PfISD Administration Report

The Bohls Bronco Builders club, featuring six students and three Bohls Middle School teachers, is tackling an exciting project: building a sustainable Minecraft biome inspired by Pflugerville’s local environment. Powered by AI technology and aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals, this innovative project showcases the students’ creativity and problem-solving skills.

With insights from a Pflugerville Parks and Recreation representative and mentorship from a STEM expert at CDW Corporation, the team is bringing their vision to life. The project wraps up in January, and the Bohls Bronco Builders are proving that gaming can drive learning and sustainability!

The Pflugerville ISD (PfISD) library system is a cornerstone of educational support, with 33 campus libraries staffed by certified librarians or library education assistants. These libraries serve as hubs for literacy, research, and creativity, aligning their programs and resources with state standards to enhance student engagement and educational outcomes. This year, the district has prioritized professional development, hosting multiple training sessions and supporting staff attendance at state conferences, ensuring the continuous growth of all district library personnel.

PfISD libraries offer dynamic programming, including makerspace activities, reading challenges, author visits, and book clubs, fostering a love for reading and innovation. The introduction of the Beanstack program has been a highlight, encouraging students to log reading minutes and earn badges.

Circulation has grown significantly, with over 280,000 physical books and 63,000 digital books checked out since August. Additionally, our PfISD students set an ambitious goal of 2,000,000 reading minutes for the 2024-2025 school year. At the mid-year check-in, they have already surpassed this milestone, with an impressive 2,253,500 minutes read and logged on Beanstack to date!These efforts underline the libraries' commitment to meeting diverse needs and promoting literacy.

The public is invited to explore the complete PfISD Annual Library Report for more details on the achievements and future plans of our library system.

In accordance with Texas Education Code (TEC) §29.081, Pflugerville ISD is required to provide accelerated instruction to students who do not achieve satisfactory performance on End-of-Course (EOC) assessments. The district must also annually evaluate the effectiveness of these programs and share the results in a public forum.

During this public hearing, the Director of Curriculum will present a comprehensive overview of the structure and outcomes of the district's EOC Accelerated Instruction programs. These programs are designed to provide targeted, no-cost support to high school students, helping them succeed in areas where they previously struggled on state-mandated assessments.

This hearing is for informational purposes only, and no board action is required.

In accordance with Texas Education Code §39.053, Pflugerville ISD is required to publish an annual performance report that includes the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR), campus performance objectives, a report of violent or criminal incidents, and postsecondary readiness information provided by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

As part of this requirement, the district will conduct a public hearing to present the 2022-2023 TAPR to the Board of Trustees and the community. During the hearing, the Executive Director of Accountability & Compliance will provide an overview of the report and address any questions from board members.

Following this hearing, the district will widely publish the annual report, including making it available on the district website and other public platforms, to ensure accessibility and transparency.

This public hearing is for informational purposes only, and no board action is required.

The Multilingual Department, in conjunction with its International Welcome Center (PfIWC), continues its mission of supporting Pflugerville ISD's diverse student population by engaging multilingual families in impactful educational initiatives and fostering early childhood development. One notable effort this year is the Refugee School Impact (RSI) Early Educational Group, which serves Spanish, Dari, Arabic, and Pashto-speaking families, focusing on early learning and community integration.

• Engaging Families in Early Childhood Education:
  The Spanish-speaking Early RSI Group has engaged 9 families with 9 preschool-aged children, while the Dari, Arabic, and Pashto-speaking Early Childhood Education Group includes 10 families and 15 preschool-aged children. These groups have convened for three meetings so far, participating in activities designed to foster literacy, technology use, and educational readiness. Highlights include:

• Library tours in Spanish and Dari, and participation in library activities.

• Securing library cards from Pflugerville Public Library or Austin Public Library.

• Circle time with stories and songs in English and native languages.

• Accessing free educational apps via iPads provided for home use.

• Reviewing early education milestones to track and support developmental progress.
  
  

• December 16 Activities:
  Both groups participated in additional enriching experiences, including:

• Learning how to utilize the CapMetro PickUp Service for enhanced mobility.

• Visiting the Little Walnut Creek Library.

• Receiving an Austin Enhanced Library Card, which also serves as a photo ID.

Language support in Spanish, Dari, and Arabic will be provided by RSI staff, with Pashto support facilitated through Propio Language Services. These initiatives demonstrate the department's dedication to empowering families and ensuring students from multilingual backgrounds have a strong foundation for academic success at an early age.

The Pflugerville ISD Curriculum & Instruction Department continues to advance its mission of supporting educators and enhancing student learning through professional development, mentorship, and data-driven instructional practices.

• Leveraging Technology for Professional Learning:
  Since the introduction of the KickUp Learning platform, PfISD staff have created an impressive 1,008 professional learning events as of November 15, 2024. These opportunities have garnered 20,739 individual attendance confirmations, underscoring the district's commitment to ongoing professional growth.

• Instructional Coaching and Walkthroughs:
  The new KickUp Foundations platform is enhancing data collection and analysis to improve instructional practices. As of November 15, 2024, Curriculum Leaders have conducted 253 classroom walkthroughs, while District Instructional Coaches have completed 930 coaching visits with teachers. These efforts reflect the district's focus on providing targeted support to educators to improve student outcomes.Professional Growth and Development:
  The district is fostering curriculum leadership through participation in targeted training opportunities. In November, 25 Curriculum Leaders successfully completed the CMAT Level 1 Training, equipping them with foundational skills in curriculum development and analysis. Looking ahead, 33 Curriculum Leaders are scheduled to attend the Curriculum Writing Workshop in May, further strengthening the district’s capacity to deliver high-quality instructional materials.

• Mentorship and Collaborative Learning:
  The Advanced Mentoring Academy: Better Conversations Book Study is set to launch in December, with 41 mentor teachers already committed to participating. This initiative emphasizes the importance of fostering meaningful dialogue to build stronger relationships and improve teaching practices across the district.

The Curriculum & Instruction Department remains dedicated to fostering excellence in teaching and learning by investing in leadership, mentorship, and innovative platforms that enhance professional practices. These highlights demonstrate the collective efforts of staff to ensure academic success for all students.

The Special Education Department has been collaborating with Emergent Tree Education, a Texas-based organization specializing in holistic behavior management frameworks designed by teachers for teachers. Emergent Tree focuses on transforming classrooms into thriving communities by imparting social-emotional-behavioral intelligence, aiming to change behavior rather than merely managing it

Recent Tier 3 coaching rounds with Emergent Tree across five PfISD elementary, middle, and high school campuses have shown promising progress throughout the district, including:

• Students in specialized settings transitioning to less restrictive environments through targeted behavior data systems.

• Improvements in classroom routines and integration of new staff into behavior teams.

• Stabilization of student behavior, creating more manageable environments for staff and students.

• Consistent implementation of data collection systems, including individualized student pathways.

• Expansion of electronic data collection methods, staff responsibilities, and solutions to scheduling challenges.

Looking ahead, the department is focusing on several innovations and next steps:

• Progress Monitoring: Refining individualized behavior scales to align with IEP goals for accurate, actionable data.

• Check-In/Check-Out Systems: Piloting and expanding these systems to enhance student accountability and self-reflection.

• Staff Training: Continuing professional development, including the HEART of BEHAVIOR course, to build capacity for consistent intervention practices.

These collaborative efforts are establishing effective systems to support students with significant behavioral needs while equipping staff with the tools necessary to sustain and scale these practices.

Pflugerville ISD is committed to creating an academic calendar that reflects the diverse needs of our students, families, and staff. As we plan for the 2025-2026 school year, we invite our students, families, and staff to play an active role in shaping a calendar that supports high-quality instruction, respects family schedules, and honors important holidays while prioritizing professional development for our educators.

The proposed calendar options were thoughtfully crafted by the District Academic Advisory Council (DAAC), a collaborative group of parents, staff, and community members dedicated to ensuring the academic calendar aligns with our district's goals and values. Their work aims to balance instructional time, teacher planning needs, and the unique dynamics of our community.

This year, the DAAC has developed two calendar options for your consideration: Draft 1 and Draft 2. To help you make an informed choice, we have also included a Side-by-Side Comparison of the two drafts.

• Draft 1

• Draft 2

• Side-by-Side Comparison

We encourage you to review the drafts and share your thoughts. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us finalize a calendar that works for everyone.

How to Provide Feedback:
After reviewing the options, please take a moment to complete our survey and make your voice heard. The survey will remain open until January 16, 2025, ensuring ample time for community input.

Complete the Survey Here

We look forward to hearing from you and thank you for partnering with us in this important decision-making process.

Together, we can create a calendar that supports academic success and strengthens our community.

The First Quarter Investment Report for the fiscal year of 2024-25 is attached. As part of the Public Funds Investment Act (PFIA), quarterly and annual investment reports shall be provided to the school board for approval.

Reporting Period: September 1, 2024 - November 30, 2024

Portfolio Overview:

• Liquidity: 98.9% of the portfolio is composed of assets in government pools and the bank, ensuring high liquidity.

• Yield & Maturity: Investments yielded an interest rate of 4.49% with an average maturity of 3 days.

• Diversification: Market conditions led to reduced diversification, favoring liquidity in short-term investment pools. Long-term opportunities are under evaluation.

Financial Performance:

• Investment Income: The district realized $5.5 million in investment income.

• Portfolio Values:

• Beginning value: $484.3 million

• Ending value: $445.0 million

• The decrease in the portfolio value reflects the use of prior tax revenues for district operating expenses, consistent with the financial cycle.

The administration recommends the Board approve the quarterly investment report as outlined.

At the end of each fiscal year, school districts are required by law to conduct an independent audit of their financial statements. Pflugerville ISD has engaged with an external auditing firm, Whitley Penn, LLP. The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, highlights the district's financial condition and activities. While the information presented below is not official until Board approval, it provides a snapshot of the audit findings and district’s financial performance.

Audit Results

• Unmodified (clean) opinion on financial statements and federal awards.

• No material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, material noncompliance, or questioned costs identified.

• PfISD qualifies as a low-risk auditee for federal programs.

• Financial statements comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

• Audit conducted per Generally Accepted Auditing Standards and Government Auditing Standards.

Financial Overview

• Cash and Other Resources

• Assets: $1,253.9 million

• Deferred Outflows of Resources: $60.5 million

• Outstanding Obligations

• Liabilities: $1,022.0 million

• Deferred Inflows of Resources: $72.0 million

• Total Net Worth

• Net Position: $220.5 million

General Fund Performance

• The district added $3.04 million to its fund balance as revenues exceeded expenditures.

• Ending Fund Balance: $73.5 million, providing nearly three months of operating expenditures, exceeding the Board policy requirement of 2-3 months.

• The Fast Growth/Pandemic Support Fund stands at $7.0 million, with an additional $2 million contributed this year.

This report reflects PfISD’s strong financial health, effective management practices, and compliance with all required auditing and financial reporting standards.

The administration recommends the Board approve the 2023-24 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report as outlined.

In compliance with District policy CH(Local), any single, budgeted purchase of goods or services costing $50,000 or more requires Board approval before a transaction may take place. The following items are presented for consideration:

1. Medical/Rx Stop Loss Coverage

• Purpose: Provide coverage for claims exceeding $350,000, acting as a financial safety net against catastrophic losses.

• Cost: $17,099.

• Funding Source: Health Insurance Fund

• Vendor: VOYA

• Rationale: At the December Board meeting, $1,295,522 was approved for the cost of stop loss coverage based on projected participation. However, an increase in health insurance enrollment from 2,576 to 2,610 employees resulted in an additional cost of $17,099, bringing the total to $1,312,621. The rate remains unchanged at $41.91 per employee per month (PEPM).

The administration recommends the Board approve these purchases as outlined.

General Fund

The general fund revenue received in December was $90.3 million, bringing the year-to-date total to 46% of the budgeted $289 million. This represents an 12% increase in revenue compared to the same period last year. The majority of this revenue is derived from tax collections and state aid, which continue to provide a stable foundation for our financial outlook.

On the expenditure side, December spending totaled $24 million, with year-to date expenditures reaching 32% of the total budgeted $297.5 million. This percentage is consistent with spending trends during the same period last year, demonstrating effective fiscal oversight.

Pflugerville ISD and Aramark continue to partner in creating opportunities to serve four meals per day at many PfISD campuses, with complimentary breakfast being offered district-wide. Our seven Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) campuses continue to thrive, offering meals to all enrolled students free of charge at these campuses.

In an effort to feed breakfast to our students, the district has worked through USDA and TDA partners, as well as many PfISD campuses, to offer second chance breakfasts to students who arrive at school beyond the tardy bell. This daily offering ensures that students begin the day with a nutritious meal and are ready to learn. There has been an increase of an estimated 350 breakfasts per day with this innovative solution.

PfISD/ Aramark Junior Chef Competition (Chef Stephanie’s Junior Chef Recipe Contest!)

This December, Chef Stephanie is launching the annual Pflugerville ISD/Aramark Junior Chef Recipe Contest, inviting students to submit their favorite recipes along with a photo of themselves preparing the dish. The contest concludes with the PfISD Junior Chef Finalist competition, where celebrity judges select a winner from the top three recipes.

On December 7th, PfISD Human Resources and PfISD Transportation proudly partnered to participate in the Pflugerville Holiday Parade.

This event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the pride and spirit of Pflugerville ISD while engaging with our community. Parade viewers not only enjoyed the festive display but also had the chance to learn about exciting employment opportunities available right here in their backyard!

We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect with our community and highlight the many ways to be part of the PfISD family.

Since the 2016-2017 school year, Pflugerville ISD has utilized the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) to appraise teachers. Annually, Board policy DNA (Legal) states that T-TESS appraisers must be annually approved by the Board of Trustees. Educational Service Center Region XIII and other service centers throughout the state provide training for our campus administrators. Administrators must complete the T-TESS appraisal training and Advance Educational Leadership (AEL) to be considered trained to appraise teachers. Starting in September and continuing throughout the fall as administrators complete their training, PfISD Human Resources will provide a monthly list of administrators recently eligible to appraise teachers for PfISD Trustees to consider.

On December 19th, Pflugerville ISD proudly celebrated our Guest Educators (classroom substitutes) in recognition of their invaluable contributions to our schools.

This special occasion was an opportunity to express our gratitude for their hard work and dedication, as well as to gather valuable feedback regarding their experiences with HR and within our district.

Our Guest Educators were warmly welcomed with cake and punch, and door prizes were also provided as a token of our appreciation.

Pflugerville ISD deeply values the contributions of our Guest Educators, who are the unsung heroes in our classrooms. When teachers are unexpectedly out, it is our Guest Educators who step in to ensure that classroom learning continues seamlessly.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of our Guest Educators for their commitment and service to our students and schools.

We are excited to announce that our next Guest Educator Orientation will take place on February 19, 2025.

Please note that the January 2025 orientation has reached maximum capacity. As we begin the spring semester, it is essential to maintain a strong pool of Guest Educators to support our classrooms and ensure uninterrupted learning for our students.

If you are interested in becoming a Guest Educator, we encourage you to attend this brief orientation session, which lasts less than two hours.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful impact in Pflugerville ISD classrooms. We look forward to seeing you there!

• When: January 22, 2025

• Where: The Rock Gym

• Why Apply?

• Monday-Friday schedule with weekends off

• Starting hourly rate: $17.00 - $20.00 (no experience required)

• Opportunity to work closely with students in a professional setting

If you’re passionate about education and looking for a stable, rewarding career, this could be an excellent opportunity!

As we prepare for a full modernization of Connally High School (CHS), our teams took an opportunity to update the entryway of the campus. During the 2024 Winter Break, maintenance crews and contractors removed a significant amount of debris and outdated landscaping in favor of a more modern xeriscape design. The new design provides for both an updated and aesthetically pleasing look that promotes a welcoming environment to all visitors while reducing the need for water and maintenance of the area.

As part of the 2022 Bond, PfISD Technology Services is set to continue the upgrade and replacement of audio/visual classroom projectors. Given the quantity of replacements across elementary campuses, these projector replacements will be divided into two phases. By doing so, there will be minimal disruption to instruction and provides for vendor products and services to be readily available. To prepare for the first phase of this project, a request for proposal (RFP) was released, encouraging vendors to bid on hardware and services for the replacement of projectors across the following 10 elementary campuses:

Teacher Housing

The latest survey results for the Teacher Housing initiative have been reviewed and a copy of the results have been provided to the City of Pflugerville staff. Initial review of the survey results indicate increased need for housing from our teaching staff as compared to the 2023 survey. We have also received some new renderings from Page Architects and will continue to provide feedback regarding the design. We are currently working with the City of Pflugerville on understanding the process for requesting a Planned Utility Development (PUD) to aid in the construction of future teacher housing with adjustments to current zoning requirements.

We are preparing a comprehensive overview of the project during the February 2023 Board Workshop.

The Custodial Services Department continues to strive through new leadership endeavors. We believe these improvements have helped the department sustain over 90-95% staffing in recent months. Prior to 2024, the Custodial Services vacancy rate reached as high 15-20% on average throughout the year. For the past year our custodial staff have seen a number of improvements in training and support as noted in a few examples below:

Campus inspections
Supervisors are now conducting quarterly inspections with a uniform inspection form. This gives custodial leads and team members an understanding of expectations and uniform goals to meet at each campus/location.

Custodial Training Manual
A hard copy of the Buckeye Custodial Training Program has now been provided to all Lead custodians for reference when training new custodians.

Leadership Development and Empowerment
Monthly Lead meetings with emphasis on communication, expectations, best practices tips and focus on training areas of need are conducted with all lead custodians. Information on upcoming campus construction projects is also discussed.

Autonomous Scrubbers and Vacuums
Robotic and self driving cleaning units are now fully activated at Weiss High School. Now that all programming and testing is completed these units will be deployed at Pflugerville, Connally, and Hendrickson High Schools by February 2025.

PHS Principal Receives Distinguished Education Honoree Award
Mr. Jon Bailey, principal of Pflugerville High School, was honored with the Distinguished Education Honoree Award by the Gamma Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the Austin Alpha Foundation.

Alpha Phi Alpha is the oldest intercollegiate historically African American fraternity, founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University. The Gamma Eta Lambda Chapter serves the Austin area, supported by the Austin Alpha Foundation (AAF), a non-profit organization established in 1983. The AAF focuses on addressing issues affecting African American residents in Austin through public service initiatives funded by tax-deductible contributions.

In December, the fraternity hosted its inaugural event to recognize distinguished leaders who excel in their respective fields. Fraternity members recommended nominees, who were rigorously vetted and selected based on their contributions to the community.

Mr. Bailey was nominated by a parent and student who commended his unwavering dedication to education, both as a principal and as a mentor. They highlighted his extraordinary efforts to support their family and his commitment to fostering success for countless other students.

The fraternity expressed its gratitude for Mr. Bailey’s tireless dedication to education and his lasting impact on the lives of students. His recognition reflects the positive influence educators can have on the communities they serve.

Recognizing Outstanding Donors Supporting Student Lunch Debt
Like many Texas school districts, Pflugerville ISD faces the challenge of closing out each year with a negative student lunch balance. By federal law, these outstanding balances must be covered by the district’s General Fund, which also supports critical expenses such as staff salaries and student programs.

Two extraordinary donors have stepped forward to help alleviate this financial burden:

• Pfood Pfairness: Donated $30,000 to support student lunch debt.

• Assistance League of Austin: Contributed $20,000 to help cover outstanding balances.

These generous contributions ensure that more General Fund dollars remain focused on enriching educational opportunities and supporting staff while also addressing a critical need for students and their families.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Pfood Pfairness and the Assistance League of Austin for their impactful donations. Their generosity exemplifies the power of community partnerships in creating positive change for our district and its students. Together, we can continue to build a supportive and inclusive environment where all students can thrive.

The Strategic Planning Visioning Task Force has continued its diligent efforts, meeting three additional times over the past two months to refine its vision and recommendations.

• December 4: The task force reviewed the findings from the November data dive, focusing on critical concerns and corresponding district strengths. The group explored "Thought Exchange Themes" and began drafting foundational "Findings" and "Directions." Discussions emphasized key themes such as student belonging, safety, and staff development. Participants collaborated to consolidate big ideas into actionable insights​.

• December 16: The session included a presentation by Eric Sheninger, focusing on innovative approaches to education. Insights from this session were captured in a shared "Insight Collector" document. Reflection activities prompted participants to consider how fostering a positive school culture and community impacts students​.

• January 8: The group revisited previous findings and directions, emphasizing "Student Belonging and Safety" and "Preparing Every Student for Success." Small groups worked on drafting new findings and corresponding directions, incorporating key themes such as future readiness, technology integration, and social-emotional learning. Participants began developing frameworks to shape the "Profile of a Graduate" document​.

January 14 and January 21: At the upcoming Jan. 14 and Jan. 21 meetings, the task force will finalize its "Findings and Directions" and complete the "Profile of a Graduate." These sessions will culminate in a comprehensive presentation of the task force’s findings and recommendations to the Board of Trustees.

During the months of November and December, the Communications Department executed a series of strategic marketing initiatives designed to strengthen community engagement, drive student enrollment, and support teacher recruitment efforts. By leveraging a mix of digital advertising, email campaigns, and creative content, the department successfully connected with key audiences both within the district and in neighboring areas such as Austin, Manor, Round Rock, and Hutto.

Google Ads: Driving Awareness and Engagement
One of the highlights of this period was the launch of targeted Google Ads campaigns. These ads were specifically designed to attract the attention of parents searching for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten options, as well as potential educator candidates. With a modest budget of $100, the campaign generated 1,832 impressions, 273 clicks, and 7 conversions, effectively raising awareness and generating interest in PfISD offerings.

Social Media Advertising: Extending Our Reach
Social media advertising also played a significant role during this time. A new series of ads was created to target education students attending college career fairs, encouraging them to visit PfISD’s HR booth. This effort, combined with broader social media outreach, yielded impressive results:

• In-district efforts achieved 276,819 impressions and 259 clicks with a $350 ad spend.

• Out-of-district efforts garnered 80,769 impressions and 65 clicks on a $100 budget.

These campaigns extended the district’s reach into neighboring communities, effectively positioning PfISD as a desirable option for education and employment.

Email Campaigns: Engaging Parents and Educators
Email marketing proved to be an effective tool for engaging both parents and prospective educators. Campaigns were carefully tailored to in-district and out-of-district audiences, achieving an impressive 42.9% open rate for both groups.

• In-district campaign: Reached 3,529 recipients, with 1,499 opens and 24 clicks.

• Out-of-district campaign: Connected with 1,105 recipients, generating 340 opens and 3 clicks.

The primary audience for both campaigns consisted of individuals aged 35-44, predominantly female. These insights will help refine future campaigns to better target and engage this key demographic.

Teacher Recruitment: Showcasing PfISD’s Culture
Teacher recruitment remained a priority during this period. The department reached out to over 150 soon-to-graduate education students who had not yet been hired. The outreach included engaging content, such as teacher testimonials shared via YouTube. These personal stories effectively highlighted PfISD’s supportive work culture, adding a human touch to the recruitment process and strengthening the district’s appeal to new educators.

With measurable successes across platforms and valuable data on audience engagement, PfISD is well-positioned to build on this momentum as we move into 2025. The department's strategic use of resources and creative approaches underscores its commitment to connecting with the community and fostering a thriving educational environment.

PfISD hosted its Second Annual Kindergarten and PreK Kickoff event for the 2025-2026 school year on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Timmerman Elementary School. The event aimed to provide incoming families with the tools and information needed to ensure a successful transition for their youngest learners.

Approximately 60 families attended, engaging with representatives from key district departments, including Gifted & Talented, Special Education, Nutrition Services, Multilingual Services, and Transportation programs. Parents and guardians learned about the district's curriculum and enrollment processes, while children enjoyed hands-on activities such as boarding a school bus, navigating a cafeteria line, and participating in games organized by Extended Day Program staff.

To support ongoing preparation for school readiness, families were provided with access to an online Kindergarten Readiness Checklist. This resource helps parents assess their child’s readiness and set goals for a smooth transition into the classroom and can e found on the district’s website: https://www.pfisd.net/programs/prekkindergarten/kindergarten

The event highlights the district’s commitment to fostering strong family engagement and creating a welcoming environment for new students and their families.

The Finance Committee, chaired by Trustee Chevonne Lorigo-Johst with members Kelly Daniel and Renae Mitchell, convened on Tuesday, January 7. The meeting started with a review of the 2023-2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. Lupe Garcia with Whitley Penn, a full-service public accounting firm, presented the Financial Statement Audit and Federal Single Audit that concluded with an Unmodified (Clean Opinion) in all categories, including Financial Statements, Internal Control and Compliance, and the Federal Single Audit Report.

The 2024 Balance Sheet, using an accrual basis, showed Total Assets and Deferred Outflows of $1,314.5 million, Total Liabilities and Deferred Inflows of $1,094.0 million, with a Net Position of $220.5 million. The Teacher Retirement System of Texas’ proportionate share of the Net Pension Liability (NPL) to the district rose to $95.1 million while the proportionate share of the Net OPEB (Other Post-Employment Benefits) Liability (NOL) reduced to $41.3 million. The General Fund Revenue for Fiscal Year 2024 totaled $280.8 million. Total Expenditures came in at $277.3 million with a similar distribution in expenditures to the previous year. Actual revenues were $5.9 million less than budgeted while actual expenditures were $10.1 million less than budgeted. Other revenues and sources exceeded expenditures and other uses by $3 million increasing the fund balance by this amount. As of August 31, 2024 the fund balance totaled $73.6 million.

Thank you to Lupe Garcia and Whitley Penn for the comprehensive analysis and review of the audit and, as always, the impressive work by our award winning Finance Team.

The Committee then reviewed a proposal for Frontier Health. Frontier Health serves as a concierge directly negotiating cash payments with no out-of-pocket costs to employees and their dependents for primary care and specialists for ancillary services, outpatient procedures, and inpatient admissions. The cash-pay model is intended to simplify care while also resulting in cost savings to the district. There are also lab, diagnostic, and pharmaceutical benefits. Participation in the program is offered to all employees who are enrolled in a district-affiliated healthcare program. The district estimates a possible savings of 10.7% or $2.44 million net savings in the first year based on achieving 63% utilization. The proposal also offers to credit the difference, up to $1 million, should the first year not yield a minimum of 50% of the agreed upon projected savings. If projected savings over the 3-year contract is less than 50% of the agreed upon projected savings, Frontier will credit the difference, up to $5 million. The Committee asked some clarifying questions and encouraged staff and teacher feedback on the program as a potential benefit.

A brief overview of the current Negative Lunch Balance was also discussed. As of January 6, 2025 the negative balance was just under $6,000 despite the ongoing generosity and support from Pfood Pfairness as well as a $20,000 donation from The Assistance League of Austin. The district will need to review and strategize future lunch debt given without the generous support from multiple sources, the accrued lunch debt nearly reached the annual budgeted debt amount in just a single semester.

Lastly, we discussed a consent agenda item covering the First Quarter Investment Report for September through November. Thank you to all the Finance Committee members for their dedication in serving as financial stewards of our district.

On December 10, 2024, the Pflugerville Board of Trustees held a meeting in the Superintendent Conference Room. Attendees included Chevonne Lorigo-Johst, Vernagene Mott, Charlie Torres, and Jacob Woolston. The meeting agenda focused on reviewing committee processes, exploring board development tools, and strategizing future steps to improve Board operations and planning.

The discussion began with a review of the committee charge draft. The committee agreed on the current draft and emphasized the importance of obtaining feedback from outgoing committee members before their departure, followed by additional input from incoming members. This approach ensures a seamless transition and continuity in Board operations. The committee recommended that once finalized, all committee charges should be presented to the full Board for review and possible action, similar to the annual review of the Board Operating Procedures.

Attention then turned to RFQs and introductory proposals, with a particular focus on exploring potential resources from Region 13 and seeking additional feedback from other trustees in the area. This topic was deemed a priority, and the committee elevated it to an action item for further exploration and development.

During new business discussions, the committee revisited the December 5 Board Workshop to ensure all feedback from the full Board was incorporated into the planning process. This review was aimed at creating a well-informed and forward-looking path for Board development. The meeting also included an open discussion, where members shared candid reflections on the committee’s processes and offered suggestions for how to proceed effectively.

The committee identified several key action items to address. First, they confirmed the feasibility of gathering input on Board functions from the Cabinet and Superintendent during public meetings, with plans to draft targeted questions for presentation to the Cabinet. They also tested the anonymity of a Board Questionnaire on December 11, 2024, which proved successful, including a disclaimer to ensure respondents that no identifying information would be collected.

The committee also sought feedback from Region 13 Boards about additional development tools and resources and is in the process of gathering that information. Updates from TASB indicated that survey results could be returned within one week, and TASB representatives can present findings at no cost with advanced scheduling. The committee proposed using the March 6, 2025, Board Workshop as an opportunity to review the survey results, with the option of scheduling a special meeting if needed. However, TASB confirmed that its current survey format does not support customization or the addition of supplementary questionnaires.

This meeting underscored the Board's commitment to fostering effective governance and aligning its processes with long-term development goals. The committee will continue gathering feedback and exploring available resources to ensure thoughtful and strategic planning.

Consideration and Possible Approval of 2024-2025 Board Self Evaluation Instrument

The Pflugerville Board of Trustees will review and potentially approve a Board Self-Evaluation instrument, specifically the TASB Texas School Board Self-Assessment , along with feedback from the Board and district administration as part of the self-assessment process.

A Board self-evaluation is a structured process designed to assess the effectiveness, roles, and responsibilities of the Board in fulfilling its governance duties. It provides an opportunity for Trustees to reflect on their collective performance, identify strengths, and pinpoint areas for improvement. By engaging in this reflective practice, the Board can enhance its decision-making, accountability, and collaboration in support of the district's mission and goals.

Consideration and Possible Approval of a Resolution Regarding the Travis County Appraisal District Board Selection Process

The Travis County Appraisal District (TCAD) plays a significant role in determining property valuations and corresponding tax obligations for residents of Travis County. Recently, concerns have arisen due to the Northeast Travis County area lacking representation on the TCAD Board for the first time since at least the 1970s. This lack of representation raises issues of fairness and equity, as well as concerns about "taxation without representation." Ensuring that all parts of Travis County have meaningful participation in decisions related to property appraisals and taxation is essential for fostering trust and fairness in the system.

The Board of Trustees will discuss and consider adopting a resolution to:

1. Request the Governmental & Community Relations Committee (GCRC) to engage with state officials regarding the current TCAD Board selection process to ensure equitable representation for all regions of Travis County.

2. Encourage collaboration with other affected entities in advocating for a more inclusive TCAD Board selection process.

3. Distribute the resolution to state representatives and relevant stakeholders to inform and influence future legislative or administrative actions concerning TCAD Board representation.