Brownwood News – The Brownwood ISD (BISD) Board of Trustees met for a regular session meeting on Monday, March 18, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. The session was called to order by Board President, Michael Cloy. Tom Washburn, Pastor of Austin Avenue Church of Christ, gave the invocation. First grade students from Northwest Elementary led the Pledge of Allegiance and performed a selection of songs from their Spring program under the direction of music teacher, Mr. Dean Kiesling.
INSTRUCTIONAL FOCUS
Woodland Heights Elementary Principal, Jenny Swanzy presented the Instructional Focus update, providing results from 2018/2019 benchmarks and STAAR reports. Swanzy noted that the data indicates students are reaching similar levels earlier which should result in further improvement by the end of the year.
RECOGNITIONS
The following groups and individuals were recognized by BISD and were presented with certificates highlighting their achievements.
BISD Spotlight Teachers and Staff:
The Brownwood ISD Spotlight recognizes members of the BISD faculty and staff who go the extra mile to ensure excellence in education for all our students. Spotlight recipients are chosen from peer nominations. March 2019 honorees were East Elementary 1st Grade Teacher, Melinda Orlando, and East Elementary Licensed Vocational Nurse, Cassi Stewart. Spotlight honoree, Melinda Orlando is pictured with BISD Trustee, Dr. Lisa Fowler.
“40 Under 40” Publication – BISD Employee Featured
Head Start Teacher’s Aide, Miranda Soto, was recently featured in the Brownwood Bulletin’s “40 Under 40” publication. Ms. Soto is pictured below along with BISD Trustee, Eric Evans and BISD Special Programs Director, Heidi Gardner.
High School International Thespian Society – BHS National Qualifiers
Pictured below are Brownwood High School (BHS) National Qualifiers for the International Thespian Society along with BISD Trustee, Eric Evans and BHS Theatre Teacher, Shannon Lee.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
BISD Superintendent, Dr. Joe Young provided a staffing report containing the latest retirements, resignations, and new hires within the district. Information regarding budget, personnel, and details regarding the upcoming TASB Summer Leadership Institute (SLI) were also presented.
Dr. Young also noted the upcoming Brownwood Middle School (BMS) Electives Showcase which will be held March 21. The showcase is open to the public and will highlight student work and projects in BMS elective classes and organizations.
DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
BISD Community Relations Report: Dr. Young presented a summary of the upcoming and completed community relations projects as noted in the report provided by BISD Community Relations Coordinator, Charles Musgrove. The Public Relations Committee continues to meet and provide valuable input regarding district communications. Completed and/or ongoing projects include the roll out of a new badge/ID machine, weekly in-depth articles highlighting positive stories within the district, a transition to YouTube for video streaming, campus Facebook pages and homepage news modules for the website, as well as various graphic and video production projects. Upcoming projects include Athletics website changes, multiple design projects, the 2019 ROAR Back to School Guide, and a new summer guide publication containing summer camp schedules, events, summer school information, and more to be released prior to the end of the school year. The report also included a summary of website and social media statistics which indicate continued growth in all digital communications platforms.
BISD Technology Report: Dr. Young presented information regarding recent technology projects within the district provided by BISD Director of Technology, Mark Stanley. Noted projects included updated security within the district via RFID cards for door access control, teacher laptop replacement, classroom technology updates, professional development, and ongoing measures to prevent the increasing threat of email phishing and scams. Improvements to the district’s networking hardware and infrastructure over the last few years will allow it to handle upcoming increased internet bandwidth and speed improvements. Dr. Young praised the Technology Department for staying ahead and being prepared for rapidly improving technology as well as their ability to keep staff informed, educated, and up-to-date with the latest technology.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF ALTERNATIVE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS RESOLUTION
Under the resolution, Brownwood ISD may graduate and give a high school diploma under alternative requirements to individuals who entered the ninth grade before 2011-2012 and have met all applicable graduation requirements for the year they entered ninth grade, but have not performed satisfactorily on an assessment or part of an assessment instrument required for graduation. Previously, this was available only to those that entered the ninth grade after the 2011-2012 school year. BISD Trustee Evans made a motion to approve the Alternative Graduation Requirements Resolution as presented. Trustee Jones seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF TASB-INITIATED POLICY UPDATE 112
TASB Policy Update 112 focuses on updating (LEGAL) policies that were affected by changes in administrative rule and commissioner of education rulings. Several (LOCAL) policies have been updated as well to better align with these changes or for organization and restructuring purposes. This policy update was presented and discussed in the February Board meeting. BISD Trustee Jacobs made a motion to approve TASB-Initiated Policy Update 112 as presented. Trustee Dr. Fowler seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were listed for consideration on the Consent Agenda.
- School Nutrition Contract Renewal
- Instructional Materials Annual Certification
- Minutes from February 11, 2019 Board Meeting
Trustee Jacobs moved that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented, with Trustee Evans seconding the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The following announcements were made for upcoming events:
- Next Board Meeting – April 8, 2019
- Early Release Day – April 18, 2019
- Good Friday/Easter Holiday – April 19 & 22, 2019
- 2017 Summer Leadership Institute – Ft. Worth, TX – June 20-22, 2019
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The board moved into executive session at 7:13 p.m. to discuss personnel matters. They returned to open session at 8:18 p.m. No additional action was taken.
