August 28, 2023 at 5:30 PM - Regular Meeting

Discussion:  The meeting was called to order and a quorum announced at 5:30 p.m. by President Jerry McCarty.

Discussion:  Three persons signed up for Open Forum.
Kaitlyn & Cody Humphrey regarding Special Education Services.  Concerns focused on teacher-student ratio and student placement for grades 1-6.  Mrs. Humphrey feels the special education students in grades 4-6 should not be housed at the elementary campus given that they will not get what they need in order to develop better social skills.  Consider moving those classes to the intermediate campus.
Erik Akin regarding RISD Coaches involvement in the Community.  In his work with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, he oversees 150 campuses.  During their recent Tacos for Life event, all RISD coaches were involved with kids.  He appreciates their efforts and knows that they are making a difference in the lives of our students.  Mr. Akin also encouraged the Board of Trustees to find a solution, as quick as possible, to the HVAC issues at the Field House.  Very concerned about student health and safety with HVAC and ice machines out.
Pastor Corey Calicott regarding a general address to the Board.  Thanked the board and Superintendent for their time and efforts and announced that he is now the new Lead Pastor for First Baptist Church Redwater.  Feels the main purpose between the church and the school district is community unity and the key to life is relationships.  The Redwater community is a superlative community of people.  God calls on us to support each other with the focus on Family and Faith.  Pastor Calicott referenced Proverbs 22:1 and encouraged the Board to uphold values to support the men and women of RISD who are competent in what they do.
 

Discussion:  The RISD Board of Trustees entered into Closed Session at 5:42 p.m. under Texas Government Code 551.071 Consultation with Attorney, 551.074 Personnel, and 551.076 Deliberation Regarding Security Devices or Security Audits.  The board reconvened to Open Session ta 6:39 p.m.  The Board of Trustees reconvened into Executive Session for a second time at 8:14 p.m. and returned to Open Session at 9:16 p.m.
 

Discussion: 
 

Discussion:  Prayer and pledge was led by Bryan Strand.  Motto, Vision, Mission and Belief Statements were read by all Team of 8 members in attendance.

Discussion:  Board members reviewed Cash Flow, Revenue and Check Register for July 2023.

Discussion:  Lee Ann Corbin, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, reviewed with the board the Spring STAAR results for Grades 3-8 and EOC scores.  RISD continues to perform above the Region and State levels, except for one subject. The Spring testing was the STAAR 2.0 redesign which exposed students to different question types.  Anticipate the accountability scores to come out in late September.  Mrs. Corbin then went on to share details of the TEA A-F Refresh for determining 2023 Accountability and what aspects of the accountability ratings will be changing.

Discussion:  The Compensation Plan revisions were discussed.

Discussion:  No members of the public spoke, nor were any questions asked, during the Public Hearing.

Discussion:  The purchase of the RIS Exterior Doors and the Numbering System of buildings/doors are the final two items needed in order to be compliant with new safety standards.

Discussion:  Once surplus shop items have been approved, RISD will work with an online auction group to sell those items.

Discussion:  Originally, the Ag Farm Hay Agreement was to end on Thursday, August 24.  As of last week, there had been no inquiries for a packet nor had any been turned in.  According to legal advice there were two options available - issue an extension or let it expire.  RISD extended the date to Thursday, August 31 and posted accordingly.

Discussion:  Enrollment numbers as of August 22 show RISD to be at 1,111 with the Central Bowie County SSA enrollment at 30.

Discussion:  Intermediate:  Brickwork for front entrance and cafeteria entrance is scheduled for September; New doors for this area will also be ordered at the same time.
Junior High:  Three (3) double doors (two for the north end of the hallways and one set for the front door bricked area) will be ordered in September; Pricing for brickwork at the 7th grade entrance will be secured in September.
Safety & Security:  Bowie Cass has given us power to the poles and electricians have power to the gate motors; Access Control hook up is pending with KLC schedule.
HVAC:  Servicing of district HVAC units is in process; Working to develop a service worksheet.
Lightning Damage:  Work to repair/replace issues caused by the storm is in process; Fire systems have been repaired and the gym AC will have two of the four new units installed next week.
Work Orders:  An estimated 200 work orders have been received since the start of the school; 150 have been completed and 20 are in process; Work Order issues have been HVAC/Electrical, Plumbing, and Grounds/Furniture moving.

Discussion:  Contract with United Rentals Power & HVAC for an additional week of rental was shared with Board.

Discussion:  Revised contract with Krause Service Company for changing A/C units from Carrier to Trane was shared.

Discussion:  Pictures and details from the Texas Workforce Commission check presentation event at Texarkana College were shared with Board members.

Discussion:  Tess Baker, Director of Finance, reviewed with Board members information received from Government Capital for long-term financing of a maintenance note.  She will get additional numbers for the board to review during next general meeting. 

Discussion:  The Mobile Care Unit exterior wrap design was shown.  Anticipate the vehicle being ready by the end of the week

Discussion:  The Nat Geo Celebrate Video was shared with Board Members.  They were encouraged to view it when they had the time available. Other details shared were on staff recognitions for the current school year.

Discussion:  Superintendent Dr. Kelly Burns has discussed with Pastor Corey Calicott initiating a Pastoral Alliance in partnership with RISD.  She will meet with them as they make plans for the community Thanksgiving.  She will also be attending the October RYSA meeting to discuss district's perceived needs.

Discussion:  The minutes from the August 15, 2023 School Safety and Security Committee Meeting were shared with members.

Discussion:  RISD received formal notification that they were accepted into the Region 15 Cohort G Teacher Incentive Allocation Mentoring Group which will begin in September.

Discussion:  Board member asked the superintendent to look at the January/February time frame to bring in a guest for a board training.

Discussion:  A recently received letter from Bowie CAD was shared which states that "before October 1 of an odd-numbered year, the Chief Appraiser must notify each voting unit the number of votes it may cast.  Each voting unit may nominate one candidate for each position to be filled and submit the names of the nominee(s) by written resolution to the Chief Appraiser before October 15.  Each voting unit must cast its vote by written resolution and submit to the Chief Appraiser prior to December 15."

Discussion:  Region VIII RAC Meeting will be held on September 6, 2023 at Region VIII offices in Pittsburg.  Jakeb Goff, RIS Principal, will be honored for his recognition of TASSP Middle School Principal of the Year. Board members are encouraged to attend.

Discussion:  For the TASA-TASB txEDCON convention in late September, attendees will be:  Jerry McCarty, Clint Duncan and Superintendent Dr. Kelly Burns.