Brownwood News – The Brownwood ISD (BISD) Board of Trustees met for a regular session meeting on Monday, August 12, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. The session was called to order by BISD Board President Michael Cloy. Trustee Tim Jacobs gave the invocation.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Superintendent Dr. Joe Young presented a report highlighting the new teachers to Brownwood ISD and noted the years of experience that each will be bringing to the district.  Dr. Young provided the Quarterly Investment Report and concluded by thanking board members for attending the 2019-2020 BISD Convocation.

.
DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
Assessment, District and Campus Improvement Plan Reports:  Dr. Young presented the Assessment, District and Campus Improvement Plan Reports. Dr. Young highlighted some of the campus improvements completed over the summer including new carpet in the Coggin Intermediate School auditorium and the Woodland Heights Elementary library, fresh parking lot striping, and the creation of a new Pre-K playground at Woodland Heights Elementary.

Quarterly Financial Report: Dr. Young provided the Quarterly Financial Report for review.

Staff Handbook: Board members were provided with copies of the 2019-20 Staff and Student Handbooks. No major changes were noted.

Athletic Report: BISD Athletic Director Sammy Burnett presented a report regarding the accomplishments of BISD athletic programs during the 2018-19 school year. Coach Burnett noted that all sports programs made playoff appearances and the report detailed the records and awards achieved for each sport during the previous year.

FIRST READING: TASB-INITIATED POLICY UPDATE 113:
Dr. Young presented Policy 113 Update as promulgated by the Texas Association of School Boards. These updates match procedures that are currently in use by the board but provide clarifying language in particular codes. As noted in the Board Book, Update 113 focuses on updating (LEGAL) policies affected by changes in administrative rules and commissioner of education rulings. This update was presented as a first reading only, with no action on the item scheduled until next month.

CONSIDER APPROVAL OF DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT PLAN:
Dr. Young presented a plan that incorporates all six of the yearly BISD goals, with objectives and strategies outlined for each. Heidi Garder, BISD Director of Special Programs, further explained the process of developing the District Improvement Plan and noted the many individuals within the district and the community that provide input for the plan. Trustee Eric Evans motioned that the District Improvement Plan be approved as presented, with Trustee Dr. Lisa Fowler seconding the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

CONSIDER APPROVAL OF STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT:
The Student Code of Conduct for the 2019-20 year was provided and Deputy Superintendent, Liesa Land noted a few the changes to the plan including new updates regarding threat assessments, prohibitive aversive techniques, and out-of-school suspensions. This is an annual approval required by the state, and the Texas Association of School Boards provides the updated document each year, insuring that it complies with all laws on student discipline. Trustee Evans motioned that the Student Code of Conduct be approved as presented, and Trustee Jones seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

CONSIDER APPROVAL OF PROPOSED TAX RATE FOR PUBLIC NOTICE:
Based on the proposed budget for the 2018-19 school year, Dr. Young recommended a tax rate of $0.97 for Maintenance and Operations and $0.1551 for Interest and Sinking for public notice. This tax rate reflects a decrease of $0.07 in Maintenance and Operations and $0.01 in Interest and Sinking for the 2019 –2020 school budget year. The overall tax rate proposed is $1.1251, down 8 cents from the previous year’s rate. Trustee Jacobs motioned that the proposed tax rate be approved as presented for public notice, with Trustee Jones seconding the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

CONSIDER APPROVAL OF DESIGNATING AUGUST 29, 2019, AS THE DATE TO APPROVE THE 2019-20 BUDGET AND TAX RATE:
The date of August 29, 2019, was presented for approval as the date to approve the 2019-2020 BISD budget and tax rate. Trustee Jacobs motioned to approve the date as presented, with Trustee Smith seconding the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

CONSIDER APPROVAL OF PUBLIC FUNDS INVESTMENT POLICY RESOLUTION:
Dr. Young presented a resolution regarding the Public Funds Investment Policy. Said resolution contained no changes from last year’s policy. Trustee Evans motioned that the policy be approved as presented, with Trustee Jones seconding the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

CONSIDER APPROVAL OF PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURANCE FOR 2019-2020:
Dr. Young presented quotes received for property/casualty insurance for 2019-2020. Trustee Evans made a motion to approve the quote from USI, under the Property Casualty Alliance of Texas inter-local agreement, in the amount of $256,181, to provide BISD with
Property/Casualty insurance for 2019-2020. Trustee Jones seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.

CONSIDER APPROVAL OF DISTRICT AUDITOR FOR 2019-2020:
Dr. Young presented information regarding options for District Auditor after completion of the RFQ (request for quote) process. The recommendation was made to approve Eide Bailly as the district auditor based on the RFQ evaluation worksheet. Trustee Jacobs motioned to approve Eide Bailly as the district auditor/accounting firm for the annual audit for fiscal year 2019, with the opportunity to extend this agreement for another four years. Trustee Dr. Fowler seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.

CONSIDER APPROVAL OF DISTRICT OF INNOVATION TEACHER CERTIFICATION:
Dr. Young presented certifications to be approved under the District of Innovation (DOI) plan. Certifications for Heather Nix (Commercial Photography 1 & 2), Allison Smith (Lifetime Nutrition and Wellness), Valarie Scull (Health Sciences), Nadir Dalleh (Human Growth and Development), and Ben Cox (Technology Applications) were recommended after the district conducted the proper procedure for a search of a certified teacher for these courses. Trustee Evans motioned to approve the DOI Certifications as presented, with Trustee Dr. Fowler seconding the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.