Board Brief - 12.16.24
A quorum of the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD Board of Trustees met for a Regular Board Meeting on December 16, 2024, at 6:30 PM at Austin Elementary. The following items were presented, discussed, acted upon, or approved.
3. Recognitions
Strategy III, Result 1: Showcase students and staff throughout the District.
3.A. Recognize Pecos High School Seniors on track to earn an Associates Degree
Congratulations to the 43 PHS Seniors who are on track to receive their Associate from Odessa College in the Spring. These students make up 25% of the Class of 2025! View the presentation here.
5. Approval of Consent Agenda Items
Items approved 5-0
5.A. Minutes - Regular Board Meeting November 18, 2024
View Minutes here.
5.B. Financial Budget Update
5.C. Approve the Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Audit
The board shall have its district fiscal accounts audited annually at district expense by a certified or public accountant holding a permit from the State Board of Public Accountancy. The audit must be completed following the close of each fiscal year. This year’s audit DOES NOT have any audit findings. This is the fourth consecutive year the district has received a finding-free audit.
Read more here.
5.E. Adopt a resolution that the Texas Legislature compel the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and the Texas Education Agency to provide a total outlay by the Foundation School Program to achieve wealth equalization throughout all the Independent School Districts of Texas
This resolution is to compel the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide a total outlay of the Foundation School Program, also known as "Recapture". Recapture is a financial mechanism in Texas that requires wealthier school districts to share some of their property tax revenue with the state. The state then redistributes these funds to poorer districts to help balance the state budget and ensure a more equitable distribution of resources. Despite the requirement to do so, neither the state nor TEA shares information about where the recaptured money goes. TEA collects more than it redistributes to poorer districts, and these funds are the largest frustration for school districts that pay recapture.
5.F. Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD and Reeves Regional Health for Behavioral Health Services
Mental health issues in PBTISD are challenging due to limited access to resources, mental health professionals, and support systems. To address these issues, PBTISD relies on school counselors, telehealth services, mental health apps, and local community partnerships. This MOU would allow PBTISD to refer students needing Behavioral Health Services to Reeves Regional Health for support.
5.G. Approve Spring 2025 Staff Attendance Incentive Stipend
The 2025 Spring 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 the midpoint/median for all staff, with a floor of $1,500. Teachers can expect $2,700 (4% of average teacher salary).
5.H. Approve Agreement Amendment No. 1 with Saragosa Del Sol Energy, LLC (1658)
Saragosa Del Sol Energy, LLC submitted a request to amend its Chapter 313 agreement. The Saragosa Del Sol Energy, LLC project is a solar-powered electric generating facility located in the reinvestment zone and project boundary within PBTISD and Reeves County. The district received the original Chapter 313 value limitation agreement from Saragosa Del Sol Energy in September 2021.
What is a "Chapter 313 Agreement"?: The 2001 Legislature's Texas Economic Development Act, often called "Chapter 313" for its position in the Texas Tax Code, allows public school districts to offer tax incentives for businesses that invest in their communities.
Consent Agenda Items Pulled for Discussion
5.D. Approve changes to Board Policies
The Board approved 4-1 to keep policies DGBA and FNG as is and to accept proposed changes to DFBB.
- DFBB (LOCAL) - Term Contracts: Nonrenewal
- DGBA (LOCAL) - Personnel-Management Relations: Employee Complaints/Grievances
- FNG (LOCAL) - Student Rights and Responsibilities: Student and Parent Complaints/Grievances
6. Action Items
6.A. Approve the 2025-2026 Instructional Calendar
Approved 5-0
Over 620 PBTISD stakeholders submitted survey responses to select a 2025-2026 Instructional Calendar. The Board of Trustees approved "Calendar B," the 4-Day Week, as the new calendar format for PBTISD. PBTISD recognizes this shift's challenges and opportunities and is committed to supporting families and staff throughout the transition. An FAQ will be published on the website for stakeholders.
6.B. Consider and possible action to approve a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the Administration building
Approved 5-0
Work continues across the school district as we look to replace or significantly revamp every facility by 2028. The new Administration Building will house eight departments and feature a new Board Room, multi-purpose rooms, and administrative offices. It will remain located at 1301 S Eddy. This project is being funded using Capital Funds and is not part of the 2023 Bond.
View the presentation here.
6.C. Consider and possible action to approve Student Outcome Goal Progress Measure 3.1 (College Readiness)
Approved 5-0
Student Outcome Goal 3: The percentage of graduates that meet the criteria for CCMR will increase from 66% to 81% by August 2027. (Class of 2024 Goal = 75% / Class of 2025 Goal= 78%)
- Goal Progress Measure 3.1: The percentage of graduates that meet the threshold for CCMR as College Ready will increase from 34% to 49% by August 2026. (Class of 2024 Goal = 43% / Class of 2025 Goal = 46%)
View the presentation here.
6.D. Consider and possible action to approve Superintendent Constraints Progress Measure 3B
Approved 5-0
Superintendent Constraint #3 - The Superintendent shall not allow irresponsible financial practices.
- Constraint Progress Measure 3b - The yearly FIRST report and rating will remain at a superior rating from October 23 to October 2025
6.E. Consider and possible action to report compliance or non-compliance of Board Constraint 1
Approved 5-0
Board Constraint #1 - The board shall not publicly criticize any decision made by the school board or administration
7. Executive Session
7:31 PM
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)
- 7.A. Discuss Personnel Matters
- 7.B. Discuss recommendation for the Athletic Director position
8. Reconvene to Open Session
8:14 PM
- 8.A. Consider and possible action to hire an Athletic Director (Approved 5-0) - The Board approved Mike Peters as the new Athletic Director. Read more here.
Adjournment
The Board adjourned at 8:15 PM on December 16, 2024.
Future Meeting Dates:
- Regular Meeting - January 21, 2025 at Austin Elementary
This newsletter aligns with Strategy III: We will broaden and strengthen partnerships with staff, families, and communities through transparency and effective communication.