Grant fund news brightens BISD meeting

Forms are set to begin pouring a new parking lot at the junior high building, an improvement that came out of the Board’s recent goal-setting meeting. Van’Go’photo Good news about grant funds was a highlight of Monday evening's BISD School Board meeting. Academic Coordinator Tracy Gleghorn reported on three sources of available funds.

First, negotiations are underway for a Pre-K expansion grant from TEA. Last year, Buffalo's elementary school offered two half-day Pre-K sessions, and will have to turn students away this fall if that does not change. If the Pre-K grant application is fully approved, money will be available to fund payroll to add another teacher and expand the program to three half-day sessions, with the option for a fourth session if needed. (NOTE: If you have a child who will be four years old on September 1, contact the elementary school to learn more about the pre-K eligibility criteria.)

Each BISD campus was approved to receive a third of $75,000 dispersed through the Region VI Service Center. The funds are earmarked for instructional technology hardware. Committees at each campus determined the equipment to be purchased.

Third, some of the government's stimulus program funds are being made available in grants through a program called Target Technology in Texas. BISD is collaborating with other districts in Region VI to apply for a share of this money. Gleghorn expressed optimism that the district will see some of these funds.

More good news was announced when Superintendent Jackie Thomason reported on several recent audits. The TEA audit of the 2009 TAKS test administration showed that the district was in procedural compliance, with no findings. The TEA financial audit of the district for 2007-08 was accepted and approved, and the district received a "Superior Achievement" rating -- the highest possible -- on the preliminary FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) audit.

Engineering consultant Jim Hanks presented another slide show on the progress of the district's new construction. Several board members commented on the amount of light coming in through the high windows featured in the hallways, and Hanks confirmed, "The way the building is oriented, you catch a TON of light." He concluded, "Everything's moving along pretty well out there." Before leaving the matter, the board made some fabric sample decision needed to allow the auditorium seats to be ordered.

The Board met with district administrators earlier in the month in a goal-setting meeting. At Monday's meeting the superintendent reviewed the items which came out of that meeting, including: accountability to address

areas of concern at each campus, facility improvements

including a master plan for athletics facilities at the new high school (weight room/dressing room, a track, a stadium, concession stand/ restrooms, and baseball and softball fields) and parking lot improvements. Long-range goals were also discussed. Mr. Thomason concluded, "I thought it was very productive, to see where you'd like to see us go and to hear our (administrators') side."

The Board received a copy of the Board Operating Procedure Review which will be coming up in July. At that time they will also review their Code of Ethics, which Superintendent Jackie Thomason described as "a reminder on how we are to act and interact."

Six of the school board members attended conferences earlier this month. Monday's meeting they reported on some of the more noteworthy sessions offered in San Antonio and Fort Worth, including instruction technology, board communications with the community, and school security measures.

The Board again considered the proposed dress code policies for each campus. They questioned some changes submitted by the site-base committee at the high school, and asked Principal Don Elsom to tweak the policy and bring a final revision to the next meeting for approval. (One change that parents need to note, before shopping for school clothes: torn or ripped pants will no longer be allowed.)

The Board reviewed Update 85 regarding local policies addressing: (1) cyber bullyling and appropriate on-line behavior; (2) student records; (3) child abuse investigations.

After clarification by business manager Jeannine Myers, the Board approved an amendment to the designated fund balance.

The Board voted to renew their current Workers Comp plan with Hibbs-Hallmark. They also renewed their contract with Ample Computer Service for 2009- 10, accepting a small price increase.

A request by Band Director Todd Baker was approved, and he was authorized to take students to a band camp in Weatherford, Oklahoma July 12-17.

An executive session was held at the end of the evening to discuss personnel matters. Returning to open session at 10:15, the Board voted to employ two new teachers, Grace Curry and Megan McCallum, on a probationary contract. They also approved the Employee Compensation Plan for 2009-2010.

In routine housekeeping matters, the board approved the consent agenda items and heard superintendent reports on enrollment and facilities.