January 25, 2024 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:  No persons signed up for Open Forum.

Discussion:  January is a time for us to honor the RISD Board of Trustees who have dedicated their time and energy to this district by serving on the RISD Board of Trustees.  Principals shared with Board members their appreciation along with fun gifts and videos from their campuses, followed by a wonderful meal catered by the Food Services Department.

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:  Lee Culpepper, Southwest Regional Director for Critical Response Group (CRG) presented a mapping program CRG has developed for schools which enhances their safety communication integration efforts. He commended Chief Thompson for the ATCOG connection and for getting all of this started in Region VIII.  Mr. Culpepper shared that the local ATCOG has stated they will reimburse the district their costs for this type of program.  Estimated costs for the District would be around $8,200 along with an annual $1,120 visit fee, if needed.

Discussion:  Theresa Cowling, Principal of Redwater Elementary School, presented a checkpoint of the Board Adopted Goals for K-3 Math & Reading.  Review included: Percentage of 3rd Grade students meeting grade level or above on STAAR Reading; percentage of Pre-Kindergarten students on track in Reading Phonological Awareness and Math (CLI); percentage of Kindergarten students scoring a Masters level in Reading (MAP); percentage of Kindergarten and Grades 1-2 students scoring Meets or Above on Reading and Math Map; 

Discussion:  Since the last Board of Trustees meeting, 29 RISD staff members have completed 136 credit hours toward professional development.  They also had a Professional Development day on January 8.

Discussion:  Cash Flow, Revenue, and Check Register for December were reviewed by Board Members.

Discussion:  RISD is currently earning 5.35% on the General Operating Account.

Discussion:  Enrollment for December was reviewed showing RISD with 46 students over the enrollment figure for the same time last year and 40 students over the final enrollment number for 2022-23.

Discussion:  Dr. Kelly Burns shared the timeline for the May 4, 2024 Trustee Election.

Discussion:  Following a series of Teacher Incentive Allotment discussions, surveys, and training meetings during the past months, Board members have decided not to move forward on the subject.

Discussion:  Presentation and discussion was had regarding the need for replacement of the Redwater Intermediate School Roof.  Matt Wommack, Director of Operations, shared quotes from Premier Roofing and RBT Roofing which were received and showed two (2) types of available roofing - PVC and TPO.  Preference is the TPO roofing which has a warranty of an estimated 20-25 years.  Following some additional discussion, no action was taken.  The item will come back for action in the February Board meeting.

Discussion:  HVAC purchase did not have all quotes needed.  Decision was to take no action and place item on the agenda for the February Board meeting.

Discussion:  Dragon TV students will be attending the Student Television Network National Convention in Long Beach, CA on March 13 - 18.  There are 9 students and 2 chaperones attending.

Discussion:  As part of our continual series on celebrating those staff members who are not part of a given appreciation day/week/month, staff highlights from December 13, 2023 through January 24, 2024 were shared with the Board.

Discussion:  As part of our continual "Did You Know" series, social media graphics which were posted on December 15, December 23, December 29, 2023 and January 5, January 12, and January 19, 2024 were shared with the Board.

Discussion:  Dr. Burns met with the Dragon Theatre Booster Club in mid-December to discuss how bond programs work.  She asked for their input on facilities and to be a part of the community meeting process when we begin.

Discussion:  Lee Ann Corbin, Assistant Superintendent, reviewed her activity for the District during Dr. Burns absence.

Discussion:  RISD is currently in the process of determining what safety and security measures they will include for the TEA Safety & Facilities Enhancement (SAFE) Grant, Cycle 1 allocation of $787,000.  Funds are focused on entrances (doors, brick, safety film, access control), cameras, fencing, technology, and Police Department Equipment.  

Discussion:  Estimated costs for fencing at Redwater Intermediate School and Redwater High School were shared.  Agenda item will return as an action item for the February Board meeting.

Discussion:  An Intruder Audit was recently conducted at Redwater Intermediate School.  No findings were reported which puts RISD at 100% of no findings for school year 2022-23 and to date for school year 2023-24.

Discussion:  Board members reviewed the January 2024 Facilities Update.  Matt Wommack, Director of Operations, also shared details of work done during the January 16-18 ice storm.

Discussion:  The Texas Workforce Commission Jobs & Education for Texans (JET) Grant is 100% finalized. 

Discussion:  Additional discussion was held on the details of HB 900.  Book circulation data was shared with the Board.

Discussion:  Redwater ISD has been invited to join with the University of Texas at Austin Fellowship Using Science Engagement (FUSE).  FUSE is a program developed by Texas scholars and educators for the benefit of Texas teachers and students. It offers a professional network in which math educators learn to use the latest science of engagement to lift achievement for all students.  FUSE gives teachers the tools they need to get students actively involved in the learning process. Many teachers say their biggest frustration is student engagement. With FUSE, this problem can be greatly reduced or eliminated through the facilitation of growth mindset. The evidence shows that FUSE Fellows have classrooms in which students come to class eager to learn math, to correct and revise their mistakes, and embrace the most challenging work.  RISD currently has two (2) teachers who are currently interested in participating.

Discussion:  This topic will be covered during our Team of 8 Training hopefully in March.

Discussion:  Board members were sent an email detailing where they are on their respective required trainings as a Board Member and encouraged to have completed by late March.

Discussion:  Although this training will be offered at Region VIII ESC, RISD Board members do not need to attend given they have completed the biennial required training in 2022.

Discussion:  This meeting is currently scheduled for Thursday, February 15.

Discussion:  Given all Board members could not attend the scheduled February date, we will now need to look at a March date for our training.

Discussion:  The RISD Board of Trustees entered into Closed Session at 7:39 p.m. under Texas Government Code 551.074 Personnel, 551.076 and 551.089 deliberation Regarding Security Devices or Security Audits.  The board reconvened to Open Session at 9:26 p.m.