Brownwood News – The Brownwood ISD Board of Trustees met Monday night, April 13, 2020.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, and thanks to technology, the virtual meeting had school administrators and each Board member in different locations.

The session was called to order by Board President, Michael Cloy. BISD Trustee, Tim Jacobs gave the invocation.

INSTRUCTIONAL FOCUS

BISD Deputy Superintendent, Liesa Land presented the Instructional Focus update. Land mentioned the good work being done by the Brownwood ISD administrators and teachers preparing and adapting during this off-campus instruction time. Videoconference meetings are being held weekly to coordinate the distribution and return of instructional materials.  Schools have been working to get as many students as possible working through electronic devices for instruction, though packets continue to be available for those that may need or desire that method. Individualized instruction is also meeting the needs of students in Special Populations such as Dyslexia, English as a Second Language (ESL), Gifted and Talented, Special Education, and more. Land added that the school counselors have done a great job continuing to be available for students and parents, keeping their website up-to-date, and coming up with fun and innovative ways to support kids. Land also noted that Brownwood ISD Food Service/Southwest Food Excellence (SFE), continues to go above and beyond preparing and distributing meals.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

BISD Superintendent, Dr. Joe Young expressed a similar sentiment to Mrs. Land with regards to the BISD staff and the great job they have done through the COVID-19 response. The Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, has extended the disaster declaration for the State of Texas, which Dr. Young noted was different than the school closure orders, which had not yet officially changed. Dr. Young added that the Governor would send out details pertaining to schools at a later time. Teleconference meetings continue with Region 15 superintendents sharing ideas on how to best address certain situations. One topic of discussion is how to handle grading during this time. A grading policy has been drafted and sent to school administrators for review and revisions. It will be available soon for the Board to review and consider for approval. Dr. Young emphasized that the district would not be punishing students for the time they are not in school, and that the grading policy takes into account the impact on GPA and class rank. Texas Education Commissioner, Mike Morath has also made it very clear that for a student to receive credit for a course they must do some kind of work and it is up to the teacher and local district BOARD REPORT BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING April 13, 2020 to determine if it is enough. If a student does not complete any work, and no successful contact has been made throughout the time of off-campus instruction, that would be the rare case where credit could not be given.

DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Quarterly Financial Report: Information provided included the Quarterly Financial Report as of March 31, 2020.

CONSIDER RESOLUTION REGARDING DELEGATION TO SUPERINTENDENT FOR WAIVERS

Waivers of instructional minutes, teacher and administrative appraisals, and others may be required as the closure continues. Timely filing of waivers is necessary. Trustee Jones made a motion to approve the resolution delegating authority to the Superintendent to apply for waivers during the COVID closure. Trustee Evans seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

CONSENT AGENDA

The following items were listed for consideration on the Consent Agenda.
1. Minutes from March 16, 2020 Board Meeting
2. Minutes from March 16, 2020 Emergency Meeting
Trustee Evans moved that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented, with Trustee Thompson seconding the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The board moved into executive session at 6:48 p.m. to discuss a Level III Parent Grievance (in closed session at the request of the parent/guardian) and personnel matters. They returned to open session at 7:33 p.m. LEVEL III PARENT GRIEVANCE Board President, Michael Cloy asked for any motion with regards to the grievance. Hearing no motion, the matter was concluded.

CONSIDER APPROVAL OF TEACHER TERM AND PROBATIONARY CONTRACTS FOR 2020-2021

Trustee Jacobs made a motion to approve the Term and Probationary Contracts for teachers to be employed during the 2020-2021 school year, as presented. Trustee Evans seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The following announcements were made for upcoming events:
· The Superintendent of the Year will be announced at the upcoming State Convention (Dr. Young has been nominated.)
· Next Regular Meeting – May 11, 2020
· Summer Leadership Institute – San Antonio, TX – June 17-20, 2020

The meeting adjourned at 7:37 pm.