The Brownwood ISD (BISD) Board of Trustees met for a regular session meeting this Monday at 6:30 p.m.
The session was called to order by Board President, Michael Cloy. Pastor Jay Fraze from First United Methodist Church (FUMC) gave the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by East Elementary 3rd grade students, Jaidyn Hope, Macie Smith, Adrian Ramos-Skrhak, and Jonathan Ramos-Skrhak. Under the direction of music teacher, Jennifer Gwathmey, East Elementary 3rd grade students performed, “Forever Free” in honor of Veterans Day.
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. November 2018 honorees were Brownwood High School (BHS) English teacher, Estella Soto, and Brownwood ISD Instructional Technologist, Elizabeth Gilmore. Spotlight honorees are pictured below with BISD Trustee, Codie Smith.
Kasidee Harvey:
Woodland Heights Elementary student, Kasidee Harvey, competed in the Miss Sweetheart Special Needs Pageant in Austin. She received the Miss Petite Preteen Sweetheart Award and was recognized for Casual Wear, Photogenic, and Portfolio awards. Kasidee is pictured below with BISD Trustee, Diane Thompson and Woodland Heights Elementary Principal, Jenny Swanzy.
Brownwood Rotary Club:
Brownwood Rotary Club was recognized for their annual contributions to Brownwood ISD students. Each year the organization gives every 3rd grade student in the county a dictionary, awards several scholarships to seniors, and sponsors 2-3 high school students to RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) Sr. Leadership Camp. Northwest Elementary Students, Rebecca Evetts, Aerin Gardener, and Alena Bernal presented thank-you letters to the Rotary Club for the dictionaries. Pictured below are Brownwood Rotary Club Treasurer, Mike Blagg, along with the Northwest Elementary students and BISD Trustee, Tim Jacobs.
Brownwood Fire Department:
October was Fire Prevention Month, and Brownwood Fire Department (BFD) made several fire safety presentations to students at various campuses. Pre-k and elementary students were able to view some of the gear firefighters use, ask questions, and get a close-up look at a fire truck. In addition, the BFD has partnered with the district to provide old retired fire hoses to be re-purposed for classroom safety. Pictured below are Brownwood Fire Marshall, Buddy Preston along with BFD Chief, Eddie Wood and BISD Trustee, Eric Evans.
INSTRUCTIONAL FOCUS
Brownwood ISD Superintendent, Dr. Joe Young cited improved enrollment in new career technology classes at Brownwood Middle School (BMS) and Brownwood High School (BHS). At BMS over 420 students are now enrolled in career technology courses, up from 137 in 2016.
Courses offered include Audio Visual I & II, Pitsco, Robotics, Teen Leadership and Intro to Theatre. At BHS many career technology courses have been added since 2016. New courses include, Computer Science, Principles of Manufacturing, Welding, Principles of Audio/Video, Audio/Video Production, Audio Production II, Photography and Commercial Photography. A total of 176 students are enrolled in these courses at BHS this year, up from 38 last year.
STUDENT PRESENTATION – BHS AG TEAM
BHS Ag Teacher, Cade Wilson introduced one of six Agricultural Issues teams that have advanced to the Area Contest. BHS students, Tanner Roberts, Emily Chapa, Trinitee Skelton, Austin Haynes, Rylah Morgan, Hunter Day, and Aubrey Kirk performed their presentation regarding the locally relevant topic of wind farms.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Young provided a financial report, spotlight award summary, and information pertaining to the next board meeting.
DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS
ADMINISTRATION OF THE OATH OF OFFICE TO RE-ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS
Board members Michael Cloy (Place One), Roderick Jones, Sr. (Place Three), Codie Smith (Place Five), Dr. Lisa Fowler (Place 6), and Tim Jacobs (Place 7) ran unopposed for the November 6, 2018 election. Michael Cloy, Board President certified their re-election, effective November 12, 2018 per state election law. Board member Roderick Jones, Sr. was not present at the meeting, but is scheduled to take the oath at a later date.
REORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD (ELECTION OF OFFICERS)
At the first meeting after each election and qualification of Board members, the members of the Board shall organize by selecting a president, secretary, and other officers and committees as the Board may deem necessary. A motion was made by Trustee Eric Evans to keep board members in their current offices for another term. The motion was seconded by Trustee Tim Jacobs and was unanimously approved. Michael Cloy will remain Board President, Roderick Jones, Sr. as Vice President, Dr. Lisa Fowler as Secretary, and Tim Jacobs as Parliamentarian.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Technology Report: A technology report was provided to the board that gave an overview of the technology within Brownwood ISD as well as an update on technology projects that are taking place in the district. Dr. Young noted that the Technology Department, led by Mark Stanley, has received positive reviews on departmental satisfaction surveys and continues to provide great service for the many devices throughout the district including laptops, desktops,
ActivBoards, iPads, and security technology.
Gifted & Talented Report: The Gifted & Talented program provided a report that included the
number of students in the program at each grade level and campus, as well as other data, initiatives, and goals for the program. It was noted that the Gifted and Talented Showcase is scheduled for February 25, 2019.
School Safety Report: A list of security measures that have been added on each BISD campus was provided. The list noted technology updates and installations including security cameras, Raptor Visitor Management Systems, door access controls, as well as the new Student Resource Officer (SRO) recently hired for Brownwood Middle School and expansion of the Watch D.O.G.S. program.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were listed for consideration on the Consent Agenda.
- Appointment of members to Brown County Appraisal District
- Fundraiser Approval
- Minutes of the October 15, 2018 Board Meeting
Trustee Jacobs moved that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented, with Trustee Dr. Fowler seconding the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The following announcements were made for upcoming events:
- Thanksgiving Break – November 19-23, 2018
- Next Regular Meeting – December 10, 2018
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The board moved into executive session at 7:25 p.m. to discuss personnel. They returned to open session at 8:42 p.m. No additional action was needed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
