PUBLIC HEARING
REGULAR MEETING NOVE M B E R 1 4 , 2 0 1 1 The Board of Trustees of the Kountze Independent School District met in regular session on Monday, November 14, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. in the Intermediate school library. David Overstreet presided and Cody Williford gave the opening prayer. MEMBERS PRESENT
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David Overstreet, Wayland Whisenhant, Logan Carter, Carl Coplen, Steve Eppes, Cody Williford, Supt. Kevin Weldon and Asst. Supt. Brad McEachern.
MEMBERS ABSENT
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Donna Moody
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
§
Teresa Richard, middle school principal, reported on activities and progress at the middle school campus. She reported that they are focusing on math since this is an area of weakness across the district. The teachers have been working very hard with the students. They have been tutoring in the morning and afternoon and have also implemented a weekly skills test. Students are also being pulled out for individual tutoring. The math teachers are using Study Island which is math software that seems to be very effective. Mrs. Richard also reported that each core teacher is teaching technology classes and even though the software they needed was late they have been working hard to get the students where they need to be. Mrs. Richard spoke about Istation which took the place of AIMSweb for reading evaluation. Mrs. Colleen Puckitt is working closely with the students to help them with their reading scores.
FOOD SERVICE REPORT
§
Crystal Smith, Food Service Director, gave each board member a notebook that contains all the rules and regulations for the food service department. This information is from the Texas Department of Agriculture which governs school district food service departments that receive money from free/reduced lunch program. Mrs. Smith explained that Michelle Obama has been instrumental in many of the changes that have been implemented and has more changes that she would like to see implemented such as potatoes only being served once a week and no salt added to any foods. Mrs. Smith reported that in the past districts were audited once every five years but now will be audited once every three years. If TDA finds an issue with a district then funds could be taken away for a negative finding. The money would not be paid out of the food service budget but out of general district funds. She also reported that the meal prices are set by TDA and our prices are not where they need to be but TDA is giving districts time to implement the new price guidelines. Mrs. Smith discussed charges in the cafeteria. The district decreased charge limits and no charging is allowed at the high school and middle school campuses. Any money that is not paid by the end of the year has to be reimbursed from district general funds to the food service department since it is a district policy to allowing charging. The district mailed a letter home to every parent on Sept. 30 regarding grandparents not being allowed to bring food to their grandchildren. TDA has said they will revise this law but until the district has something in writing the food service department and campuses will not allow grandparents to bring food. She also reported that one other problem concerns concession stands that are open during tournaments during the school day. Students are not allowed to
purchase food from a concession stand during the school day so in order to be in compliance it is best not to allow a concession stand to be open until after 3:21 p.m. Mrs. Smith reported on the following free/reduced/paid lunch numbers: High School: Middle School: Intermediate School: Elementary School: District:
27% free 29% free 34% free 46% free 35% free
8% reduced 9% reduced 11% reduced 7% reduced 9% reduced
65% paid 62% paid 54% paid 47% paid 56% paid
Funding for Title I, E-Rate and Compensatory Education is based on our free/reduced lunch percentages. CONSENT AGENDA
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Motion was made by Wayland Whisenhant, seconded by Steve Eppes to approve the consent agenda which included: Regular Meeting Minutes – October 10, 2011 Financial Statement Motion carried unanimously.
TPRI REPORT FOR 2010-2011
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KES Principal, Steven Cox, presented the annual report on the campus reading program TPRI (Texas Primary Reading Inventory) and student assessments.
HIGHLY QUALIFIED REPORT §
Asst. Supt. Brad McEachern presented the Highly Qualified (HQ) Teachers Summary Report as required by law and stated that 4 KISD teachers did not meet Highly Qualified as we began the 2011-2012 school year. Three of these teachers are working on getting their certifications
2011-2012 CAMPUS AND DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT PLANS
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Campus improvement plan changes for 2011-2012 were reviewed by campus principals, Steven Cox, Mike Sims, Teresa Richard and Brian Williams. The district improvement plan for 2011-2012 was reviewed by Steven Cox. Motion was made by Logan Carter, seconded by Steve Eppes to approve the campus and district improvement plan changes for 2011-2012 as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
ADOPT HB 2038
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Motion was made by Steve Eppes, seconded by Logan Carter to adopt HB 2038 dealing with concussions and the district will initiate an oversight committee as outlined by UIL including online training provided by UIL. Motion carried unanimously.
TASB POLICY UPDATE BQA (Local) PRESENTED – 1ST READING
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Mr. Weldon reviewed Update BQA (Local) for first reading. Said update will be presented at a later meeting for final approval.
TASB POLICY UPDATE #91 PRESENTED – 1ST READING
§
Mr. Weldon reviewed the major issues of TASB Policy Update #91 for first reading. Said update will be presented at a later meeting for final approval.
ELECTION OPTIONS
§
Three options were presented by Mr. Weldon regarding election options:
a)
Consolidate polling locations to one location at the intermediate campus. Keep elections in May annually. Trustees will remain on 3 year terms. Voting machines would be an issue if there is a run-off election. b) Change election to biannual elections in May – odd numbered years. Trustee terms will change to 4 years. There will be no conflict with machines because there are no county elections at that time. No polling locations would have to be closed. c) Change election to biannual election in November and trustee terms will change to 4 years. The county has a general election every even numbered year in November and every polling place is open. The county has an amendment election every odd numbered year in November and they consolidate some of the polling places but the # of voting machines that would be available would be an issue. Motion was made by Cody Williford, seconded by Wayland Whisenhant to take no action on this agenda item until a special called board meeting in December. Motion carried unanimously. AGREEMENT TO ADMINISTER JOINT ELECTION BETWEEN KOUNTZE ISD AND THE CITY OF KOUNTZE §
APPOINT MEMBERS TO SCHOOL HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL
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Motion was made by Wayland Whisenhant, seconded by Cody Williford to take no action on this agenda item. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion was made by Carl Coplen, seconded by Cody Williford to approve the following to serve as members of the School Health Advisory Council: Gail Shawver (parent) – Co-Chairman Jackie Riles (community/MADD) Shelly Dilbeck (parent & health care professional) Roy & Diann Langston (grandparents/community) Cindy Fertitta (community/crisis resource) Dawn Stanley (PTA and parent) Kristie Young, R.N. (Director of Health Services) – Chairman Amanda Teter, L.V.N. (KMS Nurse) Tracy Tantillo, L.V.N. (KIS Nurse) Bobette Trick, L.V.N. (KES Nurse) Crystal Smith (Director of Food Services) Monica Ryan (School Resource Officer) Kevin Weldon (Superintendent) Brad McEachern (Assistant Superintendent) Brian Williams (HS Principal) Teresa Richard (MS Principal) Mike Sims (IS Principal) Steven Cox (ES Principal) Chet Deaver (HS Assistant Principal) Motion carried unanimously.
BALLOTS CAST FOR HCAD BOARD DIRECTORS
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Motion was made by Carl Coplen, seconded by Steve Eppes to cast Kountze I.S.D.’s 505 votes for Geary Overstreet, Sr. for the Hardin County Appraisal
District Board of Directors. Motion carried Five FOR, One ABSTAIN (Overstreet). GOODS IN TRANSIT RESOLUTION
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Motion was made by Logan Carter, seconded by Wayland Whisenhant to approve the Goods In Transit Resolution as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
TASB POLICY UPDATE CE (Local) PRESENTED – 1ST READING
§
Mr. Weldon reviewed Update CE (Local) for emergency adoption. Board policy allows for one reading if the district determines that the adoption is an emergency. This update must be adopted before the December board meeting for the audit report. Motion was made by Logan Carter, seconded by Carl Coplen to adopt Policy CE (Local) as presented. Motion carried Five FOR; (Steve Eppes stepped out and did not vote.)
BILLS APPROVED FOR PAYMENT
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Motion was made by Steve Eppes, seconded by Carl Coplen to approve bills for payment as presented by check numbers as follows: Local Maintenance #057384 – 057599 Motion carried unanimously.
ACQUIRE LOCAL LAW FIRM TO REPRESENT DISTRICT
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Board President, David Overstreet, requested information on the possible retainer of a local law firm to represent the district instead of the current firm that has its main office in Austin. Supt. Weldon will call area districts to see which attorney they use. Mr. Weldon will report back to the board at a future meeting.
CENTRAL OFFICE REPORTS
§
Supt. Weldon reported that Kountze ISD reported 100% compliance in special education.
Board went into executive session at 8:45 p.m. as authorized by Section 551.001, et seq., Texas Government Code to accept resignations, employ personnel, and for deliberations regarding the employment, evaluation, compensation and duties of administrative staff. Meeting opened at 9:20 p.m. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
§
Mr. Weldon asked the board to email him or Susie Wilson any items they wish to put on next month’s agenda.
ADJOURNED
§
Meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
President
Date:
Secretary
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David Overstreet, Wayland Whisenhant, Logan Carter, Carl Coplen, Steve Eppes, Cody Williford, Supt. Kevin Weldon and Asst. Supt. Brad McEachern.
MEMBERS ABSENT
§
Donna Moody
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
§
Teresa Richard, middle school principal, reported on activities and progress at the middle school campus. She reported that they are focusing on math since this is an area of weakness across the district. The teachers have been working very hard with the students. They have been tutoring in the morning and afternoon and have also implemented a weekly skills test. Students are also being pulled out for individual tutoring. The math teachers are using Study Island which is math software that seems to be very effective. Mrs. Richard also reported that each core teacher is teaching technology classes and even though the software they needed was late they have been working hard to get the students where they need to be. Mrs. Richard spoke about Istation which took the place of AIMSweb for reading evaluation. Mrs. Colleen Puckitt is working closely with the students to help them with their reading scores.
FOOD SERVICE REPORT
§
Crystal Smith, Food Service Director, gave each board member a notebook that contains all the rules and regulations for the food service department. This information is from the Texas Department of Agriculture which governs school district food service departments that receive money from free/reduced lunch program. Mrs. Smith explained that Michelle Obama has been instrumental in many of the changes that have been implemented and has more changes that she would like to see implemented such as potatoes only being served once a week and no salt added to any foods. Mrs. Smith reported that in the past districts were audited once every five years but now will be audited once every three years. If TDA finds an issue with a district then funds could be taken away for a negative finding. The money would not be paid out of the food service budget but out of general district funds. She also reported that the meal prices are set by TDA and our prices are not where they need to be but TDA is giving districts time to implement the new price guidelines. Mrs. Smith discussed charges in the cafeteria. The district decreased charge limits and no charging is allowed at the high school and middle school campuses. Any money that is not paid by the end of the year has to be reimbursed from district general funds to the food service department since it is a district policy to allowing charging. The district mailed a letter home to every parent on Sept. 30 regarding grandparents not being allowed to bring food to their grandchildren. TDA has said they will revise this law but until the district has something in writing the food service department and campuses will not allow grandparents to bring food. She also reported that one other problem concerns concession stands that are open during tournaments during the school day. Students are not allowed to
purchase food from a concession stand during the school day so in order to be in compliance it is best not to allow a concession stand to be open until after 3:21 p.m. Mrs. Smith reported on the following free/reduced/paid lunch numbers: High School: Middle School: Intermediate School: Elementary School: District:
27% free 29% free 34% free 46% free 35% free
8% reduced 9% reduced 11% reduced 7% reduced 9% reduced
65% paid 62% paid 54% paid 47% paid 56% paid
Funding for Title I, E-Rate and Compensatory Education is based on our free/reduced lunch percentages. CONSENT AGENDA
§
Motion was made by Wayland Whisenhant, seconded by Steve Eppes to approve the consent agenda which included: Regular Meeting Minutes – October 10, 2011 Financial Statement Motion carried unanimously.
TPRI REPORT FOR 2010-2011
§
KES Principal, Steven Cox, presented the annual report on the campus reading program TPRI (Texas Primary Reading Inventory) and student assessments.
HIGHLY QUALIFIED REPORT §
Asst. Supt. Brad McEachern presented the Highly Qualified (HQ) Teachers Summary Report as required by law and stated that 4 KISD teachers did not meet Highly Qualified as we began the 2011-2012 school year. Three of these teachers are working on getting their certifications
2011-2012 CAMPUS AND DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT PLANS
§
Campus improvement plan changes for 2011-2012 were reviewed by campus principals, Steven Cox, Mike Sims, Teresa Richard and Brian Williams. The district improvement plan for 2011-2012 was reviewed by Steven Cox. Motion was made by Logan Carter, seconded by Steve Eppes to approve the campus and district improvement plan changes for 2011-2012 as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
ADOPT HB 2038
§
Motion was made by Steve Eppes, seconded by Logan Carter to adopt HB 2038 dealing with concussions and the district will initiate an oversight committee as outlined by UIL including online training provided by UIL. Motion carried unanimously.
TASB POLICY UPDATE BQA (Local) PRESENTED – 1ST READING
§
Mr. Weldon reviewed Update BQA (Local) for first reading. Said update will be presented at a later meeting for final approval.
TASB POLICY UPDATE #91 PRESENTED – 1ST READING
§
Mr. Weldon reviewed the major issues of TASB Policy Update #91 for first reading. Said update will be presented at a later meeting for final approval.
ELECTION OPTIONS
§
Three options were presented by Mr. Weldon regarding election options:
a)
Consolidate polling locations to one location at the intermediate campus. Keep elections in May annually. Trustees will remain on 3 year terms. Voting machines would be an issue if there is a run-off election. b) Change election to biannual elections in May – odd numbered years. Trustee terms will change to 4 years. There will be no conflict with machines because there are no county elections at that time. No polling locations would have to be closed. c) Change election to biannual election in November and trustee terms will change to 4 years. The county has a general election every even numbered year in November and every polling place is open. The county has an amendment election every odd numbered year in November and they consolidate some of the polling places but the # of voting machines that would be available would be an issue. Motion was made by Cody Williford, seconded by Wayland Whisenhant to take no action on this agenda item until a special called board meeting in December. Motion carried unanimously. AGREEMENT TO ADMINISTER JOINT ELECTION BETWEEN KOUNTZE ISD AND THE CITY OF KOUNTZE §
APPOINT MEMBERS TO SCHOOL HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL
§
Motion was made by Wayland Whisenhant, seconded by Cody Williford to take no action on this agenda item. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion was made by Carl Coplen, seconded by Cody Williford to approve the following to serve as members of the School Health Advisory Council: Gail Shawver (parent) – Co-Chairman Jackie Riles (community/MADD) Shelly Dilbeck (parent & health care professional) Roy & Diann Langston (grandparents/community) Cindy Fertitta (community/crisis resource) Dawn Stanley (PTA and parent) Kristie Young, R.N. (Director of Health Services) – Chairman Amanda Teter, L.V.N. (KMS Nurse) Tracy Tantillo, L.V.N. (KIS Nurse) Bobette Trick, L.V.N. (KES Nurse) Crystal Smith (Director of Food Services) Monica Ryan (School Resource Officer) Kevin Weldon (Superintendent) Brad McEachern (Assistant Superintendent) Brian Williams (HS Principal) Teresa Richard (MS Principal) Mike Sims (IS Principal) Steven Cox (ES Principal) Chet Deaver (HS Assistant Principal) Motion carried unanimously.
BALLOTS CAST FOR HCAD BOARD DIRECTORS
§
Motion was made by Carl Coplen, seconded by Steve Eppes to cast Kountze I.S.D.’s 505 votes for Geary Overstreet, Sr. for the Hardin County Appraisal
District Board of Directors. Motion carried Five FOR, One ABSTAIN (Overstreet). GOODS IN TRANSIT RESOLUTION
§
Motion was made by Logan Carter, seconded by Wayland Whisenhant to approve the Goods In Transit Resolution as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
TASB POLICY UPDATE CE (Local) PRESENTED – 1ST READING
§
Mr. Weldon reviewed Update CE (Local) for emergency adoption. Board policy allows for one reading if the district determines that the adoption is an emergency. This update must be adopted before the December board meeting for the audit report. Motion was made by Logan Carter, seconded by Carl Coplen to adopt Policy CE (Local) as presented. Motion carried Five FOR; (Steve Eppes stepped out and did not vote.)
BILLS APPROVED FOR PAYMENT
§
Motion was made by Steve Eppes, seconded by Carl Coplen to approve bills for payment as presented by check numbers as follows: Local Maintenance #057384 – 057599 Motion carried unanimously.
ACQUIRE LOCAL LAW FIRM TO REPRESENT DISTRICT
§
Board President, David Overstreet, requested information on the possible retainer of a local law firm to represent the district instead of the current firm that has its main office in Austin. Supt. Weldon will call area districts to see which attorney they use. Mr. Weldon will report back to the board at a future meeting.
CENTRAL OFFICE REPORTS
§
Supt. Weldon reported that Kountze ISD reported 100% compliance in special education.
Board went into executive session at 8:45 p.m. as authorized by Section 551.001, et seq., Texas Government Code to accept resignations, employ personnel, and for deliberations regarding the employment, evaluation, compensation and duties of administrative staff. Meeting opened at 9:20 p.m. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
§
Mr. Weldon asked the board to email him or Susie Wilson any items they wish to put on next month’s agenda.
ADJOURNED
§
Meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
President
Date:
Secretary
