August 26, 2024 at 6:00 PM - Regular Meeting

Description:  It has been found and determined that in accordance with the policies and orders of the Board, the notice of this meeting was posted publicly at the Administration Building in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Section 551.001 et. seq., and that all of the terms of said article have been fully complied with and that the 72-hour notice required has been properly and correctly given.

Description:  At this time, the Board will listen to comments from the public and others regarding both agenda action items and items that are not on the agenda. No action may be taken on non-agenda items. Public participation is limited to the designated open forum portion of a regular meeting. Any person wishing to address the Board concerning an item on the agenda for an open meeting must register with the Board secretary by email at egilpin@hfhorns.net no later than 10:00 a.m. the day of the Board meeting.  Any person wishing to address the Board concerning an item not on the Agenda can register with the Board Secretary at any time prior to the Board meeting.  Speakers will not be permitted to criticize HFISD employees, whether addressing the Board on an Agenda item or a subject not on the posted Agenda.

Description:  As a result of the ongoing bond projects, the board will continue to receive monthly updates and information throughout the life of the projects to their completion.
The administration, architects, and/or the CMaR will discuss general items and answer questions for the board.  In addition, specific items will be discussed relating, but not limited to, consideration of extending the CMaR’s substantial complete date, the construction progress to date, and approving potential change orders.  
 

Description:  In accordance with Section 6.03(e) of the Property Tax Code, attached please find the voting entitlement for each taxing unit that is entitled to vote for the Board of Directors.

The terms of the current Board members expire on December 31, 2024.  This election applies to the 2025 and 2025-2027 terms of office.  Once the members are appointed, they will draw lots to determine the two members that will serve a one-year term for 2025 and the three members that will serve a three-year term for 2025-2027.  Thereafter, all appointed members will serve four-year staggered terms. 

If your entity would like to submit nominations for the Board of Directors, you must do so by resolution adopted by your governing body and file it with the Chief Appraiser prior to October 15.  Before October 30, we will submit a ballot listing all the nominees.  Each entity will then cast its votes, again by resolution adopted by the governing body, and submit the resolution to us before December 15.  Please be aware that new legislation added in 2021 requires any entity with at least 5 percent of the total votes to cast their votes at the first or second open meeting held after the ballot is submitted to you.  Further, these entities must submit the resolution casting their votes to us no later than the third day after your governing body takes action.
 

Description:  In response to the increasing incidents of inappropriate fan behavior in youth and school sports, many organizations are implementing proactive policies, guidelines, and/or procedures to help prevent negative or inappropriate fan behavior.  
The administration will discuss its findings and recommendations regarding addressing inappropriate fan behavior at extracurricular activities.

 

Description:  Each year the Texas legislature requires the commissioner of education to issue an academic rating to each school district. 
The administration will discuss the latest developments with state accountability, including the pending legal battle between the Texas Education Agency and school districts across the state.  
 

Description:  With the increasing success of HFISD’s football program, and athletics in general, there has been an increase in community attendance at stadium events.    
The administration will discuss the work and information received regarding the leasing and/or purchasing of portable bleachers for Longhorn Stadium.
 

Description:  The Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) released Statement 54 - "fund Balance Reporting and Governmental Fund Type Definitions" on March 11, 2009. The new statement is intended to improve the usefulness of the amount reported in the fund balance by providing more structured classification.
The attached resolution will meet these continued requirements for fund balance reporting.

Fund Balance is designated for an Insurance Deductible in the event of a catastrophic occurrence, any major capital construction item, and 100% of Interest and Sinking fund balance for repayment of bonded debt.

SUGGESTED MOTION: "I move that the Board approve the resolution committing fund balances in accordance with GASB 54 requirements"

Description:  As is required by law, a revenue and expenditure budget must be approved by the Board prior to August 31 each year. This proposed budget is the result of extended research and revision by the Board and Administration, and is reflective of the best efforts possible to accommodate the needs of our district and the interests of our patrons.
Notification of a public hearing on the budget was published as required and the public hearing was held at 5:45 pm on August 26, 2024. The 2024-2025 budget will be presented to the Board at this time for final approval and adoption.

Description:  A public hearing was held at 5:45 pm on August 26, 2024 for the discussion of the 2024-2025 Budget and Proposed Tax Rate.
The 2024-2025 Budget was accepted and approved in a previous agenda item.

The Board of Trustees must adopt a tax rate after publication of the required Notice ofPublic Hearing to discuss the 2024-2025 Budget and Proposed Tax Rate.
The Notice of Public Hearing for Hamshire-Fannett ISD proposed:

The Tax Rate of: $1.04919

(M&O $0.75520 and Debt Service $0.29399
The Calculated Rollback Rate is: $1.04919 per JCAD
The No-New Revenue Tax Rate is: $1.01824 per JCAD

Board Adoption of a Tax Rate Ordinance to Fund the 24-25 Budget.

MOTION REQUIRED: "I move that the property tax rate of $1.04919 be adopted. This includes $0.75520 for maintenance and operations and $0.29399 for interest and sinking to fund bonded debt."

Description: 

The Board of Trustees have been supplied with detailed background information regarding each item of business on the "Consent Agenda" if one is so indicated, or it has been discussed at a previous meeting of the Board. All items will be acted upon by one vote without being discussed separately.  If requested by a Board member, individual items may be removed from the"Consent Agenda" to be discussed and voted upon separately.  All items are as recommended by the Superintendent.

Description:  In conjunction with Hamshire-Fannett ISD Board policy, it is a requirement that the minutes of the previous Board meeting(s) be approved by the Board at a subsequent Board Meeting.

A copy of the minutes is included in each Board member’s agenda packet for perusal and awaits Board action.
 

Description:   It is a customary and accepted Board procedure as a standard order of business at regular Board meetings for the Board to take action in relation to the approval of expenditures for the elapsed period since the last Board meeting.

Pertinent information relating to the financial condition of the District and the resolution of district indebtedness is provided for Board perusal and utilization.

Description:  1.  4-H Members of Jefferson County request that the 4-H organization be sanctioned as an extracurricular activity. See attached resolution.

2.  Request approval of the attached Adjunct Faculty Agreement,

Description:  The High School chiller unit is currently in need of repairs.  A couple of fan motors are non-functional, and one compressor has failed, and there are some electrical component issues as well.  All repair work will be carried out by our HVAC vendor, Gallo.

Repair Cost - $37,250.00

Description:  Staff Salary Schedules for 2024-2025 include:
1 Teacher, Full-Time Librarian and Nurse Hiring Schedule
2 Teacher, Full-Time Librarian and Nurse Salary Range
3 Longevity Schedule for Teachers, Librarians, Counselors and Nurses
4 Administrative/Professional Salary Schedule (first implemented in 2012 per TASB personnel study)
5 Starting Pay Schedule for non-exempt employees
6 Athletic Stipends
6 Athletics Pay Schedule
7 Extra Duty Stipends
Longevity Schedules - Updated for all staff
Administrative/Professional - Separated Diagnostician from Lead Diagnostician, adjusted Pay
Grade 6 Midpoint and Maximum, and added the Safety & Security Coordinator
Starting Pay - Cafeteria staring pay increase
Coaching Stipends - added another Summer Facility Coordinator and adjusted for additional days
Athletic Pay - Added optional pay for Announce/Books for Baseball/Softball
Extra Duty Stipends - Added Middle School Robotics Stipend, Host Reacher Stipends, increase in
Safety Stipends (approved last year) and increase in Day/Afterschool Tutoring rate.
 

Description:  Board Policy CH (LOCAL) requires budgeted purchases of goods or services costing $25,000 or more, regardless of whether the goods are services are competitively purchased, require Board approval before a transaction may take place.
Throughout the year, these vendors could incur purchases of more than $25,000 in the aggregate. Some vendors are for contracted services for the year that will exceed $25,000.
An attached list has been provided to show vendor names, amounts and types of expenses associated with each vendor.

Description:  It is a requirement of TEA accounting procedures that the annual budget be amended as necessary throughout the budget year.
The Board is aware of the need for the budget amendment for the 2023-2024 fiscal year as presented in the attachment.

Description:  Hamshire-Fannett ISD secured General Liability, Educators Legal Liability, Automobile, Crime and Cyber Coverage for the 24-25 school year with Ascot Insurance Company, Travelers Casualty & Surety Company of America,
Cyndi White (Frost Insurance Agency) has obtained our renewal premium with Ascot covering all but Cyber and Travelers covering the Cyber Liability. General Liability and Cyber coverage $38,285 (increase of $1,816 from last year)
The details are attached.

Description:  Each month the board is provided an update of donations received. However, due to the amounts and varying purposes, the board may want to accept these gifts.

Hamshire-Fannett Elementary PTA to the Elementary for Teacher Grants - $2,500.00

Description:  The Board May Convene into Closed (executive) session, in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, TX Govt. Code 551.001, Subchapters D and E or Texas Govt Code section 418.183(f).  Before any closed meeting 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 meeting.
 

Description:  The district currently has one or more vacant positons.  Interviews are currently being conducted, and the Superintendent will bring recommendations for the position(s) to this Board meeting, if feasible.

Any action, decision or final vote with regard to any matter considered in such closed session, shall be made in open session.

Description: 

The District currently has one or more vacant positions.  Interviews are currently being conducted, and the Superintendent will bring recommendations for the position(s) to this Board Meeting, if feasible.

Description:  It is possible that one or more resignations could be in the process of being submitted to the Superintendent.
If received, the Superintendent will present letters of resignation for board information.