Board Brief - 07.15.24
A quorum of the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD Board of Trustees met for a Regular Board Meeting on July 15, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the PBTISD Board Room. The following items were presented, discussed, acted upon or approved.
Recognitions
Strategy III, Result 1: Showcase students and staff throughout the District.
Students (4th -8th grade) with the most growth on the STAAR test
Zavala Elementary
4th and 5th Grade
Crockett MS
6th, 7th, and 8th Grade
Reports
Property Value Study Overview
Presenter: Matthew Tepper
Understanding property values from a historical and forward-looking perspective allows district administration and trustees to plan strategically and more effectively to support the district's and student's needs. View the report here.
2021 and 2023 Bond and Capital Projects Report
Presenters: Tim Gilbert, Director of Bond and Capital Projects
The report will provide the Board with a comprehensive overview of the current status of the 2021 & 2023 bond and capital projects across the district. View the report here.
Approval of Consent Agenda Items
Items approved 7-0
Minutes - Regular Board Meeting June 17, 2024
View Minutes here.
Financial Budget Update
The monthly financial update consisted of a Schedule of Appropriations and expenditures.
Purchases exceeding $50,000
Approve TASB Update 123 and additional local policy updates
- BBD(LOCAL): BOARD MEMBERS - TRAINING AND ORIENTATION
- BBFA(LOCAL): ETHICS - CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURES
- CCGB(LOCAL): AD VALOREM TAXES - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
- CKC(LOCAL): SAFETY PROGRAM/RISK MANAGEMENT - EMERGENCY PLANS
- CKEA(LOCAL): SECURITY PERSONNEL - COMMISSIONED PEACE OFFICERS
- CQC(LOCAL): TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES - EQUIPMENT
- DCE(LOCAL): EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES - OTHER TYPES OF CONTRACTS
- DGBA(LOCAL): PERSONNEL-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS - EMPLOYEE COMPLAINTS/GRIEVANCES
- EEH(LOCAL): INSTRUCTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION
- EF(LOCAL): INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES
- EFA(LOCAL): INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES - INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
- EFB(LOCAL): INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES - LIBRARY MATERIALS
- EIC(LOCAL): ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT - CLASS RANKING
- FNG(LOCAL): STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES - STUDENT AND PARENT COMPLAINTS/GRIEVANCES
- GF(LOCAL): PUBLIC COMPLAINTS
Acknowledge TASB Update 123 of Legal Board Policies
The administration reviewed the LEGAL policies included in this agenda item. Administrative Regulations and Board Policy Exhibits were presented for review and acknowledgment by the Board.
Set August 26, 2024, to discuss the 2024-2025 Budget and Proposed Tax Rate
The first step in adopting the budget is for the board to set a meeting date to discuss the 2024-2025 budget and proposed tax rate. The meeting is set for August 26, 2024, at 6:30 pm in the PBTISD Board meeting located at 1301 S. Eddy St., Pecos, TX, to discuss the 2024 - 2025 budget and proposed tax rate.
Change the August Regular Board Meeting from August 19 to August 26
With the pending adoption of the 2024-2025 budget and the setting of the tax rate, the administration needs additional time to finalize these two important items. Moving the meeting negates the need for 3 Board meetings in the month of August.
Approve Resolution for the Tax Collection Agreement with Reeves County Appraisal District and Additional Proportional One-Quarter Payment for tax year 2024
In June 2024, Gary Zeitler, the new Chief Appraiser for Reeves County Appraisal District, requested the PBTISD Board to consider a resolution that authorizes one extra quarter proportional payment for the tax year 2024. With the approval of the PBTISD Board, the proposed contract, as written, will remain in permanent status. This allows consistency in the collection agreement even with any future PBTISD or Reeves County Appraisal District board and administrative changes.
Delegate contractual authority to obligate the school district under TEC 11.1511(C)(4) to the superintendent, solely for the purpose of obligating the district under TEC 48.257 and TEC Chapter 49, Subchapters A and D, and the rules adopted by the commissioner of education as authorized under TEC 49.006 for the 2024-2025 school year - Option 3 Agreement for the Purchase of Attendance Credits
TEA requires districts with excess entitlements to submit how they would like to pay their recapture annually. As established in the TEC, §48.269, determinations for districts subject to recapture are based on estimates of enrollment for the school year 2024–2025 and estimated property values for the tax year 2024. Districts must wait until the agency approves both the district's intent and the agency’s determination of the district’s maximum compression rate (MCR) before proceeding with adopting the tax rate.
Approve T-TESS Appraisers and Teacher Appraisal Calendar
Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) is the appraisal system for classroom teachers. A district must establish a calendar for teacher appraisals and provide that calendar to teachers within three weeks of the first day of instruction. Each teacher's appraisal period includes all of the days of the teacher’s contract. Observations during the appraisal period must be conducted during the required days of instruction for students during one school year.
Approve Fall 2024 Staff Attendance Incentive Stipend
The 2024 Fall Attendance Incentive Stipend is intended to encourage employees from taking excessive days off during the school year. The Staff Attendance Incentive Stipend is 4% from midpoint/median for all staff, with a floor of $1,500. Teachers can expect $2,700 (4% of average teacher salary).
Approve Early Release Day on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, for District UIL Elementary Meet
In June, Zavala Elementary was asked to host the District Elementary Academic UIL Meet on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 20, 2024. Adding a half-day release to the Instructional Calendar will allow Zavala Elementary to host the District UIL Meet. This will create fewer logistical concerns for families with students at Zavala and other PBTISD campuses.
Approve the 2024-2025 Student Code of Conduct
The 2024-2025 Student Code of Conduct (SCOC) has been developed in accordance with state laws and District Policy. There are no significant changes to this year’s Student Code of Conduct compared to last year. View the Student Code of Conduct here.
Acknowledge the 2024-2025 Student Handbook
Each student is expected to respect the rights and privileges of other students, teachers, and District staff. All teachers, administrators, and other District personnel are expected to respect the rights and privileges of students. The student handbook contains information on curriculum, grading, extracurricular activities, and other topics students and parents will likely need during the school year. View the Student Hanbook here.
Acknowledge 2024-2025 Employee Handbook
The 2024-2025 Employee Handbook has been updated using the TASB Model Handbook based on
changes in the law. View the Employee Handbook here.
Action Items
Consider and possible action to approve a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for Pecos High School Package 3a (Academic Wing)
Approved 7-0
The design and development of the new Pecos High School Academic Building began in June 2023. Package 3a covers all other aspects of the construction needed for the new Pecos High School Academic Building.
Consider and possible action to approve a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for Pecos High School Package 3b (Athletics Wing)
Approved 7-0
The design and development of the new athletic facilities and Natatorium began in June 2023. Package 3b covers all other aspects of the construction needed for the new PHS athletic facilities and Natatorium.
View the presentation for Package 3a and 3b here.
Consider and possible action to approve Student Outcome Goal Progress Measures 1 (Early Childhood Literacy) and 2 (Early Childhood Numeracy)
Approved 7-0
- Student Outcome Goal 1: The percentage of 3rd-grade students who score meets grade level or above on STAAR Reading will increase from 32% to 52% by August 2027. (2024 Goal = 40%)
- Student Outcome Goal 2: The percentage of 3rd-grade students who score meets grade level or above on STAAR Math will increase from 28% to 43% by August 2027. (2024 Goal = 34%)
Consider and possible action to approve Superintendent Constraints
Approved 7-0
Superintendent Constraint #4 -The Superintendent shall not allow adult conveniences to take
preference over students’ academic progress.
- 4A (Campus leaders will engage in PowerWalks/Instructional Coaching with teachers, increasing from an average of less than 1 per core teacher in May 2023 to 2 per core teacher in May 2025)
- 4B (The administration will work with campus leadership to effectively implement Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) from a Pre-Initiation State to a Sustaining Stage at a minimum of two campuses from June 2023 to May 2025)
Consider and possible action to approve Board Constraint 4
Approved 7-0
Board Constraint #4: The board shall not make decisions impacting student outcomes without being well-trained, informed, and prepared.
Consider and possible action to approve the Lone Star Governance Quarterly Tracker for April, May, and June
Approved 7-0
The Board adopted a resolution in Spring 2022 to implement the TEA Lone Star Governance (LSG) model. The intention of LSG is to provide a continuous improvement model for governing teams - school boards in collaboration with the superintendent - focusing on one primary objective: improving student outcomes. The LSG Quarterly Progress Tracker is a tool used by school boards to self-evaluate their level of implementation and commitment to the principles of the LSG model.
Executive Session
7:22 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION may be called for the purposes permitted by the Texas Open Meeting Act, Texas Government Code Section 551.001 through 551.146, Section 551.071 Consultation with Attorney, Section 551.072 Real Property, 551.074 Personnel Matters (Appointment, Employment, Evaluation, Reassignment, Duties, Discipline, Dismissal, Complaint)
- Personnel Issues
- Consultation with Attorney
Reconvene to Open Session
Adjournment
The Board adjourned at 8:22 p.m. on July 15, 2024.
Future Meeting Dates:
- Special Meeting - August 8, 2024
- Regular Meeting - August 26, 2024
This newsletter is in line with Strategy III: We will broaden and strengthen partnerships with staff, families, and communities through transparency and effective communication.