Persons wishing to address the Board of Trustees must fill out a public comment sign-up form and submit it to the Administrative Assistant to the Board prior to the meeting. The Board cannot deliberate on any subject matter that is not included on the agenda. BED (LOCAL)

The following minutes are provided for your review: 

• Regular Meeting - March 2, 2026

Minutes become official when approved by the Board of Trustees.

Financial reports for the previous month are presented.

The audit engagement letter is provided by Rutherford, Taylor, and Company, P.C. for review and approval. 

Rains High School Administrators and Counselors would like to amend the RHS 2026-2027 Course Guide.  They would like to change the Cosmetology Program of Study for next school year. 

The amendment is as follows: 
Page 35 of Course Guide
Microbiology and Safety for Cosmetology Careers
Service ID: N1302540
Credit: 1 Level: 1
Prerequisite: None

Students who enroll in Microbiology and Safety for Cosmetology Careers will receive instruction in the microbial world, studying topics such as pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms, identification of microorganisms, drug resistant organisms, and emerging diseases.  Additionally, students will explore and apply concepts as they apply to the safety and health of individuals pursuing a career in cosmetology services.  This course also includes an opportunity for students to solve an in-depth analytical problem concerning occupational health and safety in cosmetology.  Program of Study: Cosmetology and Personal Care Services (Regional) 

The Board approved the school calendar at the March 2, 2026 board meeting. However, the agenda item contained a typographical error referencing the approval of the 2025-2026 school calendar instead of the 2026-2027 school calendar.  The calendar attached to the item and presented for approval was the correct 2026-2027 school calendar.  

To ensure the board record accurately reflects the correct school year, the calendar is being presented again for approval.

The Superintendent will share information with the Board on district activities, facilities, and projects.  Any items that would require Board action will be presented along with the report. 

A list of library books recommended for purchase by the Local School Library Advisory Committee (LSLAC) is provided for consideration and approval.  The list of proposed titles, along with public comment information, is available on the Rains ISD Library webpage. This process is in accordance with HB 900 and SB 13 requirements.  

*The titles listed below required more in-depth discussion.  Books not approved by the committee are indicated with strikethrough on the list provided for clarity. 

High School
"Woe a House Cats Story of Despair" - discussed & approved
"Coldwire" - discussed & approved
"The Midnight Club"- discussed & approved
"My Mechanical Romance"- discussed & approved
"Persephone's Curse" - NO - removed from order list
"Shiny Happy People"- discussed & approved for Horror section
"There's No way I'd Die First"- NO- removed from order list
"Win Lose Kill Die"- discussed & approved

Junior High
"Witches of Brooklynn"- discussed, approved for HS not JH
"Take the Key and Lock her up"- discussed, approved for HS not JH
 

Senate Bill 546, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature, amended Texas Transportation Code §547.701 to require that all school buses transporting students be equipped with three-point seat belts for each passenger and the driver.

As part of this requirement, school districts must evaluate their current bus fleet and determine the financial feasibility of purchasing or retrofitting buses to meet the three-point seat belt standard. If the Board determines that compliance is not financially feasible, the district is required to present this determination in a public meeting and report the following information to the Texas Education Agency (TEA):

• The number of buses not equipped with seat belts
• The number of buses equipped with two-point (lap) seat belts
• The number of buses equipped with three-point seat belts
• The estimated cost to retrofit or replace buses to achieve full compliance

The administration has reviewed the district’s current transportation fleet and obtained cost estimates for retrofitting and/or replacing buses to meet the requirements of SB 546. Based on this review, the cost to fully comply represents a significant financial impact to the district.  The Board is required to make a determination regarding the financial feasibility of compliance in order to complete the required TEA reporting.

This is the time of year when Region 7 ESC would normally request assistance in having school board members from the district vote for candidates for the Region 7 ESC Board of Directors to fill positions where terms are expiring.   

This year the election is uncontested.  Thus, no ballot will be sent, and these candidates will be certified as having been elected.  Mr. John Rouse filed for Place 1, Rains Van Zandt, Wood, Henderson, Anderson, and Cherokee counties; and Mr. David Russell filed for Place 6, At-Large position. 

This report is for review only and does not require board action. 

§ 551.074- To deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee, or hear a complaint or charge against an officer or employee.  

§551.082-To deliberate in a case involving discipline of a public school child, unless the child's parent requests an open hearing in writing.  

§551.076- To deliberate the deployment, or specific occasions for implementation, of security personnel or devices or a security audit. 

§551.089- To deliberate security assessments or deployments relating to information resources technology, certain network security matters, or related critical infrastructure, personnel, and devices. 

§551.071- To consult with its attorney when the board seeks advice about pending or contemplated litigation or a settlement offer, or when the attorney will have an ethical duty of confidentiality.