PfISD Administrative Report
July 18, 2024
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Purpose
- Radical Transparency - unprecedented levels of accessibility to information
- Keeping Trustees and Stakeholders connected with the work of the Administration
- Staying cohesive from the Boardroom to the Classroom
- Keeping us open and learning, together!
- Continuous improvement in all that we do
The new Pflugerville ISD Administrative Report is a groundbreaking initiative designed to promote transparency and create an unprecedented level of accessibility to information. This report is strategically aligned with the district's mission and goals, ensuring that every stakeholder is informed about the administrative decisions, board meeting outcomes, and district-wide initiatives that impact the educational environment.
The report aims to align the district's strategic efforts seamlessly across all levels by bridging the gap between the boardroom and the classroom to support student success and community trust. It serves as a comprehensive resource for parents, students, teachers, and community members, reflecting Pflugerville ISD's commitment to open communication and collaborative governance. Through this initiative, the district seeks to support student success and foster a sense of community trust by keeping all parties well-informed and engaged in the educational process.
Academics
Optional Flexible School Day Program (OFSDP) Public Annual Report and Application for 2024-2025 School Year
The Optional Flexible School Day Program (OFSDP) allows schools to offer flexible hours and days for students who meet specific requirements, such as those who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out, those attending schools with innovative methods or early college high schools, and those who might lose credit due to attendance issues. The goal is to help these students graduate by providing adaptable schedules. The program started at PACE, the district’s alternative high school, in the 2023-2024 school year, and includes all main high schools and the Provan Opportunity Center to support students with temporary life or medical issues. Each year, the district must apply to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to continue the program, and the school board must discuss and approve it during a regular meeting. The application includes an implementation plan description, staff plans, schedules, and student attendance accounting and security procedures.
Travel Request: Hendrickson High School’s FFA is Bound for Nationals!
Student Code of Conduct
Board Policy FO(LEGAL) requires the Board of Trustees to adopt a Student Code of Conduct (SCOC) for the District. The final version of the proposed 2024-2025 SCOC was presented at the Board Workshop meeting on June 20, 2024. Here is the final version for review.
Summer School
We are currently helping over 1,800 students through our summer school programs. These programs offer both extra help for students who need it and advanced learning opportunities for those who want to get ahead. Our team provides these options both in-person and online, giving students flexibility in how they participate.
Our teachers are doing an excellent job with these programs. One great benefit of our summer school is that it helps the district develop future leaders. By giving new administrators and teachers the chance to lead summer school sessions, they can gain valuable leadership experience and improve their skills.
Here are the numbers of students enrolled in each of our summer school programs:
Over 350 students in Pre-K to 3rd grade
Over 300 students in Kindergarten to 5th grade
Over 250 students in middle school
Over 900 students in high school
Curriculum and Professional Learning
Our curriculum and instruction team is busy preparing for the return of 2,000 teachers this fall, focusing on two major projects. First, they are developing professional learning sessions for our staff, planning over 300 sessions for when everyone returns in August. Second, they are aligning our curriculum and assessments to ensure we are teaching at the right level of difficulty based on what the assessments expect. This alignment is crucial for effective teaching.
Additionally, our Science team, along with instructional coaches and teachers, is working on rewriting the Science curriculum. This update is necessary because the state of Texas has updated its Science TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills). These efforts will help ensure that our teachers are well-prepared and that our curriculum meets the latest standards and expectations.
Finance
June Financials and Tax Collections
General Fund
June marks the beginning of the final quarter of the 2023-2024 fiscal year. General fund revenue for June totaled $3.7 million, bringing the year-to-date revenue to 78% of the budgeted $284.3 million. This represents a 24% decrease compared to the same period last year, primarily due to the delayed timing of state aid payments.
Expenditures for June amounted to $21.1 million. Year-to-date, 76% of the overall budgeted expenditures of $285 million have been recognized. This is 1% less than last year’s percent realized.
Food Service
In June, the Food Service department generated $134,058, reaching 83% of the budgeted $17.5 million for the fiscal year. On the expenditure side, the department spent $426,729 in June, bringing the year-to-date total of 69% of the overall budgeted expenditures of $21.3 million.
Debt Service
As of June, the Debt Service Fund had received $137,356 in revenue, primarily from interest income. This represents a 6% decrease compared to the same period last year.
Tax Collections
Local Tax Collections as of June is 97.87% of the $277,350,389 taxes levied. This month, there were no new tax collections received due to tax refunds and adjustments processed by the county tax offices.
Bond Funds
2008 Bond: The remaining balance is $430,735, earmarked for technology projects.
2018 Bond: Approximately $16.1 million remains for general project use. This includes $3.7 million in unspent interest revenue and $871,940 from COVID reimbursements, which is allocated for technology projects.
2022 Bond: The remaining balance across all propositions is $307.1 million. To date, the 2022 Bond program has earned $25.8 million in interest revenue.
Approval of Third Quarter Investment Report
The third quarter investment report covers the period from March 1, 2024 to May 31, 2024. In accordance with the Public Funds Investment Act (PFIA), quarterly and annual investment reports shall be provided to the school board for approval.
The district’s portfolio remains highly liquid with 94.74% of assets in pools, money markets, and the bank. The investment assets yielded a return of 5.09%, with a weighted average maturity of 7 days for the quarter. While pool interest rates remain high, there has been a slight decrease in the yield rate since the last quarter.
During the quarter, PfISD realized $7.7 million in interest income. The ending book value of the portfolio was $562,098,906, reflecting a reduction of $53,392,889 from the last quarter, which is typical for this time of year due to the majority of tax collections being received in December and January to support expenses throughout the year.
Approval to Set the Date and Time for the Public Hearing to Discuss the 2024-25 Budget and Proposed Tax Rate
In compliance with the Education and Tax Code, the Board of Trustees is required to set a public meeting to allow taxpayers the opportunity to hear discussions about the proposed budget and tax rate and to provide an opportunity for public comment. The proposed meeting date and time is:
- Date: Thursday, August 15th
- Time: 6:30 PM
- Location: Pflugerville ISD Administration Building
1401 West Pecan St
Pflugerville, TX 78660
Approval to Set the Proposed Tax Rate
To comply with the Education and Tax Code, the Board of Trustees must set a proposed Maintenance and Operation (M&O) and Interest and Sinking (I&S or Debt Service) tax rate for the 2024-25 fiscal year. This proposed rate establishes the maximum rate that could be approved in August. Pflugerville ISD will publish the maximum M&O tax rate to comply with state tax laws.
Due to budget posting deadlines, it is possible that required notices may be published before the Texas Education Agency (TEA) calculates the District’s official maximum compressed rate (MCR) in early August. If this rate is not received prior to the posting deadline, the prior year’s rates will be proposed. These rates are an M&O rate of $0.7892 and an I&S rate of $0.32 for a total maximum tax rate of $1.1092. Should there be significant growth in the district’s taxable property values, the district is expected to adopt a lower rate in August. As long as the tax rate proposed for adoption is lower than the published rate, a revised posting is not required.
It is important to note that the establishment of this proposed rate is not the adoption of the tax rate. It is an action required so that the actual rate may be discussed at the public meeting and voted on during a subsequent regular Board of Trustees meeting.
Approval of Budgeted Purchases over $50,000
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:
Electrical Infrastructure Upgrades
Purpose: New stage lighting at 20 elementary schools across the district.
Cost: $200,000
Funding Source: 2022 Bond Funds
Vendor: T.F. Harper & Associates
Rationale: Upgrading the stage lighting is essential for the safety and effectiveness of school performances and assemblies, providing students and staff with a better-lit environment that meets current standards.
Kick-Up Foundations Platform
Purpose: Companion product to the district's new KickUp Learning Professional Learning Platform.
Cost: $41,106
Funding Source: Title II Grant
Vendor: Kick-Up
Note: This purchase will surpass the $50k threshold, requiring Board approval.
Rationale: The Kick-Up Foundations Platform will enhance the district’s professional learning initiatives, offering advanced tools and resources to improve teaching effectiveness and student outcomes.
Emergent Tree Behavior Progress Monitor Software License
Purpose: Use for one school year across all campuses.
Cost: $55,765
Funding Source: Title II Grant and General Fund
Vendor: Emergent Tree Education Services
Rationale: Implementing this software will allow for better tracking and management of student behavior, supporting positive interventions and promoting a conducive learning environment.
Skilled Interpreters and Translation Services
Purpose: Virtual platforms or phone services for Special Education, Multilingual, and the Welcome Center.
Cost: Not to exceed $120,000
Funding Source: General Fund - Bilingual Education Allotment, Special Education Allotment and Refugee School Impact Grant
Vendor: Propio Language Services
Rationale: Providing skilled interpreters and translation services is crucial for inclusivity and accessibility, allowing all students and families to fully participate in the educational process.
Professional Development Services
Purpose: Training and direct coaching for 400 PK-12 teachers and instructional coaches.
Cost: $90,000
Funding Source: Title III Grant
Vendor: Seidlitz Education
Rationale: Investing in multilingual professional development ensures that teachers and instructional coaches are equipped with the latest strategies and methodologies to enhance student learning outcomes.
Non-Public Residential Placement Contract
Purpose: Full-time specialized educational and behavioral services for district students (August 31, 2024 - July 31, 2025).
Cost: $259,612
Funding Source: IDEA-B Grant
Vendor: Bayes Achievement Center, Inc.
Rationale: Annual renewal. This contract is necessary to meet the needs of students requiring specialized residential placements, ensuring they receive appropriate education and support.
IEP/504 Documentation Software
Purpose: Compliance with legal requirements for documentation.
Cost: $103,930
Funding Source: IDEA-B Grant and General Fund
Vendor: Frontline
Rationale: Accurate and compliant documentation of IEP and 504 plans is essential for meeting federal and state requirements and providing tailored educational support to students with disabilities.
Shared Service Agreement with CARDSPD
Purpose: Deaf and hard of hearing services for infants and students.
Cost: $375,000
Funding Source: IDEA-B Grant
Vendor: Round Rock ISD for the Capital Area Regional Day School Program for the Deaf (CARDSPD)
Rationale: This agreement ensures that students who are deaf or hard of hearing receive the necessary educational and support services, facilitating their academic success and inclusion.
Day School Placement Contract
Purpose: Specialized education and behavioral services for a district student.
Cost: $100,000
Funding Source: IDEA-B Grant and General Fund
Vendor: Sierra School
Rationale: Specialized day school placements are essential for students with specific educational and behavioral needs that cannot be adequately addressed within the traditional school setting.
Parking Lot Repaving
Purpose: Repaving at Dessau Middle School and Delco Elementary.
Cost: $212,980
Funding Source: 2022 Bond
Vendor: Alpha Paving
Rationale: Repaving is necessary to maintain the safety and functionality of the school parking lots, preventing potential hazards and ensuring smooth access for students, staff, and visitors.
Northwest Elementary Daycare Portable Move and Refurbishing
Purpose: Move and refurbish a portable for additional room at the Northwest Elementary daycare facility.
Cost: $138,929
Funding Source: 2022 Bond
Vendor: KYA Services, LLC
Rationale: Expanding the daycare facility is critical to accommodate the growing number of children, providing a safe and nurturing environment for the children of district employees.
Touch-Free Restroom Cleaning Systems
Purpose: Cleaning and disinfecting restrooms and locker rooms.
Cost: $74,476
Funding Source: 2022 Bond
Vendor: Complete Supply
Rationale: Touch-free cleaning systems are essential for maintaining high standards of hygiene, reducing the spread of germs, and ensuring a healthy environment for students and staff.
Autonomous Cleaning Machines for High Schools
Purpose: Four SP50 autonomous sweeper/vacuum and four autonomous scrubber/mopper machines.
Cost: $338,800
Funding Source: 2022 Bond
Vendor: Kim Paper
Rationale: Autonomous cleaning machines enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of school cleaning operations, ensuring a consistently clean and safe learning environment.
Roof Drainage Repairs at Kelly Lane Middle School
Purpose: Repair roof drainage issues at the campus.
Cost: $110,000
Funding Source: 2022 Bond
Vendor: American Constructors
Rationale: Addressing roof drainage issues is crucial to protect the school building from water damage, ensuring a safe and secure environment for students and staff.
2024-25 New Instructional Facility Allotment Application
Our district has the opportunity to continue participation in the New Instructional Facility Allotment (NIFA) program offered through the Texas Education Agency (TEA). This program is designed to support school districts that are occupying a new campus for either the first or second year during the 2024-25 school year.
Hidden Lake Elementary School qualifies for this allotment as it enters its second year. Consequently, the district will receive up to $1,000 per student in Average Daily Attendance (ADA) that exceeds last year’s ADA for this campus. This funding will support expenses related to opening and operating the new campus.
Human Resources
Position Management
Summer is an extremely busy time for our Human Resources (HR) team. They are working tirelessly to hire and welcome our newest staff members. So far, our Position Management team has processed over 317 new hires. This includes everything from reviewing applications and verifying certification status and employment histories to completing all necessary paperwork and orientation. The dedication of our HR team ensures that we have the best people in place to support our students and schools when the new school year begins. It's important to note the need for extra support for our campus principals. To address this, we are suggesting a change in a current position to create two Assistant Superintendent of Schools roles. This change aims to give our principals more support and resources to help them perform their jobs better. Impressively, this adjustment will have only a small impact on the budget, showing our dedication to using our resources wisely and effectively.
Job Fairs
This summer, our Human Resources (HR) team has been very active in recruiting new talent. They participated in and hosted four job fairs, where they met with over 350 applicants. This effort is part of our ongoing commitment to bringing the best possible staff to our schools and supporting our students' education.
Guest Teachers (Substitutes)
Additionally, HR hosted its first substitute orientation for the 2024-2025 school year this week. During this orientation, they welcomed and onboarded 17 new substitutes, ensuring they were ready to step in and support our classrooms when needed. The team has also been in contact with 400 currently active substitutes, preparing them for the upcoming school year. This thorough preparation helps ensure that our schools are well-staffed and that students have consistent and high-quality instruction, even when their regular teachers are unavailable.
To become a substitute or guest teacher for Pflugerville ISD, applicants need to meet a few basic requirements, such as having at least 60 college credit hours or a bachelor’s degree, and for some positions, specific certifications might be required. The first step is to visit the Pflugerville ISD employment section on their website at Pflugerville ISD Employment. Here, applicants can fill out the substitute or guest teacher application, providing personal information, education history, and any relevant work experience.
Along with the application, applicants need to submit supporting documents like transcripts, a resume, and any teaching certifications they may have. After applying, applicants will undergo a criminal background check, with instructions provided by the district. Once they pass the background check, they’ll be invited to attend a substitute orientation session. This session will cover essential information about the district’s policies, procedures, and expectations, and they’ll also receive training on classroom management, district software, and other necessary skills.
After successfully completing orientation and training, you’ll be approved as a substitute or guest teacher, ready to start accepting assignments through the district’s substitute placement system. For the most current information, you can visit the Pflugerville ISD website or contact their Human Resources department directly.
Operations
Security Projects
Our team is making significant progress on several important projects to enhance the security of our schools. We are almost finished with interior improvements to the security vestibules. We are making updates to the door frames for better security as well.
A key project involves replacing handles and hardware at all middle school campuses, which should be completed by the week of July 15. Similar upgrades are nearly finished at Weiss High School and Hendrickson High School, with additional key replacements for all secondary schools planned for August 2024.
We are also installing impact-resistant safety film on doors and windows to further enhance security. This installation is complete at several campuses.
These improvements reflect our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our students and staff.
2022 Bond Projects
Our construction team is diligently advancing multiple important projects to enhance our schools and facilities, in line with the Bond 2022 plan. Their work is expertly scheduled to minimize disruptions during the school year, ensuring that our students' learning environment remains undisturbed.
For the CTE Center, the construction documents are 99% complete and are awaiting review by the City of Austin. We are also coordinating a meeting with developers, financial advisors, and legal experts to develop policies for the new teacher housing project.
In terms of school signage, the final marquees at Connally High School and PACE are scheduled for completion by August 2024, with the Connally sign already ordered and expected to arrive in four to six weeks.
At Weiss High School, staff are working with PBK Architects to finalize bid documents for the new weight room, with plans to advertise the bid this month and present recommendations to the Board of Trustees in August.
Playground modernization is well underway. At Parmer Lane and Pflugerville Elementary, demolition has begun, and new surfacing is being installed. Posts for new equipment at Pflugerville Elementary are expected to be installed by mid-August. Work on other playgrounds, including Murchison and Highland Park Elementary, is progressing, with the overall project expected to be completed by Spring Break 2025.
For PACE, electrical upgrades by Sullivan Contracting will commence after summer school ends and are expected to be completed by August. A new generator for the Police Department is set to be installed by the end of December 2024.
All minor HVAC work has been completed. Major projects at Dessau Elementary and Dessau Middle Schools are on track for completion by the end of July, while work at Pflugerville High School, Westview Middle School, Pflugerville Middle School, and Parmer Lane Elementary is ongoing, with specific schedules to accommodate school functions and breaks.
Campus renovations are also in full swing, with demolition and upgrades at Spring Hill, Brookhollow, Murchison, and Northwest Elementary Schools set to be completed by early August.
In the Fine Arts department, Olden Lighting has begun installing lights at twenty elementary schools. Staff will present a purchase order for Board consideration to complete the necessary electrical work, with six campuses scheduled for this summer.
Finally, for the Administration Auxiliary Building, also known as "Calvary," office designs and the internal layout are nearly complete. The bid for a Construction Manager is open and will be presented at the July 2024 Regular Board Meeting, with construction document work beginning in August 2024.
These projects demonstrate our commitment to improving the safety, functionality, and learning environment of our schools for students and staff alike.
Consideration and Possible Approval of a Contract to Provide Construction Manager at Risk (CMR) Services Required for Renovation of the Old Albertson’s Building.
The old Albertson’s building was purchased in 2021 to provide much-needed space for some of the District’s administration teams. The planned renovation will create new offices for the curriculum and technology departments and include centralized meeting and professional development spaces. To accomplish this, we publicly advertised and requested proposals from qualified construction firms. We received and evaluated six responses based on specific criteria. Staff will present a vendor recommendation to the Board for consideration and possible approval. The proposed price is an estimate based on the current budget, and the final renovation cost will be presented as a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the Board to review and approve at a future date.
Consideration and Possible Approval of a Resolution Granting a Wastewater Easement to the Lakeside Municipal Utility District #5 (MUD #5)
The requested easement, which includes .524 acres near the southeast corner of the Cele
Middle School site, is needed to provide wastewater service for planned development east of Cele Middle School. This easement is more accurately described within the resolution document itself.
Custodial
Our custodial staff has been working tirelessly this summer to get our schools ready for the return of over 25,000 students this fall. They have cleaned and prepared over 2.5 million square feet across our district, ensuring that classrooms, hallways, and common areas are spotless and ready for the new school year. Their dedication to maintaining a clean and safe environment for our students and staff is truly commendable, and we are incredibly grateful for their hard work and commitment.