Brownwood News – The Brownwood ISD (BISD) Board of Trustees met for a regular session meeting on Monday, May 13, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. The session was called to order by BISD Board President Michael Cloy. The invocation was given by Landry Blackstock, BISD Director of Special Populations and Pastor of Christ Chapel. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Woodland Heights Elementary 2nd Grade students, Jaycee Morton and Kaydence Martin. The BHS A Cappella Choir performed the South African greeting song, “Hlohonolofatsa” under the direction of choir teacher, Jennifer Reeves.
INSTRUCTIONAL FOCUS
BISD Deputy Superintendent, Liesa Land presented the Instructional Focus update, which included a comparison of Reading and Math STAAR testing results for students who were in 4th grade last year to 5th grade this year, and 7th grade last year to 8th grade this year. Land noted the percentage increases for each of these classes in the Approaches (passing), Meets (grade level), and Masters (above grade level) STAAR result categories. These increases are a result of the district’s continued effort to pull from the top and get students to Meets and Masters levels.
RECOGNITIONS
The following groups and individuals were recognized by BISD and were presented with certificates highlighting their achievements.
Brownwood High School (BHS) A Cappella Choir:
Members of the BHS A Cappella Choir were recognized for receiving the 2018-2019 District 7-AAAA Sweepstakes Award in UIL Concert & Sight Reading. Pictured below are choir members with BHS Choir teacher, Jennifer Reeves and BISD Trustee, Tim Jacobs.
TxDOT’s Public Service Announcement Contest Winner:
BHS student Tim Crawford was recognized for being selected as one of two winners in a PSA contest to warn peers about drinking, drugs, and distracted driving. A $1500 check is presented to the winning high school’s Project Graduation party. Pictured below are Lisa Tipton and Tim Crawford along with BISD Trustee, Tim Jacobs.
BHS One-Act Play:
Cast Members of the BHS One-Act play “A Streetcar Named Desire” were recognized for their accomplishments as 2018-19 District, Bi-District, and Area Champions and Regional Qualifiers. Pictured below are cast members with BHS Theatre teacher, Shannon Lee and BISD Trustee, Eric Evans.
BHS One-Act Play – UIL Theatrical Design:
BHS students who competed in UIL Theatrical Design were recognized for their accomplishments as State Qualifiers and winners. Pictured below are the UIL Theatrical Design competitors with BHS Theatre teacher, Shannon Lee and BISD Trustee, Eric Evans.
BHS UIL Regional Academics:
BHS students who competed in UIL Regional Academics were recognized for their accomplishments. Pictured below are students Alyssa Salazar and Hunter Trowbridge along with sponsors, Shannon Lee and Brittany Martin and BISD Trustee, Eric Evans.
Principal Changes:
The following new principals were introduced: Jeanette Lancaster (Woodland Heights Elementary, 5 years with BISD), Stacy Loftin (Coggin Intermediate School, 5 years with BISD), and DeeDee Wright (East Elementary, 9 Years as Elementary Principal at Goldthwaite ISD). The following principals have announced their retirement and were recognized for their service to Brownwood ISD. Coggin Intermediate Principal, Todd Lewis (14 years at BISD), East Elementary Principal, Nanda Wilbourn (16 years at BISD), and Woodland Heights Elementary Principal, Jenny Swanzy (9 years at BISD). Pictured below (left) are the new principals along with BISD Trustee, Diane Thompson. Pictured below (right) are BISD Trustee, Diane Thompson, Todd Lewis and Jenny Swanzy.
Brownwood Middle School (BMS) UIL Choir Solo & Ensemble Contest:
BMS Choir students were recognized for their Superior rating at the UIL Choir & Solo Contest. Pictured below are BMS Choir members along with BISD Trustee, Codie Smith.
BHS Band:
BHS Band students were recognized for receiving the 2018-19 Region 7-AAAA Sweepstakes Award. Pictured below are BHS Band Students joined by Band teachers, Leslie and David Lambert, and BISD Trustee, Codie Smith.
BMS Band:
BMS Band students were recognized for receiving the 2018-19 Region 7-AAAA Sweepstakes Award. Pictured below are BMS Band Students joined by Band teachers, Leslie and David Lambert, and BISD Trustee, Codie Smith.
Sonic Drive-In:
Keely Hall along with Tom and Kathy Hall were recognized for outstanding and continuing support of BISD through a variety of donations including supplies for teacher appreciation drink carts. Pictured below are BISD Trustee, Codie Smith and Keely Hall.
BMS Career Portals Teacher Selected as OnCourse Leader Fellow:
Ren Yantis, BMS Career Portals teacher, was recognized for being selected as one of 24 Texas OnCourse Leader Fellows. OnCourse is a state-wide college and career readiness initiative that helps students plan for success after high school. Pictured below are BISD Trustee, Codie Smith and Ren Yantis.
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. May 2019 honorees were Coggin Intermediate School 5th grade Math teacher, Tracy Philbrick, and Woodland Heights Elementary teaching assistant, Renaee Aleman. Pictured below are Spotlight honoree, Tracy Philbrick with BISD Trustee, Codie Smith and Spotlight honoree, Renaee Aleman with BISD Trustee, Diane Thompson.
BMS Art:
BMS Art students Emma Carroll and Cecilia Rodriguez were recognized for awards earned at the 2018-19 Junior Visual Art Scholastic Event. Pictured Below are Emma Carroll and Cecilia Rodriguez along with BISD Trustee, Diane Thompson and BMS Art teacher, Julie Mize.
BHS HOSA (Future Health Professionals) – President Elect of Texas:
BHS Health Science teacher and HOSA sponsor, Annalyn Deen, was recognized for being selected as the 2019-2020 HOSA President Elect of Texas. Pictured below are BISD Trustee, Diane Thompson and Annalyn Deen.
BHS Health Science Above & Beyond Service:
BHS Heath Science teacher and HOSA sponsor, Ann Tew has announced her departure as she is moving out of state. She was recognized for Above and Beyond Service for the creation and development of the BHS Health Sciences program and HOSA chapter. Pictured below are BISD Trustee, Dr. Lisa Fowler and Ann Tew.
BHS HOSA Student Honors:
Members of the BHS HOSA team were recognized for their achievements at the State and National level. Pictured below are BHS HOSA State and National Qualifiers Emily Chapa, Laurel Glass, Sierra Fleet, James Bautista, and Tanner Scull along with BISD Trustee, Dr. Lisa Fowler and BHS Health Science teacher and HOSA sponsor, Annalyn Deen.
BMS HOSA Student Honors:
Members of the BMS HOSA team were recognized for their achievements at the State Leadership Conference. Pictured below are BMS HOSA State Competitors along with BISD Trustee, Dr. Lisa Fowler and BMS teacher and HOSA sponsor, Kristi Sharpe.
Superintendent’s Student Advisory Cabinet:
Members of the 2018-19 Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council were recognized for their participation and input during monthly meetings with superintendents. Pictured below are Student Advisory Council members along with BISD Trustee, Tim Jacobs.
BMS 8th Grade Boys Track Team:
Members of the BMS 8th Grade Boys Track team were recognized for their achievement as the 2018-19 District 7-AAAA Champions. Pictured below are BISD Trustee, Tim Jacobs along with BMS Boys Track coach, Dakota Chandler and BMS 8th Grade Boys Track Team members, Tyse Savage and Luke Gray.
BMS 7th & 8th Grade Girls Track Teams:
Members of the BMS 7th and 8th Grade Girls Track teams were recognized for their achievement as the 2018-19 District 7-AAAA Champions. Pictured below are BISD Trustee, Tim Jacobs along with BMS Girls Track coach, Kendi Skelton and BMS Girls Track Team members, Talia Clifton, Jayme Cottle, Jadie Sudderth and Taylor Pinckney.
BHS Varsity Boys Track Team:
Members of the BHS Varsity Boys Track team were recognized for their achievements as the 2018-19 District 7-AAAA Champions and Area competitors. Individual recognitions for Regional, and State Qualifiers and Winners were also presented. Pictured below are BISD Trustee, Tim Jacobs along with BHS Boys Track coach, Brett Mouser and BHS Varsity Boys Track Team members, Tommy Bowden, Braden Jetton, and Michael Felts.
BHS Varsity Girls Track Team:
Members of the BHS Varsity Girls Track team were recognized for their achievements as the 2018-19 District and Area 7-AAAA Champions and Regional competitors. Individual recognitions for the State Qualifiers and Winners were also presented. Pictured below are BISD Trustee, Dr. Lisa Fowler along with BHS Varsity Girls Track Team members, Alex Fowler, Trinity Buitron, Kenya Barnes, Aleyia Cotton, and Alyssa Couey.
BHS Boys Soccer:
Members of the BHS Boys Soccer team were recognized for their individual achievements during the 2018-19 season. Pictured below are BISD Trustee, Dr. Lisa Fowler along with BHS Boys Soccer Team members and BHS Soccer Coach, Scott Swanzy.
BHS Girls Soccer Team:
Members of the BHS Girls Soccer team were recognized for their achievements as the 2019 Bi-District Champions. Pictured below are BISD Trustee, Dr. Lisa Fowler along with BHS Girls Soccer Team members and BHS Girls Soccer Coach, Andrew Stevenson.
BHS Boys & Girls Spring Tennis Team:
Members of the BHS Boys and Girls Spring Tennis team were recognized for their achievements as the 2018-19 District 7-AAAA Champions and Regional Qualifiers. Pictured below are BISD Trustee, Eric Evans along with BHS Boys and Girls Tennis Team members and BHS Tennis Coach, Crystal Blazek.
Woodland Heights Elementary 2nd Grade Science Fair Winners:
Winners of the 2018-19 2nd Grade Science Fair at Woodland Heights Elementary were recognized. Pictured below are BISD Trustee, Eric Evans along with Woodland Heights Elementary Principal, Jenny Swanzy and 3rd Place Science Fair Winner, Kaydence Martin.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
BISD Superintendent, Dr. Joe Young stated that STAAR testing and retesting was going on this week and noted that he was proud of teachers and students as they work through the process. A staffing report was provided containing the latest retirements, resignations, and new hires within the district. Dr. Young detailed the years of experience held by each of the new hires and noted that the district has done a good job recruiting for those positions. A reminder regarding the upcoming SLI Conference in Ft. Worth, June 19-22 was also provided.
DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Special Education Report: BISD Director of Special Populations, Landry Blackstock, provided a report that included the Vision and Mission of the Special Education Department as well as current special educations (SPED) teachers and staff data by campus. The report contained information regarding the professional services offered and student data including the current number of students eligible for services. It was noted that at the time the report was written 388 students were eligible, and a week later the number had increased to 398. Highlights from the report included a new SPED LifeSkills transition program at BHS for students 18 and older (placements include CARR, United Supermarkets, and Good Samaritan ministries), the formation of a mental health advisory team, and the expansion of internship and work-site options for the 18+ transition program.
2019-2020 TEACHER SALARY RECOMMENDATIONS
Dr. Young presented information on proposed salary increases for BISD teachers for the 2019-20 fiscal year. He noted that the district would prefer to set the best raise possible for teachers that could be provided without relying on current legislative efforts which could supply additional funding for raises depending on what version of the law is passed. Following a discussion of budget impacts and salary increase scenarios, a motion was made by BISD Trustee, Eric Evans to approve a guarantee that returning teachers to BISD will receive at least $1378.00 more in salary in 2019-2020, as compared to their 2018-2019 salary and BISD will continue to fully fund employee-only TRS-ActiveCare 1-HD insurance. BISD Trustee, Roderick Jones seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF DEAB (LOCAL) POLICY UPDATE
Details of the update were presented last month as an information item. DEAB (LOCAL) defines the workweek for BISD employees. It currently starts on Saturday and ends on Friday. The desired change is to begin on Monday and end on Sunday. This change puts the weekend at the end of the pay week and not the beginning allowing employees who miss during the week to makeup those hours in the same work week without penalty. At this time, hours are not easily made up or approved because it would trigger overtime for the following week. This does not impact employee hours, pay, or overtime rates. BISD Trustee Jacobs made a motion to approve the DEAB (Local) Policy Update as presented. Trustee Thompson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF DISTRICT OF INNOVATION HEALTH SCIENCE TEACHER FOR 2019-2020
Through District of Innovation (DOI) BISD has the flexibility to hire noncertified personnel to teach in specialized trades and vocational areas, such as welding, health science, architecture, business, technology, and construction. Having this flexibility gives BISD the opportunity to meet our students’ academic needs. This DOI teacher certification is for Valarie Scull, RN in the area of Health Science: Grades 6-12. A motion was made by Trustee Evans to approve the DOI Health Science teacher and certification as presented. Trustee Jones seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were listed for consideration on the Consent Agenda.
1. Budgeted Computer Purchase
2. Minutes from April 8, 2019 Board Meeting
Trustee Thompson moved that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented, with Trustee Dr. Fowler seconding the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The board moved into executive session at 7:50 p.m. to discuss personnel matters. They returned to open session at 9:00 p.m.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The following announcements were made for upcoming events:
- • Baccalaureate – May 19, 2019 at 2:30 p.m.- CABC
- • BHS Academic Awards – May 20, 2019, 6:00 p.m. – BHS Auditorium
- • Academic Signing Day – May 23, 2019, Warren Gym, 12-1:30 p.m.
- • Memorial Day Holiday – May 27, 2019
- • Early Release: May 30, 2019
- • Staff Development – May 31, 2019
- • End-of-Year Staff Awards – May 31, 2019, 1:00 p.m.
- • Graduation – May 31, 2019 – 7:00 p.m.
- • Summer Hours – June 3, 2019 – August 2, 2019
- • Next Regular Meeting – August 12, 2019
- • SLI Conference, Ft. Worth – June 19-22, 2019
The meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
