Purpose:
To conduct the required public hearing to present and discuss the District's 20240-2025 Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR)

Background: 
The Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) is an annual report prepared by the Texas Education Agency that provides comprehensive information on student academic performance, district accreditation status, financial accountability ratings, staff information, and other statutory indicators.

State Law requires that the Board of Trustees holds a public hearing within 90 days of receipt of the TAPR report for the purpose of discussing the report and providing the public an opportunity to comment.

The TAPR report for the 2024-2025 school year was released by TEA and made available to the public on the District's website in accordance with statutory requirements.

Administration Recommendation:
No action required.  This item is presented to fulfill the statutory requirement for a public hearing.

Board Action:
Public Hearing Only — No action required.

Elementary - Rylie Barnes
Junior High - Brylee Sheeley
High School - Landen Hartman

Miss Big Sandy - Lexie McCartney
Miss Big Sandy High School - Brianna Pullum

 

All persons who address the Board at this time must complete a registration form before the meeting begins. Each Speaker is limited to 5 minutes. No action may be taken regarding the information received by the board. The topic must be placed on the agenda at a future meeting to receive deliberate action.

Purpose: 
To approve an Interlocal Agreement with Upshur County for the provision of election services in connection with the District's upcoming trustee election, pursuant to the Texas Interlocal Cooperation Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 791) and the Texas Election Code.

The agreement authorizes Upshur County to administer election services, including early voting, staffing, equipment, ballot programming, and tabulation,

Administrative Recommendation:
Administration recommends approval of the Interlocal Agreement and authorization for the Superintendent to execute all necessary documents.

Board Action (Consent)
Approval as presented.

Approve the purchase of the elementary library books as presented.  The list of books was posted online for the required period in accordance with Board Policy.

The Board of Trustees has engaged in collaborative discussion and planning to review and refine the district’s guiding statements. These statements are intended to clearly communicate the purpose, direction, and long-term priorities of the district.

The Mission and Vision statements will serve as the foundation for district decision-making, strategic planning, and communication with students, staff, parents, and the community. These guiding statements will be used consistently across district publications, presentations, and communications to reflect the district’s commitment to student success.

The Board-developed statements presented for approval are as follows:

Mission Statement
To empower every learner to discover their passion, develop their purpose, and define their own success.

Vision Statement
Learn with passion. Lead with purpose. Live with success.

The Board may also adopt accompanying district goals that align with these guiding statements and will inform future planning, improvement efforts, and accountability measures.

Due to the district's designation of Needs Improvement by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the district is required to develop and implement a targeted Local Improvement Plan in addition to the District Improvement Plan.  This TEA-required plan outlines specific actions, timelines, and monitoring processes designed to address identified areas of deficiency and improve overall student outcomes and accountability performance.  

The 2025-2027 Local Improvement Plan was developed using campus and district data, incorporates stakeholder input, and aligns with TEA expectations for continuous improvement and progress monitoring.

Recommendation:
Administration recommends the Board of Trustees review and approve the 2025-2027 TEA-Required Local Improvement Plan as presented.
 

Background Information:
The district was recently awarded grant funding through the US Department of Justice to support school safety initiatives.  The grant provides funding specifically designated for the purchase of safety equipment designed to enhance campus security and emergency preparedness. The equipment included in this request is consistent with the items outlined and approved in the district's grant application and complies with all applicable federal grant requirements.

The proposed purchases will strengthen the district's ability to prevent, respond to, and manage potential safety and security situations on campus.  All expenditures will be fully funded through the grant and will not require the use of local district funds.

Administration has reviewed the grant requirements and recommends approval of the safety equipment purchases as presented so the district may proceed with procurement in accordance with grant timelines and purchasing procedures.
 

Recent Texas legislation requires school districts to equip school buses transporting students with three-point seat belts.  The law also requires districts that cannot immediately comply due to financial constraints to present this determination in a public board meeting and report the estimated cost of compliance.

Administration has reviewed the district's transportation fleet and the financial impact of complying with this mandate.  The district currently operates several older buses that were not designed for three-point seat belt installation.  Retrofitting these buses is not considered a practical or cost-effective option due to structural limitations and the age of the fleet.

The estimated cost of purchasing replacement buses equipped with seat belts would represent a significant capital expenditure that is not currently included in the district's budget.

Therefore, administration is presenting this item for the Board's consideration and direction regarding compliance with the state requirement.

Recommentation: 
Administration recommends that the Board formally determine that the district is not currently in a financial position to replace all buses to meet the seat belt mandate and that retrofitting older buses is not a practical option.  Administration further recommends that the Board direct the Superintendent to develop and present a future plan outlining how the district will work toward meeting the state requirement.

Background Information:

The district seeks to purchase a new activity bus that does not require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to safely transport students for extracurricular activities, field trips, and athletic events. This vehicle will provide reliable transportation while maintaining compliance with state transportation regulations.

The purchase has been evaluated in accordance with district procurement policies to ensure the best value for the district.

Background:
Administration will present information regarding current facility needs and potential short-term and long-term options for addressing those needs.  The presentation will include possible scopes of work, project priorities, and financial considerations for the Board's review and discussion.

Recommendation:
This item is for presentation and discussion only.  No action is required.

Background:
Administration worked with a roofing consultant to evaluate the condition of district roofs and identify priority areas for repair and replacement.  The proposed work and pricing were obtained through an approved purchasing cooperative that complies with Texas Education Code §44.031 procurement requirements.

Recommendation:
Administration recommends approval of the roofing project as presented.
 

Background:
Administration has worked with an energy services company to evaluate district facilities and identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements and related facility upgrades.  The proposed Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) outlines the recommended projects and additional scope of work as presented.  The procurement method complies with applicable Texas purchasing requirements.

Recommendation:
Administration recommends approval of the Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) including the additional scope of work as presented.

Background:
A member of the Board of Trustees has submitted a resignation effective at the conclusion of the March board meeting. Pursuant to Texas Education Code §11.061, the Board of Trustees may appoint a qualified individual to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.  A recommendation for appointment has been received.

Recommendation:
Acknowledge the board member's resignation effective at the conclusion of the March meeting and appoint a qualified individual to fill the unexpired term.

Consider and discuss hiring Superintendent and approval of Superintendent contract, pursuant to Tex. Government Code section 551.074.