September 16, 2024 Board Recap

The Board approved a change to the 2024-2025 school year calendar, specifically regarding the last day of school and graduation ceremonies.

The administration determined there are sufficient instructional minutes in the high school calendar to adjust the end of the school year. This change will allow the district to accommodate three graduation ceremonies by Friday, May 23, 2025, benefiting our graduating seniors, their families, and our high school faculty and staff.

Please note:

1. Last Day of School:

- High School Students: Thursday, May 22, 2025 (half day)

- No change for Pre-K, Elementary, and Middle School Students: Friday, May 23, 2025 (half day)

2. Graduation Ceremonies: Children's Health Stadium at Prosper ISD

- Prosper High School: Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM

- Rock Hill High School: Friday, May 23, 2025, at 9:00 AM

- Walnut Grove High School: Friday, May 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM

In case of weather-related delays, Saturday, May 24, 2025, has been designated as a makeup date. The times for potential makeup ceremonies will be determined if needed.

The district believes this adjustment will provide a smoother transition for graduating seniors and their families while maintaining high-quality instruction time for all students.

RESOLUTION

OF THE PROSPER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES

REGARDING THE VITAL ROLE OF EDUCATORS IN TEXAS

WHEREAS, Prosper Independent School District (ISD) prides itself on excellence in the arts, athletics, and academics, striving for excellence every day in every way;

WHEREAS, Prosper ISD is the fastest-growing district in North Texas, attracting families seeking exceptional educational opportunities;

WHEREAS, a general diffusion of knowledge is essential to the preservation of the liberties and rights of the people (Texas Constitution, Article 7, Section 1);

WHEREAS, educators contribute to the civic, cultural, and economic well-being of Texas by preparing future citizens, thereby safeguarding the liberties and rights of all the people;

WHEREAS, public school educators are critical in producing students who are career, military, and workforce-ready, which keeps the economy of Texas strong and maintains our country as the home of the free and the brave;

WHEREAS, educators are identified as the single most important factor impacting student outcomes (Governor's Teacher Vacancy Task Force Final Report, 2023);

WHEREAS, Prosper ISD is committed to recruiting and retaining the most innovative, creative, and committed educators;

WHEREAS, great educators are instrumental in creating great schools, which in turn foster great communities, making the retention and recruitment of educators paramount, not just for our students but also for the broader community;

WHEREAS, the Governor's Teacher Vacancy Task Force (2023) highlighted that salary increases have not kept pace with recent inflation rates, contributing to educators leaving the field;

WHEREAS, the Governor's Task Force recommended increasing the basic allotment to enable schools to offer substantial compensation and benefits to address retention and recruitment issues and

WHEREAS, despite entering its 88th Legislative Session with a historic $32.7 billion budget surplus, the state has failed to allocate sufficient funding to provide much-needed pay raises for educators, address skyrocketing inflation (more than 17%), address underfunded mandates, and update the basic allotment, which has remained unchanged since 2019. This is an urgent matter that requires immediate attention and action.

NOW, LET IT BE RESOLVED,

THAT the Prosper ISD Board of Trustees and Administration recognize and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our educators to not just our community but to the state of Texas and its citizens;

THAT the Prosper ISD Board of Trustees and Administration are committed to recruiting, supporting, and retaining our excellent educators and will continue to seek ways to reward and incentivize them, including increasing compensation and benefits. You can rest assured that we are dedicated to this cause.

THAT the Prosper ISD Board of Trustees and Administration strongly urge the Governor and Legislature to fulfill their constitutional duty to "make suitable provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools" (Texas Constitution, Article 7, Section 1);

As part of this bold action, the Governor and Legislature should support our hardworking educators by increasing the basic allotment to a level necessary to address pay disparities and offset inflation, ensuring significant increases in all educator salaries. Your support will profoundly impact the future of education in Prosper ISD and the state of Texas.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED

that the Prosper ISD Board of Trustees and Administration share a unified message on this issue:

Prosper ISD prides itself on being a district committed to excellence every day in every way. Therefore, the Board of Trustees of the Prosper Independent School District respectfully requests the Governor and Legislature to increase the basic funding allotment to provide much-needed pay raises for our educators to address inflationary cost pressures. This action will ensure that Prosper ISD can continue recruiting and retaining the most innovative, creative, and committed educators, addressing its uniqueness as the fastest-growing district in North Texas and maintaining its status as a leader in excellence in the arts, athletics, and academics. This investment in education will ensure that Texas Public Schools continue developing well-rounded citizens and creating a workforce that will keep Texas the top state for business and job growth and preserve our nation's status as the home of the free and the brave.

ADOPTED on the 16th day of September 2024 by the Prosper ISD Board of Trustees.

Prosper ISD is proud to announce the naming of its Maintenance Service Center in honor of Jerry Harpole, a dedicated employee who served the district for over two decades. The facility will now be known as the Jerry Harpole Service Center.

Jerry Harpole, a native of Chambersville, TX, spent most of his life in McKinney, TX, and became an integral part of the Prosper ISD community. Before joining the district, Harpole gained valuable experience in hospital maintenance and automotive body work.

During his tenure at Prosper ISD, which spanned more than 20 years, Harpole wore many hats. He was not only responsible for maintenance but also coached, worked concessions, assisted at every school event and drove a bus. For a significant period, he was the sole member of the maintenance department, showcasing his versatility and dedication to the district.

"Jerry Harpole exemplified the spirit of service and community that we value so highly in Prosper ISD," said Dr. Holly Ferguson, Superintendent of Prosper ISD. "Naming our Maintenance Service Center after him is a fitting tribute to his years of tireless work and commitment to our students and staff."

Prosper Independent School District is proud to announce a significant enhancement to its Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program, housed at Rock Hill High School. Effective August 12, 2024, the Department of the Army has approved the transition from the National Defense Cadet Corps (NDCC) program to the full U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program.

This upgrade marks a milestone in Prosper ISD's commitment to providing diverse and enriching educational opportunities for its students. The JROTC program, initially introduced in the 2022-2023 school year through generous donations from the Prosper Education Foundation (PEF), has been a valuable addition to the district's curriculum.

"We are thrilled to see our JROTC program evolve and receive this recognition from the Department of the Army," said Dr. Holly Ferguson, Superintendent of Prosper ISD. "This transition will open up even more opportunities for our students to develop leadership skills, civic responsibility, and personal growth."

The U.S. Army JROTC program has a long and proud tradition of service to the nation through the betterment of youth. As part of this program, Prosper ISD has committed to sharing costs and meeting program requirements.

The program is staffed by two distinguished retired U.S. Army personnel:

- First Sergeant Sedric Wade (Ret.) - Army Instructor (AI)

- Staff Sergeant Michael Songy (Ret.) - Senior Army Instructor (SAI)

These experienced instructors will teach a rigorous curriculum and supervise cadets in all their activities. The curriculum includes ethics, citizenship, communications, leadership, life skills, character education, and service learning, all designed to prepare young men and women to take their place in adult society.

Several students have already demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership within the program, including:

- Aubrey Beaird

- Finn Bates

- Brooklynn Spring

- Cohen Jones

- Izabelle Dearmon

These students, along with their peers, will benefit from the enhanced resources that come with the official Army JROTC designation, including Army-provided uniforms, equipment, and an accredited curriculum.

Prosper ISD extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Prosper Education Foundation for its continued support, which has been crucial in establishing and maintaining this valuable program. The district looks forward to the positive impact this upgraded JROTC program will have on its students and the broader community.

The National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) has named Margie Raper as the Broadcast Adviser of the Year, recognizing her outstanding contributions to high school journalism education and her exemplary work in nurturing the next generation of media professionals.

The Broadcast Adviser of the Year Award honors exceptional high school advisers for their remarkable work in the previous year and throughout their careers. Raper's selection for this prestigious award underscores her significant impact on journalism education and student media.

Raper, who has been advising publications since 2006, brought her wealth of experience as a professional journalist to the classroom. In August 2020, she founded the Rock Hill Media journalism program, quickly establishing it as a beacon of excellence in scholastic journalism.

Raper's influence extends beyond her own accolades. Under her guidance, her students have garnered numerous awards at both state and national levels, testament to the quality of education and mentorship they receive.

"I'm deeply honored by this recognition," said Raper. "My goal has always been to empower students with the skills and ethical foundation they need to become responsible, insightful journalists. This award reflects the hard work and dedication of my students as much as my own efforts."

Dr. Holly Ferguson added, "We're incredibly proud of Margie and the program she's built. Her commitment to journalistic excellence and to her students is truly inspiring. This award is well-deserved recognition of the positive impact she's had on our school and community."

9.C. Consideration and possible action regarding nominating a TASB delegate and alternate for the September 2024 TASA/TASB Delegate Assembly

9.D. Consideration and possible action on a resolution regarding the vital role of educators in Prosper ISD

9.E. Consideration and possible action on the Prosper Education Foundation Memorandum of Understanding with Prosper ISD

14.A. The Board approved hiring contract personnel.

The administration provided a report on Bond 2019 / 2023 construction projects.

The administration provided an enrollment update.

The Board approved the Consent Agenda as presented.

1. Approve the minutes of prior meeting August 26, 2024 (regular)
   
2. Consideration and possible action regarding General Services Bid
3. Consideration and possible action regarding Catalog Discount Bid
4. Consideration and possible action regarding members of School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)

There were no speakers in either agenda or non-agenda related items during public comment.

• September 19
  

• North Texas Giving Day

• October 11

• Professional Learning/Student Holiday

• October 14 & 15

• School Holiday

• October 21

• Regular PISD School Board Meeting at 7:00 pm

• October 22

• Jackson Elementary School Dedication at 6:00 pm

• October 23

• Jones Middle School Dedication at 6:00 pm

• Videos of Board meetings are posted within 7 days of the Board meeting.
• Board Meetings are also streamed live.
• Live Stream/Video Archive

Public Comment Form

The Prosper ISD Board of Trustees welcomes public comment at Board meetings. In order to provide an efficient process at the Board meetings, we ask that individuals complete the Public Comment Form and submit it no later than noon on the day of the meeting. The Notice of Meeting/Agenda is posted 72 hours in advance of the Board meeting.

From left, David Webb, Kelly Cavender, Garrett Linker, Tommy Van Wolfe, Vice President Dena Dixon, Secretary Jorden Dial, and President Bill Beavers.