. Consideration and possible action to declare a delivery method for the 2020 bond project.

IX. ADJOURN