Highlights of Region 16 ESC programs and service areas will be reviewed.  The Head Start/ Early Head Start Board Orientation and required Eligibility Training are also included in the report.

Mr. Michael Keough and Mr. Steven Singleton will provide an update on Technology and the EdNet16 Fiber Consortium.


 

Included is the information summarizing the 2024-2025 Head Start/Early Head Start Comprehensive Needs Assessment and Program Improvement Plan.  The Head Start performance standards require programs to:

• conduct a self-assessment that uses program data including child assessment data, and professional development and parent and family engagement data as appropriate, to evaluate the program's progress towards meeting goals, compliance with program performance standards throughout the program year, and the effectiveness of the professional development and family engagement systems in promoting school readiness;
• communicate and collaborate with the governing body and policy council, program staff, and parents of enrolled children when conducting the annual self-assessment; and
• submit findings of the self-assessment to the Office of Head Start (OHS).

The Head Start/Early Head Start staff analyzes the self-assessment, child outcomes, community assessment, program outcomes, and program information report to develop new goals and objectives each year.  The program goals and objectives are included.

Mrs. Leslie Callahan will discuss the opportunity for the nutrition and healthy eating fund available for Head Start children and families. 

The updated Region 16 ESC Regional Strategic Plan is included as part of the Annual Report and will be discussed. 

 

Review updated (LEGAL) policies and act on (LOCAL) policies as presented in TASB Update 31, developed for our review and approval to update the Region 16 Policy Manual.

The purpose of the resolutions is to update the representatives authorized to perform transactions with TexPool and Lone Star Investment Pool on behalf of the Region 16 Education Service Center.

To streamline our TEAL approval process and ensure reliable backup support, it is requested that Evelyn Jenkins, Region 16 TSDS Coordinator, obtain Alternate Approver access through TEA. The TEAL Help Desk has advised that this access can only be granted once TEA receives an approved copy of the School Board Minutes designating her as backup approver for Dr. Tanya Larkin.

Upon approval, Ms. Jenkins will be able to monitor and process TEAL requests on behalf of Dr. Tanya Larkin, ensuring timely action even during any absence. This additional role will enhance operational efficiency, strengthen security measures, and minimize delays in handling requests.
 

Financial Reports through July 2025 are included.  Questions or observations regarding these reports are invited prior to or during the Board meeting.  

The Investment Report for the current fiscal year through July 2025 is included.  Questions or observations regarding this report are invited prior to or during the Board meeting. 

The budget amendments will be distributed at the meeting for discussion by Mr. Derek Criswell.

The special revenue funds for 2024-2025 are included.

Board Policy CE(LOCAL) states the Board may constrain (commit) resources for specific purposes prior to the end of the fiscal year, though the exact amount may be determined subsequently.
 

Every year, the ESC enters into contractual agreements for goods and services that are unperformed as of the end of the fiscal year. 

The internal service funds and enterprise funds for 2025-2026 are included.

 

In accordance with board policy, proposals were received for the following items.  Detailed proposals and recommendations are included.  

In accordance with the Public Funds Investment act, the Board of Directors will annually review the investment strategies and adopt a written instrument stating that it has done so.  A copy of Policy CBF(LOCAL), INVESTMENTS, and the current investment strategy is included for Board review.  A resolution is also included.

In 2012, the Board approved the continuation of Region 16 ESC's participation in the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Risk Management Program for worker's compensation insurance of unemployment insurance conditional on Region 16 ESC executing a Contribution and Coverage Summary document on an annual basis.

Region 16 will pay a fixed cost of $28,292.  Then, based on claims received, Region 16 can be out an additional maximum of $69,054. 

The current annual rate with TASB is $11,522.  TASB has proposed the rate remain for 2025-2026 at $9,678.  TASB continues to provide an outstanding service for us in this area.

The current annual rate with TASB is $169,790.  TASB has proposed a new rate for 2025-2026 of $228,964.  TASB continues to provide an outstanding service for us in this area.  

 

Provision is made in the official notification for the calling of a closed session under the provisions of Chapter 551, Subchapter D, Section 551.074 of the Government Code for the discussion of items 19 and/or 20.  Any action will be taken in open session.

Mrs. Heather Newman will discuss the Staffing Pattern report and the need for additional positions.  There are currently eight (8) open professional positions.  

If available, we will add the documents between now and the meeting;  otherwise, they will be moved to our October 24 meeting.